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All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1940 item #560828 (stock #BA628)
Stonegate Antiques
$45.00
Measuring 9 x 12 inches, this all original, 1930 Copyright sheet music features a fabulous cover graphic that would be magnificent framed!

Great condition with some corner wear, but please note that all pages have completely separated from the center seam so are no longer in "booklet" form. No missing pages though!

A difficult item to find in today's market!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Nostalgia : Advertising : Pre 1920 item #488295 (stock #DL676)
Stonegate Antiques
$85.00
Measuring 4 inches high with a 3.75 inch base diameter, this authentic looking 1919 Patent model bank of the historic Philadelphia Liberty Bell, is in wonderful all-original condition!

Given away as a premium for opening a bank account, this still bank advertises the Mechanics Savings Bank of Hartford, Connecticut.

The bank is complete with the famous Liberty Bell crack down its front as well as this slogan etched around its top, "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All The Inhabitants Thereof. LEV XXV 10".

Manufactured by the Bankers S & C System Company, Cleveland, Ohio, this bank bears a patent date of February 18, 1919, as inscribed on its base.

Made of metal and wood. The whereabouts of the original key is unknown but it is likely that any flat metal key of the period and appropriate size would open it.

A fine decorative piece for either the still bank collector or Revolutionary War buff!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1900 item #1197569 (stock #BA850)
Stonegate Antiques
$675.00
Measuring 12.25 inches long x 8 inches in width, this two-sided, 19th century estate document listing all of the worldly goods of LEWIS MATTAIR is de-accessioned from the inventory of the ill-fated Middle Passage Museum (see museum history below). The document is undated but is estimated to be circa 1865-66 based on current research of federal and state archival documents.

This particular estate document is extraordinarily unique and atypical in comparison to other estate documents of this period as it lists 15 SLAVES among the articles of property, and it actually labels these individuals as SLAVES as opposed to the much more common and typical practice of listing "Slaves" as "Negroes". The slaves are listed on the back side of the document with all other inventory listed on the front side.

Each slave is listed by first name with the corresponding current market value written to the left of the name, with the total market value of the 15 slaves named at $8600-- quite a hefty sum when one considers that the remainder of the estate (furniture, livestock, transportation and work vehicles, tools, etc) is valued in total at $980.75. Also listed in the inventory was 13,000 pounds of seed cotton, indicating that Lewis Mattair owned a sizable cotton plantation, clearly farmed by the slaves.

Lewis Mattair is noted in the 1860 Federal Census as a resident of Suwanee County, Florida; the 1860 Federal Census- Slave Schedules references Lewis Mattair owning 28 male and female slaves, ranging in age from 4 to 58. Lewis Mattair is listed in the 1865 Florida Tax records, but his name does not appear in any archived state or federal records after that year. Thus, it is presumed that this document dates from or just prior to 1865, the year that the Civil War ended.

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."

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1940 item #1449090 (stock #B301)
Stonegate Antiques
$125.00
Measuring 9 1/2 inches wide x 13 inches long, this brightly colored, copyright 1931, Little Black Sambo, large softcover book illustrated by acclaimed American children's illustrator, Fern Bisel Peat, is very rarely found!

(Also currently available is Fern Bisel Peat's companion Little Black Sambo Puzzle!)

Published by The Harter Publishing Company, Educational Publishers, Cleveland Ohio, this book along with a companion puzzle which features one of the illustrations from this book, were likely released to the public at the same time. Both the book and puzzle were intended for use in the school setting, grades K-2, as well as in the home. The aforementioned Little Black Sambo puzzle is also available for purchase on this website (type Sambo into the SEARCH box).

This story is 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 Bannerman tale, was an Indian boy and not an African-American child. He was converted to this race overtime, 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!

Condition is an 8.5 out of 10! This unnumbered, softcover book has seen little use with just a teeny bit of wear to book edges and very small creases here and there on the covers which do not effect structural integrity. The eight large folio, color illustrations retain their intensely vibrant hues and are simply just spectacular, and they alternate with lovely black ink line drawings. (My camera did not do justice to the intensity of color, washing it out.) An inked inscription is present on the inside front cover. The front and back covers have separated completely from the staple binding; there is separation of book pages only at the following point: below the lower of the two remaining staples. The third and lowest staple is missing.

Despite these imperfections, this rarely found,soft-cover, children's book is in amazing condition given its 90 years of age!

Fern Bisel Peat, 1893-1971, was born in in Erie, Pennsylvania, and went to public schools in Elyria. She attended Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, graduating with a degree in fine arts. Marrying Frank Peat in 1917 and settling in northern Ohio, Fern soon began painting children’s murals in both public and private venues.

