Catalog (460)

Offered is a hard to find, C1910, quack medicine device that sports its original box and insert.

Like many nostrums of this era, abundant claims were made for the treatment of a wide range of maladies. For instance, the label notes: “special disinfection during prevalence of epidemics and after recovery of patient from smallpox, scarlet fever, diphtheria, etc.”. It is very unlikely that this device did anything to disinfect a room!

Visually-appealing graphics are featured on the cardboard box which measures 5”H x 3 3/8”W. Both the generator and metal stand are in very good, used condition. The dish on top of the device once contained solidified formaldehyde for the sick room.

An interesting and unique item for your pharmacy collection!

Offered is a handsome, C1870s, woodworkers, Adjustable Dado Plane. It is marked "W.COATES 57 BRIDGE STREET - MANCHESTER" and is most likely of English origin.

Dado planes are designed to cut a groove across the wood's grain. The front-mounted nicker iron would score the edge of the groove and thus avoid splitting and lifting the grain. The adjustable depth stop (which is controlled by the brass screw on top) regulates how deep the blade cuts into the wood.

This plane cuts 1/2 inch grooves and sports two functional blades that are in well-maintained, sharp, usable condition. The plane shows various scratches, dings, and minor wear commensurate with a modestly-used antique tool.

Measuring just over 9 inches long and very solid, this tool of the trade is ready for your collection.

Offered is a wonderful, circa 1920's, John Wyeth apothecary bottle sporting a fancy, shield-shaped, foil label, Elixir Phenobarbitol.

Decorative stock bottles such as this beauty were meant to be refilled and reused and were the pride of the pharmacy staff. Eye-catching, reflective medicine bottles such as these also served as an advertising mechanism as they often were placed prominently in pharmacy windows to attract passers-by.

This 8.5 inch, amber, wide-mouth example reveals ground glass construction and dates to the 1920's era.

The condition of this empty bottle is excellent with only a tiny edge fleck of the back lip. The ground glass stopper cannot be removed and appears perfect. The front label shows light wear and staining commensurate with age and use. Although the label appears silver in the photos, it is more of a GOLD-toned foil. The back label has modest wear and staining.

An exceedingly RARE and all-original, commanding group photograph of 1880's NURSES with a bit of the mysterious - might be depicting recent graduates of a nursing program with male and female head instructors or may be a photograph of hospital staff nurses with head nurse and administrator/physician. A bit of intrigue for certain, and most definitely a highly rare and unusual period nursing photo of substantial size! Found in a New York state estate.

Framed in original, period frame with wood backing (20 x 15.5 inches); the tattered matting has been removed. Photo dimensions - 14.5 x 19.5 inches. Very good condition with some light fading in the upper portion and a minute ding next to the writing. One of the nurses has the words "BAD GIRL" written above her head!

In lovely condition with the exception of subtle fading to Mammy's red head kerchief, this delightful 1940's pin cushion doll appears to have been unused! No pinholes can be seen!

Mammy's head and body are actually constructed of a single wooden clothespin that was then inserted into her cotton-batting-padded skirt. Her face is hand-painted, she has a tuft of white cotton batting hair peeking out from her kerchief, and her apron is stamped in black ink "Souvenir of New Orleans".

A very sweet piece to add to one's sewing or doll collection!

Measuring just 3.25 inches in length, this unusual, 19th century, Three leaf Clover cookie cutter is in fine, all-original condition! From the renown, Pennsylvania Robacker Estate, published experts in Pennsylvania Dutch decorative art and culture, who passed away in the 1980's.

An earlier, older restoration to one seam at the base is evident. A tiny spot of very superficial rust here and there that may be removed, if so desired, by polishing with a clear paste wax.

A sweet accent piece for the country kitchen with wonderful decorative form!

Offered is this circa 1910-1921, very scarce, Macgregor DEEP GROOVE Golf Club that was designed to significantly enhance the backspin of a golf ball. As history would have it, the clubs actually worked and gave an unfair advantage to those professionals who were adept at using them.

The back of the club is stamped as follows: Guaranteed Hand Forged - BAKSPIN (with arrow - a Macgregor identifier) and MASHIE.

