Catalog: Vintage Arts (97)

Offered is a simply outstanding, extraordinarily scarce, 1920-1930s Art Deco era, ceiling-mount-hanging, drugstore show globe in impeccable condition!

The fancy and highly-stylized, Art Deco, aluminum frame cradles an equally highly-stylized, classically-ribbed, clear glass show globe and finial. If so desired, the show globe will hold colored-water as was the display fashion back "in-the-day". The frame is embellished with a buffed, silver matte finish with design details outlined in contrasting black to further enhance the fabulous, Art Deco styling. The chain link is also painted black, echoing the black detailing of the frame, and it retains most of its gorgeous, original finish, with absolutely no pitting! The hanger medallions retain their original finish and are ready for mounting. Here and there, the metal parts retain a faint honey tone adding to the show globe's antique charm. This fabulous apothecary showpiece measures approximately 34.5 inches from the top of its fancy, ceiling-mount hanger to the base. If desired, it is possible to add additional chain links to further extend the overall length of the globe.

The condition is excellent. The globe glass is clean and clear except for some very, very faint haze on the interior top of the globe just below the neck. A perfectly fitting, ground-glass faceted finial echoing Art Deco design, rounds out this beauty.

The combined take-away of this offering, this outstanding piece of nearly 100 year old, American pharmacy history, is its exquisite Art Deco styling with extraordinary visual appeal, its utterly excellent condition, and its very scarce, ceiling-mount design, making it a true rarity among extant Apothecary antiques and collectibles!

Offered is a very difficult to find, hand-carved and hand-painted, ice fishing FISH DECOY from the 1940s era.

This wonderful folk art decoy was recently acquired from the collection of an 81 year old Kansas collector who stated that the decoy originated in Montana.

Expertly carved and painted to simulate an actual Perch fish, this beauty quite closely reflects the real thing!

In fact, this charmer has some subtle signs of having once been an actual working decoy as evidenced by the light areas of superficial rust on the tin fins and at the junction where the fishing line connects to the eyelet in front of the dorsal fin. Clearly, given this decoy's incredible condition and its 80+ age, it did not see much use below the waterline!

There is faint loss of paint and light wear giving this a work of art a wonderful vintage patina. Two weights are present on the underside of Mr. Perch. Measures 9 inches long x 3 inches wide x 2.5 inches high including the fins. Maker unknown.

An utterly splendid work of folk art!

Please take a moment to view our other fish decoys offered for sale by typing "decoy" into our homepage SEARCH box or by clicking on the "American Folk Art" specialty category on our homepage.

Offered is a hard to find, hand-carved and hand-painted, ice fishing decoy from the 1940-1950 era.

This wonderful folk art decoy was recently acquired from the collection of an 81 year old Kansas collector who stated that the decoy originated in Montana.

This sweet folk art beauty has been skillfully crafted and painted to closely reflect the real thing! In fact, this charmer has signs of having been a working decoy (but not that frequently) as evidenced by the light areas of superficial rust on the tin fins and where the fishing line connects and to the metal eyes.

There is faint paint loss and light wear giving this work of art a wonderful vintage patina. Two weights on the underside are present giving this decoy a bit of heft. Measures 7 inches long x 2.5 inches wide x 2 inches high including the dorsal fin. Maker is unknown.

A splendid work of folk art!

Please take a moment to view our other fish decoys offered for sale by typing "decoy" into our homepage SEARCH box or by clicking on the "American Folk Art" specialty category on our homepage.

Offered is a hard to find, hand-carved and hand-painted, ice fishing decoy from the 1940-1950 era.

This wonderful folk art decoy was recently acquired from the collection of an 81 year old Kansas collector who stated that the decoy originated in Montana.

This sweet folk art beauty has been skillfully crafted and painted to closely reflect the real thing! In fact, this charmer has signs of having been a working decoy (but not that frequently) as evidenced by the light areas of superficial rust on the tin fins and where the fishing line connects and to the metal eyes.

There is faint paint loss and light wear giving this work of art a wonderful vintage patina. One weight on the underside are present giving this decoy a bit of heft. Measures 9 inches long x 2.5 inches wide x 2 inches high including the dorsal fin. Maker is unknown.

