SOLD
Printed in 1937, this delightful story of little Ezekial and his Florida family was both written and illustrated by Ms. Garner.
The book is tightly bound with some foxing at the front and back cover interior seams. The colors are much brighter and more vivid than they appear in my photos. No rips, tears, or repairs. Photos provide a representation of condition of interior pages, cover and dust cover. Excellent condition for its 70 years!
A very difficult to find Black Memorabilia children's story book!
SOLD to The Smithsonian Institution
Rarely found in this pristine condition, the body of this 8 inch long puppet is constructed of a soft, cotton, flowered fabric, and her head and hands are constructed of a soft rubber. She still retains her "Hazelle" cloth label. Her face is very sweet in appearance!
Produced in the 1950's, the Hazelle Company was a puppet-making company located in Kansas City, Missouri. The company began making hand puppets and marionettes in 1932, and it continued operations for the next 43 years. The founder, Hazelle Rollins, passed away in 1984, nine years after the company closed its doors.
A unique opportunity to acquire a superb vintage puppet! Please see the companion Hazelle Little Black Boy Hand Puppet also offered!
SOLD
This silly caricature bank features a black man's head mounted on two little feet- no body! He wears a red hat labeled, "Save and Smile Money Box" impressed across the front rim. This two piece mold has a coin slot on the top of the back of the head. The bank would have to be unscrewed to be emptied.
This all original still bank is in very fine condition with most of its paint remaining intact- no repaint!! A must-have for the serious still bank or Black Memorabilia collector!!
SOLD
The box is in very good condition for its 100+ years of age with teeny tiny chips to the surface as noted in photos.
The box features an incredibly detailed graphic on its cover depicting an African-American family gathering around the patriarch as he readies to strike a match for the very first time.
Entitled "Their First Box of Drawing Room Matches. Paterfamilias: You chillin keep back deah! You want you heads blowed off'n you shouldus?"
A fabulously rare piece for the serious collector!
SOLD
Only 500 of these "Little Girl" thermometers WERE EVER MADE as opposed to the 15,000 Diaper Dan thermometers that can still be readily found in today's collector's market.
Made of pressed fiberwood, she is in MINT condition, retaining her original paper-backed glass thermometer that continues to be quite functional.
This sweet-faced, "Little Girl" Thermometer is rarely seen in the antiques market and is a MUST-HAVE for the serious Black Memorabilia collector!
SOLD
Vividly colored, this Black Memorabilia themed piece features a smiling black girl seated on a large straw basket while holding 2, smaller-sized, flower-filled straw baskets in each arm. The young girl is nicely attired in a ruffled blue and yellow dress and wears red sandals, white lacy gloves, and a rose-accented, straw bonnet!
The die cut is in excellent condition! A very rare find!
SOLD
This darling, all-glass piece remains in superb condition-no damage of any kind! It retains its wonderful, original satin string around the neck as well as the paper label that reads, “ Le Golliwogg, Vigny, Paris France” and features a lithograph of the Golli’s 2 black hands, positioned in such a way as to suggest that he his holding onto his big round belly!
The Golliwogg’s head is the perfume stopper (which lifts easily out of the bottle), and the facial painting/enameling remains as clear and crisp as the day it was applied! His black furry hair retains most of its original dark tones infused with shades of dark gray! The Golly’s glass collar is painted/enameled white with black lollipops and his feet are accented in black. The original paper label is completely intact.
The base of the clear glass bottle is etched but a challenge to read except under magnification or if the bottle is held up to a light bulb at a given angle. The etching reads, “FRANCE”. This bottle no longer contains perfume.
Along with photos of the Golliwog perfume is also a photo of an original 1920’s magazine advertisement for Vigny Perfumes including “Le Golliwogg”. The magazine advertisement is not available for sale and is only presented to serve as an historical reference.
A very, very special piece of Black Memorabilia that has appeal to Black Americana, perfume bottle, and Golliwog collectors alike!
Also pictured here and available for sale separately--- coming from the same estate--- is a 2.25 inch, Vigny, France, Golliwogg Perfume in Clear Glass dating post-WWI and priced at $375.00, as well as a second, 2.25 inch clear glass, 1920's, Golliwogg Perfume bottle complete with paper base label as well as a partial, original box and priced at $425.00. The clear glass perfume was the second version of the Vigny “Le Golliwogg” perfume produced from the 1920’s into the 1930’s. Type "Vigny" in the SEARCH box on our homepage to see all French Golliwogg Perfume bottles!
SOLD
These iron, hand-forged, 19th century slave ship shackles were purchased back in the early 1960’s out of a family estate in New Orleans, Louisiana, whose 18th and 19th century ancestors were involved in the slave trade. The shackles remain all-original and untouched with fifteen very heavy chain links that vary in size, measuring a total of 40 inches in length when positioned in a straight line. The cuff size is enormous with diameter measurements of 4.75 and 4.25 inches each; the heft and weight of each cuff is quite impressive. This very weighty set was designed to immobilize when the two circular links were attached to another locking shackle on the interior wall of the ship. An utterly horrible, tangible testament to the malevolence of slavery.