In 1921, RIBBED GOLF CLUBS were banned by the R&A and USGA just after the OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP.

Measures 36.5 inches from heel to top of shaft. The leather grip appears to be original and is in good condition. The hickory shaft has a slight bend and is sturdy. The head shows modest and honorable wear, good grooves with generalized, unobtrusive pitting to the surface.

A nice example of an early club with a controversial history!!!

For more details search DEEP GROOVE GOLF CLUB - JOCK HUTCHISON - RIBBED GOLF CLUB.

Offered is a scarce pharmacy tool of the trade labeled No. 10 TABLET MOULD that was offered by the Whitall Tatum Company. These hard rubber molds were used in most drugstores from the mid 1880s to the early 20th century. This particular size mould made 50 one grain triturate tablets.

This handsome, hand-sized device enabled pharmacists to enhance their productivity. Measures 6 inches long.

Fortunately, the directions and original box still exist. The top plate and base match perfectly together with the pins passing through the holes smoothly. The condition of the mould is very good evidenced by the minimal wear. The box is in fair condition with two top holes noted and general wear from honorable use and time.

Published in 1926 by the Whitman Publishing Company of Racine, Wisconsin, this very seldom-found, miniature-size, softcover book measuring just 4x5 inches, offers a very unique continuation of the original Little Black Sambo story! It is thought that this mini size Sambo book was manufactured as a salesman's sample edition, meant to be strictly used as a marketing prop to sell orders for the full-size edition of the same book.

Entitled A New Story of Little Black Sambo, this tale picks up the story with Little Sambo's mother, Black Mumbo, exclaiming that Sambo, after almost losing his best Sunday clothes to the tigers, would- from now on- only be allowed to wear his every day clothes. Now very unhappily dressed in only a grass skirt, a pouting and naughty Sambo decides to run off into the jungle once again without permission, and climbs a tree to gather coconuts. A tiger soon arrives threatening to eat Little Black Sambo, trapping him up in the tree for the entire day! Eventually, Tusker the Elephant arrives, successfully chasing off the tiger and saving Sambo. Sambo then returns home, where an angry Black Mumbo spanks him with a hairbrush for running off, despite the gift of coconuts Sambo hoped would appease his mother. The conclusion of the tale then moves forward one month later when the family goes to visit Little Black Sambo’s cousins, the Bimboes, who admire his fine Sunday best clothing that he was finally allowed to wear again!

Although no author is attributed, it is thought by some that the tale was co-authored by the book's two illustrators, Clara Bell Thurston, who rendered all of the lovely colored drawings and Earnest Vetsch, who rendered the "black and white" illustrations (which, actually, are done in navy blue ink) as well as the fancy hand-lettering of the text which further embellishes the book.

With 36 unnumbered pages which alternate between the superbly rendered color and navy blue line illustrations, this unique little book is in quite good condition. No fading of color, no rips, creases or missing pages. Binding is tight with all three original staples present. Cover edges are subtly worn, and age-related, light soiling is present. Tusker the elephant has been lightly colored with colored pencil in some places as is Sambo's grass hut, and evidence of penciled-in page numbers, long since erased, is noted. (Any blurring in photos is due to camera technique and does not reflect book condition.)

This rarely-found, miniature-size (possibly a rare salesman's sample) edition of the continuation of the original Little Black Sambo story is a must have 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.

This is a very nice Glover's Veterinary Dog Specific Condition Pill Tins that sport fabulous Art Nouveau graphics!

The green colored tins date to the 1910 - 1923 time period and measure about 3.25" long x 2 inches wide.

The tin with paint loss especially on the bottom is priced @ $70.00. .The better tin is $90.00

The covers and hinges work well. Made by "METAL PKGE CORP. BKLYN, NY".

****The brown colored tin is sold****

Some History: Henry Clay Glover started practicing veterinary medicine sometime prior to 1877. In 1888, his medicines were awarded the medal of superiority by the American Institute of New York. He identified himself as a “Specialist in Canine Diseases". As a personal testimonial, he stated that as of 1897, he had been the Veterinarian to the Westminster Kennel Club for 20 years.

