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The character of Rastus was based on an actual person- a black waiter from Chicago- who was paid $5 for the use of his image by Colonel Mapes, the General Manager of the Nabisco Company, the owner of Cream of Wheat. The company began using the waiter’s image in the early 1900’s, replacing the original woodcut of a black chef that appeared on the packaging from 1894 until that time. Interestingly from a social and historical perspective, the depiction of the ever-pleasant, always-smiling Rastus was both a subtle yet positive departure from the extremely derogatory advertising much more typical of the era- advertising that nearly always featured blacks with wildly contorted and exaggerated features most often in very undignified poses and predicaments.
This beautiful, rarely-found puzzle, which is in excellent condition, is attractively framed in a hardwood molding colored in walnut, ebony and gold. The puzzle frame is original to the puzzle, and it is contemporary to the production date of the puzzle as it still retains its original wood panel backing, a framing technique not typically found after 1910. The puzzle pieces, themselves, are very finely and delicately cut, and are of a much smaller size than what is typically found in puzzles dating from the 1920’s and beyond.
A phenomenal piece that would be a centerpiece to any serious Black Americana, Advertising, or Cream of Wheat collection!
PLEASE NOTE: Any discoloration, white spots, or other unnatural variances in color are due to the unavoidable light reflections caused by the glass in the framing. The presence of the glass made photography quite a challenge!
A note to collectors: vintage Black Memorabilia puzzles from the pre-WWII era are a VERY rare find. Many were given out as "premiums" for utilizing a given product, and did not stand the test of time. Happy collecting!
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The oddly-shaped, hand-wrought shackles each have two lateral "pockets" that contain pieces of metal or balls that “rattle” as the wearer moves about, thus indicating the wearer's location. This type of shackle is noted in historical references as a Crab Rattler Shackle due to its visual similarity to that sea animal. Each shackle has a pair of small chain links attached at the top. One shackle would have been placed on each leg, and a metal chain would have then been threaded through the attached rings and secured with a lock.
The age of these shackles is formally listed as 19th century, but could very well be older, dating to the last quarter of the 18th century. Condition is quite good given age and use. Please note the small hole present on the side of one shackle as noted in photo. 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 small size!
Also currently offered for sale and priced separately is a very diminutive child rattle shackle in an unusual form out of a South Carolina estate. 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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The Chad Valley Company was the most well-known manufacturer of toys in the United Kingdom during the 20th century, beginning in the 1920s. Metal toys were first produced at their factory in 1945 at the end of World War II, which is likely the time frame for production of this bank.
The bank features a well-dressed, smiling black man attired in a black and white checkered jacket with white shirt and black and green striped tie.
To operate the bank, the gent's tongue pops out to receive a coin. When his tongue pops back into his mouth, a wide, toothy smile is revealed. The tongue apparatus is operated via a lever on the front of the bank that is positioned at the knot of the the tie. The gent's eyes jiggle in a silly matter when his tongue moves in and out.
The bank comes complete with the original key. It is in fine condition with expected, light, superficial rubs and scratches to case paint. The face is in quite wonderful condition as seen in photos.
A delightful collectible which displays absolutely fabulously!
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Measuring approximately 10 inches long x 8 inches wide, this extraordinary and historical document is handwritten and was executed on April 29, 1861, just 12 days after Virginia chose to secede from the Union on April 17, 1861.
The document is in excellent condition save the fold marks; this document clearly has been stored in this folded state for the past 153 years. It is suitable and ready for archival preservation- appropriate acid-free backing and matting materials with framing. In the upper left hand corner, the local stationery store's embossed imprint is visible and reads: “S & P Lawrence Superfine”.
The text of the document is as follows:
“Know all men by these presents, that A A Cowdery, of the city of Norfolk, for and in consideration of the faithful services of my negro man George Danley, do hereby emancipate and set free the said negro man George Danley and absolve him from all claim to my service; and for the consideration aforesaid hereby warrant unto him his freedom against the claim of myself and of all persons whomsoever to witness my hand and seal at the city of Norfolk, this 29th day of April 1861.”
A A Cowdery (SEAL)
“City of Norfolk, to wit
Simon S. Stubbs (sp?) a Notary Public in the city aforesaid in the state of Virginia hereby certify, that A.A. Cowdery, whose name is signed to the writing above (?) bearing (?) date on the 29th day of April 1861, has acknowledged the same before me in the city aforesaid. Given under my hand this 29th day of April 1861.”
Simon. S. Stubbs
Notary Public
Truly an extraordinarily rare piece of historical ephemera documenting a tiny light shining within a very dark period in American history. If only the circumstances and "story" surrounding the execution of this document were known today!
Some relevant family history that was very kindly provided by extant Cowdery-Taylor family ancestors:
Alexander Augustus Cowdery was born May 11, 1817, in Norfolk, Virginia, the son of Jonathan Cowdery of Sandisfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, and Elizabeth Reddick of White Haven, England. Jonathan Cowdery was a career physician surgeon in the United States Navy, serving until his death in 1852.