As her work grew in popularity in the 1920's, she was asked to design children's wallpaper for a Cleveland company, designing a set of Mother Goose wall panels that sold widely. She soon was approached by the Saalfield Publishing Company where she went on to illustrate over 60 children's books!

From 1933 to 1955 she was editor and chief illustrator for Children’s Play Mate magazine, published in Cleveland, and nearly all of the covers during that time period feature her illustrations.

As the major breadwinner for the Bisel Peat family, Fern found every way possible to market her work to publishers, advertising firms and toy makers during the lean years of the American Depression and World War II. As a result, her distinctive children's illustrations can not only be found within children's books of the era, but also on holiday decorations, paper fans, playing cards, rag dolls, tin toys…not to mention coloring books, puzzles, paper doll books, and greeting cards!

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

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1940 item #1215172 (stock #BA868)
Stonegate Antiques
$145.00
Measuring just barely 6 inches in length, this fabulous example of 1920's folk art and hand craftsmanship exemplifies the stereotypical Mammy of the early 20th century.

Constructed with care and skill, Mammy's floral dress, white apron and white under-pantaloons were neatly machine stitched. Her facial features--- eye brows, eyes, nose, and lips --- are hand-stitched with embroidery thread. She has yarn-constructed black curls peeking out from under her red and white polka dot head scarf. Her arms, torso and head are stuffed with cotton or cloth scraps with the torso securely tucked over the top of the clothespin and into the pantaloons. Her black-painted clothespin legs are hidden under her long skirt.

A very sweet little doll in wonderful all-original condition-- no repairs, rips, stains or odor. Displays quite nicely!!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1920 item #854519 (stock #BA290)
Stonegate Antiques
$30.00
Offered are three different 78 RPM records featuring JIM CROW era, minstrel music of the 1900-1920's. All three records come with their original paper jackets. They are priced at $30 each.

The records are in used condition with minor scuffing and/or scratching typical of used records of 80+ years of age. These records have not been recently played and are presented as historical artifacts, and as such, they are offered for sale without guarantee of "playing quality".

Offered are:

1) 1912 "I'se Gwine Back to Dixie" by the Haydn Quartet

2) 1923 "Two Black Crows Part 1 and Part 2" A Comedy Sketch by Moran and Mack

3) C1915 "No One Loves You Any Better Than Your Mammy" by Link-Nelson

As each is priced separately, please email us stating which item you wish to purchase so that we can customize your order form.

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1930 item #1478731 (stock #BA807)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Measuring just 2.25 inches in height (minus the hair!!), this extremely RARE, clear glass Golliwogg Perfume Bottle was sold by VIGNY Perfumeries of Paris, France in the 1920’s.

The clear glass perfume was the second version of the Vigny “Le Golliwogg” perfume produced from the 1920’s into the 1930’s. The bottle design and name are based on a character created by Englishwoman, Florence K. Upton, around the turn of the 20th century. The bottle, itself, was made by Verreries Brosse.

This darling, all-glass piece remains in superb condition-other than its partially missing label on the base of the bottle. If complete, this wonderful, original paper label would read in full, “Made in France, Fluid Cont oz 13”. Underneath the label, the base of the clear glass bottle is impressed, “Bottle Made in France”. Most importantly of all, the bottle retains its fabulous, all-original, front label which reads, "Le Golliwogg de Vigny France".

The Golliwogg’s head is the perfume stopper (which presently is quite securely affixed in place), and the facial enameling, which was hand-painted in France, remains as clear and crisp as the day it was applied! Even his black furry hair, which is genuine Siberian Seal fur, retains its vibrant, original, dark tones! The Golly’s glass collar is enameled/painted white with double rows of black polka dots, and his feet are accented in black.

A very, very special, rarely-found piece of Black Memorabilia that has appeal to Black Americana, perfume bottle, and Golliwog collectors alike!

Type "Vigny" in the SEARCH box on our homepage to see all French Golliwogg Perfume bottles!

To see all of our Golliwogg-related items for sale, type "golliwogg" into the SEARCH box on our home page.

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1940 item #520456 (stock #BA595)
Stonegate Antiques
$25.00
Measuring a very diminutive 2 inches long x 1 ½ inches wide x ½ inch deep, this tiny cardboard match box was made in Sweden in the 1930’s. It still retains its wonderful lithographed image of a Black Man carrying jugs of coconut juice among the palm trees. It is entitled “THE PALMTREE” and is additionally labeled “IMPREGNATED SAFETY MATCH, MADE IN SWEDEN” along the bottom of the litho. It is in near mint condition but no longer contains any matches! The box simply slides out of its cardboard casing with a push of the finger!
All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1920 item #1482446 (stock #B315)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Offered is this exceedingly rare and unusual, circa 1910, Dallas, Texas, 10 page, all-paper (including front and back covers), advertising "Give-Away" pamphlet which tells the complete story of LITTLE BLACK SAMBO, featuring both black line and color illustrations. I have not seen anything quite like this before!

