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All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1900 item #1485319 (stock #BA1004)
Stonegate Antiques
$45.00
Offered are two, VERY RARELY FOUND, 1880's, Black Americana die cuts printed in Germany and sold by the Bim Brothers, London.

This offering features two lovely die cuts- one, a well-to-do Victorian era husband and wife out for a stroll, and the second, a colorfully dressed musical trio playing banjo, concertina (small accordion) and tambourine. The musical trio remains connected- adding to its value- and uncut, number 7568.

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

Approximate measurements are as follows:
The Older Couple: 6" tall x 4.25" wide
The Musical Trio: 5" tall x 4.50" wide.

Priced each at $45.

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 the older couple reveal no restorations or repairs. The Trio of Musicians remain very loosely adhered to a piece of black construction paper so the verso cannot be viewed. (I leave removal to the buyer.) Inspection of the front side suggests no repair or restoration to this piece.

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1900 item #613707 (stock #G566)
Stonegate Antiques
$425.00
Offered for your consideration is an appealing, circa late 1900s, deep aqua blue painted wood jewelers sign. The sign was acquired from a Columbia, South Carolina estate and measures approximately 63" long x 7" wide. It is in very nice overall condition except for areas of paint loss, some crackling and general wear of a vintage sign. An unobtrusive 4 inch split is noted near the left edge and some scattered paint flecks add to a wonderful patina. A modest scratch is apparent through the word "JEWELLER".

Lettering is original and in very good condition except for some unobtrusive scuffing and loss. Please note that the lettering is bordered with black enhancement. There are 2 holes, one on each side which were originally used for mounting on the building exterior.

Will make a great addition to your collection.

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Nostalgia : Fashion : Posters : Pre 1900 item #1467163 (stock #G711)
Stonegate Antiques
$225.00
Professionally framed in 1989 with museum-quality, acid-free backing as well as acid-free double-matting, this fabulous 1863, double fashion print from Godey's Lady's Book Magazine depicts the high style of the upper echelons of ladies' fashions during the Abraham Lincoln presidency, 159 years ago!

These fashion prints were carefully folded by Godey's to preserve the image and then were typically placed at the front of the magazine. The prints were reproduced from an actual, intricately detailed engraving which was then hand-tinted. Accompanying these fashion prints (or fashion plates as they were often referred to during this time period) were very detailed descriptions about each garment featured as well as the occasions in which a lady would appropriately wear each one.

This Godey's fashion offering features two prints detailing a total of 10 ladies and one young girl in the highest fashions of the day!

In the left side print, three different ladies model the latest in outerwear cover garments, while a fourth young woman is dressed ethereally in oyster white linen and lace. She looks on over the shoulder of a fifth woman dressed in creamy satin who quite expertly paints the portrait of a young girl. A little dog patiently waits! As an artist myself, I have always been especially fond of this Godey print!

The right side print features 5 young women dressed in exquisitely designed satin gowns adorned with lace and hand-embroidery straight from the fashion books of Paris! One of the ladies still models a brilliant ruby outer wear garment, having just arrived to the party that we see in the distance on the right side of the print beyond the heavily brocaded drapery entrance.

The hairstyles and the head-dresses in all Godey's fashion prints were also deliberately depicted so that one's "complete appearance" reflected the latest fashions from Europe, most particularly, France.

Both "fashion plate" prints are in wonderful condition with no concerns noted. Fold lines original to the prints' placement in the magazine are present as is expected as folding these fabulous prints within the magazine was viewed as a mechanism of protection while being transported through the postal system. The fashion plates were expected to be removed and used to either recreate one's own costume, or to add to one's visual collection of current fashion in a memory book or diary.

The prints are double matted in oyster white and a very neutral earth tone- colors that compliment the shadowing in the prints as well as the multiple shades of color worn by the featured ladies.

Measuring approximately 12.75" high x 28.25" wide, this highly decorative wood frame is antiqued-gold-toned and is in mint condition. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL PHOTOS WERE TAKEN THROUGH THE GLASS which accounts for any and all bizarre reflections and/or aberrations in tone or color that might appear in photos. This stunning piece is perfect!

