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This very colorful and graphic Victorian era medicine tin has a wonderful and graphic image of a horse, sulky and driver. All 4 sides are packed with details, directions, price and a sales pitch.
The tin is 4.25 inches tall and 3.5 inches wide. The tin has some minimal denting, oxidation on the top, and spots of scattered, a few paint chips and minor unobtrusive surface rust to the edges. This wonderful early tin would be a great addition to any vintage tin collection.
*****Please go to http://petvet.home.mindspring.com/VCR/articles/newton.html for an unbiased and informative article on the history of Dr Newton>*****
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This rare, antique, hand-wrought golf club was recently acquired from the estate of a gentleman who had restored and collected golf clubs for 7 decades! His family, while settling his estate, remarked that he had "paid crazy prices for some of his collection!". This prized, rare club is certain to have been included in that category!
This amazing club sports its original varnish surface and is offered in "as found" condition. The top of the club shows some loss of finish that is commensurate with an antique golf club. The darkening of the finish results a wonderful patina. The club displays a lovely elegance owing to the gently-sculpted angling of the face. The sole of the club shows signs of mild use with linear scuff marks beginning at the front portion of the inlaid horn. It measures a formidable 41 inches from the heel.
The skills of the craftsman are most apparent when the club is viewed from the top. While unmarked, this club displays the form of the exceptional, highly-skilled, Scottish club makers of the 19th century. The lead has been expertly applied to the back of the club, and the original twine adds to the club's character. The hickory shaft is undamaged and sports a warm, honey-colored surface. The leather grip was expertly replaced many years ago and has signs of gentle use.
A phenomenal, rarely-found example of 19th century craftsmanship! A tangible example of exemplary golfing history!
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This rarely found copy was written and illustrated by the renowned author of a number of Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy stories of the period, Johnny Gruelle. The book was published in both the United States and Great Britain in 1926, by the P.F. Volland Company of Joliet, Illinois.
This copy has superficial scratches to the front and back covers, wear on book cover edges, inside cover has a small black marker smear, inside front & back covers have minor soiling here and there(see photos). The binding is super-tight and all pages remain very clean and present.
The book is eleven chapters in length, approximately 88 unnumbered pages. Book is filled with a variety of wonderful black-ink and full-color illustrations as represented in photos. PLEASE NOTE: in the photos, the printing seems somewhat light and faded- not so! It is merely the function of over-lighting or light reflection.
A wonderful and truly RARE book not to be missed--- it currently lists in Black Memorabilia books at $200-250!
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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.)!!
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The arm is marked "T.O.Co. J. HALL & SON-Makers-Birmingham" and "Class 1 - To Weigh 1 lb."
The scale measures 16"L x 8"W at the wood base and 16 inches high. The condition appears original with only minor distortion to the wood base.
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The oak case measures 11.75"L x 5.5"W and has a rich warm patina with very minor staining to the top. Displays wonderfully!
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This particular specimen, unfortunately, was not stored with care, and it suffered exposure to dampness at some time during its 85 years. It is, thus, being offered at significant discount.
Measuring 10 3/4 inches tall x 7 1/4 inches wide, the game retains its cover with three of four sides present, the directions card, ALL FIVE original wooden throwing balls, and the game target board which features the five "piccaninnies".
The box bottom is missing as is some of the purple paper that decorated the sides of the target board and which also once framed the front cover. Remnants of this paper remain on two sides of the box cover.
The target board, despite its exposure to dampness, remains completely intact including the original metal guide pins that are located at the bottom of each piccaninny's open mouth and which would have helped to "guide" the target ball into the piccaninny's mouth during play. The target paper litho is somewhat loosened at the edges here and there, and foxing is present. The cover suffered the most exposure to dampness as is evident from viewing photos. There is foxing and some surface paper loss is evident as seen in photos.
