Catalog: Archives (250)

This March 10, 1915 patented Black Man Jigger Toy was produced by The National Toy Company of Boston, Massachusetts and was designed to be placed on one's phonograph. When a record was played, the Black Jigger would dance and jiggle!

In fabulous and complete, all-original condition with no repaint, replaced pieces or repairs, this rare piece is impressed on the underside of its wooden and metal dancing platform with patent date and manufacturer (see photos). The dancing man is constructed of painted wood with teeny metal nails holding his arms and legs in place; knees are jointed. Measures 7 inches tall x 7 inches in length.

An extremely rare piece of Black Americana!

Those who are ardent collectors of the famed Florence Upton creation - the Golliwogg - recognize this 19th century, first edition, children's book as an extraordinarily RARE find indeed, very seldom available for purchase in today's market!

"The Golliwogg's Bicycle Club", published in 1896 by Longmans, Green & Co, London & New York, was illustrated by Florence K. Upton, with story written by her mother, Bertha. This book was the 2nd Golliwogg adventure in a series of thirteen Golliwogg adventures by Upton, with the last published in 1909-- all of which are incredibly difficult to find today.

This hard cover book, measuring 8.75 inches high x 11.5 inches long, is a total of 63 pages in length. The book is lavishly illustrated with 30 full-color illustrations and tells the story of Golly's world travels. Golly and his friends, suffering from boredom, create their very own bicycles out of tree-wood and then partake of marvelous adventures in Paris, Japan, Turkey and Africa!

The Golliwog, itself, was based on a Black minstrel doll that Florence Kate Upton, born in 1873 of English parents, had played with as a small child in New York. Upton's Golliwog character was first introduced to the world in her 1895 book entitled The Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls. Like the rag doll that inspired it, the Golliwog in her book was a less-than-handsome creature with very dark, jet black skin, large white-rimmed eyes, red clown lips, and wild, frizzy hair. Golliwogs are typically male and are generally dressed in a jacket, trousers, bow tie, and stand-up collar in a combination of red, white, blue, black, and occasionally yellow colors.

The book is in very fine but not perfect condition-- not surprising given the book's 114 years of age! Wear to hard-board-cover edges. Binding remains strong, but thread stitching securing pages to binding has weakened with the two, center-most pages separated from the others. Evidence of tape repair on these loosened pages present. Book is complete, with no missing pages.

Truly a fabulous find! The first time I have EVER had the pleasure of offering this wonderfully-rare children's book in my 26 years of dealing in Black Memorabilia!!

Offered is an outstanding, Art Deco era, circa 1920-1930s, hanging, drug store, apothecary show globe in impeccable condition!

The fancy and highly-stylized, Art Deco, aluminum frame cradles an equally highly-stylized, classically-ribbed, clear glass show globe and finial. If so desired, the show globe will hold water. The frame is embellished with a buffed matte finish with design details outlined in contrasting black to further enhance the fabulous, Art Deco styling. The chain link is also painted black, echoing the black detailing of the frame, and it retains most of its gorgeous, original finish, with absolutely no pitting. This fabulous apothecary showpiece measures 29 inches from the top of its fancy hanger to the base.

The condition is absolutely excellent. The globe glass is clean and clear with a perfectly fitting, ground-glass stopper. The interior globe rim has an extremely shallow, minute, surface chip that is insignificant and is very difficult to see and photograph. The finial base has two practically undetectable, teeny, flea bites that cannot be seen when the finial is inserted into the globe rim, and which also, are too tiny to photograph.

The take away of this offering, this outstanding piece of nearly 100 year old, American pharmacy history, is both its exquisite Art Deco styling with extraordinary visual appeal, and its utterly excellent condition, making it a true rarity among extant Apothecary antiques and collectibles!

The inhalation of medicinal vapors was common practice during the late 19th and early 20th century. Inhaling devices came in many shapes and forms. This very decorative and functional inhaler was very popular during that period. I have seen an earlier and rare, boxed VapoCresolene example from the 1870's, and it was not as decorative as this lovely late-Victorian-styled inhaler. It is complete and comes with it's very detailed box which sports information on its many merits.

The box measures 6.5" H and has some unobtrusive hand writing on the front panel. It is also missing the bottom though displays perfectly. The lamp is in original condition, complete and has a wonderful patina.

Measuring 20 inches in length by 4 inches high, this rare, Jim Crow-era, segregationist sign once hung in the one and only movie theatre of Doerun, Georgia, a small south Georgia town. Folks would view movies on a white sheet that was tacked to one wall. The white folk sat in folding chairs on the first floor while the African-Americans were directed to seating via this sign in the upstairs balcony.

This 1940s sign is white-washed on both sides with lettering and art work completed in red paint. Made of metal with 2 holes on either end for hanging. It has seen its share of vandalism with numerous deliberately inflicted scratches to the paint as seen in photos.

Once part of the Middle Passage Museum inventory, the sign has been de-accessioned. 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."

Offered are 3 nice hand forged golf clubs sporting hickory shafts. Included are clubs from Nicolls of Scotland, Hillerick and Bradbys Co. from the USA, and G. Schmidt. All 3 clubs date to the 1920s and are in good condition.

The first club is from George Nicolls and is stamped on back as follows: "HAND FORGED IN SCOTLAND" - '2 IRON' - 'CARRYING POWER 150/70Yds - and in a circular stamp 'NICOLLS INDICATOR'". The stamp of a hand palm also embellishes this nice Scotland created club. The INDICATOR model was introduced in 1926 and became very popular. The face is DOT stamped and there is a small ding on the leading edge close to the heel. Measures 36.5 inches from then end of shaft to the heel. There is slight gap between the hosel and shaft connection and ancient crimp marks on the hosel are noted. This may indicate that the shaft, while appearing period, may be an early replacement. The leather grip is in very good condition and overall the club sports a nice patina.

The second club is stamped on back with the following information: "Hillerick and Bradbys Co. Louisville, KY 'GRAND SLAM' and a stamp of a hand hold playing cards with an 'A' on the front. It is stamped with the number '5' on the sole. The 36.5 inch shaft is stamped "Made by Hillerick and Bradbys Co. Louisville, KY". A small gap is noted between the shaft and hosel. The club has a wonderful surface patina throughout and the grip is solid. The face sports a square stamped pattern.

Club number 3 is stamped on the back with the following: "G. Schmidt - NIBLICK - FORGED and the letter 'W'". The 'W' may be the owners mark. This 36.5 inch club sports a nice patina, and a good complete grip. The shaft has a barely noticeable split by the hosel. The large face has 'line' pattern stamping and the leading edge shows two honorable dings. A neat club to display!

Offered is an incredibly RARE, COMPLETE, "dexterity" game entitled, "TIP THE BELL BOY, copyright 1929 and 1930, manufactured by All-Fair Toys and Games of Churchville, New York.

This unusual and cleverly conceived game features a VERY brightly colored lithograph target in very fine, virtually unused condition, depicting "a RITZ HOTEL Bell Boy" hanging from a metal stand while balancing 3, all-original, tins cups- two on his arms and one between his feet. The metal stand, from which the bell boy hangs, inserts into a wooden lined hole in the game board base. The stand is designed with a hook at its top from which the Bell Boy hangs, easily swinging back and forth.

