Catalog: Archives (250)

Measuring 5 5/8 inches long x 3/8 inches in diameter, this very RARE, unmarked piece of 1920’s Black Memorabilia Folk Art features an exquisitely carved miniature Blackamoor’s head at its apex!

The very unusual piece is constructed entirely of (unidentified)wood with the tiny Blackamoor’s head separated from the length of the dice pusher by a teeny narrow metal band. It is unknown whether the dice pusher is carved from one single piece of wood or if the dice pusher and head are two distinct pieces.

Other than reasonable and minor wear to the very tip of the dice pusher as seen in photos, this incredible piece is in superb, all original condition !!

The Blackamoor's head is carved with remarkable expertise and attention to detail, which the photos, unfortunately, do not adequately represent; due to the diminutive size of this piece, sharp close-up photos were very difficult to attain- my apologies!

Seldom found on today's collectible market, this all-original, Mayo’s Cut Plug Tobacco Roly Poly Mammy Tin dates to circa 1912.

In 1912, in a stroke of advertising genius, Mayo's Tobacco Company packaged their cut plug tobacco in round tins with a lithographed character. Each held 1 pound of tobacco. The tins were opened by removing the head!

These "Roly-Polys" were a unique shape that distinguished them from the rectangular and lunch box-shaped tins that surrounded them on store shelves. There were a number of different characters that were available, and smokers were encouraged to collect the entire set. The six original tins were the Satisfied Customer, the Storekeeper, the Singing Waiter, the Dutchman, Scotland Yard....and Mammy!

Mayo called this packaging a "Brownie" tin...apparently the company suggested that the tins be used as brownie containers after the tobacco was used, and designed them accordingly. They were never a plentiful tin, and today, are becoming increasingly more and more difficult to find.

The Mayo tobacco tins were distinguished by little packages of Mayo Cut Plug tobacco shown somewhere on the character. Notice that the Mammy tin has a tiny tobacco tin tucked into her front pocket.

Mammy's dimensions are 7"x7". She is in very good condition, as evidenced by the photos which clearly detail the very minor flaws she has acquired over her 100+ years of existence. Mammy's front side is nearly flawless, with just the teeniest paint rubs noted. **(Please note, that I was unable to avoid "white" glare in some of the photos which should not be misconstrued as damage.)**

Amazingly, Mammy still retains four separate remnants of the green US Internal Revenue paper tax stamp that are only rarely still found on Mayo Cut Plug "Brownies". They are noted on her back side on either side of the May Cut Plug tobacco package, as well as two smaller remnants directly below it. At first glance, these four tax remnants might be mistaken for areas of paint loss--not so!

Mammy's body has very, very minor, tiny spots of paint loss to the litho as seen in photos- primarily on her back side, and two small and subtle areas of denting on her front base that are noted via "touch" rather than visual appearance. The tin has no repaint. Some very light, superficial rusting is present inside the base.

The exterior base of the tin is labeled "made in factory # 42, in the 2nd District of Virginia".

**The depth of color is better viewed "in person" as opposed to what I was able to capture in a photo.**

A must-have addition to any SERIOUS Black Americana collection! This tin displays beautifully!!

Offered is a fabulous, one-of-a-kind group of 15, hand-carved and hand-painted, circa 1920-1930's, wooden miniatures of Black Folk as they would have appeared during the Harlem Renaissance!

Hand-executed by Robert A. Myers of 73 E. Hazeltine Avenue, Kenmore, New York, the figures vary in height from 2.25 to 2.75 inches. The colors are absolutely brilliant and the detailing exquisite with the tiniest of details painted with superb precision, control and great artistry.

"HAND MADE, R. A. Myers, 72 E. Hazeltine Ave., Kenmore, NY" is clearly stamped on the soles of approximately 5 of the figures--yet there is no question that all were executed by the same hand, and it is likely that all figures at one time bore this stamp.

Little is known of Robert A. Myers other than the fact that the street address stamped on the soles of the figures' feet was a private residence, and Robert A. Myers was indeed listed as residing at this address in a 1930 Kenmore (a suburb of Buffalo) telephone directory.

The fabulous figures have been safely stored over these many years in a felt-lined, hardwood, hinged box which undoubtedly has contributed to their most excellent condition!

Truly a RARITY! These wonderful folk art figures would make an outstanding addition to the museum quality Black Memorabilia collection! Not to be missed--these are one-of-a-kind!

Measuring 9 inches high, these delightful examples of Folk Art styling, are two of a series of Black cloth character dolls made in Alabama in the 1930’s by unknown craftsmen/women.