The first known address for Dr. Glover is 1293 Broadway, New York City. Tins with this address state “H. Clay Glover,V.S. Prop", and appear to be the earliest-known. Some time prior to 1914, the company moved to 118 West 31st Street. Glover was still sole proprietor, but by 1917 the company was incorporated, and the tins stated “H. Clay Glover Co” while retaining the West 31st Street address. The company moved to 127-129 West 24th Street in 1923.

Offered is a very interesting, scarcely-seen, Black Americana child's toy from the 1930's era.

Measuring 7" long x 4.5" high x 4" wide, this colorful toy features two African-American boxers who are activated by jiggling the paddle which causes the boxer's arms and legs to freely fly about.

The boxers have painted wooden bodies with lithographed tin arms and legs. They are attached to the wooden paddle by a thin metal wire.

The toy is complete and in all-original condition and has not been subjected to any repair or repaint. Wear to the painted faces is evident as noted in the extreme close-up photos provided. No manufacture marking evident.

This seldom-found toy displays very nicely and would be a delightful addition to a Black Americana toy collection.

Measuring approximately 16 inches long, this wonderful, vintage 1950's, cloth Mammy Laundry bag is in wonderful condition! This bag features a curved wooden band at the base of the bag which allowed the bag to retain its form.

All cloth and done in a great, red paisley fabric, this darling Black Mammy bag features an interesting, smiling face! Due to its small size, this bag would have held undies or stockings or also may have been placed on one's bed and used to hold one's nightie during the day!

Very sweet and displays nicely!

Offered are two, very nice, circa 1915, smooth face, hickory shaft, golf clubs. Smooth face golf clubs fell out of fashion and perhaps function by the very early 1900s, but they were still offered in catalogues for a number of years beyond this date.

The 1st club is marked "FORGAN & SO.." and sports signs of honorable use and wear with faint pitting and has an original grip. The club has a straight shaft, an appealing patina and measures 38.5 inches from the top of the shaft to the heel. The shaft is stamped "FORGAN & SON - ST ANDREWS.

The 2nd smooth face club is stamped on the back "WRIGHT-DITSON". It is a handsome right handed model with a replaced lambskin grip, straight hickory shaft, sporting a nice, aged patina. It measures 37 inches from heel to top of shaft and has minimal pitting, small dings and surface wear commensurate with use and its 110+ years of age.

Two hard to find examples of early 1900s clubs which includes the popular Scottish club maker FORGAN!

Offered is this exceedingly rare and unusual, circa 1910, Dallas, Texas, 10 page, all-paper (including front and back covers), advertising "Give-Away" pamphlet which tells the complete story of LITTLE BLACK SAMBO, featuring both black line and color illustrations. I have not seen anything quite like this before!

On the back cover are the advertisements of six local, Dallas, Texas, merchants who joined together to produce this little pamphlet for children as an advertising promotion for each of their respective businesses. Named are the Stacey Baking Company, T.P. Hudson Kodak Picture Developer and Sundry Shop, Moore Brothers Laundry and Dye Works, Star Messenger Service, McKinney Furniture Company, and Thornton and Bracey Fine Stationery and School Supplies.

Such an unique and very exceptional piece of turn-of-the-20th-century, Dallas, Texas, historical ephemera!

The story of Little Black Sambo, of course, was to become 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 an amazing 7.5 out of 10, remembering, of course, that this is an ALL PAPER PAMPHLET that is now approximately 110+ years of age! All pages have been photographed which clearly show condition throughout.

The pamphlet is bound together via two staples which remain intact and are firmly holding all pages and the covers together. The front and back covers have separated from one another at the top and bottom of the pamphlet up to each respective staple; however, the area between the two staples remains intact. A few tiny edge rips are present as noted in photos. The black line drawings have been "expertly" colored-in with crayon by a budding artist of long ago who carefully and very diligently stayed within the lines. As such, one tends not to even notice that this "artwork" was not original to the publication. Original in-color illustrations remain very bright and vibrant. Pages have darkened with age. Measures approximately 6.75 inches x 9.5 inches.