On the back cover are the advertisements of six local, Dallas, Texas, merchants who joined together to produce this little pamphlet for children as an advertising promotion for each of their respective businesses. Named are the Stacey Baking Company, T.P. Hudson Kodak Picture Developer and Sundry Shop, Moore Brothers Laundry and Dye Works, Star Messenger Service, McKinney Furniture Company, and Thornton and Bracey Fine Stationery and School Supplies.

Such an unique and very exceptional piece of turn-of-the-20th-century, Dallas, Texas, historical ephemera!

The story of Little Black Sambo, of course, was to become 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 Bannerman tale, was an Indian boy and not an African-American child. He was converted to this race overtime, 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! Condition is an amazing 7.5 out of 10, remembering, of course, that this is an ALL PAPER PAMPHLET that is now approximately 110+ years of age! All pages have been photographed which clearly show condition throughout.

The pamphlet is bound together via two staples which remain intact and are firmly holding all pages and the covers together. The front and back covers have separated from one another at the top and bottom of the pamphlet up to each respective staple; however, the area between the two staples remains intact. A few tiny edge rips are present as noted in photos. The black line drawings have been "expertly" colored-in with crayon by a budding artist of long ago who carefully and very diligently stayed within the lines. As such, one tends not to even notice that this "artwork" was not original to the publication. Original in-color illustrations remain very bright and vibrant. Pages have darkened with age. Measures approximately 6.75 inches x 9.5 inches.

Interestingly, in addition to relating the complete tale of Little Black Sambo, four pages are devoted to illustrations that identify specific characters and situations within the story, all individually entitled such as "First Tiger", "Tigers Fighting", "Purple Shoes Gone", "Lucky Sambo", "Pancake Supper", etc.

Amazing condition for a 110+ year old advertising story pamphlet that was clearly enjoyed by at least one youngster long ago - and one that may very well be the only copy remaining in existence! For the collector and lover of the tale of Little Black Sambo, this is a must-have!

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

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1900 item #1485260 (stock #BA1002)
Stonegate Antiques
$55.00
Offered are a fabulous variety grouping of VERY RARELY FOUND, 1880's, Black Americana die cuts printed in Germany and sold by the Bim Brothers, London.

The assortment features die cuts of musicians, jugglers, a boxer, actors, a bagpipe player, comically portrayed African natives, and die cut heads of adults as well as die cut heads of children. All but the four African die cuts remain connected as a grouping, just as they were when originally produced and shipped from the factory- a very rare find which increases each grouping's value.

The products for which these die cuts were meant to endorse is unknown. The die cuts feature an embossed, glossy finish which compliments the beautiful detailing and intense coloring of each piece. All would look fabulous either framed individually or as a grouping!

Approximate measurements are as follows:
The 2 standing, connected figures: 3.25" tall x 4.50" wide
Connected Adult Heads: 2.25" tall x 3.75" wide
Connected children Heads: .75" tall x 4.50" wide
4 African loose figures: 2" tall x 1" wide

Please note that any white specks that seem prominent in the closeup photos are the result of light bouncing off the surfaces of the aged die cuts. These pieces are approximately 140 years old, and while in very good condition given their age, tiny surface imperfections may be evident here and there. The photo of the verso of all reveals that no repairs or restorations were made to any of the die cuts in this offering.

This entire grouping of die cuts is being sold as one single offering at $55.00.

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1930 item #1473515 (stock #BA986)
Stonegate Antiques
$85.00
Offered is a rarely found, Ca 1920s, celluloid mourning pin back brooch featuring a young African American man.

Constructed of celluloid with a metal back and pin to allow attachment to one's clothing, this diminutive mourning pin measures just 7/8th inch in diameter.

The image remains quite crisp with surface crackling of the celluloid that does not effect the integrity of the overall structure of the pin. In the highly magnified photos, the crackling appears much, much more intrusive to the eye than when viewed simply with one's eyes, alone.

The backside of the pin carries the maker's mark and manufacturing locations, some of which is partially obscured: "T. J. M..., Dearborn, Chicago".

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1950 item #187364 (stock #BA380)
Stonegate Antiques
$55.00
This circa 1940’s Black Mammy doll is diminutive in size and delightfully detailed!