The Spear Game Company designed the game, and it was manufactured in their facility in Bavaria, Germany. (This information was printed along the base of the game cover, although 50% of it is now no longer readable.) The Spear Works of Germany operated prolifically from the 1890s through the 1930's, and during this time period, it was recognized as the most well known, international manufacturer of games and children's activity kits. Publishing rights are noted on the direction page as J. W. Spear + Sons, New York City.
RARELY found!!
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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.
While the majority of Vargas figures were sold exclusively through Harriet's, of 318 Rue Royal in the French Quarter of New Orleans, a small number of Vargas figures were also sold through Kate Latter's Candy Shop in New Orleans. The shop, opening during the Great Depression years, had significant financial difficulties and closed after only five years (1933-1938) in business. This particular Vargas figure was one that was sold there, and it retains a gold foil sticker advertising the shop underneath its wood base.
Vargas figures are completely hand-made, one-of-a-kind dolls that 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 Sugar Cane 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.
The Sugar Cane Seller is one of the more difficult to find of the Vargas figures. In his right hand he holds three stalks of newly cut sugar cane, and in his left hand he holds a silver-colored, light-weight, metal machete.
Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features. This gentleman Sugar Cane Seller wears a red and yellow checked kerchief around his neck, a green shirt with yellow polka dots, black and tan striped pants, and black "leather" shoes. His costume is entirely constructed of actual cloth fabric that was coated with a fine layer of clear wax to stiffen them. The Sugar Cane Seller's wax body is internally supported by a wire frame through which the figure is securely attached to the wooden base. Underneath the wood base is found the Kate Latter's Candy Store sticker as well as an inventory sticker from the LSU Rural Life Museum.
This wonderful figure is in fine condition for his 90+ years of age with the following minor restorations likely performed by the professionals at the LSU Rural Life Museum: a restored right hand (that is presently missing a thumb), and restoration to the back of the vendor's hat, noted by the lighter colored wax. The sugar cane stalks appear to have been reattached in place, and his left hand is also missing the thumb. Due to the fragility of the wax fingers, it is not uncommon to find them missing or partially present.
The Sugar Cane Seller's light-weight metal machete was once attached to the left hand. It is my opinion that this metal machete was fashioned by professionals at the museum to replace the original cardboard version. Its weight, however, appears to be too much for the wax hand to hold, and thus, it became unattached while still in the museum's collection. As seen in the photos, the machete can be successfully rested inside the hand provided it is placed so that it is balanced, with equal lengths of the machete in front of and behind the hand.
A true must-have, rarely-found 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.
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"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!!
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This advertising gem was once used at the Island Pharmacy, City Island, New York, and was acquired directly from the family.
This display box measures 11"H x 9.25"W x 4.25"D, is in very good condition and sports the "WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH" cardboard label on its front. Both the display box and label exhibit age appropriate wear as noted: a few, small, top edge chips to the wood, some staining to the label as seen in photos, and the "N" in the word "BLANKS" is damaged.
This graphically appealing, vintage, advertising piece comes with a wide variety of very interesting and historic associated ephemera that serves to define the vast scope of service that Western Union provided: a 1962 CIPHER (Encoding and Decoding Card) for use with money order messages, a guideline card defining the delivery of Military Casualty telegrams, a 1949 guide card defining the Priority Order of Messages, a Standard Abbreviations Guide card, 2 cards notating New York City and Albany addresses of the main Western Union Offices in the state of New York, numerous contracts spanning multiple decades confirming the continued authorization of the pharmacy as a Western Union provider, as well as 15 colorful and unused, telegraph and cable THANKSGIVING blanks and over 40 Christmas HOLIDAY GREETINGS blanks. Also included is a 1950's, 17 page, company history given to Western Union services providers entitled, The Story of Western Union.
The City Island Pharmacy contracted with Western Union as an agent for the delivery and acceptance of telegrams and cable services from 1939 through 1972!
What a delightful advertising piece with wonderful provenance, filled with historic Western Union ephemera!