Interestingly, in addition to relating the complete tale of Little Black Sambo, four pages are devoted to illustrations that identify specific characters and situations within the story, all individually entitled such as "First Tiger", "Tigers Fighting", "Purple Shoes Gone", "Lucky Sambo", "Pancake Supper", etc.

Amazing condition for a 110+ year old advertising story pamphlet that was clearly enjoyed by at least one youngster long ago - and one that may very well be the only copy remaining in existence! For the collector and lover of the tale of Little Black Sambo, this is a must-have!

To see the Little Black Sambo items currently available for sale, simply type “Sambo” into the search box on our website homepage.

Measuring approximately 11 inches tall, this wonderful, vintage 1940s, Black Americana Chef cookie jar, remains in all original condition-- no repairs or repaint-- and it is NOT a reproduction!

This wonderful piece is unmarked but is documented in numerous guides as the Black Chef cookie jar made in the 1940's by the National Silver Company. It likely once had a "NASCO" foil label on its base which dried up and fell off over the course of the jar's lifetime.

Fabulous cobalt blue accenting makes this cookie jar quite striking in its appearance. A great display piece!

As stated, the cookie jar remains in all original condition-- a rarity for a cookie jar of this vintage! Please take the time to view all photos as they represent condition quite nicely. Glaze crazing typical to the age of this 60+ year old piece is evident as well as small surface flakes present here and there along lid cover edge- a very common site for flakes/chips on any lidded ceramic piece given that the lid was continually taken on and off during use and thus easily subject to damage. A single superficial hairline occurring during firing can be seen on the interior base; it does not go through to the exterior.

It is quite rare to find a vintage cookie jar in such fine overall condition! Reproductions abound on today's market, but authentic pieces such as this are quite scarce and are truly collecting treasures when discovered!

Offered is a very lovely, antique, 12 tube Pharmacy Apothecary Suppository Mold, circa 1880. This example measures 9.5 inches long x 1.75 inches wide x 1 inch high and weighs more than 4 pounds. I believe it is made of bronze and is plated in a nickel finish.

This very durable mold has 2 wing nuts on the base that hinge downwards to facilitate opening. To close, the nuts swing upwards and are locked by screwing in place.

The only markings noted are the numbers '1' and '2' stamped on the end of each plate.

The condition is as follows: scattered small surface dings and modest dings to the edges as seen in the photos. The surface shows scratches and some loss of plating commensurate with age and an honorably-used pharmacy device. The interior surface is similar to the exterior. Overall this antique mold is in very good condition!

Offered is a diminutive size, 19th century apothecary bottle labeled "SODA MINT". This bottle sports a hand-painted glass recessed label with gold embellishment! Soda Mint today is better known as sodium bicarbonate or baking soda, which is used in cooking, and medicinally to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, or acid indigestion by neutralizing excess stomach acid.

This 5 inch tall wide mouth bottle is in fine condition. The ground glass stopper fits perfectly. The glass label is complete, has mild unobtrusive crackled paint and displays quite well. The base has embossing that notes "W.T.CO. USA.".

A darling little size that will fit with any collection.

Offered is Dr. C.H. Fitch's Prescription Scale-- a wonderful, early, pharmacist/doctor, portable, pocket-sized, Victorian era scale! The fancy-scrolled and embellished metal case appears to be brass with nickel plating and reads, "Dr. C.H. Fitch's Prescription Scale Pat Sept 29th 1885" on the top.

The diminutive metal case with scale inside measures approximately 1.5" wide x 2.75" long x .75" deep and is in very nice, original condition. The scale's capacity is 1/2 to 20 grains. It was manufactured by the N.V. Randolph Paper Box Company, Richmond, VA.

****NOTE****There is no damage to the scale or case and no missing components! The original spatula, which is sometimes lost over the years, is present and completes this very handsome, visually-appealing piece!

Some history: Joseph Williamson Randolph (1815-1893) established his business as publisher, bookseller, and stationer in Richmond, Virginia, in 1831. By the early 1840s, he had formed a partnership with Joseph J. English, and the firm became one of the leading book dealers in the South by the time of the Civil War. After Randolph's death, his son, Norman Y. Randolph, operated the business until it passed into receivership. Norman Randolph was, at various times, president of the Randolph Paper Box Company, the Virginia State Insurance Company, and the Warwick Park Transportation Company. He also served as secretary-treasurer of the Virginia and North Carolina Wheel Company.

