Catalog: Vintage Arts (97)

Measuring 3.5 inches long x 2.25 inches high x 1.25 inches wide, this unique and petite, highly beaded, Iroquois-made, change purse was made for the tourist market at the beginning of the 20th century.

Embellished with beaded edges, a large, 5-petal flower, and a detailed leaf on a heavy cardboard-like material that is lined with a red polished cotton, the little purse closes via a hook and eye closure.

It is in overall fine condition with expected creasing given its 100+ years of age as seen in photos, as well as some loose beadwork and a small amount of missing beadwork to the bottom center.

This is a very nice example of a Lowell, Massachusetts, patent medicine complete with box.

The 8.5 inch bottle is in fine condition and sports a label only on the side panel because it is embossed on the remaining three sides. The bottle label is almost complete with modest staining from content leakage.

This medicine retains its original, very decorative box which notes a 1915 date-- apparently when this "new" box was first introduced to the public in August of that year. The box is complete and in good condition noting modest content stain, mostly on the left panel.

Ayer's Sarsaparilla was actually a quack medicine first introduced in the mid 19th century, with no real evidence of therapeutic value, and in that regard, quite similar to many other medicines of that era. Sarsaparilla, J.C. Ayer's most popular product, was cited as a real blessing to humanity in that it purified the blood, stimulated the vital functions, restored and preserved health, and infused new life and vigor throughout the whole system!! Sarsaparilla was also recommended for jaundice, dyspepsia, pimples, boils, ringworm, female weaknesses and ‘lassitude and debility peculiar to the Spring.'

This peaceful and serene, mid-summer memory of an idyllic visit to a Maine lakeside retreat protected by the nearby mountains, has been captured in oil on canvas and is unsigned.

An estate piece, the tag placed on the backside by an earlier owner notates the date and location. The palette is predominantly varying shades and tones of browns, greens and grays. The composition features, first, an empty canoe sitting in the forefront shoreline of the painting while numerous sail boats explore the expansive lake on an overcast day. Numerous vacation chalets surrounded by trees and mountains dot the opposite shoreline with a reflection of the largest chalet visible on the lake's surface in the stillness of the moment.

The oil painting is framed in a meticulously and professionally hand-crafted, 2 inch deep, fluted, wood frame that features repeated, swirling, rustic carvings of various leaf forms. Clearly, this frame was custom-executed for this oil painting as it is as detailed and as interesting as the oil is, itself!

The oil painting measures approximately 9.5"H X 11.5"L in a 12.5"H x 14.5"L x 2"(deep) frame.

The condition of the frame is very good with minor, age-related (90+ years of age!) finish loss, and a minor, 3/4 inch long, superficial crack to the frame at the left side top which does not impact the integrity of the frame. The condition of the oil is also very good with no imperfections other than a 1/2" long diagonal "crease line' in the very lower right corner which is barely noticeable and was impossible to photograph clearly.

A lovely, tranquil, folk art vision to just sit back and enjoy!

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.

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 9 inches in diameter and 2.75 inches high, this gorgeous, Ohio-made, yellowware fruit bowl features fabulous blue sponging with gold gilt highlights along its decoratively embossed and scalloped rim.

The bowl has glaze crazing typical of an 85+ year old piece of pottery. An extremely tight hairline on one side of the bowl has been photographed for one’s perusal. It does not affect structural integrity, and the pricing of the bowl reflects this imperfection. No other flaws!

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 a diminutive 2 inches in diameter and in near mint condition, this interesting and unusual celluloid advertising pocket mirror features a person dosing with a magical "Nature's Remedy" tablet! (**Please note that any white spots in the photos are light reflections ONLY and not damage to the mirror.**)

The mirror front has a age-faded salmon colored border surrounding an image of a person's face with protruding tongue, about to swallow a "NR" (Nature's Remedy) tablet. The fading makes it a challenge to read the following which is imprinted around the circumference of the mirror: "Take One Tonight - You'll feel Better In The Morning."

AND....

"Better Than Pills For Liver Ills - Get a 25 Cent Box"

Original mirrored backing is in very fine condition with just a few very minute, superficial scratches.

Manufacturer name stamped on bottom edge: "Parisian Novelty Company, Chicago".

An interesting little advertising piece!

Measuring 6.75 inches in diameter and 4 inches high, this wonderful, C1920, Ohio-made, yellow ware, spongeware batter bowl features fabulous blue sponging and is much more striking “in person” than the photos were able to capture.

