$495.00
"The Golliwogg at the Sea-Side", published in 1898 by Longmans, Green & Co, London & New York, was illustrated by Florence K. Upton, with story written by her mother, Bertha. This book was the 3rd Golliwogg adventure in a series of thirteen Golliwogg adventures by Upton, with the last published in 1909-- all of which are incredibly difficult to find today.
This hard cover book, measuring 8.75 inches high x 11.5 inches long, is a total of 63 pages in length. The book is lavishly illustrated with 32 full-color illustrations and tells the story of Golly's adventures at the sea shore. Golly and his friends, suffering from boredom, go off to the seashore to try their hand at sunbathing, swimming in the ocean, crab fishing, boating—all with considerable catastrophe—until finally trying a hoped-for-peaceful hayride through the countryside—all for naught!!
The Golliwog, itself, was based on a Black minstrel doll that Florence Kate Upton, born in 1873 of English parents, had played with as a small child in New York. Upton's Golliwog character was first introduced to the world in her 1895 book entitled The Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls. Like the rag doll that inspired it, the Golliwog in her book was a less-than-handsome creature with very dark, jet black skin, large white-rimmed eyes, red clown lips, and wild, frizzy hair. Golliwogs are typically male and are generally dressed in a jacket, trousers, bow tie, and stand-up collar in a combination of red, white, blue, black, and occasionally yellow colors.
The book is in very fine but not perfect condition-- not surprising given the book's 113 years of age! Wear to hard-board-cover edges and corners. Binding remains strong and tight with center-taping coming a bit lose on one side, but not effecting integrity. A couple of the pages have 1/2inch tears at base, likely the result of simply turning the pages. Book is complete, with no missing pages.
Truly a fabulous find! Only the 2nd time I have EVER had the pleasure of offering one of these wonderfully-rare, 1st edition, Upton, children's book in my 26 years of dealing in Black Memorabilia!!
$135.00
"Uncle Tom's Cabin" or "Life Among the Lowly", is an anti-slavery novel that was published in two volumes and which had a profound effect on attitudes toward African-Americans and slavery in the U.S. It is said to have "helped lay the groundwork for the American Civil War".
The plate depicts Uncle Tom seated in a horse-drawn wagon while heavy iron shackles are being clamped around each of his ankles. The text on the plate reads: "Uncle Tom packed up for the 'Down South' Market. Haley made fast a heavy pair of shackles to Tom's ankles".
Plates such as this 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.
The plate measures 8 1/2 inches in diameter and the interior is decorated with the black transfer-printed, Uncle Tom vignette. The rim is quite beautifully embossed with highly decorative swirls which encase two different flying birds- one clutching an olive branch in its beak and the other chasing after a butterfly.
The plate is of great interest due to its slavery-related subject matter and its high degree of rim decoration. Condition of the plate is fair to good due to the numerous edge flakes present along the rim and the two tiny ones within the transfer. The plate has a use-related age crack that is clearly visible on the backside of the plate and which is also partially visible on the front side. This crack is quite tight and does not pose any concern to the structural integrity of the plate.
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.
This lovely and historic plate has been priced to reflect its blemishes.
$975.00
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 and then completed on the back of the same side of the page (see photos). The folded page was then flipped over, folded into fourths, and the title of the charge was written out: "The State VS Henry Negro Boy Slave".
The text of the charge reads as follows, Paragraph one:
"Georgia Warren County"
"Before me Matthew Sheilds a justice of the peace for said county, personally came Stephen Blount who being duly sworn deposeth and sayeth that according to the best of his knowledge and belief Henry a negro boy slave the property of the estate of Hardy Pitts late of said county deceased, did commit a violent assault and battery with intent to kill Deponent, with a heavy stick - and Deponent believes said stick was ferreled (an action suggestive of a wild beast)- upon the person of Deponent - on this night of the thirteenth of this Instant in said county of Warren to wit upon the plantation of Thomas Persons, near Warrenton.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14th March 1842."
"Matthew Sheilds JP"
"Stephen Blount"
Paragraph two:
"Georgia Warren County"
"By Matthew Sheilds one of the Justices To Sheriff the Constables of Said County and to all other lawful officers for as much as Stephen Blount who being duly sworn deposeth and sayeth that according to the best of his knowledge and belief Henry a Negro boy Slave the property of the estate of Hardy Pitts late of Said County deceased did commit a violent assault and battery with intent to kill Deponent - with a heavy stick and Deponent believes said stick was ferreled upon the person of Deponent on the night of the thirteenth of this Instant...." (continued next page)
Next Page:
"in Said County of Warren to wit on the plantation of Thomas Persons near Warrenton. These are therefore to Command you that you apprehend the Said Negro Boy Henry and bring him before me or some other Justice of the peace of Said County to Answer the said charge and to be further dealt with according to Law Herein fail not. Given under my hand and Seal this 14th day of March 1842."
