Catalog (41)

Offered is an 1854 edition of Dr. Calvin Cutter's instructional and educational book entitled "First Book of Anatomy, Physiology, and Hygiene, for GRAMMAR SCHOOLS and FAMILIES".

This difficult to find revised stereotyped edition, was published in Boston by the Benjamin B. Mussey and Co., the book having been originally published in 1852. It features 83 highly-detailed engraved illustrations and 191 information-packed pages. A very comprehensive and quite interesting volume that discusses normal and abnormal conditions, treatment of various diseases and recommendations for proper health.

This very early educational hardcover book is in fair to good condition. The front cover has separated from the binding as has the very first page which is blank, but both are present. All other pages remain bound. The majority of the exterior black leather edge binding cover is missing. This 168 year old book has expected, moderate yellowing and foxing to the pages, some minor staining and ancient water marks, and some tiny folds here and there. Measures approximately 7.25"L x 4.75"W.

A highly valued resource book of its time for instruction in the grammar school grades or for use by more financially well-to-do 19th century families who could afford to maintain personal, home libraries.

Quite an interesting read!

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!

Measuring 9 1/2 inches wide x 13 inches long, this brightly colored, copyright 1937, The Tale of Peter Rabbit book, a sweet story originally written by Beatrix Potter and offered here, in a large softcover book format and illustrated by acclaimed American children's illustrator, Milo Winter, is very rarely found!

Published by The Merrill Publishing Company, Educational Publishers, Chicago, Illinois, this book was meant to be used in the early Primary Grades as an educational tool to promote reading skills.

Condition is an 9.5 out of 10! This unnumbered, softcover book has seen little use with just a teeny bit of wear to book edges which do not effect structural integrity. The fourteen large folio, color illustrations retain their intensely vibrant hues. Amazingly, there is no other noted damage or imperfection other than the three minute tears to the vertical edge of the front cover which likely resulted in, simply, use!

Prolifically used in the primary school setting, this book supported the development of not only sight word vocabulary but supported the rudiments of the "sound it out " theory.

Regardless, for either the early primary school officienado or lover of classic nursery tales, this book is superb!

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!

The book, THOMPSON IN AFRICA or AN ACCOUNT OF THE MISSIONARY LABORS, SUFFERINGS, TRAVELS, AND OBSERVATIONS is the compilation of the journal kept by missionary George Thompson while working at the Mendi Mission in Sierra Leone, Africa, during the period 1848-1851. This is a second edition published in 1852, printed for the author by William Harned, 48 Beekman Street, New York City (the first edition was published in 1851).

George Thompson’s missionary service to Africa occurs approximately 7 years after the MENDI natives of the AMISTAD were accompanied by missionaries on their return to Africa. He serves this very same mission, now in the of colony Sierra Leone, a colony which was established to serve as refuge for the liberated Africans taken from slave ships.

356 pages long, this journal provides a fascinating account of all aspects of the Mendi culture seen through the eyes, however biased in his mission to convert the Africans to Christianity, of a genuinely well-meaning gentleman of his time. Condition: complete, tight binding, foxing throughout, spine wear as shown in picture.

Thompson states, “It is hoped that the following narrative may, in the hands of GOD, awaken a desire in many hearts to go to Africa, for the purposes of preaching, teaching, farming, building houses, mills, manufactories, etc., and thus assist in making long despised and neglected AFRICA, what it is capable of becoming, THE GARDEN OF THE WORLD.”

Measuring just 4.75" tall at its highest point x 2.5" deep x 3.5" wide, this fabulous, circa early 1960s, handcrafted mini replica of a 19thC School Master's Desk lacks absolutely nothing in detailing!

Constructed with hardwood and featuring brass hardware, this delightful piece retains its original box labeled "Made In Korea", with design copyrighted by B. Shackman & Co, 85 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York.

The wood-turned legs, wood-carved detailing and overall meticulous attention to design detail is just superb! The desk features a total of 3 drawers which open and close smoothly and easily and which are finished with brass handles or knobs. Desk swinging doors open easily, have brass knobs, and reveal six desk cubby holes and a small drawer hidden inside, just as one would have found in an original 19thC school master's desk!

Condition is all-original and superb without injury! The desk even retains its original foil sticker on the underside. The original cardboard box features a well-designed cover that offers all essential details to the prospective buyer. The front label is in perfect condition, but the cover's four corner joints have all separated, albeit due to handling over the years. All parts are present, however.