It has been noted that their creation was encouraged through President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Depression era program, the Work Projects Administration (WPA), in existence from 1935-1943. The WPA was designed to provide jobs across the country during the Great Depression. While most jobs were in construction and infrastructure, the most well-known project arm of the WPA, known as Federal Project Number One, employed musicians, artists, writers, actors and directors in arts, drama, media, and literacy projects. The five projects assigned to this consortium were: the Federal Writers’ Project (FWP), the Historical Records Survey (HRS), the Federal Theatre Project (FTP), the Federal Music Project (FMP), and the Federal Art Project (FAP). The creation of these dolls fell under the WPA Federal Art Project, with the goal of representing the various aspects of the culture, work and lives of the Southern black community of this time period.

The doll clad in all black depicts the VERY rarely-found, black country preacher out for an afternoon stroll with his wooden walking stick in one hand and the Holy Bible clutched in the other. The preacher wears a machine-stitched suit thoughtfully detailed with fine, white shirt cuffs poking out from beneath his jacket and the white Reverend's collar at his neck. His left shoe reveals a hole with a sock-covered toe poking through! The preacher's stove-pipe-style hat is placed snugly on his head covering most of his gray hair although his full gray facial beard features prominently. His embroidered facial features, characteristic of these WPA dolls, are further accented with "steel-rimmed" style eye glasses. The 1.5 square inch bible actually has real pages! Also characteristic of this type of doll is a small square of asphalt shingle glued to the feet to serve as a stand. The doll's body is well-stuffed with cotton batting and he stands freely.

The gray-hair and bearded, chicken-toting black country gent doll is also attired in machine-stitched clothing and additionally shares a cotton-bating stuffed body, embroidered facial features, and an asphalt shingle tile stand. He wears cotton britches detailed with double knee patches and suspenders along with a blue and cream striped cotton shirt and a red and white polka dot kerchief around his neck. His hat is constructed of black-colored felt. This country gent holds a finely crafted and detailed brown chicken under his right arm, while his left hand clutches a wooden walking stick.

Two very special dolls that represent a snapshot of history, capturing the lives of poor Southern black folk of the Depression era.

The dolls are priced at $295.00 each.

Measuring 5 inches long x 4 inches high, this wonderful 1950's George Lefton China BLACK CHEF Nodder Spoon Rest remains in fine vintage condition retaining its green ink manufacturing mark that reads as follows: "C"- in a circle (for copyright) "Geo. S. Lefton" "...13".

This great piece is in very nice condition with the exception of a light spider hairline to the GLAZE ONLY of the top of the chef hat. The spider does not penetrate to the ceramic. He also has two very tiny edge flea bites by his shoes. Other than these very minor obtrusions, this wonderful piece remains free of other fleabites or hairlines as well as free of repaint, paint wear, or repairs.

The chef's head "bobbles" or "nods" on a metal spring adding much whimsy to this piece! His face has wonderful detailing--as does his body, and he has a very pleasant facial expression!! His big wide smile accentuates his pearly whites! This cute chef holds a yellow wooden spoon in his right hand and wears an adorable red bowtie!

**PLEASE NOTE: ANY WHITE SPOTS ON THE CHEF'S FACE ARE THE RESULT OF CAMERA FLASH ONLY-- NOT PAINT IMPERFECTIONS!**

A delightful piece!!

Offered is a vintage, Occupied Japan, tin and celluloid, wind up toy depicting a dancing Black Man or Jigger with cane and hat.

This delightful toy dancer stands on the corner of 125th Street and Lenox Avenue, the Gateway to Harlem, New York City!

The toy is complete and is in excellent working condition. Wind him up and his arms go round and his feet tap frantically! Retains original key. The dancer's head and hat are celluloid. His red felt jacket is age-stained as seen in photos. The dancer's other clothes are in fine condition as are the tin and celluloid components.

The dancer measures 8 1/2" tall, with base 3" by 2 3/4" across. On the back of the platform, the toy is marked: MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN PATENT NO15139 DESIGN PATENT NO92497. Items marked "Occupied Japan" date from 1945-1952.

A delightful addition to one's Black Memorabilia collection!

Originally published in 1914 by Rand McNally & Company, this edition of this very delightful little story book was published in 1937 and features the tale of Watermelon Pete and his adventures along with five other little stories. The five stories that follow Watermelon Pete do not feature Pete and instead represent a diverse collection of nursery-like tales for young folk.

The stories were written by Elizabeth Gordon and are whimsically illustrated in color by Clara Powers Wilson.

In fine condition with light wear to exterior boards. An early owners name appears inscribed on the title page. A small folio size measuring 5.25 inches x 6.75 inches.