A bit of history: Godey's Lady's Book or Magazine was an American women's magazine that was published from 1830 to 1878 in Philadelphia. It not only featured fashions of the time, but short stories, poetry, directions and patterns for sewing garments at home as well as piano sheet music. Even though the yearly subscription of $3 was quite expensive for the time, the magazine was extraordinarily popular - the most popular monthly journal of its time, with subscribers at its peak reaching 150,000.

Please note that because this item would be classified as oversize (the length) by delivery carriers, this item does not qualify for free shipping.

Type "Godey's" into the SEARCH bar on our homepage to locate the other Godey's Fashion print we have available for sale.

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Nostalgia : Advertising : Pre 1900 item #1209346 (stock #G631)
Stonegate Antiques
$275.00
Measuring 5 3/4 inches high x 4 1/4 inches wide x 2 3/4 inches deep, this darling salesman's sample case advertises the Wholesale Grocers, Loverin and Browne Company. This Chicago, Illinois, company established business in 1872.

This diminutive tin case is painted black with gold accenting and gold lettering present on the front of the case. The black paint shows reasonable wear given its 130+ years of age with the majority of wear evident along seam lines and at the base. The gold painting on the front of the case remains quite nice with very small areas of unobtrusive paint loss present (please see all photos). This tin case was clearly well cared for over the years.

The case contains three, pull-out, tin drawers with tiny, circular, loop pulls at the ends, that when slid out, reveal 15 separate compartments designed to hold the corked, glass, sample bottles. Fourteen bottles remain present, all of which are original to the case. The bottles advertise the spices and perfume waters that the Loverin and Browne Company manufactured for wholesale purchase by various independent groceries. The base of each bottle sits on a spring which would have facilitated secure storage during travel.

An interesting addition to one's advertisement collection! Very easy to display with great visual appeal!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1900 item #1485317 (stock #BA1003)
Stonegate Antiques
$45.00
Offered is a beautiful variety grouping of VERY RARELY FOUND, 1880's, Black Americana die cuts printed in Germany and sold by the Bim Brothers, London.

This offering features two lovely die cuts- one, a well-to-do Victorian era husband and wife sitting down to dinner, and the second, a colorfully dressed bride and groom at the altar about to take their wedding vows. The third offering is a glossy finish mini-size litho featuring three siblings arriving at school with book bags on their backs, and one sporting an umbrella in case it later rains. Three children peer out the school window awaiting their arrival.

The products for which these die cuts and litho were meant to endorse is unknown. The litho features a very glossy finish, and 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! Think gift!

Approximate measurements are as follows:
The dining couple & the Wedding: 4" tall x 5.75" wide
School children: 6" tall x 4.50" wide

Priced each at $45.

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 three pieces reveal that only the wedding die cut has a small restoration made to one of the altar candlesticks using archival quality tape. There have been no repairs or restorations made to either the school litho or the Dinner die cut.

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Nostalgia : Fashion : Posters : Pre 1900 item #1467042 (stock #G710)
Stonegate Antiques
$145.00
Professionally framed in 1992 with museum-quality, acid-free backing as well as acid-free double-mats, this fabulous 1863, fashion print from Godey's Lady's Book Magazine depicts the high style of the upper echelons of ladies' fashions during the Abraham Lincoln presidency, 159 years ago!

These fashion prints were typically placed at the front of the magazine, carefully folded to protect them from damage. They were reproduced from an actual, highly-detailed engraving which was then hand-tinted. Accompanying these fashion prints (or fashion plates as they were often referred to as) were very detailed descriptions about the garments featured as well as the occasions in which they could be appropriately worn.

This Godey's print features 5 ladies who have gathered together for tea and cakes while a young girl attempts to play with her dog who is distracted by the cake one lady holds in her hand!

This "fashion plate" print is in wonderful condition with just a single, teeny circular age-related early stain in the extreme lower left corner. Fold lines original to the print's placement in the magazine are noted. The print is double matted in gray and a very pale mauve- colors that reflect the shadowing in the print as well as the shades worn by both the little girl playing with her dog as well as the lady second from the right who wears the most intricately ornate gown featured!

Measuring 12.75" long x 14.75" wide, this highly decorative wood frame is silver toned with subtle hints of gold and is in mint condition.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL PHOTOS WERE TAKEN THROUGH THE GLASS which accounts for any and all bizarre reflections and/or aberrations in tone or color that might appear in photos.