Measuring just 6 ½ inches tall with a skirt circumference of 4 ½ inches, her head, torso, and arms are constructed of fabric with an inverted basket serving as her skirt. Her clothing is machine-stitched with attention paid to detail: teeny gold fabric braiding serves as earrings and necklace; delicate lace accents her skirt hem; her red shawl features zig zag stitching accents; her face is finely hand-painted.

A sweet addition to one’s Black Memorabilia or Doll collection!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1940 item #706888 (stock #BA671)
Stonegate Antiques
$150.00
Offered is a truly one-of-a-kind piece of Black Memorabilia!

This 1920-30s, hinged, wooden game piece box features an original, hand-executed, ink-on-paper drawing of a black figure in a tuxedo that has been pasted to the box cover. The drawing has been preserved with a shellac covering.

The box contains fifty, sequentially numbered 1-50, wooden game pieces painted red and white. The game pieces are in mint condition and appear to have only been lightly used. They remain firmly in place within the box with the support of non-stick, archival tape which may be easily removed without damage to the game pieces, if desired.

The game box measures 5.25 inches wide x 10.50 inches long x 1 inch high.

Truly a one-of-a-kind piece of vintage Black Memorabilia! Displays wonderfully!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Nostalgia : School : Pre 1900 item #129975 (stock #G126)
Stonegate Antiques
$195.00
An ornately detailed and historical graphic of the California State Seal adds to the importance of this authentic and extremely RARE, museum-quality, 1859, TEACHING and PRINCIPAL’s LICENSE / DIPLOMA / CERTIFICATE issued by the STATE OF CALIFORNIA, and the City and County of SAN FRANCISCO, DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, just 9 years after California became the 31st state!

Text indicates that this early Principal and Teaching Certification was awarded to Mr. O. P. Sarle on January 5, 1859. This “Certificate of Approval” found him qualified “with respect to Learning Utility and Moral Character” to not only teach but administer as Principal at the Grammar School Grade for “one year unless sooner revoked by the board”. Signed by five individuals constituting the Examining Board and the President of the Superintendent of Public Schools.

Measures 14 inches X 16.5 inches. Labeled lower left corner: "Fishbourne's Litho. Ohio Street San Francisco". With the exception of early fold lines and a lower left edge water mark (which will not be seen when framed), condition is mint! This certificate comes backed on a museum-quality, acid-free foam board which can be used when the piece is framed.

Truly a historically significant, museum-quality piece of ephemera which tells a part of the story of the beginnings of public school education in California.

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1950 item #383422 (stock #BA473)
Stonegate Antiques
$225.00
An unusual piece, this delightful, cloth Mammy Broom Doll from the 1940's measures 12.5 inches high with a total height of 31 inches including the broom.

Mammy's wonderful, smiling face is all hand-stitched while her clothes are machine sewn. Her blouse is striped cotton, as are Mammy's head, arms, skirt, apron, and cap. Her head, arms, and upper torso have been stuffed with cotton batting. The natural bristle broom fills out both Mammy's torso and skirt & the wooden broom handle extends upward through her neck and head.

Mammy is in all original condition with no mends or repairs. The structural integrity of the broom remains quite sound. Mammy's white cotton apron and cap have been professionally cleaned, removing nearly all traces of old stains, dirt, and dust.

A fabulous piece of vintage Black Americana, and a seldom seen form of the Black Mammy Doll!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1940 item #1490757 (stock #B321)
Stonegate Antiques
$85.00
Offered is an exceedingly unique and unusual, 1939 copyright, Marine, Illinois, 10 page, all-paper (including front and back covers), advertising "Give-Away" pamphlet which tells the complete story of LITTLE BLACK SAMBO. It features both full color and black ink with red accent illustrations. In such near perfect condition, it must never have been read or played with!

The lower back exterior cover reads: "Remember Jos. Pohl & Sons, Inc. and J. I. Case Sales and Service, Marine, Illinois, Dial Phone 2501" as well as "No.528", "Made in USA". On the bottom of the first page, the publisher and copyright date are printed: "MCMXXXIX (1939) Sam'l Gabriel Sons & Company, New York".

Such an unique and very exceptional piece of early 20th-century, Marine, Illinois, historical ephemera!

The story of Little Black Sambo, of course, was to become 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 Bannerman tale, was an Indian boy and not an African-American child. He was converted to this race overtime, 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!