A splendid work of folk art! Please take a moment to view our other fish decoys offered for sale by typing "decoy" into our homepage SEARCH box or by clicking on the "American Folk Art" specialty category on our homepage.

Offered is an absolutely fabulous, early 20thC, reverse-painted-on-glass, MOYER'S PHARMACY Drug Store Sign.

This striking example was clearly designed to attract customers with its coloring and bold combination of script and block lettering- all executed in reverse on the underside of the glass. The reverse-painting technique adds additional elegance to the artistic quality of the sign's design. The very sturdy frame is constructed of wood that is enveloped in a heavy gauge metal. The metal portion of the frame has hints of having been painted a few times over the years and shows age appropriate wear.

The sign measures 36"L x 16"W x 1" thick and is in very good condition. There are various mounting holes present. As expected with old glass, some unobtrusive blemishes and small scratches are also present, commensurate with the sign's 100+ years of age. Two very small spots of paint loss are also evident as seen in the photos.

An utterly eye-catching and distinctive, vintage pharmacy sign that will complement any collection!

Offered for your consideration is a fabulous set of three, 1910, Anatomical Charts of the Skeleton, Muscles, and the Circulatory system.

Complete, National American Red Cross anatomical charts of this early 20th Century time period are quite an unusual find in today's market. Charts such as these were a frequently referenced visual aide for both the medical and nursing student, and due to this frequent educational use, not many have survived.

These wonderfully detailed teaching charts each measure 28.25" high x 20" wide and (to the best of our knowledge) are made of a wax-coated, heavy-weight, linen canvas. The top and bottom only of each chart are framed by black painted, wooden supports designed to facilitate the hanging of each chart.

The condition of each chart demonstrates mild crackling of surface and light wear and tear, as well as discoloration consistent with their 100+ years of age. Slight, unobtrusive loss of fabric is also apparent. Overall, the condition and patina of these charts are commensurate with vintage teaching tools that had been frequently referenced.

The charts are published by P. BLAKISTON'S SON & CO., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1880, this company focused its production upon the publication of high quality medical and scientific books, charts, and graphs.

Offered is a hard to find, vintage, hand-carved and hand-painted, ice fishing, fish decoy from the 1940-1950 era.

This wonderful folk art decoy was recently acquired from the collection of an 81 year old Kansas collector who stated that the decoy originated in Montana.

A delightful and colorful folk art beauty, this decoy has been skillfully crafted and painted to closely reflect an actual fish.

In addition, this charmer has evidence of having been a working decoy as noted by the mild areas of surface rust on the tin fins and where the fishing line connects. There is light loss of paint and wear giving this work of art a wonderful vintage patina. Present are two weights on the underside of the decoy providing a bit of heft. Measures 7.5 inches long x 2.75 inches wide x 2.25 inches high including the fins. Maker is unknown.

A splendid work of folk art!

Please take a moment to view our other fish decoys offered for sale by typing "decoy" into our homepage SEARCH box or by clicking on the "American Folk Art" specialty category on our homepage.

This difficult to find tool-of-the trade pharmacy “IDEAL CAPSULE FILLER” was used by early 20th century druggists to enhance their capsule production. The patent date is stamped Oct. 31, 1905, and research indicates that it was produced by the "Baltimore Capsule Co."

The machine produces 2 different size capsules and has a filling plate that sports 4 parallel rows, each having the capacity of making 24 capsules. Also included are 2 capsule filling trays.

The condition of this wonderful apothecary tool of the trade is very good, complete with the warm, rich patina one would expect of an antique of this age including the usual scratches, marks and unobtrusive dings and tarnish. (Two top wood edges have been lost due to use, time and age as seen in the photos.) The metal parts appear to be nickel plated, and the wood base looks like walnut. The filler measures approximately 13 L x 4.5 W x 4.5 H.

The interior contains sand that was used to add weight and stabilize the box when in use.

A must addition for any pharmacy/apothecary collection!

On a cold October day in 1977, an auction of the former estate of Dr. T.D.M. Wilson of Washington, Pennsylvania, took place. The last surviving relative to live in Dr. Wilson's former 1890 mansion had moved to smaller quarters, and many artifacts reflecting the Wilson's family history had to be auctioned off.

