$125.00
Constructed of tin with a cardboard lithographed image and a glass cover, this game is backed with its original mirror. The puzzle is in all-original condition with the lithographed graphic remaining free of scratches and abrasions. The glass is rippled but is not damaged as it remains smooth to the touch. A "defective" piece of glass was likely just simply chosen for use in what was once an inexpensive penny game!. The mirror shows some tiny bits of loss to silvering as noted in photos. (Please disregard any light or shiny spots in photos which are due to flash reflection off of the glass.)
An interesting image and a delightful piece of early Black Memorabilia!
$125.00
This seldom found copy was originally published in 1932 by Rand McNally & Company of New York.
This copy has superficial scratches to the front and back covers, as well as surface soiling, and wear on book cover edges.(see photos). The front cover has a slight tear at the crease that does not effect strength or integrity of the cover board. A couple of pages have minor staining. The binding is super-tight and all pages remain present.
Topsy's adventures are divided into three chapters in length, approximately 59 numbered pages. Book is filled with a variety of black-ink and black and red illustrations as represented in photos. The story of Topsy was likely inspired by the Little Black Sambo stories which originated at the turn of the 20th century. PLEASE NOTE: in the photos, the printing seems 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!
Please see the other Topsy Turvy book available for separate purchase, a 1938 copy of Topsy Turvy's PigTails.
$125.00
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!
$125.00
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 a 8 out of 10! All wear on this brightly colored hardcover book was absorbed by its cover with minor wear to book edge points, book cover edges, and spine edges. Light scuffing to front and back covers. The interior binding is intact and tight as are all pages. No missing pages, rips, creasing, pen/pencil markings or bends to pages with one exception: the initial front blank page is missing its lower corner, and it also has five circular hole punches running at the bottom of the page. Child mischief, no doubt!
The fourteen colored illustrations remain very bright and vibrant with the McLoughlin Bros. well known for their very fine artistry. Three black ink illustrations. Pages printed with a larger font suitable for young readers. Subtle age discoloration to pages.
Wonderful condition for a nearly 90 year old book that is exceedingly difficult to find in today's market!
To see all of the Little Black Sambo items currently available for sale, simply enter “Sambo” into the search box on our website homepage.
$125.00
Offered are two school slates, both designed to support children's learning, either while in school or at home.
The C1870 school slate was commonly known as a book slate as it is constructed of two separate slates that are bound together on one side allowing the slates to open and close like a book. This construction also allows the bound slates to stand freely on a flat surface. Each slate measures 7" wide x 9' long, and are framed in wood with a decorative, thread bound leather edging that has been tacked into place around the perimeter. The two slates are joined together by a cloth binding. The condition of the slates are quite fine with no cracks, fractures or missing elements either to the slates' surfaces or to the framing. Traces of ancient writings and numerals are subtly visible. Double slates are much less common versus the single slate as doubles were not only more expensive to produce but also were more expensive to purchase!
The companion slate offered was produced by the well-known US child toy and game manufacturer, Transogram, circa early 1960s. This slate retains its original and quite visually-appealing box and is constructed of a masonite-type board-- with a smooth surface on the backside and a textured gray-colored surface on the front side. The slate is in very good condition and is imprinted with the alphabet and numerals 0-9 as well as a pair of stars and school bells on either side of its name: TRANSO-SLATE. The slate is advertised on the box cover as washable, and the set originally came with a little eraser and colored chalk. The eraser is no longer present and only remnants of colored and white chalk remain. The condition of the box is quite fine with only superficial wear to some of the cover edges. No rips or repairs. Imaging and printing on the box cover remain bright and intact. The box measures 8.25" wide x 6.25" long. The slate measures just a fraction smaller, fitting snugly inside of the box.
A wonderful pairing of 19th and mid-20th century educational tools!
$125.00
This professionally executed, rare sign measures 29 inches long x 9 inches wide and is in good condition. Areas of light paint loss as seen in the photos and a few minor crimps in the metal, most noted by the corners, are commensurate with age.