Condition is an amazing 9.5 out of 10, for this ALL PAPER PAMPHLET that is now approximately 85 years of age! All pages have been photographed which clearly show condition throughout. The pamphlet is bound together via two rusty staples which remain intact and are firmly holding all pages and the covers together. All of the very colorful illustrations remain quite bright and vibrant. Measures approximately 5.25 inches wide x 7.25 inches tall.

Amazing condition for an 85 year old, paper advertising story pamphlet that clearly was never enjoyed by a young child - and one that may very well be the only copy remaining in existence! For the collector and lover of the tale of Little Black Sambo, this is a must-have!

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

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1940 item #676630 (stock #BA450)
Stonegate Antiques
$78.00
A wonderful example of hand-crafted Black Americana Folk Art!

This wonderful Depression Era piece features a whimsical 10 inch long cutout figure of a little wooden black girl with hand-painted smiling mouth and eyes! She is dressed in a hand-stitched cotton costume that has been stuffed with scrap fabric.

Her feet feature two brass-finish hooks, presumably to either hang keys or pot holders from. Her ears each have a punched out hole--whether this is functional or purely decorative remains a mystery. A small brass hoop threaded through a piece of fabric which was then tacked to the back of the girl's head facilitates hanging on a wall. Overall condition is fine with age-related soiling to the dress and minor paint wear typical of a 70 year-old-piece.

One of my favorite hand-made pieces with true folk art appeal!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1930 item #1150364 (stock #BA825)
Stonegate Antiques
$145.00
Measuring 2 1/8 inches in diameter x 3/8 of an inch high, this rarely-found, circa 1910, dexterity game depicts a smiling Top-Hatted Dandy! The puzzle is quite colorful and is very visually appealing! The puzzle contains the 3 tiny metal balls along with one white ball of unknown material, that, with the proper manual dexterity, are to be placed in the Dandy’s eyes and as buttons on his shirt!

Constructed of tin with a cardboard lithographed image and a glass cover, this game has a mirrored back. The puzzle is in all-original condition with the Dandy graphic remaining free of scratches and abrasions, and design typical of turn-of-the-century puzzles. The mirrored back shows evidence of 2 tiny areas of subtle, minor chipping along the perimeter edge, and the glass front has a small, very shallow surface chip at the base of the Dandy's shirt and an even tinier one to the left of the top hat. Unless one applies hard pressure to the surface of this glass, I cannot ever imagine this front glass breaking or shattering. (Please disregard any light or shiny spots in photos which are due to flash reflection off of the glass.)

A detailed image and a delightful piece of very early Black Memorabilia!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1940 item #264029 (stock #BA382)
Stonegate Antiques
$125.00
Measuring just 11 inches tall, this sweet cloth doll with a composition face may be placed in either a standing or sitting position.

Her composition face is in impeccable condition with sharp, well-drawn painted facial features. Her face is further accented by 3 darling curls peaking out from under her brightly colored cloth bandanna!

Her body is machine-stitched cotton fabric stuffed with sawdust. On the back of her right thigh, her place of origin is stamped: "POLAND". Her little flowered skirt is also machine stitched and is the only piece of clothing that may be removed.

Condition is superb with the exception of a hand-stitched repair to the seam line of her left foot where the foot is joined to the leg. Does not detract.

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1940 item #1369646 (stock #BA929)
Stonegate Antiques
$395.00
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 very scarce piece is very much reminiscent of Johnny Griffin items with the exception of the intact, broad-rimmed hat on this piece versus the torn rim typically seen on all "named" Johnny Griffin pieces.

This circa 1920-30's novelty piece is constructed in solid brass, is hefty in weight, and was likely used as an ash tray given its tobacco leaf design/theme. The "Johnny Griffin-like" head of the young African-American boy that serves as the centerpiece of this wonderful piece, was molded separately and screwed into place. The screw is concealed under an original brass cap, done purely for esthetics.

The piece is in all original condition with the delightful, warm, rich, golden patina of old brass- not a reproduction- no replaced parts- and measures 7 inches long x 4 1/2 inches wide. It does not retain any markings, and country of origin is unknown, although likely of European origin.

A very seldom found piece of Black Memorabilia, that indeed pairs well with Johnny Griffin items or one's Tobacciana collection!

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

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Nostalgia : Advertising : Pre 1960 item #1432107 (stock #G673)
Stonegate Antiques
$225.00
Offered is a wonderful, C1950s, Art Deco-styled, advertising store sign from a Grand Rapids, Michigan, establishment that features, in bold capital letters, the word, "LIQUOR".