Dr. T.D.M. Wilson graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1875, and the following offered items from this estate auction provide an historical glimpse into his long medical career.

The first item is a fabulous 19th century brass DOCTOR T.D.M. Wilson sign measuring 14L x 9W inches, which likely adorned the entrance way to Dr. Wilson's office.

Also offered in this grouping is a rare group photo of Dr. Wilson (4th from the left) and other Phi Kappa Sigma members. The frame measures 16.5"L x 12.5"W. While the photo is a bit faded, the image is remarkable and includes a distinguished group of Phi Kappa Sigma members.

The third and fourth items in this grouping are a small, framed, 1909 AMA membership certificate with Dr. Wilson's name inscribed, and a very unusual, framed, IRS narcotic SPECIAL TAX STAMP from 1926. This Narcotic form is quite unique in that it names Dr. Wilson as the single physician allowed to dispense narcotics within the 23rd District of the State of Pennsylvania.

Finally, 2 handwritten letters postmarked in 1884 from Dr. Wilson to his loving wife are included, offering a small glimpse into his personal life.

Together, this rich grouping of artifacts provides one a unique opportunity to further enhance one's collection of medical objects.

Offered is a fabulous, very early example of Tramp Art- a style of woodworking which emerged in America in the latter half of the nineteenth century. Tramp Art features the use of multiple, small pieces of wood that are whittled into layers of geometric shapes whose outside edges are then notch-carved.

This exquisite example exemplifies the early years of Tramp Art at a time when it was practiced largely by skilled craftsmen with artistic talents. Pieces from this era feature a more multi-layered, detailed technique using hard wood bases as opposed to the thin cigar box wood bases prevalent during the early 20th century through the Depression years.

This wonderful, approximate 140 year old piece features multi-layered exterior framing on all sides as well as the box cover; framing which then envelopes amazing pyramidal shapes of all sides.

The box interior is covered in a vibrant floral wallpaper, and it features a small 1.75 inch x 2 inch framed mirror on the underside of the box lid. Likely made for a female given its interior design and decoration, the box also features a functional lock with original key, to safeguard jewels and important mementos.

Measures 8.75 inches wide x 8 inches deep x 6.75 inches high. In very good condition and retaining its original finish! A few missing notch pyramid tips here and there. Just lovely!

Offered is a hard-to-find survivor of 1930s - 1940s medicine!

This handsome cabinet is constructed of a hardwood (perhaps walnut) and sports an eye-appealing, front-facing, bakelite, control panel. The cabinet is rather heavy and measures 15"W x 14" H x 12.5" with a canted front panel and two wooden handles for transport.

The bottom drawer stores all of the wires and connections noted in the photo. The condition of the cabinet is very good with wear commensurate with age. One wire is brittle and non functional. There are 2 wires included that plug into the device as seen in photo. From the Philadelphia Hospital Supply Co.

An awesome piece of medical instrumentation - fusing both form and function not often found in today's market!

Measuring 44.50" in length x 42.75" wide, this delightful Folk Art, completely hand-sewn, unused, wool, Pennsylvania Amish, Crib Quilt is in excellent, all-original, perfect condition!

It was constructed in the basket design by Anna Beiler in the late 1970s. Its provenance is from the Robacher personal catalog of collections--- a renown, Pennsylvania husband and wife team who became the published, indisputable American experts in Pennsylvania Dutch decorative art and culture. Over their multiple decades of marriage, they collected an utterly massive number and wide variety of Pennsylvania Dutch artifacts before both passing away in the early 1980's.

Colors are bright orange-red, navy blue, royal blue, forest green, pink and standard green. Please note that all colors are quite striking and brilliant, and remain even in color and tone throughout. Any photos that appear to suggest to the contrary, are a result of lighting issues and do not in any way reflect condition.

This piece was never used and was purchased new in the 1970s by the Robachers, and placed in careful storage in a cedar-lined trunk. It has remained in storage in a cedar chest since its purchase from the Robacher Estate Auctions held in 1989 by Horst Auctioneers of Ephrata, PA.