A bit of history: Godey's Lady's Book or Magazine was an American women's magazine that was published from 1830 to 1878 in Philadelphia. It not only featured fashions of the time, but short stories, poetry, directions and patterns for sewing garments at home as well as piano sheet music. Even though the yearly subscription of $3 was quite expensive for the time, the magazine was extraordinarily popular - the most popular monthly journal of its time, with subscribers at its peak reaching 150,000.

Please see the other framed Godey's print we are offering featuring two different fashion plates! Simply type "Godey's" into the search bar.

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Nostalgia : School : Pre 1900 item #129969 (stock #G297)
Stonegate Antiques
$125.00
A fabulously detailed, historical graphic of the California State Seal adds to the importance of this authentic, museum-quality, 1899, TEACHING LICENSE / DIPLOMA issued by the STATE OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY, DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.

Text indicates that the diploma was awarded to Josephine Downey on October 21, 1899, and certified her to teach the Grammar or Primary Grade for the subsequent 6 years. Signed by Thomas Kirsh, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Secretary.

Further documentation on reverse reads, "Issued on the recommendation of the Board of Education of San Francisco County, in accordance with Section 1521 of the Political Code, upon a first grade or Grammar Grade Certificate of San Francisco County, California, 95% (Josephine’s teacher examination grade).”

With the exception of early fold lines, condition is mint! Measures 14.6 inches X 11.5 inches.

See my other school certificates for an 1892 Teaching Certificate awarded to Josephine's sister, Mary Downey!

A wonderful piece of museum-quality, educational ephemera representing San Francisco's and the state of California's early educational history!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1900 item #1459777 (stock #BA970)
Stonegate Antiques
$165.00
Offered is a highly-collectible and seldom-found, circa 1850's, Staffordshire, England, earthenware, pictorial ABC plate featuring a Southern US slavery theme: slaves picking cotton.

Entitled "Gathering Cotton", the plate depicts eight slaves, including two children, picking cotton and placing it in woven straw baskets.

Plates such as this, particularly those with the alphabet embossed around the rim, were produced for use by children as subtle educational tools. England was well ahead of the United States in recognizing the moral evils of slavery abolishing it in 1833, but continued to produce slavery-themed plates for the American market.

This plate measures only a diminutive 5 1/2 inches in diameter, and the interior is decorated with the black transfer-printed scene which was then hand-painted in colors prior to firing. The rim is embossed with decorative swirls as well as the alphabet in capital letters.

Condition of the plate is quite good. It has a use/age-related spider-crack that is visible on the backside of the plate and is also partially visible on the front side. (see photos) This spider-crack is quite tight and does not pose any concern to the structural integrity of the plate. Also noted is some subtle edge roughness which occurred during firing; hardly noticeable when the plate is displayed on a stand. This plate has graced my collection for the past 30 years!

Despite its age-related imperfections, this plate displays absolutely beautifully, and for those collectors who are interested in slavery-related artifacts, this would be a noteworthy and visually-appealing addition to one's collection.

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1900 item #1476095 (stock #BA989)
Stonegate Antiques
$245.00
Offered is a colorful, 1883, lithographed, Lime Kiln Club, Black Americana, Cigar Label by Mensing & Stecher of Rochester, New York (company noted in the lower left corner). The lithographed 8" x 6" label would have been placed on the inside cover of the traditional wooden cigar box of that era. This highly detailed label features a caricature image of a very boisterous group of African Americans at a lodge meeting. The moderator is trying to get order while some of the members talk and fight amongst themselves with one even holding a pistol.

A trademark label affixed to the bottom of a sour mash whiskey barrel, "ICMCo" stands for the Ithaca (New York) Cigar Manufacturing Co. for whom the label was made.

Interestingly, this cigar label was based on a racial parody book featuring a fictitious fraternal organization of African-Americans, titled 'Brother Gardner's Lime-Kiln Club' by "M. Quad". Quad, in actuality, was noted newspaper columnist and satirist, Charles Bertrand Lewis, of the Detroit Free Press.

Framed in an 8.75" x 10.75" silver-toned wood frame, this Lime Kiln Club lithographed label is extraordinarily scarce and highly sought after. It is listed as one of the top 100 blue chip cigar labels by "InStone 100" (a cigar label rating organization). The lower right hand corner notes the US Patent Office Registry date of May 22nd 1883. This 19th century piece would benefit from professional framing using archival, acid-free materials to enhance its life for many more years to come.