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These wonderful tools of the trade measure 12 inches for the capsule counter and 11.75 inches for the pill counter. The front of each device is tapered to facilitate the ability to "scoop" the pills from a tray.
Please note that there is some edge wear on each counter commensurate with age and use. The handles are painted and have evidence of appropriate wear. Overall, the counters sport perfect patina and offer stunning visual appeal!
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The pipe remains in wonderful condition. It appears to have had some very limited use based upon the slightly darkened condition of the interior bowl.
The pipe is French made and bears the following on either side of the pipe stem, "Bon Fumeur" (Good Smoking) and "Tabaco" (Tobacco). The pipe stem also retains an orange colored, Dutch paper label which reads, "Holland Goedewaagen's" advertising that this pipe was exported for sale in The Netherlands.
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There are 3 pieces to the 33 inch show globe with the base being molded to the bottom globe, the decorative middle section and the finial. The base has an open pontil mark and all stoppers are ground glass which fit perfectly.
A similar example can be found in SCHIEFFELEINS 1883 catalogue and is listed as a “Pineapple Show Globe”.
An original 1940s photograph showing the globe on display in the front window of Delafields pharmacy is included. C.J. Cather, R. Ph., was the proud pharmacist owner of this great drugstore display.
A point of clarification: the hand-blown finial ends in a solid ground stopper- very, very rare- 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 great find indeed!
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Constructed of cotton-stuffed, brown stockinette, Sallie's finely detailed, molded, hand-embroidered face is absolutely priceless! Her painted ceramic button eyes gazing off to her left make her come alive and draw one to her! Sallie's fuzzy, black, real-wool hair further authenticates her look!
Sallie wears well-made, all-original, machine stitched clothing. Her dress and hat are a subtlely toned red, white, and blue plaid cotton. Her hat is lined with the same unbleached cotton muslin that both her double-pocketed apron and laced-trimmed pantaloons are constructed from. On her tiny feet, Sallie wears cream colored cotton stockings and sweet little leather shoes complete with tiny leather bows! Care was taken in the construction of her hands with each finger delineated through careful hand-stitching!
Other than 2 tiny rubs to the surface of her stockinette nose (which appear in photos as lighter-colored tiny dots), Sallie is in excellent condition! She is a very, very fine early cloth doll that should not be overlooked by the serious doll collector! Sallie comes from the same distinguished doll collection as the very rare, C1900, Old Black Granny SAMPLE doll made by Civil War author, Ruie Ann Park of Arkansas, that is also currently being offered.
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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 Ole Charley who, severely bent over with age, was once a well known figure in the Vieux Carre.
Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features. Ole Charley wears a yellow hat with blue band, a red patterned neck scarf, a yellow flowered shirt and blue jeans- all constructed of actual cloth fabric that was coated with a fine layer of clear wax to stiffen them. He supports all of his weight with an actual stick cane! His 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 very fine condition for his 75+ years of age with the following imperfections: missing left-hand fingers with present left thumb (an unfortunate, but extremely common consequence of time), a chip out of his yellow hat (which actually looks appropriate to the character!!) and a re-molded right hand- a repair made long ago. There is a spot of old glue on the base which suggests that something might be missing- a small stool perhaps? Regardless of his imperfections, his brilliantly executed face and his incredibly realistic pose is most delightful- a snapshot of New Orleans history!
Please see the other two Vargas figures that are currently available. One is depicted in the group photo and all are priced separately. Please note that the Vegetable Seller (with basket) has been sold.
Please note- photos were taken outside in natural sunlight. Any white or light spots on the figure are a result of sun glare and are not reflective or discoloration or fading.
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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.
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The tin sports an early and original, hand-painted, mustard-colored surface, and it measures approximately 7 inches high x 4 inches wide x 5 inches deep (front to back including the distinctive front floral embellishment).