"Matthew Sheilds JP" (JP written a second time and encircled in a squiggle to simulate a wax seal)
Condition of this very unique slavery document is quite fine given its 180 years of age. Expected aging of paper with insignificant and minor tears at creases. Also present are three long spillages of ink (as seen in photos) which likely occurred at the time this document was written out with, obviously, no intention of the author to start over again and rewrite!
An extraordinarily rare historical document that defines a specific slave-related incident.
$225.00
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.
$125.00
Housed in an ornate, brass frame, the mourning pin measures 1 1/8th inch in diameter.
The celluloid image is quite crisp with some staining evident in left lower and side edges that do not obstruct the gentleman's image. The magnified photos emphasize this staining to a much greater degree than what is evident when viewed with just the naked eye. The brooch is missing its backside pin.
$275.00
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!
$195.00
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.
$165.00
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.
$1,195.00
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...
$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!
$165.00
This 114 year old educational toy manufactured by Parker Brothers of Salem, Massachusetts, New York and London, is marked copyright 1909, in the lower left hand corner of the cover.
De-accessioned from my personal collection and displayed and enjoyed by me for over 20 years, this block set features twelve, 3/4th inch thick, wooden blocks wrapped in brightly colored, glossy, high quality paper, each illustrating a specific letter and a nursery rhyme, on both the front and back of each block.
This set features the letters A through L. It is so very, very rare - likely Parker Bros did not manufacture many - that I have never been able to locate the other half of the set in all my years of ownership! Isn't it further quite curious that Parker Bros chose to divide this alphabet and nursery rhyme series into two separate parts?
Measuring approximately 12.5 inches wide x 10 inches long x 1 inch deep, this fabulous ABC block set displays easily upon a common folding stand, which can be acquired at a local craft store or online. The box cover illustration is simply marvelous, filled with much joyous childhood energy as a multitude of children and a dog play in and around a little red rail car caboose. This game/toy/educational teaching tool displays just beautifully!
Each individual block measures approximately 2.5 inches wide x 4 inches long x 3/4ths inch deep. The alphabet letter is featured on front and back, and a different nursery rhyme appears on each block, beginning on the front side and ending on the back side. Also, on each side of every block is printed a three letter word such as "saw" or "dog" or"pet", many of which are "sight" words - words we learn when we first learn to read, memorizing them by simple repetitive recognition or "sight". Quite a comprehensive learning tool for beginning readers!
Condition: The cover had lost its sides long before it came into my possession. The box bottom is completely intact but has been restored with archival-quality, acid-free tape in various places to keep it so. One side of every block is either unblemished or in near perfect condition (see photo). Some of the blocks (see photo) do have some paper loss on their back sides which occurred over time and with active use many years back.
Nonetheless, presented is a very, very rare, beautifully colorful and illustrated set, sure to enhance one's children's toys or early school collection!
$295.00
Measuring 4 inches wide x 3 3/4 inches high, the black color-toned set was manufactured by A.D. Handy, Stereopticon & Supplies, Boston.
The four slides tell the story, through drawings and southern black dialogue, of a black boy attempting to steal a watermelon (slide 1). Four other black boys hiding behind a fence and watching, spook him, making the boy think there is a ghost behind him (slide 2)! Dropping the watermelon in fright, he dashes off for safety (slide 3). The shattered watermelon is then left on the ground, already broken into bite-sized pieces for the 4 other boys to enjoy!
This offering is truly an exceptionally scarce Black Americana collectible!!
$450.00
From 1901-1924, Bruckner produced this original, 12" Topsy Turvy doll for Horsman's Babyland Rag Doll line that features Caucasian, "Betty", on one end and African American, "Topsy", on the other. The inspiration for this doll is based on the character of Topsy in Harriet Beecher Stowe's classic 1852 novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin".
The Bruckner Topsy Turvy doll was advertised in a 1907 Babyland Rag Doll catalog as follows:
"TOPSY-TURVY---What is this?
Looks like just a pretty miss.
But turn her over and you'll find,
She is quite another kind.
First she's White and then she's Black,
Turn her over and turn her back.
Topsy that side--Betty this--
Yet complete, each little Miss."
The detail on this hard to find classic doll is lovely. Both heads indeed have the pressed, molded mask faces with lithographed features. Topsy's face is in mint condition! Betty's face is also in excellent condition with no superficial rubs to the flesh-toned coating of her mask; her lithographed facial features remain just beautiful!! (Such rubs are not unexpected as these particular doll masks are, unfortunately, very prone to rubbing. To find one of these 100+ year old dolls without such rubbing is quite rare!)
Grinning Topsy has red bows tied to her black mohair braided pigtails which are tucked into her red headscarf. Her red blouse, which matches her head scarf, is trimmed with cream banding around the sleeve and neck edges. The cream scarf she wears around her shoulders tucks into her very full, red/cream checked, gingham skirt. Topsy’s cream banding is lightly soiled and there is also some subtle fading to her red head scarf, most notably in the back. Flip her over, and....
Betty's more subtle Anglo face and her hair are lithographed. She wears the same red/cream checked gingham fabric of which both her dress and ruffled bonnet are constructed. Over her very full gingham dress, Betty should also wear a sheer, ruffled, white pinafore, however, it has been lost over time. Betty’s cream banding around each sleeve is also lightly soiled as are her hands.