Measuring a diminutive 1.5 inches wide x 2.5 inches tall x .5 inches deep, this darling, French, paper packet or package features African, Zoulou-tribe natives as advertising symbols on the packaging, making for a very picturesque graphic!

The paper package contains nearly all of its original powder, having never been opened; however, as noted in the second photo, the corner edge wear has resulted in some minor leakage of the powder. Because of this, the package has been shrink-wrapped to preserve the remainder of the product.

The shrink wrapping makes the package very difficult to photograph; additionally, some minor leakage of the powder under the shrink wrap also obscures viewing. The first two photos are of the actual package currently offered for sale--with shrink wrap on and minor leakage of powder under the shrink-wrap. The remaining photos clearly show the details of the Zoulou packaging using an undamaged, unshrink-wrapped package that has already been sold, no longer available for purchase. These photos are offered purely for the convenience of the viewer so that the details of the Zoulou package can be readily seen without the encumbrance of the shrink wrap blocking package details; these photos do not represent the condition of the package currently being offered for sale. The first two photos represent the condition of the actual Zoulou package currently offered for sale, with the pricing reflecting condition.

The manufacturers of the Zoulou powder claimed that healing properties were associated with the powder.

A well-detailed, rarely-found example of turn-of-the-century use of graphics in advertising!

Offered are two, very nice, circa 1905-1910, smooth face, hickory shaft, golf clubs. Smooth face golf clubs fell out of fashion and perhaps function by the very early 1900s, but they were still offered in catalogues for a number of years beyond this date.

The 1st smooth face club is stamped on the back "Wm. GIBSON - KINGHORN SCOTLAND - CLEEK ...". It is a quite scarce, left handed model with a lambskin grip, straight hickory shaft, sporting a nice, aged patina. It measures 38 inches from heel to top of shaft and has small dings and surface wear commensurate with use and it's 110+ years of age.

The 2nd club is marked "SD & G" on back, and it, too, has signs of honorable use and wear. There is a "sheen" present in the sweet spot on the face that is of unknown origin. The club has a straight shaft, an appealing patina and measures 37 inches from the top of the shaft to the heel.

Two sweet early 1900s clubs!

Offered is a fabulous pair of antique Apothecary Show Globes which includes one fancy Victorian style hanger. Photos provide close-up views of these intricately detailed, high-end show globes, and the 1891 photo from the WHITALL TATUM COMPANY catalog, establishes the age of these beauties.

The overall condition of the globes is very good with the imperfections and wear expected given their 130+ years of age. The decorative frames are sturdy and the globes hold water with ease. At some point long ago, the metal components were painted a gold/brass color. Today, the paint retains a delightful brass tone with an antiqued patina.

The attention to detailing and design of these show globe frames are second to none, pushing these show globes into a class by themselves. Note the intricacy and the elegance of design incorporated into both the show globe collar and the finial - simply outstanding!

The show globes measure 22 inches tall from the top of the crowns to the tip of finials. The exterior of the hand blown glass globes are in good condition. The interior of the globes note a modest yet common and unobtrusive haze which will not be visible when the globes are filled with the colored water of your choice. Additionally, the haziness should clean up if desired.

A singular, fancy wall bracket that swivels from side to side is included, measuring about 15" long x 9" high .

Acquisition of these rarely found, matching, beautifully stunning show globes is an opportunity not to be missed!

Offered is an absolutely wonderful, original, 1930s watercolor portrait of a young "Black Shoe Shine Boy", a figure quite reflective of one aspect of African-American cultural history, as the iconic "shoe-shine boy (or man)" was so very frequently seen on city street corners plying a meager living during the first half of the 20th century.

The piece is signed in the lower right hand corner by LISTED American artist, Olga Lea Rosenson, who was born September 10, 1892, in Brooklyn, New York (died 1959). She was best known for her work capturing town and city landscapes as well as portraiture. This portrait intimately captures the soul of its subject as he pensively awaits his next customer, and it is supposed to have been inspired by a young man whom Ms. Rosenson frequently observed on the streets of Brooklyn.