Structurally, the canister is a solidly crafted container, with a slanted, well-fitting, hinged cover that snaps into place when closed. The right top portion of container is slightly bent, and the finish shows modest wear and paint loss. The condition is commensurate with a 19th century well-loved and well-used, dispensary antique.
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This sign was once bolted onto 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 on both sides as follows: the back of the sign is painted with white lettering on a black background and reads, "THIS PART OF THE CAR FOR COLORED RACE". The front of the sign is painted with black lettering on a white background and reads, "THIS PART OF THE CAR FOR WHITE PEOPLE".
The sign is in all-original condition and has some paint loss and superficial rust as noted in photos that does not impact the integrity of the sign and is appropriate to the age and purpose of the piece. Wear to the "white side" of the sign has resulted in the removal of portions of the words "THIS PART".
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!
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This uncommon sign measures 36” long x 8” wide and is in near mint condition except for a few unobtrusive edge chips noted around the top and bottom edges (see photos). The lower section has a few minor scratches near the word “EX-LAX”.
This sign dates to the 1910-1920 era and has wonderful visual appeal as well as functioning as a thermometer. There is worn, barely discernable printing on the wood thermometer housing which includes “Made in USA” …Patent…etc. Also marked - "MADE IN USA - A7-M27B" on the bottom front.
One will be quite challenged to find another in this outstanding condition!
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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!
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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.
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Sambo sits upon the belly of an alligator whose wide open jaws are ready to take a chomp!!
The piece is stamped “Japan” on the base and has wonderful detail! Even the alligator’s tongue has been painted in! Love that nubby, curly hair!
Please note that any white marks appearing in photos are glare from the flash and are not imperfections!
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The blown-glass globe is in very good condition with the expected and minor, age-related scratches and imperfections of antique glass. There are no cracks, and the globe holds water just fine!
The lovely and decorative, iron supporting frame sports an early, gold-painted finish which is quite appealing. (The original, factory-manufactured finish was completed in brass plate.) The interior of the globe's metal crown has minimal, superficial rust as seen in the photo.
This globe displays quite nicely and is ready for exhibit in your collection!
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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!!
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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.
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Measures 9.75 inches high x 6.25 inches wide x 4.25 inches deep. Condition is quite fine with superficial scratches and minor surface rust near the base and on some seams--see photos--no problems to structural integrity!
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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!
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Offered is a very scarce pair of circa 1940's, glass, HOSPITAL signs acquired many years ago out of a New Jersey hospital that was undergoing modernization and renovation.
The glass X-RAY LAB + SPINAL CORRECTION signs once hung near the entryways of the X-ray and Physical Therapy departments and are now ready for your collection.
The signs measure 13 inches long x 3 inches high and are made of thick, heavy, plate glass construction. The signs sport gold-toned, applied lettering and are finished off in black paint such as in the style seen in reverse-painted glass objects. There is some paint loss and slight lifting which is commensurate with older painted glass.
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The Pore Lil' Mose series was created in 1900 by The New York Herald cartoonist, Richard F. Outcault, the creator of the more popularly known 'Yellow Kid' and 'Buster Brown' comic strips. Pore Lil' Mose was the first Black comic strip.
Measuring 14.75" x 11.75" framed, the comic remains in very fine condition with excellent, vivid color, and no rips or repairs. It is framed in an old black wooden frame with a heavy cardboard backing and would benefit from professional framing using archival, acid-free materials to enhance its life for many years to come.
Highly sought after among Black Americana collectors!
The history of the Pore lil' Mose comic strip:
In creating Pore Lil’ Mose, R.F. Outcault took an absurd concept of a 7 year old black kid living on his own in 1901 New York City with his monkey, bear, dog, and cat friends and was able to make people laugh and at times, take a critical look at themselves and the world they lived in.