The colorful cardboard game base features 18 holes designed to "capture" balls aimed at it with point values of 5, 10, or 15. If one is dexterous enough to have one's ball land in one of the cups on the bell boy's arms, one earns 25 points! A ball landing in the cup between the bell boy's feet, earns 40 points! The game came with 12 wooden balls of different colors, and all 12 original balls remain. The balls are aimed and shot at the target via the original, wood and metal shooting mechanism (see photos and game box cover).

The game directions are printed on the inside of the original cardboard cover and specify a 1929 copyright in tiny print above the words "All-Fair". A copyright of 1930 is printed on the game base and a copyright of 1929 is printed on the game box cover.

Measuring 12 inches tall x 12 inches wide x 1 1/2 inches deep, the game cover as well as the RITZ Bell Boy target and game board all display absolutely fabulously!

As evident in the photos, the box and box cover show expected wear given their 82+ years of age. The box cover shows evidence of minimal creasing, some small areas of paper loss, some slight tearing at the upper right side seam and some edge wear. The box base shows edge wear. The game base has some minimal creasing and minor areas of surface paper loss. The Ritz Hotel Bell Boy ("RITZ" is printed on his red cap) evidences minor areas of surface paper loss, most predominantly at the base of the legs where one of the metal cups is attached.

Given overall condition, the game seems to have seen little if any play!

The All-Fair Toys & Games Company was in business from 1926-1952. Harry O. Alderman and Elmer E. Fairchild were co-founders of the Alderman, Fairchild Company of Rochester NY in 1900, manufacturing paper boxes and novelties. Elmer E. Fairchild held a number of patents related to the paper and novelty industry. When the market for paper boxes dropped, they switched their printing presses designed for color lithography over to the production of games and paper litho on wooden toys. Board games and target games were being advertised and sold under the name "All-Fair" as early as 1922 (The Auto Race Game). In 1926, All-Fair spun off as a separate company and moved to Churchville, NY, some 59 miles east of Buffalo. The box cover as well as the game base are labeled as follows: "COPYRIGHT(s) 1929 & 1930 BY ALL-FAIR incorporated CHURCHVILLE, NY, MADE IN U.S.A." An EXTRAORDINARILY RARE find!!!

Offered is a very scarce, 19th century, portable, doctor's, apothecary medicine case.

The traveling case's exterior is constructed of leather, and the interior sports 5 compartments packed with a total of 62 medicine bottles. Specifically, there are 32 narrow medicine vials with metal screw-on caps, plus 17 medium-size vials. There are six miscellaneous vials, 5 of which are corked, and one that houses a later-date, glass syringe. Finally, there are 7 apothecary bottles with ground glass stoppers residing in their individual compartments.

Imprinted in gold-gilding on the inside cover flap is the manufacturer name, "H.K. MULFORD COMPANY", which is a precursor to today's Merck. The label cites "7 Highest Awards from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition" (which took place in Chicago) and which dates the case to the 1890's.

This interesting case measures 11 inches L x 5.5 inches W x 6.25 inches H. The case is complete and has modest wear and tear commensurate of a used antique. Some separation of leather parts with stains of age and use reside on the interior and exterior surfaces.

An intriguing piece of early pharmacy and physician care.

Offered for sale is a wonderful early 20th century, apothecary pharmacy bottle from Eli Lilly & Co. labeled “CHLORODYNE”. The back side sports 2 labels, one of which mentions the 1906 Food & Drug Act, and the other indicates the pharmacy “L.J. Madsen & ? – Hartford, Conn.

This 2.75 inch high amber corked bottle is in very nice condition. The cork is actually pushed inside the bottle.

The labels have darkened with age but remain quite clear and easily readable.

The bottle once contained (it is presently empty) 100 chocolate coated pills consisting of multiple ingredients including the Extract of Cannabis Indica P.T. (Ext. Can. Ind. P.T.) and Morphine Hydrochloride (Mor. Hydrochlo.)!!

This darling, late 1950’s, foreign-made toy with gorgeous, colorful lithography measures approximately 10" tall and is in superb condition-- even retaining its original box!

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!!

Measuring 3 /12 inches high x 5 ¼ inches wide x 3 inches deep, this early 1950’s USA-made, plastic, RED Aunt Jemima Recipe Box has seen little, if any, use.

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!

Measuring approximately 7.5 inches high, this highly sought after Black Vargas wax figure with a young child is mounted on its original wooden platform and is one of a series of fascinating "street character wax dolls" conceived of and crafted by Mrs. Conception Vargas Alfonso, daughter of the world-renowned, turn-of-the-20th century-New Orleans, Spanish sculptor, Francisco Vargas.

From approximately 1915 through the 1930's, Mrs. Vargas-Alphonso, influenced by the artistry of her father who also sculpted in wax, crafted a variety of wax dolls inspired by the black folk she saw on New Orleans's street corners while growing up. Sold exclusively at the time through Harriet's, of 318 Rue Royale 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 Collectible arena.

This figure, known as the Cotton Seller with Child, is most particularly hard to find and thus is quite highly sought after as it features a very young, female black child standing in a basket of newly-picked cotton. The Vargas family seldom included children or infants in their depictions of the numerous trades of black New Orleans folk, making any characterization featuring a child or an infant more than significantly rare.

Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features. This female, Mama, Cotton Seller wears a red and white kerchief on her head, a red and white checked scarf around her neck, and a yellow and white checked shirt and skirt with an apron that matches her head scarf - all constructed of actual cloth fabric that was coated with a fine layer of clear wax to stiffen them. At her feet is a very large, wax-constructed basket made to simulate wicker that is filled with cotton and within which her young female child stands. The Cotton Seller's wax body is internally supported by a wire frame through which the figure is securely attached to the wooden base. The bottom of the base is stamped "Genuine VARGAS New Orleans, LA".

This wonderful figure is in amazing condition for her 75+ years of age with no apparent or visible imperfections other than some missing fingers, a condition which is quite commonly found among Vargas figures.

The Cotton Seller's young, female child also has some missing fingers, and additionally, her neck shows a contiguous crack all the way around. Because her structure is also supported by internal wiring, her head still remains securely attached to her body. Please note that the child is merely placed inside the cotton basket and was never securely glued into it. The wax cotton basket, which was originally glued to the wooden base, has become loosened from it; however, when positioned on the base, it will easily remain in place for display.

Vargas figures are becoming increasingly more difficult to find!

Type "Vargas" into the SEARCH box to see the other Vargas figure currently available: 1920 New Orleans Vargas Wax Black Doll Female Vegetable Seller

I am pleased to offer this latest acquisition direct from a pharmacy collection in Litchfield, CT.

This lovely 19th century, hand-blown, diamond swirl glass apothecary show globe is a rarity indeed! The condition of the glass is wonderful with no chips or cracks noted and with only minor, faint, interior water remnants seen. Noted on the sculptured finial are some faint unobtrusive scratches.

There are 3 pieces to this gorgeous, 29.5 inch show jar or show bottle. The base is molded to the decorative bottom globe; the equally decorative middle section and the finial are each separate pieces. The base has an open pontil mark and all stoppers are ground glass that fit perfectly!! The hand-blown finial ends in a solid ground stopper; thus, it cannot be filled with color water. However, both the bottom and middle globes can each be filled with a different color liquid if so desired.

