Both circa 1930s, the two potties each have a big blue "EYE" painted on the inside bottom of the potty and both are labeled in gold script "Go Way Back and Sit Down". Both are stamped on their bases "Made in Germany" and are in excellent condition. (Our apologies for blurry photos of the gold printing on the exterior of each potty. The printing is actually quite crisp and clear. It is the photography that requires improvement!)

The smaller "eye" potty also has the words "Goo Goo" written above the eye. The smaller 'eye" potty measures 1.25 inches high and has a diameter of 1.50 inches.

The larger "eye" potty measures 1 3/8 inches high and has a diameter of 1.75 inches.

Items such as these were frequently used as "free give-aways" by various businesses to spark an increased customer base either when celebrating a grand-opening or to promote the offering of a new service or product.

Becoming increasingly difficult to find!

Framed in sturdy wood, this metal sign is hand-painted in stunning blues, whites, and oranges and reads: “JOHN E. MELVIN – PLUMBER – TEL. CONN”.

Measuring approximately 32.5 inches wide x 18 inches high, this vintage tin sign, a most unusual find, has wonderful visual graphic appeal and would add great decorative interest to any room!

The 5 tins are all in nice condition with unobtrusive minor surface scratches with one having a minor rust stain to the lower edge from storage.

The tins measure just over 1.5 “ in diameter.

All three tins are in very fine condition with some very small spots of superficial rust and teeny superficial surface scratches here and there as would be expected of any item 70+ years of age. These were stored well over the years and their condition reflects this! The largest tin is in the most pristine. The two black, white and red tins are empty but the green and yellow tin still has a hardened lump of polish inside. The large tin measures 5 6/8 inches high, the small black tin measures 4 1/4 inches high, and the green tin measures 4 inches high.

These tins are not readily found on today’s market in this condition and would provide a handsome and visually striking display either as a group of 3 or as a single piece! A nice addition to the advanced Black Memorabilia collection!

The bottle measures nearly 7.5 inches high and is complete with original contents. The condition of the bottle is very nice with only minor staining next to the letters in the word, BONKORA. Although the box is damaged, it displays well as it retains the image of the nude female- an interesting conversation piece!

A brief history of the Negro League:

African-Americans first began to play baseball in the late 1800s on military teams, college teams, and company teams, eventually finding their way to the established professional baseball teams of white players. However, racism and “Jim Crow” laws would force African-Americans from these teams by 1900, with black players left to form their own teams.

In 1920, an organized league structure was formed under the guidance of Andrew “Rube” Foster, a former player, manager, and owner for the Chicago American Giants. In a meeting held at the Paseo YMCA in Kansas City, Mo., Foster and several other Midwestern team owners joined to form the Negro National League. Soon, rival leagues formed in Eastern and Southern states, which brought black baseball to major urban centers and to rural countrysides in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. The Leagues maintained a high level of professional skill and inspired economic development in many black communities.

This specimen dates to circa 1900 and is most likely German in origin. The company, PETER VAN SCHAAK & SONS, of Chicago, Illinois, was the American supplier of this type leech jar in the 1890 - 1916 period.

A production number "8" is noted on the inside rim. The jar sports three knobs, or string ties, to secure the lid. Made of white porcelain, this quart-size beauty stands 7.5 inches high x 5.5 inches wide (inclusive of the knobs) and measures just over 4" in diameter.

The condition is excellent with minor wear to the black lettering commensurate with its age.

Medicinal bloodletting is one of the most ancient of medical practices dating back thousands of years, with historical evidence noting its use in ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece. Bloodletting was based on an ancient system of medicine in which blood and other bodily fluids were considered to be "humors", and the proper balance of these "humors" were what maintained health. The concept that bloodletting could restore the "humors" to their proper balance was widely accepted, and the application of leeches to the body was one method of bloodletting that was practiced. By the 19th century, the use of leeches in this practice had reached its zenith, and vessels such as the one offered here were used to store the leeches when not in use.

This circa 1920-30's Johnny Griffin item is constructed in solid brass and was designed for use as a pipe rack although it could hold spoons or even neckties.

It is in all original condition with delightful patina- not a reproduction- no replaced parts- and measures 13 inches long x 6 1/2 inches high and 1 1/2 inches deep. It does not retain any marking other than a mold number 1592.

Johnny Griffin Black Americana collectibles should form the cornerstone of any serious Black Memorabilia collection!

HgNO3: Mercurous Nitrate is the earlier name for mercury nitrate. Mercury (I) nitrate is a chemical compound with the formula Hg2(NO3)2. It is used in the preparation of other mercury (I) compounds, and, like all other mercury compounds, it is toxic.

The 3 game piece rings are constructed of heavy hemp rope with a painted wooden bead- each rope bead a different color. The pole, upon which one attempts to toss the ring, is all wood.

all of the game pieces and game box cover retain their rich, original colors! Condition of the game, absent the missing box, is quite fine. Very minimal wear to game pieces makes on wonder if they have ever been used; slight, light stain to right side of box cover.