The black-painted, metal frame houses a plastic, cream-colored insert that features an embossed lettering and design technique that advertises the name of the product for sale. The background of this insert sports a streamlined, horizontal, raised "striping" reminiscent of the Art Deco era. When light is allowed to pass through the plastic, translucent insert, the insert appears to be magically illuminated so that the green-colored backside of the sign shines through with brilliance. This effect can be enjoyed by either hanging the sign in front of a window or by fastening tiny LED lights (not included) on the backside of the frame.

The dimensions are approximately 33"L x 5.5"W x 3/4"D, and the overall condition of the sign is very good. The plain metal frame has been repainted in a durable, semi-gloss, black finish. The frame is missing an approximate 5 inch piece at the top half of the left side of the frame; It is not noticeable when the frame is hanging.(see photo) There is also an unobtrusive crimp to the left edge of the frame. (see photo) The painted finish is in very good condition with areas of minor surface imperfection and slight areas of roughness here and there.

The vintage plastic insert is laminated in two tones, with the front noting a rich, aged, cream color, and the back noting a rich green tone. The front of the insert has faint surface imperfections and some areas of uneven discoloring. The lower left portion of the letter "M" has a minor, small, unobtrusive crack. Overall, the insert retains a nice glossed surface patina commensurate with its age.

A note: the first photo best represents what the sign will look like when illuminated from the back with LED or natural window lighting.

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1960 item #1303344 (stock #BA927)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Measuring 21 inches in length, this very handsomely attired, gentleman golliwog doll hails from the early 1950's and remains in near pristine condition. Displayed under glass all of these years, his clothing retains good color and is free of soiling with the exception of his white cotton vest which has one small spot on either side that are both nicely concealed when his jacket is set properly in place. (Clothing is removable if the new owner wishes to launder.)

The golly's clothing is machine stitched; his red mouth and white eyeballs are constructed of felt. His body is tightly stuffed with cotton batting allowing him to be displayed either in a sitting position or standing with the support of a doll stand.

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 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 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.

A very sweet piece!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1930 item #1451178 (stock #BA153)
Stonegate Antiques
$45.00
Measuring 3 1/4 inches long, this circa 1920s, miniature, Black Mammy doll is unique in construction- its head and body have been fashioned from an old rubber baby nursing nipple!

Mammy’s sweet little face has been carefully hand-painted, and she has been nicely dressed in a red dress with blue oval designs, a linen apron and red and black head scarf.

Condition of this wonderful miniature Mammy is very good! With the exception of her nipple face which has contorted a bit due to the ravages of time, she is in delightful condition!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Nostalgia : School : Pre 1930 item #129957 (stock #G257)
Stonegate Antiques
$45.00
This wonderful early wooden school chalk box retains the majority of its original, COBALT BLUE paper label advertising one gross “OLD FAITHFUL COLORED CHALK CRAYONS, # 610, manufactured by the AMERICAN CRAYON COMPANY, Sandusky, Ohio & New York. Alas, the chalk box is empty, the chalk having been long ago used by the school children!

Circa 1920-30’s, the chalk box features a sliding wooden top and carries further advertising on one side printed in matching cobalt blue print. Box measures 6.5 inches x 4.5 inches x 3.75 inches and is constructed of machine cut hinges. In pristine condition and an increasingly difficult collectible to find!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1960 item #479335 (stock #BA564)
Stonegate Antiques
$395.00
A wonderful and quite rare piece of 1950's Black Memorabilia!!

This unique, Japanese made, 6" tall Black Sailor or Pirate ceramic nodder by UCAGCO is in mint condition--no cracks, chips, paint wear or repaint!!! Any white spots, etc in photos are purely the function of poor photography!

This interesting fellow wears blue and white striped pants, yellow and green shirt, and yellow jacket. His head nods "yes" and his flowered-painted fan can be made to wave in any direction.

Both head & fan have "Pat T.T." impressed on the weighted stem.

Truly a quite rarely-found piece of Black Americana with a book value exceeding $450.00.

Please see the two additional Black Memorabilia nodders also available by Ardalt Co., Japan - the darling Black Girl Child Nodder and her companion piece, the adorable Black Boy Child Clown Nodder.

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1930 item #560341 (stock #BA612)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
This vintage 1920's cast iron figure is an authentic piece that was carefully hand-painted long ago. The interesting little hooded drummer measures just 1.5 inches high and is in fine condition with paint scrapes here and there (see all photos). Great facial detail! An interesting figure that displays exceedingly well! Please see the other African-American cast iron figures available for purchase!
All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1910 item #192615 (stock #BA305)
Stonegate Antiques
$95.00
Measuring 3.25 inches X 4 inches, this early 1900's, Glass Magic Lantern Slide is in pristine condition!