A similar showglobe (without decoration) can be found in SCHIEFFELEIN'S 1883 catalogue and is listed as a “Pineapple Show Globe”.

This extraordinarily RARE show globe is part of a pharmacy collection from the Crutch & MacDonald Pharmacy, Litchfield, CT.

A great find indeed!

***Please see my other auctions for a magnificent OPIUM LUG from the same pharmacy as well as an extremely rare LUG with Grecian Key decoration.***

Offered is a 1910 PISO'S Cough Cold Remedy CANNABIS Patent Medicine Bottle recently acquired at a local estate sale in Myrtle Beach, SC.

This is an investment caliber specimen in original packaging that is unopened, unused and full.

The contents include Extract Cannabis Indica and Chloroform and are clearly marked on the bottom of the packaging front. The FOOD & DRUG ACT of June 30, 1906, is noted on a side panel with information also printed in German on the opposite side panel.

The paper label packaging is mostly complete with some fading, wear, minor loss and aging commensurate with an antique bottle. It measures almost 6"H x 2"W x 1". There are no signs of content leakage or staining. The fancy Victorian images and script found on the label are more pronounced on the front panel. The top appears to sport a small tax stamp printed, "THE PISO COMPANY - WARREN, PENNA".

The last photo (photo #6) shows the back side of packaging.

This is an antique collectible item and contents are not for consumption.

Measuring 17 inches long x 9.25 inches wide x .75 inches deep, this untouched, all-original, double-sided wooden sign is an extraordinarily RARE piece of Black American history-- an artifact of the "Jim Crow" era when segregation of the African American race was unfortunately, most commonplace.

This sign once hung on the inside of a railroad car, designating the line behind which African Americans must remain-- in the back of the car.

The sign is painted in gold lettering on both sides as follows: the back of the sign is painted, "FOR COLORED PASSENGERS", while the front of the sign is painted, "FOR WHITE PASSENGERS".

The sign is in all-original condition and has some paint fading, fading of the wood stain in given places (please view photos), and imperfections in the wood as noted in photos. These do not impact the integrity of the sign and are appropriate to the age and purpose of the piece. The sign retains all of its original hardware including "keyhole" receptacle for hanging the sign inside of the railroad car.

An utterly phenomenal, extremely RARE, one-of-a-kind, museum-worthy piece of Black American history that may very well be the only one of its kind extant today!

We are excited to offer this handsome, traveling, doctor's apothecary medicine chest from the 1870-1880 era.

This fine, walnut, twenty-five compartment case houses twenty three medicine bottles, most of which are embossed FRASER & CO, with a few marked FRASER. A total of seventeen of the bottles sport original, early labels. Three other bottles have hand-written labels, and the remainder are unlabeled- one of which has no embossing. There are a total of six amber bottles, two of which are corked and without labels, while four are complete, inclusive of paper labels. Some of the bottles are partially filled with tablets. Please see photos to view the various medicine labels, one of which is OPIUM.

The walnut cabinet measures 11" W x 10.5" D x 6.25" H, and is in nice condition with a split on the front top that can be restored if desired. The finish has a lovely, warm patina, and the brass escutcheon bears just the right amount of oxidation. A wonderful addition to any collection!

Offered are two absolutely wonderful, cast iron, still, penny banks manufactured by the AC Williams Company of Ravenna, Ohio, manufactured in the first quarter of the 20th century.

The banks may be purchased as a pair for $425.00, or they may be separately purchased as follows: Mammy with Spoon $295.00 and Black Man Darkey Sharecropper $225.

The Mammy with a Spoon measures 5 7/8 inches high and was produced between 1905 and 1930. She retains much of her original paint and exudes a warm, rich patina commensurate with a well-loved antique of approximately 100 years of age. She wears a blue dress, black shoes, a silver apron and a red kerchief that still retains some of its white polka dots. Mammy holds a gold-colored spoon in her right hand while placing her left hand firmly on her hip. Mammy means business!

The Black Man Darkey Sharecropper measures 5 1/2 inches high and was manufactured from 1901 to 1930. He retains most of his original paint showing less paint wear than Mammy and also exudes a very warm, rich patina. He wears black pants with red suspenders and a gold hat and gold shirt with red collar. He wears black shoes; however, his left black shoe is worn through at the toes, resulting in all five toes peeking out! He stands casually with his hands in his pocket. His back screw, while an old one, is a replacement.

Mammy and the Darkey Sharecropper were clearly manufactured as companion pieces given their similar size and stance. Both stand freely and would make wonderful additions to the well-curated, antique, Black Americana collection.

Measuring approximately 7.5 inches high, this highly sought after Black Americana Vargas wax figure is mounted on its original wooden platform and is one of a series of fascinating "street character wax dolls" conceived of and crafted by Mrs. Concepcion Vargas Alfonso, daughter of the world-renowned, turn-of-the-20th century-New Orleans, Spanish sculptor, Francisco Vargas.

From approximately 1910 through the 1930's, Mrs. Concepcion Vargas-Alphonso, influenced by the 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 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 Coal Seller, is most particularly hard to find, and thus, he is very seldom seen in today's collectible market.

Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features. This gentleman Coal Seller wears a red and yellow kerchief around his neck, a yellow shirt patterned with red flowers, green trousers and "leather" shoes- all constructed of actual cloth fabric that was coated with a fine layer of clear wax to stiffen them. At his feet is a very large, wax-coated burlap bag filled with small planks of wood, ready for burning. The Coal Seller's wax body is internally supported by a wire frame through which the figure is securely attached to the wooden base. The bottom of the base features the original trade sticker advertising Harriet's. Remnants of an unreadable paper sticker are also noted on the front of the wooden base.

This wonderful figure is in amazing condition for his 90+ years of age with two imperfections: one missing finger on the right hand, and 3/4ths of the hat brim missing-- both conditions occurring due to the delicacy and fragility of the wax construction as both the hands and the hat are made solely from molded wax.

As a result, fingers are frequently found to be missing on Vargas figures, and hat brims often fall culprit to damage as well. The brimmed hats of Vargas male figures are the ONLY item of Vargas clothing that were never constructed of fabric first before being coated in wax- the only significant design flaw in the execution of these fabulous and iconic New Orleans Black Folk figures!

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.

Offered is a VERY difficult to find, Mammy or Aunt Jemima ceramic Clothes Sprinkler Bottle measuring 7" tall. My references indicate that she was made in Japan in the 1950's. She is in absolutely PERFECT CONDITION (no chips, cracks, breaks or repaint) and is complete with her original rubber and metal sprinkler stopper! Clearly, she was never actually filled with water and used to sprinkle water on wrinkled clothing prior to ironing!

Mammy or Aunt Jemima is wearing a white dress and head scarf with red trim. Her dark brown skin is flawless (any white spots or marks seen in photos are the result of light reflection and do not represent flaws of any kind.)

While she is unmarked, there is a very small black "X" on the bottom of the backside of her dress.

An incredibly hard to find piece! These very functional pieces were, more often than not, actually used in the home on ironing day, and thus were subject to damage or breakage and ended up in pieces at the local landfill! This wonderful Black American collectible was acquired from the original owner where it rested safely on a display shelf all these many years!