The “Pore Lil’ Mose” series was far ahead of its time in social commentary and portrayal of blacks. Before he was a cartoonist, Outcault was a masterful illustrator working for Thomas Edison producing complex illustrations for Edison’s laboratories as well as illustrating for some of the largest newspapers and magazines of the late 1800’s. In the beginning, cartooning was just a way for Outcault to make additional income and have fun. Because of his experience as an illustrator, his early cartoons were drawn with more detail and skill than other cartoonist and are rich in artistic and historical detail.
What truly makes “Pore Lil’ Mose” stand out from other black cartoons of the period is Outcault’s portrayal of blacks. One should keep in mind that in 1900, the Civil War had only been over for 35 years, and the civil rights movement of the 1960’s was still over sixty years away. “Pore Lil’ Mose” was the first comic strip to have a black character as its main protagonist, and for over half a century, “Pore Lil’ Mose” was the only comic strip to have portrayed blacks as judges, teachers and other professionals. When one views the 70 plus “Pore Lil’ Mose” strips, one sees that Outcault created a character in Mose who was polite, kind, generous, accepting, intelligent and at times a deeply profound thinker who loved his family and friends. Pore Lil’ Mose can be viewed as a role model for every human being regardless of race or ethnicity.
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Little Black Sambo is the featured story in this book with the short stories, "The Gingerbread Man" and Titty Mouse and Tatty Mouse", added in as extras. While the illustrator in unnamed in the book's credits, all illustrations are executed by the same hand and are either initialed MEP" or signed "Margaret Evans Price".
A much-beloved children's classic written in the early 1900's by Englishwoman, Helen Bannerman, for her two daughters while they lived in India, Sambo, in the original tale, was an Indian boy and not an African-American child. He was soon converted to this race, however, by subsequent story tellers and illustrators. This age-old tale tells of Little Black Sambo and his frightening tiger encounter, which fortunately, has a happy ending!
The book exterior has seen much wear as evidenced in the photos, with significant wear to all edges, which amazingly, has had no effect on the sturdy structure of this book! The interior of the book remains in absolutely perfect condition, with an undamaged, very tight binding, and not an imperfection to be found-- no rips, stains, creases--only the inked inscription of the last name, "Meyere" on the upper right corner of the title page (see photos).
Illustrations are lovely and have that timeless yet nostalgic look of fine work produced in the Art Deco era!
Little Black Sambo books from this period are infrequently found!
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Given that this sign is clearly segregating services for African-American children despite the fact that this was a federal agency, one can only hypothesize that this sign was placed on the exterior of a federal building in a state that endorsed and enforced segregation.
There does exist in the Temple University archives, Philadelphia, a brief notation of a "Bureau for Colored Children", founded in 1927, as a shelter at 321 North 41st Street in Philadelphia, PA, for dependent and neglected African American children. It provided a foster care program as well as operation of a farm and vocational school for boys in Pomeroy, PA. The Bureau disbanded sometime after 1963, when The State Department of Public Welfare withdrew financial support for failure to meet standards for childcare agencies. This sign could have possibly come from that Pennsylvania agency.
A quick history of this agency drawn from the federal publication, "The Story of the Children's Bureau, 1912-2012":
At the turn of the 20th century, conditions for children in America were deplorable; 1 in 10 infants did not survive the first year of life, and very often, many children were forced to leave school to help support their families, oftentimes working under dangerous conditions.
Those who were orphaned were crowded into large institutions where they received little care or attention.
Lillian D. Wald, founder of the Henry Street Settlement in New York City, and her friend, Florence Kelley, are credited with conceiving the idea for a Federal agency to promote child health and welfare in 1903. Impressed with the concept, a friend of Wald’s wired President Theodore Roosevelt, who promptly invited the group to the White House to discuss it further.
After nearly ten years of discussions with multiple groups, committees, and individuals, as well as numerous failures of Congress to pass a federal bill addressing the plight of these children, Congress, in 1912, finally passed the Act creating the Children’s Bureau, charging it “to investigate and report . . . upon all matters pertaining to the welfare of children and child life among all classes of our people.”