Condition: The color remains as brilliant as the day this 140 year old label was produced! Four unobtrusive and minor tears are noted: two in the lower left corner area, one at the center top near the moderator's gavel, and one between the K and I in Kiln. A crease is noted in the white margin above the label title, and a water mark is present in the lower right side of the white margin. However, none of these blemishes detract from this highly intricate lithograph! Take a few moments to carefully study all of the activity and detailing in this colorful piece!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1900 item #1485187 (stock #BA999)
Stonegate Antiques
$1,595.00
Offered is an utterly fabulous, one-of-a-kind, 1880s, piece of original artwork by Edward West Merrill (1841-1910) of Concord, New Hampshire.

Merrill, known for creating extraordinary art collages of cut paper, cut birch bark, ink, and watercolor mounted on black construction weight paper, fashioned this particular piece depicting the fictional African-American Blackville Debating Society, by encompassing all of these preferred artistic mediums.

One can see the beautiful grain of the white birch bark Merrill used to execute each figure and form, which he then detailed using black ink and added depth and color by applying varying natural tones of watercolor. Merrill added additional elements of detail to the black mounting paper using a lighter toned ink, such as the entrance/exit door to the left of the moderator. The resulting work of art is simply exquisite!

Merrill's subject matter ranged from various genre pieces to racist scenes inspired by Solomon Eytinge, Jr.'s, (1833-1905) "Blackville" series that Eytinge created for Harper's Weekly in the 1870s. Merrill's artwork offered here was inspired by Solomom Eytinge's "Blackville" lithograph printed in the January 4, 1879, edition of Harper's Weekly. (A photo of Eytinge's litho is presented for client reference and comparison to E.W. Merrill's work and is not available for sale.) When comparing the two pieces, one will note that Merrill changed his artwork from that of Eytinge's by eliminating one of the "scorner's" in the right corner, many of the club members featured at the bottom Eytinge's litho as well as the signage above the debate moderator and by adding the 25 lb "Best Soap" box under the moderator's table leg.

At the base of this work reads the following: The Blackwell Debating Society- "Wedder Lord Dorwin Involved Hisself or Somebody Else." -The Scorner in the Corner Will Reply Drawn By E.W. Merrill Concord NH .

Measurements including the handsome, original oak frame are 26" wide x 18.5" in length. The original hanging eyelets have been removed for ease in shipping and are present under the tape as seen in the photo of the verso of the artwork.

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1900 item #1485321 (stock #BA1006)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Offered is a fabulous grouping of 10, VERY RARELY FOUND, 1880's, Black Americana die cuts printed in Germany and sold by the Bim Brothers, London.

The die cuts are a representation of every day European black folk of the 1880s- from a mother holding her infant to an officer in the army, these ten charming die cuts make for a thought-provoking display! Interestingly, yes, these die cuts do indeed have a bluish tinge to their skin color- an occurrence for which no explanation can be offered.

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. This grouping would look fabulous framed!

Approximate measurements are as follows:
6 Musicians: 4.75" tall x 3.75" 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 the figures reveals that there are no restorations or repairs to any of the 6 figures whose verso can be viewed. Note that 4 of the figures remain loosely attached to the black construction paper; it will be left to the buyer to choose whether or not to detach them.

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

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Nostalgia : Advertising : Pre 1900 item #433910 (stock #G550)
Stonegate Antiques
$495.00
Offered for sale is a very rare, circa 1890s, trade sign or display advertisement for “KESSLER’S – SMOOTH AS SILK“ WHISKEY-- shaped in the form of a TOP HAT!

This fabulous advertising piece is made of papier mache’, is painted black, and sports cream-colored lettering on both sides of the hat. 19th century advertising pieces such as this are quite simply, extremely rare in today's collectible market, and when found command high values!

Julius Kessler, born in 1855, in Budapest- at that time, part of the Austrian Empire- traveled to America to make his fortune. In 1888, he began by personally selling his American blended whiskey known for its silky smoothness, door-to-door, to all of the saloons in Leadville, Colorado. The image of a smooth and silky Top Hat as the company's trademark advertising symbol added a flair of elegance to the brand! Kessler's whiskey quickly grew in prominence and popularity, and by 1935, was bought by Seagram's, with Kessler appointed as President. Julius Kessler passed away at the age of 80, but his image still adorns the bottle's label today- currently owned and produced by Beam Suntory-, as does his slogan, “smooth as silk”!