This piece is a deaccession from my personal school teacher collection, with regrets, due to lack of display space. A unique addition to one's vintage school collection!

These wonderful circa 1940-50's BRI-TONE Number 8, school or art crayons manufactured by the Imperial Crayon Company of Brooklyn, New York, are in near mint condition! The crayons are unused and are all original! The box features a fabulous graphic of a young boy and girl busily coloring using their Bri-Tone crayons! The box measures 4 inches tall x 2.75 inches wide x 1/4 inch deep.

An absolutely wonderful addition to one's School or Artist Memorabilia collection!

An ornately detailed and historical graphic of the California State Seal adds to the importance of this authentic and extremely RARE, museum-quality, 1859, TEACHING and PRINCIPAL’s LICENSE / DIPLOMA / CERTIFICATE issued by the STATE OF CALIFORNIA, and the City and County of SAN FRANCISCO, DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, just 9 years after California became the 31st state!

Text indicates that this early Principal and Teaching Certification was awarded to Mr. O. P. Sarle on January 5, 1859. This “Certificate of Approval” found him qualified “with respect to Learning Utility and Moral Character” to not only teach but administer as Principal at the Grammar School Grade for “one year unless sooner revoked by the board”. Signed by five individuals constituting the Examining Board and the President of the Superintendent of Public Schools.

Measures 14 inches X 16.5 inches. Labeled lower left corner: "Fishbourne's Litho. Ohio Street San Francisco". With the exception of early fold lines and a lower left edge water mark (which will not be seen when framed), condition is mint! This certificate comes backed on a museum-quality, acid-free foam board which can be used when the piece is framed.

Truly a historically significant, museum-quality piece of ephemera which tells a part of the story of the beginnings of public school education in California.

A delightful and diminutive, circa 1950's, Baby Boomer Era, set of children's wooden architectural building blocks marked "Made in Japan".

Measuring a slight 4" x 5", the brightly painted blocks are housed in a highly-detailed cardboard box featuring a colorful graphic of a young child playing with them. This toy was also used in the primary grade classrooms to help develop fine motor coordination and dexterity.

Condition is quite fine with the exception noted of 2 missing blocks.

This vintage educational Ophthalmology chart was published in 1956 by the Better Vision Institute of 630 5th Avenue, New York, to "promote better understanding of vision and better care of eyes".

Measuring 60 inches wide by 40 inches high, this highly colorful chart is just chock-full of information! Metal hanging grommets placed across the top facilitated display back in the 1950's. This incredibly interesting, double-sided chart highlights the science and history of sight as well as its medical assessment and its effects on one's ability to function productively in society.

The front side of the chart is entitled, "Vision: Master Key to Man's Progress" and highlights the biology and history of sight with a side discussion of optical illusions. The back side is entitled, "Science: Multiplies Eye Power" and discusses the science of vision and its correction featuring the Snellen Vision Chart, an Astigmatism chart and a Color Discrimination chart.

Condition is quite good with excellent color and clarity of print. Foxing is present on the front side side of the chart where the Optical Illusion information is printed. A very small edge tear is evident on the bottom of the chart and is most readily seen in photos when viewing the bottom back side of the chart where the description of Color Discrimination is found. (please see photos)

A fabulous, mid-20th century retrospective on vision as well as 1950's Optometry and Ophthalmology! Would be wonderful framed between two pieces of plexi-glass to facilitate display on either side!

Measuring 5.75" wide x 8.25" long x 6" high, this C1890s, unique and interestingly designed school lunch box has four parts: the base, which is 4" deep, the lid, a removable handled cup cleverly fitted to the top of the lunchbox lid, and a removal interior tray to dine upon that rests on a small edge inside the base!

Constructed of tin with well-executed soldered seams and rolled edges on nearly all areas which are smooth and comfortable to the touch.

In great condition for its 120 years of age with an old tarnished and mellowed patina! A couple of little "use-dings" and hints of light oxidation that add to its character. Some superficial rusting on the base and here and there.

The perfect addition to one's Vintage School Collection! Where will you find another one like it?

Measuring 4.25 x 4 x 1 inches, this all original cardboard display contains 24, full, bakelite capsules or tubes of EVERSHARPE RED TOP pencil-lead!

Interestingly, this display was found among the contents of an old North Carolina country store.

This product was made in the 1940's in the USA with tubes originally selling for 15 cents per tube. Each bakelite capsule or tube contains 45 sticks of "Q-15 Soft Standard" pieces of pencil-lead.