An internet search revealed that the club was established over 100 years ago in 1909, although this sign appears to be from the 1940s. A neat find!
$125.00
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.
$125.00
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!
In utterly excellent condition with the only flaws noted to this hardcover book being extremely minor corner edge wear, it also comes with its original dust cover which has been subjected to significant wear and tear as seen in photos: a missing piece, taped edges, scuffs, light soiling, and minor tears. The dust cover shows its 65 years of age while the book, itself, is nearly mint.
Both the black and white as well as color illustrations are just superb! Unnumbered pages alternate between color and black line illustrations.
A must have addition for the collector of Little. Black Sambo books!
To see all of the Little Black Sambo items currently available for sale, simply type “Sambo” into the search box on our website homepage.
$125.00
(Also currently available is Fern Bisel Peat's companion Little Black Sambo storybook!)
This puzzle rendition of Little Black Sambo depicts Sambo strutting out into the jungle dressed in his newly acquired outfit complete with shade umbrella- all of which is soon to attract the attention of those nasty tigers! This scene has been taken directly from the 1931 copyright, softcover, large folio, Little Black Sambo book illustrated by Fern Bisel Peat and published by The Harter Publishing Company, Educational Publishers, Cleveland Ohio. It is likely that both the puzzle and the book were released to the public at the same time. They were intended for use in the school setting, grades K-2, as well as in the home. The aforementioned large folio Little Black Sambo Book is also available for purchase on this website (type Sambo into the SEARCH box).
Ready to be framed, the puzzle has retained all of the brilliance of its original colors and also sports the artist signature of Fern Bisel Peat in the upper right hand corner. Slight and subtle edge wear to some puzzle pieces as noted in photo. A wonderful addition to one’s Little Black Sambo collection by this highly sought-after, renowned American children's illustrator!
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.
$125.00
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!
$95.00
The set appears to have been lightly used, if at all! Nearly all blocks are present, and all of these are in wonderful condition! It appears that one red triangular block is missing along with the four rectangular pieces needed to complete the second window frame (the second paper window insert remains).
The exterior paper label attached to the sliding, wood cover is beautifully intact with just a light water mark present on the upper left side. A glue remnant on the upper right corner of the cover remains. The paper label offers eight detailed examples of what one might choose to build with this lovely set! What a fabulous, graphic image that would certainly command presence when displayed on a shelf! The integrity of the all-wooden box remains strong and sturdy.
Sets such as these could be found in the more affluent home as well as in early elementary level classrooms. Such toys or learning manipulatives, promoted the development of the young learner's eye-hand coordination as well as visual-spatial reasoning skills.
$95.00
Contains numerous black and white line drawings which prove to quite adequately visually supplement this interesting text! At the back of text is an 1865 colored map of the world as well as Questions for General Review and Review Exercises for use by teachers!
Hardcover- Medium Folio Size (8 x 10 inches), 118 pages; good condition (please see photos): use wear to cover, minimal foxing, overall tight binding with loosening of last two pages, corner edge wear to covers, pencil inscriptions on frontispiece and back by former students.
A delightful addition to the School Memorabilia collection!
$95.00
Both dolls retain their 3 original pigtails, all tied off with tiny pieces of string. Their hand-painted lips and eyes remain in excellent condition as is the dark brown paint which covers the bisque bodies which were originally white when manufactured (the white bisque coloring is visible at the joints).
Both dolls have jointed arms and legs which allow them to assume different positions. The string holding the larger doll's legs in place has stretched over these many years resulting in looser leg joints. (This can be repaired if so desired by the new owner.)
The larger doll is dressed in a hand-made outfit consisting of an ivory, yarn-knitted petticoat under a yellow crocheted dress while the smaller doll remains au naturalle! A darling, teeny tiny pair that display quite nicely!
