Withdrawn
Painted in tones of red, green, black and white and showing expected and appropriate age wear to the paint, this delightful wooden sculpture has been mounted onto a simple, present-day, wooden display platform.
Turn the propellers, and Mammy bends forward and back again as she scrubs her clothes on a yellow and black painted washboard that sits in an authentic looking, tin wash tub!
A very rare piece of early 20th century Americana!
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The origin of this sign is unknown, but it once hung on either the interior of a bus or railroad car designating the section of the bus or rail car where African-Americans were required to sit. One side reads “FOR WHITES” and the other side reads “FOR COLORED” thus separating the two races on public conveyance vehicles-- segregating the African-Americans to the back of the vehicle.
This historically significant sign retains its original metal hanger and is in all-original condition. It has had no restoration and bears some paint loss and scratching typical of its age and use as noted in photos. The “For White” side has significant paint loss from the actual lettering although this side of the sign is still quite "readable". The "For Colored" side is in very nice condition with very minimal paint loss to the actual lettering. This side of the sign displays exceedingly well! The age-related signs of wear do not impact the physical integrity of the sign and are more than appropriate to the age and purpose of the piece.
An utterly phenomenal, extremely RARE, one-of-a-kind, museum-worthy piece of Black American history!
Please take a moment to view the other "Jim Crow" Segregationist Era signs that I currently have the pleasure of offering.
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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.
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The sides of the rattle shackle are constructed of lateral “pockets” each containing one small, iron orb that would “rattle” when the wearer would move about.
Because this particular type of rattle shackle does not have iron loops or openings to “thread” iron chain through, it would have been attached to the ankle or wrist of a very young “house slave” who worked strictly inside the plantation house and thus was under very close supervision by the plantation owner and/or family members.
All original and untouched, an utterly horrible, tangible testament to the malevolence of slavery. A VERY RARE form of rattle shackle, even more particularly so due to its very small size!
Additionally, de-accessioned from the Middle Passage Museum is an ultra-rare set of 19th Century Slave Ship Shackles from a New Orleans, Louisiana, former slave trader estate! Please type the word "shackles" in the search box on our home page to find all sets of shackles currently being offered.
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This neat toy features four adorable blinky-eyed Golliwogs that perform individual somersaults as the Merry Go Round spins round and the tiny bell rings! This toy works quite nicely and comes with its original, metal, wind-up key!
This sweet toy appears to have been virtually unused with no wear evident other than some slight superficial scratching to the base. While there are no manufacturer’s marks, this toy was made in post WWII West Germany, and it does retain a paper sticker on its base written in German. This toy, with its red house, is a bit rarer than the same-period-white-colored-house-version; relatively fewer were produced with the red house!!
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Fabulous colored illustrations as represented by photos adorn this 19 page book! Ten to eleven darling little poems and/or short stories are written in "dialect", reflective of the Caucasian cultural mores of the period.
Interior pages are in fine condition--they are tightly bound together with the 3 original staples and remain brilliantly colored; front and back covers have loosened from these interior pages, and the covers have been taped along the exterior spine in a failed attempt to keep them attached to the tightly bound interior pages. The covers have edge wear, small edge creases, and surface scuffing with minor surface paper loss here and there (see photos). Additionally, the front cover has a small remnant of an old paper sticker in the upper right quadrant.
A charming addition to one's Black Americana collection!!
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Measuring 5 1/8 inches tall with soap dish attached, Mammy's colors- her deep red dress, mustard yellow shawl, and yellow and red polka dot head scarf- remain vibrant and brilliant with a wonderful old patina! Her face features large, dark eyes and a smiling, red mouth.
The soap dish is designed to be removed, and its anchoring cast iron peg fits into a hole atop Mammy's head. The exterior of the soap dish is cast to resemble a wicker laundry basket and is painted a slightly lighter-toned, mustard yellow.
A delightful, vintage piece of early Black Americana in premium condition!
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In very fine condition, with faint, superficial scratches expected of a 70+ year old metal toy, this wonderful Tuxedoed Dancing Black Man is in working condition! He is stamped "Made in USA" on his back and was made by Buffalo Toy Works. It is operated via a small metal lever at the base that can be jiggled (thus, the name "Jigger" Toy) up and down and back and forth to make Dancing Sambo wave his arms and jiggle his legs!
Measures approximately 6.5 inches high. Maker unknown. Displays wonderfully!
Please note that any white spots appearing in photos are from the camera flash and are not imperfections!
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This particular tin does not retain its original, US Internal Revenue paper tax stamp, so there is no way to precisely date it. As such, we will place its age as at the first half of the 1940's- the final production years of this style tin.