The anonymous museum benefactor from Georgia kept this particular set aside from those items he had planned to donate to the Middle Passage Museum due to the rarity in opportunity of acquiring slave ship shackles---the only set he acquired in his many years of collecting which began in the early 1950's before the collectible field of Black Americana was popular or even socially or politically acceptable.
Also currently offered for sale and priced separately are a rarely found, 19thC Slave Rattle Shackle out of the Charleston, South Carolina area and a set of early 19th century, child/young adolescent - size, Slave Crab Rattle Shackles. Please type the word "shackles" in the search box on our home page to find these sets of shackles.
The Middle Passage Museum was the dream of Jim and Mary Anne Petty of Mississippi as well as that of an anonymous Georgian benefactor who had together compiled a collection of slave artifacts numbering over 15,000 pieces and who had hoped to find a permanent site in Mobile, Alabama, for their museum. While they formed a non-profit organization to raise funds for their hoped-for museum, their dream was never realized.
In a 2003 statement, Jim Petty remarked, "The importance of the exhibit of these artifacts is to understand the harshness of what slavery and segregation was all about. The items in the exhibit remind us of the terrible heinousness of slavery. Viewing the collection can be very emotional, but it is a tool through which we can understand, honor and respect a great culture. We want to realize that out of slavery, a great culture emerged, and carried on, and continued to strive for a better life regardless of the adverse conditions that were placed upon them."
SOLD
Inspired by Harriet Beecher Stowe’s 1853 publication of her controversial “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”, the figure depicts the gentle Uncle Tom holding his little mistress, Miss Eva, who is standing on his knee.
The figure is decorated in wonderfully vivid colors, measures 10.5 inches high, and is in very fine condition with the exception of expected and appropriate superficial crackling to the glaze.
It is titled “Uncle Tom” on the front base, and is referenced in Harding's Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835-1875, figure 1090 (Book I).
An very exceptional piece of Black Memorabilia for the discriminating collector.
SOLD
Following the conclusion of World War II, the American Tobacco Company of Virginia changed its product name from Nigger Hair to Bigger Hair, seeking to broaden the product's marketing appeal as well as viewing the latter label as the more-socially acceptable one. (The earlier Nigger Hair moniker was used by the American Tobacco Company from the 1890's through the early, pre-WWII 1940s; the lithographed can was manufactured by the B. Leidersdorf Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.) Interestingly, the company DID NOT change the image of the African woman, but merely added the words Fiji Islander to the left of her face in its indifferent and weak attempt to move further away from the earlier, severely derogatory label.
Measuring 7 inches high x 5 3/4 inches wide, the container is in good condition, perhaps a 7 out of 10, with one side exhibiting minor surface scuffing, while on the other side more scuffs and rubs are evident. Some minor wear around the edge of the top of the container likely occurred from simply taking the cover on and off; however, this is completely concealed by the cover. The original cardboard cover was lost with the passage of time; the replacement tin cover shown was in place when this container was acquired.
The original brownish orange color of the container remains consistent throughout, and the structural integrity of the cardboard is quite sturdy. Superficial rust is evident on the inside and outside of the metal base; this rust does not impact integrity of the tin base. The container retains partial remnants of its paper Federal Revenue Tobacco seal on both sides.
This very rare tobacco container is just a wonderful example of latter Black Americana advertising. The container looks better "in person" than in the photos as the camera actually accentuated the appearance of the scuffing, especially on the "better" side!
If the Nigger Hair Tobacco container is currently in your collection, the addition of the Bigger Hair container will complete your collection from both a cultural and historical perspective!
SOLD
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!!
SOLD
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!
SOLD
Stamped "MADE IN JAPAN" on base, this piece is in near perfect condition with no repairs or cracks. Flaws are as follows: there are some very small paint flakes to the jar base primarily on the back of the black coat as seen in photos. The lid has one very faint flake to the upper forehead that is very difficult to see. There is one small (1/4 inch) surface chip to the very edge of the butler's lower right collar near the bottom of the lid cover. The previous owner colored this in so it is quite hard to see on casual inspection. The coloring actually blends in with the unglazed black paint that lines the rim edges of both the base and the lid. Lastly, there are superficial craze lines visible inside the jar and on its base that do not affect structural integrity. The white spot on the butler's blue pants under his hands is not a paint flake but is a manufacturer's paint omission as it is glazed-covered.
This piece presents and displays very, very well. It is eye-catching and rather visually stunning!
This piece is very rare in today's collectible market, and when found, it frequently is missing the handle! 2005 Book Value for the Black Butler cracker jar in this condition is $850.00.
SOLD
The puzzle is constructed of a cardboard paper material with Aunt Jemima’s image lithographed on the front and product advertising on the back. This puzzle toy was a “give-away” item--- customers could write away for the “free” puzzle by sending two 2 cent stamps for a “set of Aunt Jemima and her Pickaninny Dolls”.
Aunt Jemima is in all ORIGINAL condition and has no age imperfection to speak of other than minor creasing near the three string holes, undoubtedly created when someone long ago attempted to solve the puzzle---“separate the two cardboard pieces without untying the string!”