Measuring 8 inches long by 5.5 inches high, this wonderful vintage 1920s, unmarked, cast iron doorstop features 3 charming black boys perched behind a fence eating luscious watermelon slices!

In all original condition with absolutely no repainting, this delightful piece retains its brilliant coloration. The piece has appropriate wear to paint as noted in photographs and also shows superficial rusting here and there, again, as noted in photos.

A fabulous and seldom-found display piece, most visually charming to the eye!

Never opened and retaining all of its original powdered scouring cleanser, this near mint canister of Gold Dust cleanser remains a classic and must-have addition to any Black Memorabilia collection!

Measuring 4.75 inches high x approximately 3.25 inches in diameter, the container has slight scuffing to its paper cover and light rust to the base --which in the photo appears more significant than it actually is--- however, there is no problem with structural integrity to the base!

Eye-appealing with its classic "GOLD DUST TWINS" graphic!!

In absolutely MINT condition, this wonderful, 1950's era, 5 piece, ceramic Spice Set features either a cheerful Black Mammy or Pappy on each jar. The set accommodates the following spices: CINNAMON, NUTMEG, SALT, PEPPER, and ALLSPICE.

Each ceramic jar measures approximately 3.25 inches high, and each is marked "JAPAN" on the bottom. They are of one-piece construction retaining the original corks in their bases. Each jar top features a different color which further adds to decorative appeal! Other than age-related crazing to the glaze, each jar is in perfect condition with no wear to the decorative paint!

The original wooden rack which- retains its original "MADE IN JAPAN" sticker on back- measures 9.50 inches long x 4.25 inches high x 2 inches deep and is in very fine condition. The rack features 2 holes for wall-mounting.

This delightful set has obviously seen little use in its 50+ years and would provide the collector with an interesting, visual kitchen display!

Published in 1938, by Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston & New York, this seldom-found, children's book tells of the misadventures of little Epaminondas, who despite his Mammy's attempts to instruct him otherwise, has much difficulty successfully navigating the day without getting into some sort of trouble. Poor Epaminondas cannot do anything right!

Measuring 6.75 inches wide x 8 inches long, the book is illustrated in both black silhouette and colored, line drawings. 16 pages long. Great condition-- tight binding, no tips or missing pages, clean. Cloth-bound hard covers.

A delightful addition to one's Black Memorabilia collector!!

Measuring 4 1/4 inches in diameter x 1 1/8 inches high x 6 inches long, this fabulous, circa late 19th Century, solid brass Native American and African American SLAVE FACE Bowl is an extraordinarily RARE find! The craftsmanship and detailing of the bowl is superb!

It is quite the extraordinary find to discover any Black Memorabilia item reflecting the common but not widely acknowledged practice of interracial marriage among the indigenous Native American and the freed/slave African American population in 18th and 19th century Southern New England coastal towns and cities that were part of the Slave/Sugar/Rum Trade Triangle of the era. Rightfully viewed as a museum piece, this finely-executed figural bowl is certainly reflective of a unique and little known aspect of African American as well as Native American History!

The bowl is in utterly pristine condition with no faults other than expected age patina to the surface. There are no markings on this piece which appears to be hand forged given the subtle asymmetry of the overall shape of the bowl as well as the detailing of the facial features.

This truly unique and rare item would be an important addition to the serious collector’s Black Americana collection!

Measuring 9 inches high, this delightful example of Folk Art styling, is one of a series of Black cloth character dolls made in Alabama in the 1930’s by unknown craftsmen/women. It has been speculated that their creation was encouraged through FDR’s Depression era program, the Work Projects Administration (WPA), in existence from 1936-1940.

This doll depicts the black washerwoman. She holds an authentic-looking wood and tin washboard in her left arm. This gentlewoman wears a red kerchief on her head covering all hair and has embroidered facial features –most characteristic of these dolls. Also characteristic of this type of doll is a small square of asphalt shingle glued to the feet to serve as a stand. This doll still retains her original shingle stand but it has come loose from the left shoe. Clothing, with the exception of her navy-colored knit-fabric sweater, is machine-sewn cotton with careful detailing right down to the red hankie poking out of her apron pocket. Her body, which is well-stuffed to be anatomically correct, is black cotton fabric stuffed with cotton batting.

A very special doll that takes a snapshot of history in capturing the life of the poor southern black of the Depression era.

This extraordinarily difficult to find pharmacy “IDEAL CAPSULE FILLER” was used by early 20th century druggists in the Pierce Pharmacy, Hartford, Connecticut.