Painted in 1934, the framed piece measures 20" x 26.5"; the watercolor, 13” x 19.5 “. It is completed in various subtle tones of blue, gray, green, and brown, and it is double-matted in cream with a subtle gray under-mat.

This watercolor remained in the same collection for over 60 years and was professionally re-framed by the original owner in 1987, with information on this re-framing taped to the back side of this piece. The wood frame is in very good condition with a couple of small, age-related areas of wear that are minimally noticeable. There is a 5 inch vertical tear to the paper backing as seen in a photo that was taped closed by the earlier owner; there is no damage to the foam-core backing underneath. To the left of this tear, is cut-out information on the artist that was also taped on back by the earlier owner.

Ms Rosenson's works are owned both privately and by museums around the world, including Washington D.C.'s National Gallery of Art.

This handsome Black Memorabilia Male Golliwogg doll comes straight from an English home!

A brief history of the Golliwog doll: The Golliwog is based on a Black minstrel doll that the Victorian era illustrator, 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 an ugly 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.

Measuring 21.5 inches long, this delightful and appealing cloth Golli is unmarked and is thought, by his original and quite elderly owner, to have been made in the mid 1940's! (She speculates that he could even be a bit older than that, but she remembers not acquiring him until after the end of WWII.)

His nose and mouth are hand-stitched and he has round, cloth covered button eyes- the pupils were hand-colored using black ink! His nicely coiffed, black hair appears to have been styled from soft, "stuffed animal-type" fur! Rather interesting and ingenious! He has a machine-stitched, cotton batting stuffed, black sock cloth body. His colorful wardrobe is also machine stitched- green wool mourning coat, gold vest, and red and white polka-dotted cotton pants and matching bow tie!

He is in wonderful condition with the exception of some tiny moth holes to the back of his mourning coat (see photos) as well as another tiny moth hole to the back of his right arm and back right pants leg. The polka dot clothing shows the slightest hint of fading. His dark black fur hair also shows some age-related color change to brown at the roots. Hmm...then again...perhaps he's simply overdue for another hair coloring appointment at the Salon!

A very sweet addition to one's Black Memorabilia or Golliwogg collection!

Offered is a very nice, scarcely-found, C1930s Dewitts Headache Tablets drugstore display with very colorful graphics!

This handsome display measures 9"L x 4.25"W x 2"H and sports 23 of the original 24 tablet boxes. Each 3 inch box contains a perfectly-labeled, cork-topped bottle with the original insert.

The condition of the display box is fairly good with some honorable wear and scuffs, with loss of the top cover, all commensurate with an antique medicine. One of the medicine boxes has a small 1/3 inch of ancient, but unobtrusive debris stuck on it. Several boxes show a few tiny stains worth noting. One box has been opened and has one loose flap.

A wonderful, all-original find!

This circa 1940’s Black Mammy doll is diminutive in size and delightfully detailed!

Measuring just 6 ½ inches tall with a skirt circumference of 4 ½ inches, her head, torso, and arms are constructed of fabric with an inverted basket serving as her skirt. Her clothing is machine-stitched with attention paid to detail: teeny gold fabric braiding serves as earrings and necklace; delicate lace accents her skirt hem; her red shawl features zig zag stitching accents; her face is finely hand-painted.

A sweet addition to one’s Black Memorabilia or Doll collection!

This rare and unusual, finely constructed, Civil War Era, portable Field Surgeon's Operating or Gleason type Mortuary Table (also known as a Cooling Table) comes from the estate of a 4th generation New England medical doctor, and retains its original finish with wonderful patina.

The decorative and delicate detailing of this piece is at odds with its most gruesome history! Scalloped copper edge guards and the appealing pattern in which the drainage holes in the laminated wood tabletop were laid out contribute to visual appeal. The softwood table frame stands on nicely turned hardwood legs.

When opened and extended to its maximum dimensions, the table measures 72" long X 18.5" wide X 22" high. To facilitate ease of traveling, this portable table slides and folds to 40" long X 18.5" wide X 4" high. A leather carrying handle is attached to the table edge; legs, when folded, are secured in place with hooks.