Featuring wonderful, vivid colors, this slide is titled "Two Old Chums" on the paper label attached to the back of the slide. The slide depicts an older black gentleman standing, hat in hand, beside a seated, very despondent-looking, white gentleman- who appears to have been drinking.

The slide has wonderful detailing--In particular, please note the print of a Black Child playing the Banjo which hangs on the wall at the far right side of the room!

Very hard to find Black Memorabilia in fabulous condition!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1900 item #403067 (stock #BA502)
Stonegate Antiques
$695.00
An exceptional example of 19th century Folk Art-- a very rare needlework cross stitch sampler with Black Americana theme! This highly unusual example dates to circa 1880's and depicts two young girls on a primitive, “make-do” seesaw--- a wooden board placed over a log-- complete with a grapevine trellis in the background! This wonderful piece is accented with a multi-toned, Greek Key border design with fringe edging.

The needlework measures approximately 15 by 14 inches and is in good condition overall, given its 120+ years of age! The central design is superb with no problems, but the two upper corners show evidence of some unraveling, particularly the upper right, which has a small hole. This little hole could be repaired, or if the piece was framed, it could be visually eliminated; however, it truly does little to detract from the central focal point of the children on the seesaw, when viewed in its entirety. The piece does show subtle evidence of typical, age-related discoloration.

An utterly wonderful and scarce example of 19th century Black Americana themed Needlework!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Nostalgia : School : Pre 1940 item #130031 (stock #G191F)
Stonegate Antiques
$18.00
These wonderful circa 1930's school crayons manufactured by Milton Bradley of Springfield, Massachusetts, are in near mint condition with the exception of very, very light surface soiling to cardboard paper box! Crayons are unused and are all original!

In addition to making children's games, The Milton Bradley Company, for many, many years, produced an extensive array of school supplies, equipment, and materials!

A wonderful addition to School or Artist Memorabilia collection!

Although two boxes are pictured in the photo, sale is for ONE BOX ONLY.

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1960 item #336030 (stock #BA282)
Stonegate Antiques
$125.00
Measuring approximately 4 1/2 inches in length, this wonderful pair of hard plastic African Native dolls are dressed in highly detailed and decorated costumes. Circa 1940s, these all-original dolls with hand-painted faces are in very fine condition and make a striking pair when displayed!

The female is clothed in a green felt dress and head piece that are decorated with tiny blue and white beads. She wears double strand white beaded bracelets and anklets and also wears a double stranded white beaded necklace with a large red bead center. Underneath her dress in back a tiny head peeks out- a little plastic baby that she is carrying!

The male is clothed in a brown and red polka dotted skirt with 2 fur pouches, and a fur headdress. He is swathed in longer strings of beads that encircle his waist and also run diagonally across his chest. He, too, wears a double stranded beaded anklet and necklace. Larger Red beads hang from the sides of his dress as well as from the 2nd fur pouch that hangs behind him.

The arms and legs are movable at hip and shoulder joints of each doll. The Male has the following in raised lettering on his back: P. M. and J. H. B. The remainder of the marking is obscured by beading and clothing. No other markings are visible.

A visually striking pair!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Nostalgia : Advertising : Pre 1930 item #1438104 (stock #G678)
Stonegate Antiques
$55.00
A rarely-found 1920's piece! Measuring approximately 12.5 inches tall x 9.50 inches wide x 3/8" deep, this wonderful and scarce CHOCOLATE LOVER'S Take a Chance Gambling Board would have been found in one's local general store. A novel advertising promotion, it provided an opportunity for the store to increase patronage by offering a chance at winning a delicious chocolate giveaway- perfect for a Valentine Day's gift for that special someone!

For a ten cent purchase, one had the opportunity to puncture one of the white dots on the board, and then remove the tiny piece of curled paper which was printed with a random number. If the number on the tiny curled paper matched one of the numbers on the board, one would win the corresponding prize for only a ten cent expenditure! If the number failed to match any numbers on the board, one walked away 10 cents poorer along with a unfulfilled desire for delicious chocolate!

The board remains unpunched with the exception of 2 fully punched holes out of a total of 300 opportunities to win! Of the two punched holes, one is missing its paper strip, while the other remains in place and can easily be removed with tweezers...alas, this take-a-chance paper has a number printed on it which dos not match any on the board, making it a non-winner!

The board is constructed of a wooden frame completely covered in paper, with a hollow interior which allows for the insertion of the Take-A-Chance curled papers. The piece remains quite sturdy and easily displayed. The photographs indicate the subtle, paper edge wear evident of this 100 year old piece! Displays wonderfully!