The condition of this fab piece is very, very good given its 125++ years of age, with some areas of paint loss and wear (mostly to the top of the hat which is the surface that actually serves as the base for this piece). No structural weakness or damage to the papier mache- a very solid piece that displays beautifully!!

Measures 12”L x 9.5”W x 6”H. A superb, 19th century, eye-catching, visually appealing, antique display advertisement!!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1900 item #113528 (stock #B132)
Stonegate Antiques
$165.00
The book, THOMPSON IN AFRICA or AN ACCOUNT OF THE MISSIONARY LABORS, SUFFERINGS, TRAVELS, AND OBSERVATIONS is the compilation of the journal kept by missionary George Thompson while working at the Mendi Mission in Sierra Leone, Africa, during the period 1848-1851. This is a second edition published in 1852, printed for the author by William Harned, 48 Beekman Street, New York City (the first edition was published in 1851).

George Thompson’s missionary service to Africa occurs approximately 7 years after the MENDI natives of the AMISTAD were accompanied by missionaries on their return to Africa. He serves this very same mission, now in the of colony Sierra Leone, a colony which was established to serve as refuge for the liberated Africans taken from slave ships.

356 pages long, this journal provides a fascinating account of all aspects of the Mendi culture seen through the eyes, however biased in his mission to convert the Africans to Christianity, of a genuinely well-meaning gentleman of his time. Condition: complete, tight binding, foxing throughout, spine wear as shown in picture.

Thompson states, “It is hoped that the following narrative may, in the hands of GOD, awaken a desire in many hearts to go to Africa, for the purposes of preaching, teaching, farming, building houses, mills, manufactories, etc., and thus assist in making long despised and neglected AFRICA, what it is capable of becoming, THE GARDEN OF THE WORLD.”

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1900 item #1459667 (stock #BA966)
Stonegate Antiques
$1,195.00
Offered is an extraordinarily rare, 1844, Warren County, Georgia, ARREST WARRANT for a SLAVE girl named Ally who is accused of drowning two young (Caucasian) girls in Sweetwater Creek, Georgia. The girls aged 7 and 10, were daughters of Thomas Roney, who filed the charge. The slave girl, Ally, is owned by Nancy Mayhamry (?SP), but was in the possession of Thomas Roney at the time of the drownings.

The single page, 16" x 25" document was folded in half by its author, and the charge is written out on one side of the folded page (see photos). The folded page was then flipped over, folded into fourths, and the title of the charge was written out: "Warrant of Slave girl Ally Crime of Murder "Tho. Roney (?)Pros(?)".

The text of the charge reads as follows, Paragraph one:
"Georgia Warren County"
"Before me Elisha Burson as Justice of the peace for Said County personally came before me Thomas Roney who being duly Sworn Saith that, he had Just reason to believe and verify doth believed that a negro girl by the name of Ally, hired by, and in the possession of Said Thomas, and the property of Nancy Mayhamry, did on Sunday afternoon twelfth last in Said County in Sweetwater Creek, feloniously and willfully drown two of his children, to wit, two daughters, one ten years old, the other seven years old - Sworn and Subscribed to before me May 30th, 1844" - (signed) Elisha C Burson J.P. (signed) Tho. Roney

Paragraph Two:
"Georgia Warren County"
"To any lawful officer to execute and return - Whereas Thomas Roney hath this day made complaint before me on oath, that he hath just reason to believe and verify doth believed that a negro girl by the name of Ally, hired by, and in the possession of Said Thomas, and the property of Mary Mayhamry, did on Sunday afternoon twelfth last- in Said County in Sweetwater creek, feloniously and willfully drown two of his children, to wit, two daughters one ten years old, the other Seven years old - This was therefore to command you, to apprehend this Said negro girl Ally, and bring her before me that she may be dealt with as the law directs - here of fail not - - - In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal, May 30th, 1844" - - - (signed) Elisha C Burson J.P. S.S.--(the S.S. encircled perhaps to signify his Seal)

Condition of this very, very unique slavery document is quite fine given its 178 years of age. Expected aging of paper with insignificant and minor tears at creases and tiny areas of soiling. (see photos)

Truly an extraordinarily rare historical document that defines a specific slave-related incident.