The machine was successfully developed to increase a pharmacist's capsule production. The patent date is stamped Oct. 31, 1905, and the direction guide is marked "Baltimore Capsule Co." The capsule filler has a filling plate with 4 parallel rows of 24 holes and each row was made for 2 different size capsules.

The condition of this wonderful apothecary tool of the trade is very good, complete with the warm, rich patina one would expect of an antique of this age including the usual scratches, marks and unobtrusive dings and tarnish. The metal parts appear to be nickel plated, and the wood base looks like walnut. The filler measures approximately 13”L x 4.5”W x 4.5” H.

The accessories appear to be complete when compared to the images seen in the guide that is included.

The interior has traces of residue from the sand that was used to stabilize the box when in use.

A must addition for any pharmacy/apothecary collection.

Please check my website often as this and many other vintage pharmacy items from the Pierce Pharmacy will be posted in the coming weeks. (Circa 1960 PHOTOS of the Pierce Pharmacy are NOT INCLUDED in the sale.)

Measuring 15 ¾ x 19 ½ inches, this extraordinarily RARE, circa 1920’s (or earlier!), heavy painted cardboard, BIMBO RINGO Ring Toss game board is all original and complete. Included are 6 rubber toss rings that have the appearance of mason jar washers and which may or may not be original to this game board. At any rate, the previous owner had these rings displayed with the game board at the time of acquisition, and they will be passed along to the next owner.

This item has phenomenal visual appeal! The striking graphic of an African native holding a shield and spear has been completed in red, black, cream and green colors that show no evidence of fading over these many years. The native's facial features are exaggerated which is quite typical of early 20th century depiction of African Americans.

Manufactured by the G.H. Robinson Company of Chicago (the paper manufacturer’s label remains affixed to the back of the game), the game comes with an attached cardboard stand in back that allowed it to remain upright during play. The game board retains its 5 original metal ring hooks at the native’s ears, nose, shield and spear. The object of the game was to successfully toss and hook a ring onto each of the hooks, with different point values awarded to the various hooks. The first person to accumulate 200 points won the game!

As stated earlier, condition is quite fine with no fading of colors. The metal ring hooks have acquired a nice patina. This game was attentively cared for over the years and at one time was reinforced at each of the four corners with cotton stitching. There is some creasing to the upper right hand corner and a ½ inch long tear- as opposed to a missing piece- to the top border directly aligned with and above the right ear. The stand was also sewn and taped at one time, but remains intact.

This Black Memorabilia game is truly quite rare as it is not documented in any of the extant Black Memorabilia source guides! It is quite likely that not many of the Bimbo Ringo Ring Toss games have survived given the inherently fragile nature of a cardboard – as opposed to a metal- toy!

This is a fabulous and eye-appealing toy that should not be missed by the serious collector of Black Memorabilia!!!

Offered is an interesting antique hearing device from the late 1800s called a CONVERSATION TUBE.

According to Elisabeth Bennion, author of “Antique Hearing Devices” page 31, “The great advantage of the conversation tube as a type of hearing aid was that it obtained greater enhancement of sound by placing the bell close to the mouth of the speaker, thereby allowing for a normal conversational tone;.......It proved very effective as the sound, having been collected at source before being conducted to the ear, the speech sound level could therefore be increased considerably without danger of background noise.”

The ear trumpet conversation tube measures approximately 39.5 inches. The metal bell and gutta percha ear piece are in very nice condition. The spiral conical long aluminum tube is encased in silk or plaited wool that is intact though worn and still appealing . A great “conversation” piece!

Measuring nearly 4.75 inches tall, this wonderfully rare, early 1920's, lithographed tin toy is unmarked.

The little boy shuffles along quite nicely via his original wind-up mechanism.

Over 80 years old, he is still quite sturdy as he was well made, but does show some superficial scratching from use over the years.

Of particular interest is the little boy's face which is highly exaggerated, a racist characterization that was unfortunately typical of the era when this toy was produced.

Offered for sale is a very difficult to find 1920's MILK GLASS EYE EXAMINATION CHART with original wood framing! Although not marked, this vision test chart may be from the Globe Optical Co., Boston, as similar examples are found in an earlier-dated, company supply catalogue.

Measuring 30 inches tall x 11.25 inches wide, this fabulous eye chart is complete with the notation of two holes in the bottom metal panel – purpose of which is unknown. Overall condition of the eye test chart is quite fine with the expected wear to the frame and aging to the milk glass panels!

This 80+ year old vison exam chart with gorgeous "sunburst motif" has wonderful ‘eye’ appeal and would make a great 'visual' addition to your medical collection!!!

The chart is ready to hang, complete with hooks and wire, courtesy of the previous owner.