This is a complete, hard to find pharmacy “KONSEAL FILLING and CLOSING APPARATUS” that was used by early 20th century druggists.

The machine was made by The J. M. Grosvenor Co., Boston, and was the most widely used cachet preparation device in American pharmacies.

The condition of this wonderful apothecary tool of the trade is very good, complete with the warm, rich patina one would expect of an antique of this age including the usual scratches, marks and unobtrusive dings and tarnish. The metal parts appear to be nickel plated, and the case is of a hard wood construction. The metal KONSEAL apparatus, when open, measures approximately 18”L x 10”W x 2” H. Note that there is interior and exterior age damage in the center of the wooden case that includes a hairline split in the center. The photos should help better identify this description.

The accessories appear to be complete when compared to the images seen in the directions that is glued to the inside case and my reference text. There are 3 packets with paper directions for patient use.

The interior divider has some minor separation of joints that does not distract from this set.

A must addition for any pharmacy/apothecary collection.

This is a fabulous opportunity to acquire a wonderful, Art Deco inspired, advertising, drug store sign featuring the title "SICKROOM NEEDS" embossed on front. This 1950s era piece once hung in a Grand Rapids, Michigan, pharmacy.

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 48"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 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.

Offered is a more diminutive example of a late 19thC Pharmacy "tool of the trade" known as a pill machine but often referred to as a pill roller.

Pill machines were designed to enhance the productivity of the early pharmacist, and this design was, indeed, popular for many, many years. This pill machine is designed with 24 tubes for medicine-making.

The condition is very good, sporting a nice patina commensurate with its age and use. It is constructed of walnut and embellished with brass edge guards as well as brass grooved molds. The paddle has a number of early small dings and a small, faint hairline split on the top edge. The base measures approximately 12" L x 7" W x 1.75" H including the footed base. The paddle is 16.5"L x 3"W.

An apothecary classic, ready for your collection.

Measuring 7 inches in diameter at its widest point and 10 inches high, this lovely, C1920, Ohio-made, yellow ware, blue spongeware pitcher exudes elegance! It features a fabulous, embossed and sculpted rim and a decorative handle, both accented with gold gilt!

The pitcher sits on a footed base and has a generous, bulbous-shaped body. It has glaze crazing typical of an 85+ year old piece of pottery, superficial flakes as noted in photos, and two hairlines at the base (see photos) which likely were acquired through use over the years. The hairlines seem tight and do not appear to threaten the integrity of the piece. P> An outstanding piece of American Spongeware! Becoming much more difficult to find- particularly in this condition!

Please type the word "spongeware" into the Search box to find the other pieces of C1900-1920 Ohio Yellowware Spongeware currently being offered for sale. All pieces are prices separately.

Measuring 9.75 inches in diameter and 3.75 inches high, this gorgeous, Ohio-made, circa 1920's, yellowware fruit bowl features fabulous blue sponging with gold gilt highlights along its decoratively embossed and scalloped rim.

The bowl sits upon a one inch high foot and has glaze crazing typical of an 85+ year old piece of pottery. No chips, cracks, or hairlines. One teeny, tiny fleabite on rim too small to be photographed with any clarity.

An outstanding piece of American Spongeware! Becoming much more difficult to find- particularly in this outstanding condition!

Please type the word "spongeware" into the Search box to find the other pieces of C1900-1920 Ohio Yellowware Spongeware currently being offered for sale. All pieces are prices separately.

Measuring 15.25 inches in diameter and 5.25 inches high, this magnificent and absolutely HUGE, C1920, Ohio-made, yellow ware, spongeware mixing bowl or water basin features fabulous blue sponging and is much more striking “in person” than the photos were able to capture.

The bowl sits on a 1/2” footed base and has a lovely turned edge rim. It has glaze crazing typical of an 85+ year old piece of pottery but no cracks, chips or hairlines. Remnants of gold gilt decoration along the rim still remain. Would be fabulous as receptacle for a very large plant or to hold a large water pitcher!

An outstanding piece of American Spongeware! Becoming much more difficult to find- particularly in this condition!

Please type the word "spongeware" into the Search box to find the other pieces of C1900-1920 Ohio Yellowware Spongeware currently being offered for sale. All pieces are prices separately.