President William Howard Taft signed the bill on April 9, 1912, and the agency continues its work today.
Measuring 24" wide x 18" tall, the sign features a beveled-edged, copper base mounted on a wood frame featuring approximately 3/8" high, raised, solid brass letters ranging from 2" to 3.25" tall. The copper backing is securely bolted onto the wood frame from the front with four brass bolts, one positioned at each corner, adding a decorative element to the sign. Each letter is securely screwed into the copper base from the back of the sign as seen in one of the photos. The sign is marked by the manufacturer, "ABELE" on the lower center of the base underneath the letters "L" and "D" in the word, "CHILDREN".
Fabulous patina to both the copper and brass with just a slight edge crimping below the "N" in "CHILDREN" as noted in photo. Condition consistent of a 100+ year old, extremely well-made sign that was mounted on the exterior of a building. Areas of the copper background surface that appear to be lighter in some areas and in some photos are the result of flash only; the color and patina of the copper background surface is even with consistent aging throughout.
Truly an extraordinary piece of African-American cultural history reflective of an era and time- on the Federal Level, no less- of continued ignorant, obtuse and repugnant belief and behavior.
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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!
SOLD
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 Female Vegetable Seller, is one of the more difficult to find of the New Orleans street character wax dolls. Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features. This female Vegetable Seller wears a multi-colored kerchief on her head, a red and cream polka dot scarf around her neck, a cream shirt decorated with red flowers, a blue and white polka dot apron and pale blue skirt decorated with a sea of multi-colored flowers - all constructed of actual cloth fabric that was coated with a fine layer of clear wax to stiffen them. Balanced on her arm is a removable, wax, wicker-look basket filled with cabbage, carrots and rhubarb. The Vegetable 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 amazing condition for her 75+ years of age with no apparent or visible imperfections other than two missing fingers on her left hand, a condition which is quite commonly found in Vargas figures. A highly collectible piece representing 1920s New Orleans's African American culture. Vargas figures are becoming increasingly more difficult to find!!
Type "Vargas" into the SEARCH box to see the other Vargas figure currently available: 1920 RARE New Orleans Vargas Wax Black Doll Female Cotton Seller+Child
SOLD
The two hickory smooth face clubs are each stamped "ST ANDREWS", "Wright Ditson & Makers". Each shaft is stamped "Wright & Ditson" just below the grip and sport a nice aged patina.
The first hickory club appears to be an unmarked putter, and the iron club head portion is in very nice condition. Measures 33.5 inches from heel to top of shaft.
The second hickory club is essentially a 5 iron (MASHIE) although it is not marked as such. There are two small leading edge dings and is otherwise a nice example.
The third club, is a steel club, is marked "5 and MASHIE" on the base and dates to the 1930 era. The painted metal shaft sports a nice dark brown leather grip. The head of the iron is stamped "PARAMOUNT REG.U.S. PAT. OFF. - GRADUATED IRONS 'WRIGHT & DITSON' U.S.A. MILD STEEL". The club head is in good condition with various mild leading edge dings.
All clubs ready to play!
SOLD
This circa 1910-30's Johnny Griffin item is exceedingly rare, being the only example of this form ever seen by this seller either in print, on the internet or “in person”. Clearly, very few of these smoking and/or tobacco stands were produced in comparison to other Johnny Griffin novelties!
The smoking stand is constructed of two different metals- from the intricately embossed “corn stalk” pot metal cigarette and cigar holders, to the brass plated tray, match holder, base and stand. It is in all original condition with delightful patina- not a reproduction- no replaced parts- and measures 30 inches high x 9 inches wide at the tray. It does not retain any marking other than mold number 3104 located on the underside of the tray. This very unusual smoking and/or tobacco stand is a heavy, sturdy piece, and is well-made.
Johnny Griffin Black Americana collectibles are a very interesting and infrequently found collectible form, and they should rightfully constitute 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.