Both dolls have the typical "mitten" hands of the stuffed rag dolls of this era. There are no other difficulties to report other than some tiny, stray (original) glue spots here and there. No rips, tears, or odors, and she has been stored in a smoke-free home. The 1901 Patent Bruckner Topsy Turvy doll typically carries a $650+ dollar price tag, but deductions to price have been levied to account for the minor imperfections that are noted in this doll.
The photos show it all- these two girls are a charming pair! A very difficult to find doll in such wonderful condition!
Also offered for sale is a COMPLETE 1901 Patent Bruckner Topsy Turvy doll with absolutely no soiling or fading. To view, simply type Bruckner into the SEARCH box on our homepage.
$225.00
Mammy sports hand-stitched facial features, and all original, machine-stitched clothing. Mammy’s hands and arms are made of fabric-coated pipe cleaners allowing for flexibility and movement. Her corn cob body has been neatly encased in muslin. Mammy's costume is complete and quite brightly colored and even features a tiny apron pocket in which a teeny hankie is tucked!
Mammy has been well cared for over the years- no fading to clothing, no rips, tears or other blemishes! A most interesting and very seldom found Mammy doll in utterly excellent condition!
$695.00
This stunning, 125 year old+ example of statuesque Black Americana is in wonderful condition absent two very tiny areas of loss, not unexpected given the age and use of the piece. One area is at the extreme edge of the right tip of the base, and the other, very minor loss to the tips of the right thumb and index finger. Neither of these areas of loss are easily noticed, nor do they distract from the truly incredible rarity of this early piece.
Very well made, the frame easily comes apart into 3 pieces for safe shipping and/or storage.
An extraordinary opportunity to acquire an extremely RARE and highly coveted piece of turn-of-the-19th-into-20th-century Black Americana! One will be very hard-pressed to find another example!
$35.00
The stereoview cards are titled: "Hoeing Rice, South Carolina", "Old Slave Market At St. Augustine, Florida", "Native Cane Grinders in Sunny Florida", "Who said quail?" (young man holding English Springer Spaniels) and "Waitin Fo De End Man" (7 Boys Sitting on a Mule).
The cards are priced at $35.00 each or all five cards for $140.00. All are in fine condition, and all but "Waitin Fo De End Man" and "Who said quail?" have a detailed, historical description on the reverse side.
As each is priced separately as stated, please specify which stereoview card(s) you wish to purchase so that we can customize your order form.
$795.00
Each of these rag books were published as alphabet and numerical teaching tools for the very young children of the wealthier class who could afford to purchase books to furnish their children's home library as well as to support their early home-tutorial education.
While clearly overtly racist in title (pickaninny) and conceptualization ("A" stands for Alabama Coon, "P" stands for Pickaninnies), the book also promotes age-old stereotypes as well ("W" stands for Watermelon, "U" stands for Uncle Tom, "H" stands for Hen-Roost, "C" stands for Cake Walk, etc) that were, unfortunately, acceptable societal references at the turn of the twentieth century.
This 116 year old book remains in all-original, very good condition with no alterations or repairs. While the front and back covers exhibit significant age-related staining, the interior pages are significantly "cleaner" and the illustrations remain very brightly colored. Interior pages present varying degrees of very light soiling, light foxing, and yellowing of linen, commensurate with age. The exterior binding has teeny spots of wear to the first layer of binding fabric which do not impact binding integrity. Top and bottom edges are subtly frayed.
This book is in truly remarkable condition for its age and in consideration of its all-cloth construction. This title is very RARELY found in today's market and is the first I have ever had the pleasure of offering for sale in my nearly 40 years dealing in this field! This is an absolute cornerstone piece to any serious Black Memorabilia collection!
$75.00
The tubes bear the Stein's Trademark seal which is quite detailed and ornate and consists of a horseshoe labeled "Semper Fidelis" (Always Faithful), which encircles a stylized and entwined "M" and "S". Below the horseshoe is placed a Mortar and Pestle, all of which rests on a laurel wreath.
The tubes are labeled "Stein's Grease Paint" "Money Back for Unsatisfactory Purchases" "Manufactured By The M. Stein Cosmetic Company New York" "Made in U.S.A.". Each tube is labeled with the color code of the makeup - "No. 1 Pink", "No. 4 Medium Gray". The third tube's labeling is faded and difficult to read -"No.? ???Sallow Young Man???".
The grease paint makeup is contained in individual cardboard, push-up style tubes, they are all unused, and all three are 5 1/8" tall. Two of the tubes measure 1 1/8" in diameter and one, 5/8" in diameter.
The labeling on two of the tubes, while faded, is completely readable; one tube's labeling is rather faded and in some areas, completely unreadable.
The cardboard tubing of two of the makeup paints is, amazingly, completely intact; the No 1 Pink tube is also intact with the exception of the top cover which remains but is detached from the tube.
Interesting and early vintage finds for the theater enthusiast!