Painted on a 16 inch x 20 inch artist canvas panel, this highly colorful acrylic painting was executed by Geraldine Smith, a self-taught, African-American, Southern, Folk Artist.

This vibrant work, painted in June 2006, depicts a charming 1930's scene of a Southern cotton farm complete with log cabin, old stone wall, dilapidated truck, two big red barns, and two black women picking cotton in the fields. The leaves have turned the brilliant colors of autumn and some have fallen to the ground. The piece is signed in red in the lower left corner "Geraldine Smith June 2006".

(Please disregard any "shiny" or "white" areas in the painting; these are the result of camera flash glare ONLY and are not imperfections in this work. The colors in this painting are actually more vibrant and brilliant in tone than can be depicted in photos.)

Geraldine Smith, who is now in her late 50's, did not begin painting until the late 1980's when she saw the television painter, Bob Ross, and decided she wanted to give painting a try. "I don't know why," Ms. Smith said. "I couldn't draw a straight line. I'd sit up all night trying to paint. Lord help me. Something was driving me to learn to paint." Smith credits The Lord with providing her with the continued inspiration to paint, and states, "When the spirit is leading me, I can paint and paint."

Source for quotes and newspaper photo, The News, South Carolina.

This is a visually-appealing, painted, tin sign advertising "CAVANAUGH'S WONDER COLIC REMEDY". An added feature is that the sign is a horse specific medicine - rare in any market! This difficult-to-find sign is in good condition; it shows modest paint loss and a few bends and scuffs but displays quite well.

Measures 20 inches long x 14 inches wide and is ready for your collection. There is embossing in the words "CAVANAUGH'S WONDER COLIC REMEDY". Created by the Baltimore Sign Co. and dating to the 1930-1940 era.

Measuring 9 inches high, these delightful examples of Folk Art styling, represent two 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.

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.

Measuring 4 inches in diameter x 2 inches in height, this colorful, French, LeBene wax tin dates to the 1950's. The lithographed tin still contains a bit of wax. It is in very fine condition with some very light superficial rubs and teeny scratches here and there to the surface of the tin. No rust! A very visually-appealing piece that displays quite well with its vivid black and yellow colors contrasting superbly with the background black.

*****NOTE*****WILL SELL SEPARATELY*****

This wonderful, all-original pair of matching, 19th century, Whital Tatum, hanging, egg-shaped Apothecary show globes each measure approximately 33 inches from top of chain to bottom of fixture. The 3 1/2 gallon size globes have a patent date embossed inside the brass-plated crown on top: "June 16, 1895".

Both blown-glass globes retain their original brass chains and hooks and are in very good condition with the expected, minor, age-related scratches of an antique glass globe. There are no cracks, and the globes hold water just fine! The interior of the glass globes have a mild hazy appearance, notably towards the upper third of glass. The haziness disappears when the globes are filled with colored water.

The iron supporting frames sport brass plating and are most decorative. There is the expected, age-related, modest loss and tarnishing to the brass features with some metal pitting of the interior and top edge of globe hangers noted.

These globes originally hung in the Yalowich Pharmacy in Rochester, New York. They display beautifully and will add the "WOW" factor to any apothecary collection.

Measuring approximately 10 inches long by 2.50 inches high, these untouched, unused, all-original, porcelain-enameled, 1940-50s, metal signs are extraordinarily RARE pieces of Black American history-- artifacts of the "Jim Crow" era when segregation of the African American race was unfortunately, most commonplace.

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.

Measuring 10.25 inches wide x 4.50 inches high, this untouched, all-original, double-sided, solid, one half-inch-thick-wooden, circa 1920s sign is an extraordinarily RARE piece of Black American history-- an artifact of the "Jim Crow" era when segregation of the African American race was unfortunately, most commonplace.

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.

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 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 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 fish appears to be newer than the doll and is likely a replacement). This is an older gentleman who wears a straw hat with gray hair 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. This gent has lost his shingle stand but the remnants are still visible glued to the bottom of his left leather shoe. 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.

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

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!

This signed, original artwork rendered in 2003 by the emerging, self-taught, New Orleans, Louisiana Folk Artist, L. Sister Raya, measures 11 X 14 inches.

The work is entitled, "Coffee With the Spirit World" and is done in acrylics on watercolor paper. It comes mounted on acid-free foam core which can continue to be used when the piece is framed.

Of this piece of artwork, Sister Raya says, “When peoples get up in the morning they slog on coffee and stumble round full of stress and worry, but they don’t be knowin that’s the time when the spirit folk be slippin round they heads. They be friendly folk and like you to say good morning to them. People go too fast today, slow down when you be drinkin yo coffee and say good mornin!”

The vibrant blues, yellows and reds make this art work tremendously visually appealing and thought-provoking!

Measuring just under 6.5 inches in width, this VERY RARE, 19th century, hand-forged iron, slave collar with unusual incised detailing was recently uncovered in Texas.

Complete with functional locking mechanism and -even more scarcely found- a working key, this seldom found piece remains in excellent, all-original condition and stands as a horrid, tangible testament to the malevolence of slavery.

The collar is constructed of two, hefty, separate, semi-circular pieces of iron that are hinged together via a thick iron pin that has a "head" on either end preventing the two pieces from separating. While the interior of the collar is plain, the exterior, very unusually, has been "decorated" with incised diagonal lines cut between horizontal, incised banding at the top and bottom of each piece (see photos). The collar, thus, opens and closes at only one end.

The collar is locked and unlocked via a hand-forged locking mechanism that, amazingly, retains its original key--- an extraordinarily rare occurrence today as typically the key has been long ago lost. The locking mechanism remains smooth and is readily operable. It is unlocked by fully inserting the key and slowly turning it to the right until the pin holding the lock in place is released. To lock, reinsert the open hinge into the lock and hold in place while turning the key to the left.

An excellent and rare example of an artifact of slavery- a material reminder of the malevolence and cruelty suffered by African-Americans in 17th, 18th, and 19th century America.

Offered is a choice, 19th century, physician's, Homeopathic Medicine Case, a nearly complete example containing 147 of the original 150 corked vials!

Each vial measures approximately 1.5 inches in length including the cork. The vials are nestled in the leather case, and each vial sports a small paper label. The fitted case measures 10.5" long x 2" wide x 3.5" high and shows wear commensurate with age and use. Modest wear and loss to the flap closure is noted with general wear and mild loss of material.

A wonderful representation of late 19th century homeopathic medicine!

In the mid-1800's, an unknown artist painted the face of a young Black boy in warm, soft colors, and unbeknown to the artist, forever immortalized the young boy's image! Since that time a variety of items were been produced in the image of the "Young Black boy with the Torn Hat" or "Johnny Griffin".

This circa 1920-30's Johnny Griffin item is constructed in solid brass and was designed for use as a pipe rack although it could hold spoons or even neckties.

It is in all original condition with delightful patina- not a reproduction- no replaced parts- and measures 13 inches long x 6 1/2 inches high and 1 1/2 inches deep. It does not retain any marking other than a mold number 1592.

Johnny Griffin Black Americana collectibles should form the cornerstone of any serious Black Memorabilia collection!

To see all of the Johnny Griffin items currently available for sale, simply type “Johnny Griffin” into the search box on our web home page.

A rarely found Antique Medical Teaching Display entitled "BODYSCOPE" by Ralph H. Segal, Copyright 1935.