This RARELY found piece of early Black Memorabilia and/or Aunt Jemima advertising would be fabulous framed between two pieces of glass! A must-have for the serious Black Americana collector! These Aunt Jemima paper string advertising puzzles are simply not seen anymore- they are very rarely found in today's market due to the fragile nature of their composition!
SOLD
Also currently offered for sale and priced separately are two extraordinarily RARE sets of CHILD's slave shackles-- one set retaining the ORIGINAL KEY. This set of shackles is featured in the last photo. Please type the word "shackles" in the search box on our home page to find all 3 sets of shackles currently offered.
The Middle Passage Museum was the dream of Jim and Mary Anne Petty of Mississippi as well as that of an anonymous Georgian benefactor who had together compiled a collection of slave artifacts numbering over 15,000 pieces and who had hoped to find a permanent site in Mobile, Alabama, for their museum. While they formed a non-profit organization to raise funds for their hoped-for museum, their dream was never realized.
In a 2003 statement, Jim Petty remarked, "The importance of the exhibit of these artifacts is to understand the harshness of what slavery and segregation was all about. The items in the exhibit remind us of the terrible heinousness of slavery. Viewing the collection can be very emotional, but it is a tool through which we can understand, honor and respect a great culture. We want to realize that out of slavery, a great culture emerged, and carried on, and continued to strive for a better life regardless of the adverse conditions that were placed upon them."
SOLD
Manufactured by FOSTA Products, this highly sought after piece of Black Memorabilia is in near mint condition with some light superficial scratching that is only visible when the box is held under bright lighting and angled to catch the light just right! A small paint rub to the tip of Aunt Jemima’s nose and some 1950’s dirt tucked into tiny crevices are the only other imperfections! The gold painted word, “RECIPES” , written on the lid is mint! Truly in very, very fine condition----- most fortuitous as these recipe boxes were usually well used!
A delightful and essential, vintage piece of early 50’s Black Americana for the serious collector!
SOLD
I have never seen this piece before, nor have I seen it pictured in any Black Memorabilia Reference books!
Circa 1940's, this hefty and very well-constructed piece is made of solid wood and measures 14 inches high x 9.25 inches wide x 3 inches deep. It weighs nearly 4 lbs!
This wonderful piece of Black Memorabilia may be displayed as a free standing shelf piece or may be hung (original hanging hole present!).
The condition and visual clarity of the Mammy graphic (Mammy scratching her head in her attempt to remember her grocery list!) as well as the grocery list text remains superb and vibrant! This graphic is printed on a solid, 5/8 inch thick, wooden board that slides up and out of the red frame to reveal the 5 slot knife box interior! The box also has a single hole beside the knife slots presumably to hold a wooden spoon! Turn the wooden grocery list board over and one finds a cutting board!!! How very, very clever! The grocery list peg holes are found within the frame of the knife box as opposed to the common placement on the grocery list board; one original wooden peg remains.
The piece is in very fine condition with some superficial wear to the red paint in appropriate locations, some old grime, and a few white paint spatters at the top of the box where the knife slots are located (all of which will be left to the new owner to clean or retain!) No manufacturer's mark.
Truly a fabulous and most RARE piece of Black Americana!
SOLD
From approximately 1910 through the 1930's, Mrs. Concepcion Vargas-Alphonso, influenced by the great artistry of her father who also famously sculpted in wax, crafted a variety of wax dolls inspired by the black folk she saw on New Orleans's street corners selling their wares or practicing their trade - black folk performing everyday activities that would have been daily seen on the streets of the city.
Sold exclusively at the time through Harriet's, of 318 Rue Royal in the French Quarter of New Orleans, the completely hand-made, one-of-a-kind dolls are seldom found on today's market due to their inherently fragile nature, making them highly sought after in the Black Memorabilia / Black Americana Collectible arena.
This figure, known as the Cotton Seller, was recently de-accessioned from the Louisiana State University Rural Life Museum collection, Baton Rouge, LA, having been acquired by the museum from a private collector in January 1979.
This female Cotton Seller is a bit unusual as she has a simple, red-patterned cloth draped over her head, neck, and shoulders to protect from the sun, instead of the more typically-found bandanna worn by the majority of female street vendors. She holds a wax "wicker" basket in her right arm that is brimming with freshly-picked cotton, and at her feet, her left hand balances a large burlap bag containing much, much more cotton.
Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features. This gentlewoman Cotton Seller wears a red floral kerchief around her neck, a green patterned shirt, and a delightful yellow skirt patterned all over with clusters of hearts, which nearly conceals her black "leather" shoes. Her costume is entirely constructed of actual cloth fabric that was coated with a fine layer of clear wax to stiffen them. The Cotton Seller's wax body is internally supported by a wire frame through which the figure is securely attached to the wooden base.
This wonderful figure is in absolutely amazing condition for her 90+ years of age with only one imperfection: a missing index finger on her left hand- a common condition occurring due to the extreme delicacy and fragility of the wax.
Please take a moment to view the additional Vargas figures we currently have the pleasure of offering for sale. Type "Vargas" into the search box on our website homepage.