$95.00
The very popular Mary Jane paper doll series was featured each month in Good Housekeeping Magazine for months, with little girls everywhere excited to immediately cut out the doll and her accessories for play!
From the 1920s through the 1960s, paper dolls were an extremely popular play toy with a wide variety of paper doll "books" sold in the 5 & 10 cent stores of the day such as Woolworth, Berdine and Kresge, to name a few. The Mary Jane paper doll always conformed to seasonal themes, with the coloring and artistry of Berta and Elmer Hader never failing to please little girls everywhere.
Given the extreme play-time popularity of paper dolls, it is very rare to find an uncut sheet such as this!
Berta and Elmer Hader worked together to design children's sections for Good Housekeeping, McCall's, Pictorial Review, Asia, Century, and The Christian Science Monitor. They created pictures and cut-outs, often featuring children dressed in national costumes. In Berta and Elmer Hader's Picture Book of Mother Goose, the couple collated pen-and-ink and color drawings they had done for Monitor and Good Housekeeping to great acclaim. When the US Postal Service dis-allowed the sending of magazines with cut-out segments in 1926, the Haders switched gears, gaining a contract with MacMillan for a series of children's books. They began writing the stories for some of the books in this period. Demand for their product soared, and they worked incessantly from 1927–1931, illustrating, in some cases writing, producing, and helping to sell thirty-four titles. They stayed busy for the rest of their lives, producing another seventy or so books before they retired in 1964. One book in particular, Billy Butter (1936), so impressed writer John Steinbeck that he requested Elmer Hader do the cover to The Grapes of Wrath (1939). Hader eventually did covers for two other Steinbeck works, East of Eden (1952) and The Winter of Our Discontent (1961).
Professionally matted and framed some many, many years back, this lovely piece of wall art advertising measures 10.5 inches wide x 13.5 inches long and remains in excellent original condition given its 100 years of age! Any discoloration, facing of color or reflection seen in photos is related to the difficulty photographing an object under glass and is NOT an imperfection to the piece.
$95.00
Measuring 13 inches wide x 9.50 inches high x 1/8 inch thick and constructed of heavy, multi-layered cardboard, this wonderful piece is in very fine, all-original condition with a warm, rich patina and color. All of the board's original, wooden, letter/number squares are in such a perfect state that they appear never to have been used! To spell a word, one slides the letters along cut out tracks in the board. To perform computation exercises, one simply flips the board over and is presented the opportunity to practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and percentages!
Quite visually appealing and easy to display!
Condition: some tiny edge rubs and surface wear due to use here and there on each side of the board- quite reasonable given this teaching tool's age and use by young children. See all photos.
A seldom found vintage, early School House item!
$95.00
$95.00
These two folk art pieces came straight from the 93 year old great grandma who played with them as a child!
While the heads were constructed from dried apples painted black, the bodies were cut from various pieces of sponge which were then hand-sewn together. Hands were cut from pink--- and not brown or black felt--very interesting---while the teeth were formed from tiny white beads, and the white fuzzy hair fashioned from nothing more than small, cotton batting pieces. Eyes are glued-on googly eyes.
The homemade clothing is nicely constructed via a combination of hand and machine sewing. Mammy's green, teal and rust flowered dress is embellished with a bit of lace at the sleeves, and she also wears a fancy, white eyelet petticoat and a soft pink crocheted shawl. She is barefoot. Pappy's light blue shirt features 3 button detailing, and he wears denim pants and black felt shoes and hat with a red felt vest.
Condition is quite fine with no observable issues! No odors, rips, stains or missing parts. A very sweet pair!
$95.00
Double-sided, this visually-appealing school collectible displays stunningly whether displayed on the bright yellow "SLOW" side or the nearly-glow-in-the-dark red and white "STOP" side!
The metal sign retains its original wooden handle as well as its share of age and use-related surface scuffs, scratches and even a couple of errant paint spots that absolutely do not detract from its conversation-provoking appeal!
An interesting and unique enhancement to one's Vintage School Collection!