Alexander Augustus Cowdery was uncle to Walter Herron Taylor, who served as Lieutenant Colonel in the Confederate Army as Aide-de-Camp and then Adjutant-General under General Robert E. Lee, becoming one of Lee's most trusted aides and an intimate friend. Taylor later authored two works documenting his wartime experiences: "Four Years With General Lee" and "General Lee, His Campaigns in Virginia, 1861-1865".
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One cannot help but wonder whether or not this sampler was completed by black female who was illustrating her life history which included involvement in the UNDERGROUND RAILROAD! The references to BOTH Canada (the maple leaf and the crown) and the US (the American Flag) along with the black images are rather curious, making this a very plausible theory! The sampler certainly depicts happy images of life within an affluent (Irish?) household. Hmmm…could this well-executed sampler have possibly been completed by an ex-slave?????
This magnificent sampler is in very good condition for its 100+ years of age. There is some running of the red wool yarns, most probably the result of a previous owner’s attempt to clean the piece. This likely can be removed professionally, although I do not feel it is a significant detraction and question the necessity of attempting to do so. The edges are a bit frayed, but there are no dirt stains, holes, tears, or repairs, and except for isolated areas, the needlepoint stitching remains in wonderful condition!
This colorful and mysterious sampler would be a thought-provoking addition to one’s Black Americana collection!
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Measures 9.75 inches high x 6.25 inches wide x 4.25 inches deep. Condition is quite fine with superficial scratches and minor surface rust near the base and on some seams--see photos--no problems to structural integrity!
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Constructed of cotton-stuffed, brown stockinette, Sallie's finely detailed, molded, hand-embroidered face is absolutely priceless! Her painted ceramic button eyes gazing off to her left make her come alive and draw one to her! Sallie's fuzzy, black, real-wool hair further authenticates her look!
Sallie wears well-made, all-original, machine stitched clothing. Her dress and hat are a subtlely toned red, white, and blue plaid cotton. Her hat is lined with the same unbleached cotton muslin that both her double-pocketed apron and laced-trimmed pantaloons are constructed from. On her tiny feet, Sallie wears cream colored cotton stockings and sweet little leather shoes complete with tiny leather bows! Care was taken in the construction of her hands with each finger delineated through careful hand-stitching!
Other than 2 tiny rubs to the surface of her stockinette nose (which appear in photos as lighter-colored tiny dots), Sallie is in excellent condition! She is a very, very fine early cloth doll that should not be overlooked by the serious doll collector! Sallie comes from the same distinguished doll collection as the very rare, C1900, Old Black Granny SAMPLE doll made by Civil War author, Ruie Ann Park of Arkansas, that is also currently being offered.
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This pair was machine stitched and lightly stuffed with cotton batting. Aunt Jemima holds a stack of her famous pancakes while Uncle Mose politely holds his top hat in his hands.
Both dolls retain their vivid, brilliant color and are free of rips, tears, holes. Some teeny dirt spots/stains here and there, and Aunt Jemima has a little, 1 inch long, heat-related indentation in her apron--maybe from being stored in an attic and having something press into her? Not a big deal- no tear to plastic - just an impression into the plastic that does blend into the "wrinkliness" of her form anyway.....
A very colorful pair that displays quite nicely as seen in photos! **Please note that any white marks seen in photos are flash reflections only and are not damage to the dolls.**
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The dolls were conceptualized as advertising pieces and were only obtainable from the Aunt Jemima Mills of St. Joseph, Missouri, in return of 25 cents in stamps or coins along with 4 box tops or backs from select Aunt Jemima products (proofs of purchase!). Dolls were then shipped promptly, postpaid upon receipt!
I have never come upon a complete, uncut set!!! Rather, these dolls are more typically found as "singletons" here and there by chance-- already cut, sewn, stuffed and played with as opposed to the pristine, complete, uncut versions offered here.
The set is in quite wonderful condition given its 93 years of age. The color of each doll remains amazingly crisp and brilliant! Mild foxing is noted here and there throughout. Fold lines are evident as well; HOWEVER, it must be noted that these fold marks are the result of ORIGINAL PACKAGING and SHIPMENT as these linen pieces were carefully folded to fit within a simple, small to medium-sized envelope when mailed out from the factory.
Additionally, a prior owner likely had framed these pieces as mild tape staining is noted on the backsides of each piece of linen, with some mild, tape-stain, bleed-through noted at the feet of Uncle Mose and Aunt Jemima on the front side. The set is truly in fine condition given its age and was obviously prized and very well cared for over the years.
Each figure is printed on its own, separate piece of linen. Aunt Jemima measures 10.5" wide by 35" long; Uncle Mose measures 10" wide by 35" long; Diana and Wade each measure 12.5" wide by 17.5" long.
A rare opportunity for the advanced collector to acquire an uncut, complete set of 1924, Aunt Jemima Family Advertising Rag Dolls!
This offering will be sold as a complete set ONLY; offers for individual pieces will not be entertained.