This marvelous piece of medical ephemera is quite large, measuring approximately 20" by 15 7/8" and is constructed in a hard-bound, book format with four interior pages. The condition is quite good with the expected, minimal wear of an early teaching aid. The interior pages and the exterior binding are solid.

The four primary, highly colorful, and well-detailed teaching models on each page are all complete with turning wheels on the page side which rotate to display different organs and systems of the body.

Graphic images of the male and female anatomy are featured in the center pages along with 2 other wonderful images. Turn the wheel and 10 different body systems are shown: "1. Our Body, Its Physiology. 2. The Torso, Anterior Organs. 3. The Torso, Posterior Organs. 4. Digestive System, Digestion. 5. The Portal System, Absorption. Body Comparison of Sexes. 7. The Circulatory System. 8. The Respiratory System. 9. The Excretory System. 10. Female Generative Organs."

Published by Bodyscope Publications, Inc. Educational Building, 10 Fifth Ave., N.Y.C.

A fabulously eye-catching medical teaching display adorned with Art Deco inspired design elements! A phenomenal display piece!

Offered for consideration is a rare and often overlooked pharmacy tool-of-the-trade called a Pill Rounder (Pill Finisher)that dates to the late 1900s.

A pill rounder was used to create perfect pill spheres just prior to the pill being dusted with powder.

Made of a light colored hardwood, this pill rounder is in fine condition and is double sided which means that it was used to finish two different diameter pills.

Measuring approximately 4 inches wide, this pill rounder would make a wonderful addition to any collection.

Measuring 3 1/4 inches high, this Japan-made, quite nicely detailed and hand-painted, pot metal figure depicts the traditional RED CAP Railroad Porter with his arms quite full of luggage along with a set of golf clubs slung over his shoulder!

In excellent condition with virtually no evidence of paint loss, this sweet little figure-- as an added bonus to its delightful appeal—features a detachable suitcase, as one of the porter’s hands is actually a tiny hook!

Once commonly found, the tiny Red Cap Railroad Porter figure is becoming quite scarce!

Offered is an extremely RARE 1847 Slavery Manumission document from Knox County, Tennessee, executed for Richard Dunn and referencing his slave, Eliza, and her three children, William, Nancy, and Mary Elizabeth. Archived 1842 Tennessee Early Tax List records indicate that Richard Dunn owned 302 acres of land, was employed in agriculture and owned one slave valued at $400 in that year; perhaps this slave was Eliza (pre-children).

Measuring approximately 12.5 long x 7.75 wide, this extraordinary and historical document is handwritten and appears to have been scribed by an individual other than the slave owner, Richard Dunn, as Mr. Dunn's signature is simply a "mark" labeled as such with his first and last name scribed around his "mark". The document is in excellent condition save the fold marks; this document clearly has been stored in this folded state for the past 170 years. It is suitable and ready for archival preservation- appropriate acid-free backing and matting materials with framing.

The text of the document is as follows:

"Know all men by these present that whereas my negro woman named Eliza having a strong desire for freedom and so I Richard Dunn of the county of Knox and the state of Tennessee being in possession of said woman Eliza and three children named William, Nancy and Mary Elizabeth. Now this is to show that I the said Richard Dunn for and in consideration of a certain sum of money to me in hand paid to my full and perfect satisfaction do hereby renounce my own right the right of my heirs or the right or claim of all manner of persons whosoever the said Eliza and her heirs forever to have and enjoy all the rights and privileges of a free white citizen so far as the laws of the state will permit and with regard to the law in such case made and provided it is necessary to have such matters attended to in open court I hereby (if it should not be done in my lifetime) make it obligatory in my heirs executors or administrators (as the case may be) to have the freedom of the above named woman and her children secured to them forever so as to enjoy all the rights and privileges of free white citizens so far as the law of the land will permit."
"In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 7th day of Nov. one thousand eight hundred and forty nine."
Signed, sealed ?GC?.
in presence of us,
Andrew McCall
Elijah Dunn
Martha Dunn

Richard Dunn his mark

Truly an extraordinarily rare piece of historical ephemera documenting a tiny light shining within a very dark period in American history. One can only be hopeful that Eliza and her three children one day achieved the freedom that this document promised.

This is a wonderful lithographed tin of Wilson’s CO-RE-GA denture adhesive powder with a great image on front. Marked FREE SAMPLE on the front. The tin was manufactured by The Corega Chemical Company, Cleveland, Ohio, with offices in London, Paris, and Montreal. The brass cap marked is Co-Re-Ga and includes its 1933 Patent number.

Some powder still exists! There is unobtrusive tarnishing, but no corrosion. There is a 1/4" area of paint loss to the back top left of the tin. Measures a diminutive 2 1/4" x 1 1/4" and will fit anywhere in your collection!

A powerful piece of Black Americana, this original and seldom-found, 1897, photo lithograph entitled “Alligator Bait” is a stark reminder of the historic prejudice and racism suffered by Americans of African heritage.

Measuring 11 inches by 25 inches wide, the piece is signed in the lower right corner, "Copyright by McCrary & Branson 189_ Knoxville, Tenn.", with the numeral 7 gone due to missing bits of the paper edge. Research has documented the copyright date of 1897.

The condition is very fine and all-original including the wooden frame and wooden backing. The glass is a replacement. There is some minor water damage here and there along the lower edge as documented in photos which does not impact the image. Some minor paper edge loss is noted in photos.

Indeed, an extraordinarily powerful and historic piece!

Offered is an absolutely wonderful example of a New York City physician's traveling medicine case from the early 1900s. This choice case is embossed on the inside flap "FRANK CLYDE LEAVITT, MD - 714 WEST 181 ST., - NEW YORK CITY".

The case contains a total of 53 medicines, all of which are empty. Two of the vials are rather scarce Parke Davis examples: #359, CHORODYNE containing INDIAN CANNABIS and MORPHINE HYDROCHLORIDE, and a second vial labeled #454 NEURALGIC INDIAN CANNABIS. Additionally, the case contains six vials labeled OPIUM, and one vial labeled MORPHINE.

Of the 53 vials, 28 are labelled screw cap examples, plus 20 labelled corked vials and 5 clear glass apothecary bottles, some of which sport a hand written label.

All but one vial displays PARKE DAVIS & CO. on its label plus a description of the vial's contents and dose. Additionally, some note the Food & Drug Act of 1906 or U.S.P. of 1890 on the label. There are 2 POISONS among the vials which carry distinct, red colored labels.

The vials measure approximately 4.5 inches long, are empty, and are in very nice condition including labels. Of the five, 4.5 inch apothecary bottles, two have small chips on the bottom, another has cracked glass at the base (base still intact), and the remaining two are in fine condition.

The heavy leather doctor's case measures 10.5" long x 5.75" wide x 5.5" high and overall demonstrates a nice patina with wear commensurate with age and use. The interior is composed of six distinct compartments, four containing all of the medicines, one containing numerous, small paper packets in which to house dispensed medicines, and one quite small, rectangular compartment with its own lid that may have once held small instruments such as a tweezer or perhaps a tiny folding scale. The leather at the top of the case (the section holding the handle) is completely separated at the front edge fold mark above the 2 locks. This same section is also partially separated (approx 4 inches) along the back top edge (see photos).