A seldom found piece of chocolate memorabilia! A reluctant de-accession from my own personal, chocolate lover's collection due to downsized, change of residence.

Perfect timing for that very unique St. Valentine's Day gift, accompanied of course, by a box of actual delicious chocolates!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1940 item #1303190 (stock #BA926, BA101)
Stonegate Antiques
$245.00
Offered are two, circa 1930's, Japan, colorfully decorated, Black Americana Tea Pots in pristine condition! A darling and diminutive, novelty elephant piece with riding black native completes the trio! All three elephants proudly point their trunks upward, awarding "Good Luck" (according to superstition) to anyone who displays them (or drinks their tea)!

Cleverly designed, the elephants themselves, serve as the body of each tea pot, while the turbaned Black Natives lift off the elephants' backs revealing their function as tea pot lids. A wicker handle facilitates handling on the two large tea pots. The base of all three pieces are marked "JAPAN".

The largest tea pot measures 7 inches high by 8 inches long; the middle-sized tea pot measures 6 inches high by 7 inches long; the tiny novelty piece measures a diminutive 3.25 inches long by 2.75 inches high.

Condition is excellent on all three pieces with the exception of the wicker handle on the middle-sized tea pot. One end of the handle is missing its looped section of the wicker that would have wrapped around the ceramic loop to secure the handle to the tea pot. As is noted in the photos, that end of the handle can be propped against the ceramic loop to maintain its proper appearance for display purposes.

Handsome and difficult-to-find pieces of vintage Black Memorabilia! All three Good Luck Elephant pieces are offered as a single group, priced at $245.00!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1920 item #1476028 (stock #BA988)
Stonegate Antiques
$475.00
Offered is a circa 1910, original piece of art entitled "Who Said Watermelons". This captivating charcoal on paper portrait of a young African American boy, very much resembles the iconic, fictional figure painted by an unknown artist in the mid 1800's, a figure who has come to be known as 'Johnny Griffin' or the 'Young Black boy with the Torn Hat'.

Measuring just 7 inches wide x 9 inches high, this unsigned piece is very skillfully executed accomplishing a three-dimensional sense of depth through the expert use of light and dark, while capturing the intriguing expression on this young boy's face. Just what is he thinking?

Was this enchanting charcoal portrait completed as a study in preparation for a final, more complex piece, or was it, indeed, the final execution of a subject caught in passing?

Condition is quite fine. Note the faint trace of the artist's title for this work done in a lighter charcoal hiding behind the darker, final printing of the title. Framed in an old black wooden frame, this intriguing charcoal portrait would benefit from professional framing using archival, acid-free materials to enhance its life for many years to come.

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1950 item #404205 (stock #BA504)
Stonegate Antiques
$245.00
Measuring 13 inches high, this delightful, hand-made, brother and sister pair of Black cloth dolls were made circa 1940's, by "Roxie" of Asheville, North Carolina, as attested to by the dollmaker's tag sewn on the brother's backside.

Both dolls are in near perfect condition with the exception of a tiny teardrop mark under brother's left eye and a tiny hole next to sister's left side of face on her hairline. Detailing is very sweet with nicely embroidered facial features and color-coordinated, machine-stitched clothing. Hair is authentic looking made of fuzzy wool yarn-- brother's hair is curly and nubby--- sister's is done in a head full of bow-tied pigtails! Bodies are machine-stitched, brown cotton that are each stuffed with cotton batting.

A pair of cuties!!!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Specialty : Tobacco : Pre 1930 item #1065646 (stock #G409)
Stonegate Antiques
$38.00
Measuring 10.25 inches wide by 7 inches high, this highly-colorful, mint condition, felt, American flag is actually a tobacco premium (free gift) which was awarded as a free bonus to tobacco buyers back in the day to encourage them to continue to purchase that particular brand!

The flag features 48 stars and is bordered with the stars and stripes as well as a Liberty Bell at each of the four corners.

The Flag is double-sided and looks fabulous when viewed from either side.

Would look quite striking if matted and framed!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Toys : Games : Pre 1920 item #1151244 (stock #G625)
Stonegate Antiques
$65.00
Offered is an antique, C1910, German-made dexterity puzzle that measures 1 15/16" in diameter and 3/8" thick. This delightful game features a fixed, small mouse trap with two, moving, metal mice. The object of the game is to get the mice into the trap.

Colorful detailing of cats on cardboard covered-bottom is marked "Made in Germany". Tin frame holds game with glass cover on one side and mirror on reverse side.

In excellent condition considering age. Glass cover is free of cracks. Game color is still bright. Original mirror has a few spots of silvering and light scratching but is free of cracks. Displays quite well!