Very fine original condition: expected overall wear (patina) with one hook missing and minor unobtrusive loss of laminate along lower table top edge measuring approximately 1/3” wide by 7”.

Offered are a fabulous variety grouping of VERY RARELY FOUND, 1880's, Black Americana die cuts printed in Germany and sold by the Bim Brothers, London.

The assortment features die cuts of musicians, jugglers, a boxer, actors, a bagpipe player, comically portrayed African natives, and die cut heads of adults as well as die cut heads of children. All but the four African die cuts remain connected as a grouping, just as they were when originally produced and shipped from the factory- a very rare find which increases each grouping's value.

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. All would look fabulous either framed individually or as a grouping!

Approximate measurements are as follows:
The 2 standing, connected figures: 3.25" tall x 4.50" wide
Connected Adult Heads: 2.25" tall x 3.75" wide
Connected children Heads: .75" tall x 4.50" wide
4 African loose figures: 2" tall x 1" 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 all reveals that no repairs or restorations were made to any of the die cuts in this offering.

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

Offered is a handsome group of 4 early 20th century vintage, veterinary medicines, and one dated pre-World War II.

First there is the rare, Parke Davis example labeled "AZOA" (rat virus) designed to exterminate mice, rats and other vermin! This unused, circa 1900, product measures 3.25" high and sports complete labels on both the cork and bottle.

The next bottle is the empty GLOVER'S "IMPERIAL MANGE MEDICINE" which also has a graphically-appealing label featuring the handsome profiles of a horse and dog. Embossing is present on three panels of this deep, amber-colored bottle. Very nice!

The third medicine is the very colorful and unused GOMBAULTS "CAUSTIC BALSAM" skin liniment housed in a screw cap bottle, which is marked 1940 on its box. The box is very good and complete while the bottle shows a covering of modest surface film. The colorful box measures 7 inches tall and comes complete with directions for both human and veterinary use!

The fourth offering is the aqua-colored, embossed H.H.H HORSE MEDICINE D.D.T. 1868 and measures 8.25" tall. There various small closed air bubbles, two tiny lip imperfections and a surface scratch on the back.

The final medicine is a very cute bottle embossed "PRATTS VETERINARY LINIMENT PRATT FOOD CO PHILA USA", measuring 5.5" h x 2"W. This aqua-colored bottle is embossed 485 on the bottom, and has numerous tiny, enclosed, air bubbles, mild faint interior staining and six exterior circular stains on the neck. There is no damage to the bottle, and it displays well!

Quite the quintet! WOW!

This highly decorative, quite visually appealing, and VERY RARE children's alphabet and nursery rhyme combination block set was designed to teach young ones their ABC's along with the skill of memorizing and reading the popular nursery rhymes of the day.

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!

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!

This is a scarce collection of 22 Homeopathic Medicine bottles complete with contents, corks and labels dating to the turn of the 19th century. Each vial sports an applied label that indicates the contents plus a cork with hand-written ingredients noted. The vials measure between 2 - 2.5 inches high x 1/2" including the cork. Hard to find in any condition.

*****Group #1*****

Some History:
Although homeopathy has its roots in ancient Greek medicine and in the work of the 16th-century physician Paracelsus, modern homeopathy dates back 200 years to the work of the German doctor and chemist, Samuel Hahnemann. Hahnemann qualified as a physician but ceased to practice as a doctor because of what he saw as the barbaric medical practices of his day - which included bloodletting and the overuse of toxic medicines, leading to horrific side effects.

A brilliant linguist, he earned a living from translating books and was interested by a reference in a medical textbook of the use of China (Peruvian bark) as a cure for malaria. Intrigued to know why China worked, he took doses of the remedy until he himself began to exhibit malarial symptoms. He stopped taking the China and the symptoms went away. From this he deduced that the ancient principle of 'like cures like' actually worked.

His next step was to determine if there were safe levels at which toxic substances could be given - and still cure the type of symptoms that they might otherwise cause. His experiments with dilution led him to discover that the more a substance was diluted, the more potent it appeared to become.