The image of an African woman with the racist title of “Nigger Hair” imposed over her shoulders was used by The American Tobacco Company of Wisconsin to promote its product; the lithographed tin was manufactured by the B. Leidersdorf Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Interestingly, it must be noted that after World War II, the product name "Nigger Hair" was changed to "Bigger Hair", although the exact same image of an African Woman continued to be used. The company simply added the words “Fiji Islander” to the left of her face in a very, very weak attempt to broaden the product’s appeal by moving further away from the earlier, severely derogatory moniker. At that time, the material out of which the tobacco container was constructed was changed from tin to heavy cardboard.
Measuring 7 inches high x 5 ¾ inches wide, the condition of the tin is a wonderful 8 out of 10--- sporting a beautiful lithograph on both sides with extremely minor, superficial scratches and rubs, along with tiny areas of paint loss. These areas of minor paint loss exist on the back side where the metal bale handle made contact with the tin and slightly scraped it, and on the front side, where several teeny areas of paint loss are present that are very difficult to see unless bright light is deliberately shown upon the tin surface as has been done in both closeup photos. When viewed in natural lighting, the tiny areas of paint loss on the front side are not readily visible unless one deliberately looks for them (see first photo).
The rim of the tin has two, tight 1/8" long splits- very difficult to see and photograph and which are not visible with the tin cover in place. The lid, base, bale handle junction points, and interior of the tin show minor evidence of light, superficial rust. Otherwise, the tin is solid. The original mustard-orange color of the tin remains consistent over the entire tin as does the clear, brilliant black lithography.
Any imperfections are quite reasonable and expected given the age of this piece-- approximately 80 years of age!! Please note that any "white" areas in photos are flash or lighting reflections and are not imperfections to the tin.
Truly an extraordinarily RARE piece of Black Memorabilia seldom found in this wonderful condition complete with bail handle and lid (Soft tissue paper has been wrapped around the bail handle to prevent any further scratching to the tin exterior.)
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These signs were found in March of 1971, inside the abandoned and decaying basement of the former Philadelphia Enameling Works factory at the corner of 13th and Vine Streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The gentleman from whom these signs were purchased, bought these segregation signs along with hundreds of others signs of all types found in the basement of this former factory (see last photo) and has very kindly written a letter of provenance which has been photographed here and which will be included with these signs upon their sale.
These historic signs are enameled on both sides, and on the front sides are written, "COLORED MEN" and "COLORED WOMEN". The signs feature black lettering on a white background.
The signs are in all-original condition with some very minor discoloration and very unobtrusive edge discoloration pinpoints and some enameling loss here and there as seen in photos.
Extremely RARE, UNUSED, one-of-a-kind, museum-worthy pieces of Black American history that are quite likely the only ones of their kind extant today! Condition is amazing!
Please take a moment to view additional segregation signs by simply by typing the word "segregation" into the SEARCH box on our homepage.
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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!!
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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!
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This Black Porter Pushing A Wheelbarrow amazingly still retains his original, red ribbon neckerchief. The windup mechanism is intact and holds a full wind...the man's legs are a little sluggish after 90+ years, but the toy does work.
This very difficult-to-find, Black Memorabilia toy measures 6" long, is approximately 2 3/4" wide and is 6" tall. Minor rubs to paint are present as noted in photos, but this paint loss is insignificant given the age of this toy.
A fine addition to one's Black Memorabilia collection!
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Offered are two of these fabulous WPA craft Black Character dolls.
One doll depicts the black fisherman. He holds a bait pail and bunch of sticks tied together with string that has been flung under his right shoulder. In his left hand, he carries a wooden fishing pole from which a silver-colored, metal fish dangles (the fishing bowl has a bit of scotch tape wrapped around it, leading one to believe that there is some weakness to the pole that required stability provided through the tape). This is an older gentleman who wears a straw hat with gray hair (peeking through the top as well as undersides of the straw hat) and who 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. Clothing is machine-sewn cotton with careful detailing right down to the patches on his knees and the red hanker chief tied around his neck. His body is black cotton stuffed with cotton batting.
The second doll, who is posed in the photos lovingly draping her right hand through the crook in the Fisherman’s arm while holding a plaid valise in her left, is dressed quite stylishly in flowered skirt with white bloomers showing, a wine-colored jacket with darling round, matching buttons, and a phenomenal black felt hat adorned with ruby red ribbon accented with pink and white flowers. Quite the stylish Grande Dame!
A pair of very special dolls that takes a snapshot of history in capturing the life of the poor southern black of the Depression era.
Dolls are priced separately at $245.00 each.
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The advertising card measures 2.75 inches x 4.50 inches and is entitled "Photography Under a Cloud". It features a fabulous litho of 5 African-American boys with exaggerated facial features who are attempting to take a photograph using an early camera. The litho is marked in the lower right corner "Bufford, Boston". The reverse side further advertises WELCOME SOAP and features two shaking hands.