A very choice piece with cannabis, narcotics, poisons and documented ownership from a New York City physician!

Measuring 6 inches high, this highly sought after Black wax figure, which mounted on its original wooden platform, is one of a series of fascinating "street character wax dolls" conceived of and crafted by Mrs. Conception Vargas Alfonso, daughter of the world-renowned, turn-of-the-century-New Orleans, Spanish sculptor, Francisco Vargas.

From approximately 1915 through the 1930's, Mrs. Vargas-Alphonso, influenced by the artistry of her father who also sculpted in wax, crafted a variety of wax dolls inspired by the black folk she saw on New Orleans's street corners while growing up. Sold exclusively at the time through Harriet's, of 318 Rue Royale 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 Collectible arena.

This particular figure is known as The Banjo Player and is actually quite rare and very difficult to find in today's collectible market, likely because there were not as many Banjo players crafted as opposed to the more commonly found Vargas cotton pickers or praline sellers.

Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features. The Banjo Player wears a tan hat with black band, a green flowered neck scarf, a red and yellow patterned shirt and textured, loose-fitting black pants- with all but the hat constructed of actual cloth fabric that was coated with a fine layer of clear wax to stiffen them. He supports all of his weight on his back left leg while propping his right leg up upon an actual wooden log as he plays! His wax body is internally supported by a wire frame through which the figure is attached to the wooden base via his left leg.

This wonderful figure is in very fine condition for his 85+ years of age with the following imperfections: missing left-hand fingers (an unfortunate, but extremely common consequence of time), and the most obvious imperfection being a missing section of his hat brim. It is evident that the banjo has been re-glued into position over the years---a situation which does not surprise me given that the banjo is only supported by the left hand and propped upon the right leg--not a very secure position from a constructional viewpoint.

Regardless of his minor imperfections, this VARGAS figure would be classified as in FINE condition. Wax is a very delicate and fragile medium in which to work, and some loss is expected given that these figures are fast approaching 100+ years of age. The banjo player's brilliantly executed face with open mouth filled with song, his realistic and intact banjo complete with all original strings, and his incredibly natural and realistic pose remains a most delightful snapshot of C1920 New Orleans African American cultural history!

Please note- photos were taken in interior natural light. The first two photos best represent true, actual color. Any white or light spots on the figure are a result of light glare and are not reflective of discoloration or fading.

Measuring 5.25 inches high x 6.50 inches wide, this near mint, three piece, Black Mammy and Chef Oil and Vinegar Cruet was produced in 1940s Japan.

The bodies are one single piece with one hand each on Mammy and the Chef that serve as stoppers for the two pouring spouts. The piece is marked with a "V" for Vinegar and an "O" for Oil on each arm. Very sweet faces!

All original with no breaks, cracks, repaint or repairs, the cruet retains the original corks as well! In truly lovely condition with just one scrape to the red paint under the chef's left arm and some missing paint spots on his right arm. (see photos) Otherwise quite perfect, and displaying very, very well!!! An eye-catching piece!!!

Offered is a circa 1920s, four-tier, clear glass Apothecary Show Globe. Stacking show globes such as this have always been a highly sought after apothecary artifact for those building a venerable collection of old pharmacy items. This lovely, 26 inch tall example is a visual statement piece- one to be admired for years to come.

Each individual globe sports ground glass construction and each fits into position with perfection. The interior of all sections is sparkling clear with almost no trace of staining, a problem which is often seen in such pieces, but not here.

The only flaw is a very small surface crack in the large globe as seen in the photos. This does not effect structural integrity as the globe holds water with no leakage whatsoever. This imperfection, in fact, is not visible when the globe is filled with water. It can also be easily hidden by positioning this side of the globe facing towards the back of one's display. Simply a faulous piece!

Measuring 14" X 23", this vintage, Ca 1930's, "Little Black Sambo" metal game board bears the circular emblem mark of the Wyandotte Toy Company at bottom right, "Wyandotte Toys, Made in USA", attesting to its authenticity as a non-reproduction piece.

Colors are extraordinarily vivid, a fabulous display piece -retains original cardboard backing and original stand, but, alas, no game darts! The darts are extraordinarily rare and are seldom found!

Present are minor surface blemishes, surface scratches, some surface rust specks, as well as minor edge crimps that one would expect of a 90+ year old toy -all of which fail to detract from the fabulously bold visual imagery of this piece! (The most prominent scratch is on Sambo's target.)

To see all of the Little Black Sambo items currently available for sale, simply type “Sambo” into the search box on our website homepage.

A wonderful and extremely RARE hard cover book with original paper dust cover by Kate Gambold Dyer, copyrighted 1942 by Platt and Munk Publishers and measuring 8 x 9.25 inches.

Fabulous black and red line illustrations as represented by photos adorn this 38 page book! The book features the Christmas-time adventures of eight year old Turquoise "Turky" Trott, one of six of Mammy Trott's children. Featured in the book is a Black Santa!

Interior pages are in fine condition--they are tightly bound together; front and back covers are also tight. The hard bound covers appear to be in mint condition, having remained protected by the original dust cover which has remarkably minimal wear to its edges and retains its brilliant coloration. A penciled in number has been written on the interior front of the book. Stamped on the edge of the interior of the paper dust cover is the original 1942 selling price of 85 cents!

A charming addition to one's Black Americana collection, and a black-themed children's book that is very rarely found in today's collectible market!!

The 1852 publication of Harriet Beecher Stowe's, UNCLE TOM'S CABIN, caused an international sensation which prompted many potters in Great Britain to produce a plethora of objects depicting various scenes and sentiments from the novel.

One of the most distinctive pieces to be produced came from the Staffordshire pottery of Ridgway and Abingdon, and in time, came to be referred to as 'the slavery relief jug'.

The jug displays two very compelling scenes from the novel: the dreadful slave auction depicting a devastated and weeping, soon-to-be-separated slave family on one side, and on the other side, the fugitive slave, Eliza, fleeing north from enslavement with her baby in her arms across the ice floes of the Ohio River. A notable detail on the side of the jug depicting the auction- the broadside posted on the auctioneer's podium reads, "By Auction this Day a Prime Lot of Negroes".

In addition to these two scenes, the jug handle is decorated with the iconic image of the head and clasped hands of a slave (presumably Uncle Tom) in prayer.

The underside of the jug is stamped by the maker and is dated January 1, 1853, indicating that it was produced within just months of the 1852 publication of UNCLE TOM'S CABIN.

Made of Parian stoneware, the jug measures approximately 7 inches high, with an approximate 3.5 inch diameter mouth. The jug is in all-original and overall excellent condition. Two slight and tight hairline cracks are evident at the base and are best viewed by looking into the interior of the jug as their presence is much more subtle on the exterior and thus more difficult to photograph. One of these hairlines is present along the foot of the jug; the other occurs a bit higher up in acanthus leaves that border the baseline near the ice floes. A single, tight hairline is also present at the interior mouth near the handle (please refer to all photos). None of the hairlines affect structural integrity as they are quite tight; they are not atypical given the jug's 150+ years of age.

An exceptional and formidable piece of history, very rarely found in today's antiques market!

Measuring 14.50 inches high and standing on a 5.50 inch square base, this fabulous, vintage 1930's, chalkware statue of Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong holding his fabled cornet is quite heavy, weighing nearly 5 lbs!

Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) was the greatest Jazz musician of all time, defining what it was, what it meant to play Jazz. His incredible technical abilities, the joy and spontaneity felt in his works, and his amazingly quick, inventive, musical mind continues to dominate Jazz to this day.

This wonderful piece is a superb likeness of "Satchmo", and it remains in very fine, all-original condition! No chips, cracks, repairs or repainting! Minor and tiny, age-related flakes to the surface of this chalkware piece exist here and there and are entirely appropriate given the statue's 70+ years of age. No maker's mark--just a small encircled "C" for copyright on the back of the base. Bottom of base is covered in an original, soft, felt-like material to prevent statue from scratching display surfaces.

A fabulous piece of Louis Armstrong Memorabilia!!

In wonderful condition, this hard-bound, 2nd printing of Elvira Garner's "EZEKIAL" retains its original dust jacket.

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!

Offered is an extraordinarily decorative pair of late 19th century, English, Arsenic and Opium, apothecary shelf bottles.

The amethyst glass poison bottle is labeled "LIQ:ARSEN: or ARSENIC, and the cobalt bottle is labeled "EXT:PAPAV:LIQ" - the abbreviation for the Latin PAPAVER which is an OPIUM alkaloid.

Each narrow-neck bottle features a gorgeous, faceted, ground-glass stopper that enhances the appearance of this lovely cobalt and amethyst pair!

The bottles also feature stunning, hand-painted labels as well as hand-painted English shields with double lions.

Each bottle measures 7 1/4 inches high.

A must-have addition to the advanced drug store or apothecary collection!

An extraordinarily RARE 19th CENTURY piece of Black Americana advertising featuring a fabulous graphic of 2 young African American painters holding a "White-Wash Boy's Hydrated Lime" box.

This product was produced by the lime manufacturers, Hatmaker and Place, of Canaan, Connecticut, in the late 1800s. This small company was located within a large "lime belt" that stretched from Connecticut to Vermont. Back in the day, lime powder mixed with water was quite commonly used to "white wash" or paint numerous surfaces, and it was also used as a medicinal disinfectant! The manufacture of lime from marble was one of the earliest and most successful mineral industries in Connecticut, with historical records dating the establishment of the first CT lime manufactory to 1722.

Given its age and the fragility of paper, condition of this wonderful box is quite good. The lower portion of the back side of the box evidences light surface wear with some of the printing on the lower portion of the box worn away as a result. The front of the box has a 3.25 inch long tear which resulted in the loss of the lime powder from the box.

This early piece of Black Americana advertising is EXCEEDINGLY RARE and may well be a ONE-OF-A-Kind item! The Hatmaker and Place Company was one of a number of very small manufactories located within the "lime belt" that were ALL bought out and immediately closed down by a wealthy group of investors who then created and incorporated the mammoth monopoly, The New England Lime Company, early in 1902.

This fabulous piece of Black Americana is NOT to be missed by the serious collector!

Rarely found in today's collector's market and measuring just 4 inches wide x 4.5 high, this early cast iron still bank was produced in England in the 1930s by Chamberlain & Hill. Buyer beware: this is NOT a reproduction!!! Reproductions have the words "Made in England" impressed into the back of the hat as well as a paint distinction: only the "whites" of the eyes are painted white on a reproduction versus the painting of the entire eyelid area on legitimate, vintage cast iron banks (see my photos).

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!!

Measuring approximately 7.5 inches high, this highly sought after Black Vargas wax figure which is mounted on its original wooden platform, is one of a series of fascinating "street character wax dolls" conceived of and crafted by Mrs. Conception Vargas Alfonso, daughter of the world-renowned, turn-of-the-century-New Orleans, Spanish sculptor, Francisco Vargas.

From approximately 1915 through the 1930's, Mrs. Vargas-Alphonso, influenced by the artistry of her father who also sculpted in wax, crafted a variety of wax dolls inspired by the black folk she saw on New Orleans's street corners while growing up. Sold exclusively at the time through Harriet's, of 318 Rue Royale 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 Collectible arena.

This particular figure is known as the Cotton Seller.

Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features. The Cotton Seller wears a straw-colored hat, a blue patterned bandanna around his neck, dark pants, and a red and yellow checked shirt- all constructed of actual cloth fabric that was coated with a fine layer of clear wax to stiffen them. He carries a large sack of freshly picked cotton on his back via a rope cord wrapped around his neck while balancing yet another sack of cotton at his feet. His wax body is internally supported by a wire frame through which the figure is securely attached to the wooden base. The bottom of the base is stamped "Genuine VARGAS New Orleans, LA".

This wonderful figure is in mint condition for his 75+ years of age with no apparent or visible imperfections. Amazingly, all fingers and both thumbs remain perfectly intact! (The fingers are so very, very thin and fragile that they are quite easily broken.)

The Cotton Seller is most delightful- a snapshot into 1920's New Orleans cultural history!

Please see the other Vargas figure that is currently available and priced separately--type "Vargas" in the search box to quickly locate them. A photo of the other Vargas figure currently available for purchase has been included, for the buyer's viewing convenience, in this listing.

Please note- any white or light spots noted in photos are a result of sun light glare and are not reflective or discoloration or fading.

The numbered piece of paper pinned to the bag of cotton seen in some of the photos was an inventory marker used by the original owner. It has since been removed from the figure.

Offered for sale is a rare, 19th century, apothecary, pharmacy hanging show globe that is complete with original chains and wall hanging bracket. This hand-blown glass globe sports an interior that is somewhat hazy and could use a slight cleaning.

The 30 inch chains are complete and attach to the fancy collar. All parts are in very good condition and the globe CAN hold water. The decorative Victorian hanger and wall bracket make this handsome globe ready to display in your collection.

Showglobes have a rather interesting history in the early drug store / apothecary shop and can be compared to the "Trade Sign" that was hung on the exterior of a business to advertise a product or service. Although there has been much debate over time as to their actual purpose, it has been long thought that the color of the water was symbolic...for example, red and blue water representing arterial and venous blood. Some historians have suggested that showglobes were used as visual communication tools with red water representing plague or disease present in the community, and green water signaling an "all is well" in the community to travelers wishing to stop overnight. It has also been said that show globes in New England apothecaries would be illuminated at night to warn ships in the harbor of sickness, plague, etc.

This fabulously detailed, circa 1920, hand-made, 18 inch long cloth Golliwog doll has been most finely and meticulously crafted. A brief history of the Golliwog doll: The Golliwog is based on a Black minstrel doll that the Victorian era illustrator, Florence Kate Upton, born in 1873, had played with as a small child in New York. Upton's Golliwog character was first introduced to the world in her 1895 book entitled The Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls. Like the rag doll that inspired it, the Golliwog in her book was an ugly creature with very dark, jet black skin, large white-rimmed eyes, red clown lips, and wild, frizzy hair. Golliwogs are typically male and are generally dressed in a jacket, trousers, bow tie, and stand-up collar in a combination of red, white, blue, black, and occasionally yellow colors.

This Golly is in excellent condition with the exception of an old, small tear above his left eye that truly does little to detract from his overall outstanding appeal. His facial features are hand-stitched of silky embroidery thread, and his very soft curly hair has the luster and feel of a Persian lamb coat! His little hands have the thumbs delineated through careful stitching. On his feet are delicately-crafted, very supple, black leather boots! His body is constructed of a fine quality, soft, black cotton stuffed with cotton batting.