Homeopathic medicine was born, but in practicing it, Hahnemann and his followers were subjected to ridicule and persecution by the medical establishment, despite the fact that they were seeing patients getting better on tiny doses of medicines, prescribed on the basis of 'like cures like'. Many European practitioners immigrated to the United States, where homeopathy flourished in the 19th century – until the medical establishment there systematically acted to remove its influence.

Hahnemann ended his days as a renowned and very busy practitioner in Paris, working into his 80's. He is interred at the Cimetière du Père Lachaise, where a large monument honors him and his discovery of Homeopathy.

Those who are ardent collectors of the famed Florence Upton creation - the Golliwogg - recognize this 19th century, first edition, children's book as an extraordinarily RARE find indeed, very seldom available for purchase in today's market!

"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!!

Offered is an unusual group of 2 Patent Medicines all of which were indicated for issues related to brain function or emotional conditions.

First, is a sample bottle of FLORAPLEXIN prepared by Franklin Hart of New York. The label notes that it is, "A positive cure for Dyspepsia, Liver complaints, NERVOUS EXHAUSTION, & Consumption." Lots of small print on the back noting that if this medicine is used, "you will be cured" of your particular symptoms which include being NERVOUS, IRRITABLE & GLOOMY or having EVIL FOREBODINGS - rather interesting claims not often made by patent medicine producers. Measures about 3 inches, in very good condition.

Second, is a diminutive, corked, 2.75 inch bottle labeled "THE ENSIGN REMEDIES, "Remedy No. 1." The label notes: "For Abnormal Mental States, Fears, Forebodings, Persistent Thoughts and Evil Suggestions". It is quite rare to find medicines that were specifically indicated for the treatment of mental illness. The Ensign Remedies company was from Battle Creek, Michigan, and was mentioned often in the various medical journals published during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The bottle is excellent and the label shows modest wear, loss and fading.

Third, is Dr. Schoop's is sold.

These nostrums give credence to "good things come in small packages". A desirable duo indeed!

This vibrantly colored, uncut, circa early 1920's, Little Mary Jane Paper doll designed by Berta and Elmer Hader, an American couple who jointly illustrated more than 70 children's books, ran exclusively in the iconic Good Housekeeping Magazine and features a Halloween theme complete with jack-o-lanterns and a basket of harvested fall apples!

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.

Here is a fine example of a club created by a skilled craftsman! It is a circa 1910, smooth face hickory shaft golf club sporting a wonderful patina, stamped on the back "NICHOLLS SPECIAL".

Smooth face golf clubs fell out of fashion, and perhaps function, by the very early 1900s, yet they were still offered in catalogues for a number of years beyond this date.

The grip is missing except for the listing which is in good condition, and the almost-straight hickory shaft sports a nice aged patina. There is a stamp near the base of the grip noting the following: ???? A.& C.P. CO. Mfgr - Westboro, Mass. It measures 37 inches from heel to top of shaft and is likely a MASHIE NIBLICK although it is not marked as such. There are various minor dings to the metal surface and examples of wear commensurate with this club's use and 110+ years of age.

Interesting notes: This club was most likely imported from Scotland and sold by the English brothers Gilbert and Bernard Nicholls who emigrated to the US in the early 1900s. Both brothers (who were not clubmakers) had excellent professional golfing careers. Interestingly, Scotland imported thousands of wooden shafts from the US during the hickory golf club era as evidenced by the Westboro, Mass stamp on shaft.

Offered are two, decorative, late 19th century, English, porcelain, dental, toothpaste, pot lid containers. They are priced separately with the ORIENTAL TOOTH PASTE pot lid offered at $115.00, and the WOODS CHERRY TOOTH PASTE pot lid offered at $75.00.

The ORIENTAL TOOTH PASTE pot lid measures about 3 inches in diameter, sports a marbled exterior and is in very nice condition with a few faint edge chips to the base. There is a slight variance in color between the top and base.

The WOODS CHERRY TOOTH PASTE pot lid measures over 2.5" in diameter, sports red printing on top and is in very good condition. This container has some small chips on the interior edge of the base.

Displayed together as a pair or individually, these dental pot lids will add visual interest and appeal to your collection!