One has to wonder what became of Ally? Was she ever caught? If so, she was likely put to death. But was she innocent or guilty? Because she was a slave, it, heinously, did not matter as she would be allowed no voice...

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Nostalgia : School : Pre 1900 item #129972 (stock #G288)
Stonegate Antiques
$125.00
Elaborate graphics which include the California State Seal adds to the importance of this authentic, museum-quality, 1892, TEACHING LICENSE / DIPLOMA issued by the STATE OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY, DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.

Text indicates that the diploma was awarded to Mary L. Downey on January 15, 1892, and certified her to teach the Grammar or Primary Grade for the subsequent 6 years. Signed by 5 members of the California State Board of Education.

Further documentation on reverse reads, "Issued on the recommendation of the Board of Education of San Francisco, in accordance with Section 1521 of the Political Code, upon a first grade or Grammar Grade Certificate of San Francisco, 86.7% (Mary’s teacher examination grade).”

With the exception of early fold lines, condition is mint! Measures 8 inches X 10.5 inches.

See my other items for an 1899 Teaching Certificate awarded to Mary's sister, Josephine Downey!

A wonderful piece of museum-quality, educational ephemera representing San Francisco's and the state of California's early educational history!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1900 item #961675 (stock #BA775)
Stonegate Antiques
$175.00
Produced as a souvenir piece for the 1884 New Orleans Exposition, this diminutive, antique, metal match holder measures just 2.5 inches high!

Marked "Pat Applied For" on its base, this darling match holder features two small black boys playing around a rather large cotton bale (the bale is labeled "COTTON").

Well-executed detail! A lovely piece seldom found in today's collectible market!

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1900 item #1485242 (stock #BA1001)
Stonegate Antiques
$35.00
Offered are two, VERY RARE, 1880's, Black Americana advertisements printed in Germany and sold by the Bim Brothers, London. The two advertisements both feature African Americans- one showcasing a family of five out for a stroll in the park, and the other featuring a group of nine folks of varying ages playing musical instruments and dancing in celebration.

The products which these advertisements were meant to endorse is unknown. The advertisements feature a high-shine, glossy finish which compliments the beautiful detailing and intense coloring of each piece. Both would look fabulous framed!

The advertisement featuring the strolling family measures approximately 7.25 inches wide x 10.25 inches long. The advertisement featuring the nine celebrators measures approximately 10.25 inches wide x 7.25 inches long.

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 advertisements. These pieces are approximately 140 years old, and while in very good condition given their age, both do have tiny surface imperfections, bend lines and light edge wear. The advertisement featuring the celebrators has significant edge wear and some paper loss along the horizontal top and bottom of the piece; however, with proper matting and framing, these imperfections can be easily and completely hidden.

The advertisements are PRICED EACH as follows: $35 for the family of five out for a stroll and $25 for the advertisement featuring the 9 celebrating and dancing folk.

All Items : Popular Collectibles : Nostalgia : School : Pre 1900 item #854496 (stock #G590)
Stonegate Antiques
$55.00
Offered is a group of five, antique paper, hand-personalized and signed, New York Public School student merit awards from the 1840's, each priced separately, and suitable for framing.

All 5 of these artistically-rendered awards were presented to the same student, Maria Royce, and signed by her teacher, Isabella F. McCormick, as well as two representatives of the school committee for "regular and punctual attendance with correct deportment and diligent attention to her studies." Maria obviously was educated in a one room school house given that she had the same teacher over a four year period.

The awards are dated May 1841, May 1842, March 18-- (year inadvertently omitted), June 1842, and January 1844.

The merit awards measure 8 inches wide x 10 inches long and are adorned at the top of the award with a well-executed black line etching of a teacher and her students viewing a large world globe with an elegant school house of formal architecture standing imposingly in the background-- and at the base of the award, a delicate and detailed floral wreath.

The awards are in fine condition with very minor wrinkling to the edges. May 1841 and March 18-- also have minor edge-area foxing that will not be visible once the award is matted and framed.

These early examples of school ephemera are quite rare and would be a fabulous addition to a vintage school memorabilia collection!

Priced $55 Each; please specify date of document you wish to purchase.