The bowl sits on a 1/8" high footed base and has a lovely turned edge rim. It has glaze crazing typical of an 85+ year old piece of pottery as well as two, very tight hairlines approximately 1.50 inches in length. One is placed at the pouring spout and the other near the back fingerhold. There are also two, tiny, 1/8" long superficial flakes--one on the outside edge to the rim and one on the body of the batter bowl. The batter bowl is also missing its wire handle.

An outstanding piece of American Spongeware which is seldom found due to the heavy every-day use that a batter bowl would encounter. Becoming much more difficult to find!

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 8.25 inches in diameter and 2.5 inches high, this gorgeous, Ohio-made, yellowware fruit bowl features fabulous, heavy blue sponging with gold gilt highlights along its decoratively embossed and scalloped rim.

The bowl has glaze crazing typical of an 85+ year old piece of pottery with no cracks or hairlines. Three imperfections are noted and are in close proximity to one another (see photo): a manufacturer’s abrasion that is coated in original glazing and two small, superficial (1/8” and ¼”) flakes.

An lovely 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 just 4.25 inches long when assembled, this small souvenir item commemorates the Ausable Chasm in the Adirondack Mountains in New York State. A tiny leather case embossed with the chasm name and its location houses a small clothing brush constructed of natural bristles with silver-plated grip. Unmarked--in very fine condition! A unique piece of American Folk Art!

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!

Scientific, chemist, laboratory-- these terms all best describe this circa 1930s, unused and most interesting device labeled "Bishops Arsenic Apparatus". Comes complete with original wrappers, jar, black stopper, piping and stained box with label. The box measures 5.5 inches long x 3.25 inches wide x 2 inches high. Condition is excellent.

Perfect for your laboratory, medical or weird science collection!

Offered is a very nice, C1940s, Pharmacy Drugstore Apothecary Scientific Weight Set in a fitted mahogany case which sports a wonderful patina. This handsome piece retains its brass nameplate with an image of a scale beam and arms and is marked "GURLEY STANDARD WEIGHTS and MEASURES TROY, N.Y., U.S.A.". A green accuracy certification sticker remains on the exterior underside of the box indicating it was used in Easthampton, Massachusetts, up until October 1940.

Six weights are nestled snugly in a velvet-like cushion with an additional nine, light weight metal weights residing in an interior, covered compartment securing them in place. A pair of tweezers completes this special find.

The condition of the box and weights is very good. The mahogany case closes securely with two brass latches. A few small dings, scratches and blemishes are present consistent with its 80+ years of age. The case measures 6.75"L x 2.75"W x 1.5"H.

Weight sets such as these were found in old pharmacies, laboratories, and scientific institutions needing to determine the weight of delicate articles, etc.

Offered is a very special circa 1940's - World War II, Snake Bite Medical Kit produced by Burroughs Wellcome Co. New York, New York.

This neat kit was a special issue item produced during WWII labeled WAR EMERGENCY PACKING as noted on the side panel of box. There are 2 boxes with this item - an exterior box that is stained, worn and tattered, and a second box- the interior box that is in very good condition except for some ancient, dried fluid staining on the inside (see photos for further details).

The contents include 1 TOURNIQUET (with a 1938 Patent Date) - 3 IODINE SWABS in small box (not original) - 1 retracting SNAKE BITE LANCET - 1 VENOM SUCTION SYRINGE - 2 different rubber SUCTION CUPS - 2 ADHESIVE COMPRESSES (3 originally) 1 TUBE SYRINGE LUBRICANT. Missing AMMONIA

The outside of the box is complete with printed directions including how to execute the various cuts designed to cause blood to flow freely from the snake bite location!

A seldom -found, WW2 era, emergency snake bite kit that appears to be in unused condition with a missing ammonia packet and a couple of additional items that were deemed potentially necessary by the owner. Measures 4.25"L x 2.75"W x 1.75"H.

Very hard to find in this condition!

Reading "SAFETY FIRST" "EMERGENCY SHOWER EYE BATH", this green, white and black painted sign dates to the 1950's and was likely meant for use in either a professional or academic laboratory.

The sign measures 14 inches wide x 10 inches high, and is quite bright and visually appealing.

This painted metal sign remains in fine condition with minor surface scratching, tiny areas of paint loss and tiny areas of superficial rusting, all as noted in photos.

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.

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.