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In utterly excellent condition with the only flaws noted being subtle wear to the paper dust jacket and a past owner's name and address, this version of the Little Black Sambo story is highly collectible as any item produced by its publisher, Platt & Munk, is aggressively sought-after due to the company’s reputation for use of extraordinarily vivid graphics.
This mini book is sixty-two pages long with 29 vividly colored illustrations designed and executed by the author, Frank Ver Beck.
A must have edition for the collector of Little Black Sambo books!
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All three tins are in very fine condition with some very small spots of superficial rust and teeny superficial surface scratches here and there as would be expected of any item 70+ years of age. These were stored well over the years and their condition reflects this! The largest tin is in the most pristine. The two black, white and red tins are empty but the green and yellow tin still has a hardened lump of polish inside. The large tin measures 5 6/8 inches high, the small black tin measures 4 1/4 inches high, and the green tin measures 4 inches high.
These tins are not readily found on today’s market in this condition and would provide a handsome and visually striking display either as a group of 3 or as a single piece! A nice addition to the advanced Black Memorabilia collection!
As each tin is priced separately, please email us stating which tin you wish to purchase so that we can customize your order form.
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This circa 1920-30's Johnny Griffin item is constructed of cast iron and is a match holder! It remains functional for such use today or may be simply used as an attractive desk paperweight or perhaps as a wall ornament!
The match holder is in all original condition with delightful patina- not a reproduction- no replaced parts- and measures 4 1/4 inches long x 4 1/4 inches wide x 1 inch deep. It is unmarked and retains traces of original paint as well as some surface rusting which appears in some photos to be more significant than it is in actuality.
The Johnny Griffin image- in the arena of Black Americana collectibles - should form the cornerstone of any serious Black Memorabilia collection!
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A brief history of the Negro League:
African Americans first began to play baseball in the late 1800s on military teams, college teams, and company teams, eventually finding their way to the established professional baseball teams of white players. However, racism and “Jim Crow” laws would force African Americans from these teams by 1900, with black players left to form their own teams.
In 1920, an organized league structure was formed under the guidance of Andrew “Rube” Foster, a former player, manager, and owner for the Chicago American Giants. In a meeting held at the Paseo YMCA in Kansas City, Mo., Foster and several other Midwestern team owners joined to form the Negro National League. Soon, rival leagues formed in Eastern and Southern states, which brought black baseball to major urban centers and to rural countrysides in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. The Leagues maintained a high level of professional skill and inspired economic development in many black communities.
In 1945, when Major League Baseball’s Brooklyn Dodgers recruited Jackie Robinson from the Kansas City Monarchs, Robinson became the first African American in the modern era to play on a Major League roster. While this historic event was a key moment in baseball and civil rights history, it marked the decline of the Negro Leagues. The best black players began to be recruited for the Major Leagues with their black fans following them, and the last Negro Leagues teams folded in the early 1960s.
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American Beach was established in 1935 on Florida's east coast under the leadership of Abraham Lincoln Lewis, one of seven co-founders of the Afro-American Life Insurance Company, and one of Florida's first black millionaires. His vision was to create a beach resort as a benefit for company executives and as an incentive for employees.
In the era of Jim Crow segregation laws, few public places in Florida or the rest of the South were open to African Americans. From the Depression until well into the 1960's, American Beach served as a holiday and vacation destination for thousands of African Americans, and was a magnet for black celebrities such as entertainers Cab Calloway and Ray Charles, heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis and writer Zora Neale Hurston.
But in 1964, the area began to decline. Hurricane Dora destroyed much of the beach, and passage of the Civil Rights Act meant that blacks were, finally, no longer restricted to segregated beaches and the businesses that catered to them.
A fabulous and historically relevant piece of Black Americana!
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The game features a brightly colored lithograph target depicting an African-American Gent to the left and a Caucasian Clown to the right, each with wide, gaping, open mouths in which one is to aim a ball.
This brightly lithographed cardboard game retains its 3 original wooden balls as well as cardboard cover, box, and target piece.
Measuring 13 inches square, the game displays wonderfully! As evident in the photos, the box cover and bottom show expected edge wear and many years back, the box corners were reinforced with tape. In the center of the box cover, a puncture is evident (see photo) that does not go through to the inside. The interior target piece does not show the same level of wear as it was protected by the cover and box bottom. The box cover is marked on the bottom, "Milton Bradley Company, Springfield, Mass. USA" and "Made in USA 4682".
A RARELY found, quite visually captivating Black Memorabilia collectible!
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Measures 20.75" tall x 7.25" in diameter. The overall height includes the removal top pediment.
A five-sided display seldom found in this condition!
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He is in very fine condition with a smattering of teeny superficial dings to the front side paint surface as well as some very superficial rusting here and there. The backside of the spoon rest is perfect and looks as though it came right out of the factory just yesterday!
The following is imprinted on the backside: “Compliments The Toledo Stove And Range Co”, documenting the spoon rest’s original function- continuous promotional advertising presented as a free giveaway to buyers purchasing the company’s products!
Offered separately is the equally rare companion piece- The Black Mammy Spoon Rest from Toledo Stove and Range! A fortuitous opportunity to acquire a very rare Black Memorabilia pair!