The trade card is in very fine condition with nice color and some very subtle evidence of age staining as seen in photos. The card has no rips, bends, or fading, and would be lovely matted and framed!
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Also included with the 1787 Bill of Sale are three other Cumming's family documents, two measuring approximately 2"L x 8" W, and one 14"L x 8"W (see photos for condition). They are: an 1815 Receipt from Thomas Cumming to Richmond County, GA, for a $25 payment in taxes; a Dec 8, 1848, Receipt from Henry Cumming of Augusta, GA, a son of Thomas Cumming and a very prominent figure in 19th century Georgia politics, to George W. Crawford, Agent of the Bank of Augusta and Henry's law practice partner, a promise to pay on "the first day of January, 1849,"..."one hundred and three dollars for value received in house rent"; a 28 page 1812 Land Dispute document, Superior Court of Chatham County, GA, executed by Thomas Cumming btwn J. Knowle Fanning and the Joseph Clay Sr estate (Thomas Cumming's father-in-law).
The 1787 Bill of Sale is a single page, 7.5" wide x 12" long document, with text written on both sides of the document. Condition is quite remarkable given its 235 years of age!(see photos) Expected age-related discoloration of paper and some very slight paper loss in center of document ONLY noticeable when doc is held up to light.
The text of the 1787 document reads as follows, Paragraph one:
“Know all Men by these Presents that Ephraim Willard of Fairfield and State of Connecticut for and in Consideration of one Hundred and Sixty Eight Pounds Lawful Money Rec. (Received) to my full Satisfaction Of Eben,, (the double comma “,,”representing an abbreviation for Ebenezer) Whiting of Savannah of the State of Georgia & Bradford Whiting of Fairfield and the State of Connecticut do give, grant, bargain sell & Deliver unto them the said Eben,, Whiting and Bradford Whiting One Negro Man Named Peter Aged about Twenty one Years old, and his Wife Named Cate about Twenty Six years old, and her Two Children one a Girl about Five Years old, and the other a Boy about Eighteen Months old, and one other Negro Woman Named Vilot about Twenty One Years old.”
“To have and to hold the above granted the Bargainer Premises with the appurtenant thereof unto them the Said Eben,, & Bradford Whiting their Theirs Executors And Administrators and the Said Ephraim Willard do for myself my heirs Executors and Administrators Covenant with the Said Eben,, & Bradford Whiting their heirs Executors and Administrators that I am Now the Soul and Lawful Owner of the above Granted and Bargained Premises, and That I have said Right to Sell the Same as aforesaid, and that the same are free of all Incumbrances whatsoever -and I do by these Presents bind myself my Heirs Executors and administrators and assign forever against all claims and Demands whatsoever in Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal in Fairfield this Twenty first Day of Nov,, (November) in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty Seven~ Ephraim Willard”
(Witnesses?)
Jonathan Mattbig
Ebenezer Dimon
“Savannah, February 23 1788. I have Sold the five Negroes, mentioned in this Bill of Sale to Thomas Cumming of Savannah, for which I have received a consideration to my satisfaction~”
Ebenezer Whiting
Bradford Whiting
A bit of History-
Slavery in Connecticut:Connecticut, in 1848, was the last New England state to abolish slavery. The state's city of New London was one of the New England port cities that was an integral trading partner in what is generally referred to as “The Triangle Trade”- between New England, the West Indies, and the African Gold Coast. In this triangular trade, molasses produced in the West Indies from sugar cane was sent to New England, New England sent rum made from this molasses to Africa in exchange for enslaved people, and the enslaved were sent to the West Indies to work the sugar cane plantations that produced the molasses, maintaining the prosperity of the northern colonies through the 18th century and into the 19th.
Thomas Cumming: Thomas Cumming, to whom the above five slaves were sold in Savannah, Georgia, in 1788, was born in Frederick, Maryland, having moved to Georgia as an adult. In 1787, the year before this purchase, he married Ann Clay, the daughter of Joseph Clay, a wealthy owner of multiple Savannah-area rice plantations. It is hypothesized that Thomas purchased these slaves in conjunction with or for his father-in-law. At some point in the 1790s, he moved his wife and children to Augusta, and served as Augusta’s first mayor upon its incorporation in 1798. From 1819 until his death at age 68 in 1834, Thomas Cumming was President of the Bank of Augusta.
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Manufactured by FOSTA Products, this highly sought after piece of Black Memorabilia shows some wear to the gold lettered word, “RECIPES”, although the majority of the paint remains intact. Small paint rubs are present here and there on Aunt Jemima’s face as seen in photos. The tiny plastic knob on the left side of the box that acts as a hinge for the cover is missing, but this minor imperfection detracts little from the fabulous color contrast and visual appeal of this delightful and essential, vintage piece of early 50’s Black Americana!