This Golly’s costume sets him apart from the vast majority of early vintage Golliwog dolls that are available on today’s market. His very formal, long-tailed wool mourning coat is a combination of hand and machine stitching and is accented with elegant silk lapels and stamp-designed silver buttons; the back detailing is completed with two cloth-covered buttons that show some minor age wear. Golly’s red and white, cotton striped pants are hand-hemmed and have been hand-stitched to his brown and white cotton checkered vest that features lapel detailing. (Please note: in some photos, a small brass safety pin is shown attached to Golly’s pants. This has since been removed as it was not original to the doll, and it served no function.) To complete his finely tailored outfit, Golly wears a most unique, very stiff (glossy cardboard perhaps?), high-collared, formal white shirt, accented with a wonderful little black silk bow tie and a Victorian era, onyx and gold-plated stickpin that is further emphasized with the central placement of a tiny diamond chip.

An exceptional, painstakingly-crafted Golly for the sophisticated doll collector!

This VERY RARE, delightful, circa 1915, doll or toy-sized Advertising Display Trunk is a creative sales mechanism for New York-based, RESTORFF & BETTMANN- Manufacturer's of GLYCEROLE SHOE OIL!

This fabulous metal trunk display features the likeness of 4 Black Gentleman within its copper-toned, product advertisement appearing on the interior of the trunk lid! Product testimonials are written in English, French, German,& Spanish!

Measuring 13 inches long x 8 3/4 inches wide x 7 1/2 inches high, this wonderful early trunk is in remarkable, un-restored, all-original condition and retains its original, functional lock and key! Minor surface scratches are evident along edges where wear is generally expected in an item of this age. Such scratches are most evident on the rear panel. These imperfections do not detract from the striking visual appeal of the trunk! This trunk is actually in quite remarkable condition for its 90+ years of age!

A high quality item when originally produced, please note the trunk's wonderful exterior lithographed details which mimic the exterior of an actual trunk!

A fabulous and extremely RARE, early advertising piece that doubles as a unique and RARE BLACK AMERICANA COLLECTIBLE!

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!

Offered is a wonderful, vintage pharmacy advertising sign from a bygone era.

This fabulous 19th century sign is constructed of heavy gauge brass and sports incised lettering "PRESCRIPTION DRUGGIST" as well as complimentary Victorian stylized detailing.

This visually striking sign measures 17.5 inches wide x 24 inches high and weighs nearly 8 pounds. There are 10 holes drilled into the sign designed to support wall mounting.

The following maker's name is scribed into the lower left base of the sign: "L.H. MOISE. - San Francisco". Research indicates that L.H. Moise was a very prominent company operating under that name from 1893 - 1897; the company made high quality signage, tokens, badges,and medals.

Condition: surface patina, various minor scratches and blemishes are noted, all quite typical of a 100+ year old sign. The flat black paint within the letters and detailing appears to be a 20th century addition.

An exquisite and eye-dazzling piece of 19th century pharmacy memorabilia, likely---one of a kind!

Measuring approximately 7.25 inches high, this magnificent Black Americana Vargas wax figure is mounted on its original wooden platform and is one of a series of fascinating "street character wax dolls" conceived of and crafted by Mrs. Concepcion Vargas Alfonso, daughter of the world-renowned, turn-of-the-20th century, New Orleans, Spanish sculptor, Francisco Vargas.

From approximately 1910 through the 1930's, Mrs. Concepcion Vargas-Alphonso, influenced by the great artistry of her famous father who also 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 Female Vegetable Seller Smoking a Pipe, 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.

The Female Vegetable Seller Smoking a Pipe was one of the most popular of the renowned Vargas figures, highly sought after by visitors to the city of New Orleans. Her vegetables were hand-sculpted with exquisite detail and coloring, and her corncob pipe evens presents a red flame in the center of the pipe's bowl, adding to the superlative character authenticity of this Vargas street vendor.

Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features. This gentlewoman Vegetable Seller wears a yellow floral kerchief around her neck, a red patterned bandanna on her head, a red, blue, and yellow plaid shirt and skirt, a blue floral-patterned apron around her waist, and 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 Vegetable Seller's wax body is internally supported by a wire frame through which the figure is securely attached to the wooden base which, underneath, still retains its original "Harriet's" sticker.

This wonderful figure is in incredible condition for her 90+ years of age with, amazingly, only one minor restoration likely performed by the professionals at the LSU Rural Life Museum: a repaired carrot held in her right hand! It is a true rarity that the Vegetable Seller's corncob pipe and all fingers remain present given their highly delicate and fragile nature!

A true must-have piece for the ardent collector of New Orleans Black folk character figures!

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.

Offered is a wonderful, circa 1920s, hanging, Apothecary Show Globe fashioned in the Art Deco style, complete and all-original. Very often hung in the front window of the local drug store to attract customers, these show globes were frequently filled with colored water to add extra depth and interest to their sculpted appearance.

Condition of this fabulous piece is quite fine. The interior of the globe and finial note some faint, scattered, age-related haziness. While the large globe has absolutely no damage, the decorative finial has a few mild chips to its ground glass base as noted in the photo, that are completely invisible when the finial rests perfectly in place inside the neck of the globe.

For perspective, the globe with finial in place measures about 16 inches tall. The total height as measured from the globe base to the point where the 3 chains terminate at the bracket is 32 inches. An additional 19 inch chain was added by the previous owner.

A noted feature of this globe is the original and very handsome, decorative, metal bracket which supports the globe in a fancy, Art Deco style frame. The delightful hanger rounds out a wonderful example of the "architecture" of pharmacy history of the 1920s. The condition of the globe frame, chains and support bracket is good with the light wear and mild loss of finish expected of an approximately 100 year old piece. The wall hanger is in excellent condition with minimal surface imperfections.

An exceptional opportunity to purchase a visually striking, Art Deco styled Apothecary Show globe in complete and all original, an advertising piece of a bygone era certain to become a central focal point of any apothecary, pharmacy or drug store collection!

Published in 1876, by McLoughlin Brothers, New York, this extremely rare publication in the Uncle John's Drolleries series is a variation on the Ten Little Niggers story. (Both tales are highly derogatory and quite politically incorrect!)

Measuring 7 3/8 inches wide x 10 3/8 inches long, the book is illustrated in brilliant color with 8 full page chromolithographs. McLoughlin Brothers Publishers were re-known for fabulously-executed illustrations.

Condition: Good-- for its 134 years of age! Unpaginated. Paper covers. The book was stitched at the spine some time ago and this repaired binding remains tight. Several edge tears are present on the cover and to interior pages along with a heavy crease to the back page that is partially separated. These tears are evident in photographs. All original and complete--no missing pages.

Text: "One little nigger feeling rather blue, whistled out another nig and that made two. Three little niggers wanting one more, hadn't any trouble in getting number 4. Four little nigs not knowing how to drive, hired a colored coachman---that made 5. Five little niggers being calculating men, added one apiece, to make their number 10. Dis colored chile am done, dat sum; Five and five's ten---and now's gwine hum."

A must-have for the serious Black Memorabilia collector!!