As seen in the photos, the red caps of the bakelite containers are brittle from age and are in varying states of "wholeness"--some intact and some not.

An interesting and unusual item to add to one's advertising or olde school collection!

A fabulous, vintage school teaching tool from the early 20th Century! Copyrighted 1940 and manufactured by the Richmond School Furniture Company, Muncie, Indiana, this early teaching tool featured the unusual option to practice both spelling on one side and computation on the reverse!

Measuring 13 inches wide x 9.50 inches high x 1/8 inch thick and constructed of heavy, multi-layered cardboard, this wonderful piece is in very fine, all-original condition with a warm, rich patina and color. All of the board's original, wooden, letter/number squares are in such a perfect state that they appear never to have been used! To spell a word, one slides the letters along cut out tracks in the board. To perform computation exercises, one simply flips the board over and is presented the opportunity to practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and percentages!

Quite visually appealing and easy to display!

Condition: some tiny edge rubs and surface wear due to use here and there on each side of the board- quite reasonable given this teaching tool's age and use by young children. See all photos.

A seldom found vintage, early School House item!

Measuring 7 inches long x 4 inches high x 6 inches wide, this all tin, 1943 copyrighted, WOLVERINE “SEE and SPELL” educational school toy is in fine overall condition! The tin is lithographed with a delightful scene of school children standing at the front of the class during a spelling bee with the teacher seen in the lower left corner holding a spelling book! Just adorable! On the back of the toy, a lone boy is seen drawing pictures and practicing spelling at a portable chalk board.

The toy is operated by pushing either side handle in a downward motion, which makes the words and pictures spin inside the toy. When the motion stops, four different spelling words with their accompanying pictures appear in the eight different windows.

Other than light surface blemishes due to age and gentle use, and the 4 missing tab covers which are supposed to keep the spelling words hidden, this vintage toy is in remarkable condition and makes a very colorful display piece!

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

This offering features two lovely die cuts- one, a well-to-do Victorian era husband and wife sitting down to dinner, and the second, a colorfully dressed bride and groom at the altar about to take their wedding vows. The third offering is a glossy finish mini-size litho featuring three siblings arriving at school with book bags on their backs, and one sporting an umbrella in case it later rains. Three children peer out the school window awaiting their arrival.

The products for which these die cuts and litho were meant to endorse is unknown. The litho features a very glossy finish, and 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! Think gift!

Approximate measurements are as follows:
The dining couple & the Wedding: 4" tall x 5.75" wide
School children: 6" tall x 4.50" wide

Priced each at $45.

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 three pieces reveal that only the wedding die cut has a small restoration made to one of the altar candlesticks using archival quality tape. There have been no repairs or restorations made to either the school litho or the Dinner die cut.

Elaborate graphics which include the California State Seal adds to the importance of this authentic, museum-quality, 1892, TEACHING LICENSE / DIPLOMA issued by the STATE OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY, DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.

Text indicates that the diploma was awarded to Mary L. Downey on January 15, 1892, and certified her to teach the Grammar or Primary Grade for the subsequent 6 years. Signed by 5 members of the California State Board of Education.

Further documentation on reverse reads, "Issued on the recommendation of the Board of Education of San Francisco, in accordance with Section 1521 of the Political Code, upon a first grade or Grammar Grade Certificate of San Francisco, 86.7% (Mary’s teacher examination grade).”

With the exception of early fold lines, condition is mint! Measures 8 inches X 10.5 inches.

See my other items for an 1899 Teaching Certificate awarded to Mary's sister, Josephine Downey!

A wonderful piece of museum-quality, educational ephemera representing San Francisco's and the state of California's early educational history!

These wonderful, circa late 1950-early 1960's, TRU-TONE No Roll, school or art crayons manufactured by the Milton Bradley Company of Springfield, Massachusetts, are in mint condition! The crayons are unused and are all original! The box measures 4.5 inches tall x 4.5 inches wide x 1/2 inch deep.

An absolutely wonderful addition to one's School or Artist Memorabilia collection!

Also pictured are two other mint condition, unused, boxed, school crayons that are currently offered for separate sale. The group of three make a charming, visual display!

Another delightful example of an Olde School House collectible-a tiny metal Student Merit Award Pin which is designed in the shape of a circular olive branch crown with the word "REWARD" on a blue enameled open textbook and the date "1924" inscribed on a white enameled scroll.

Items such as this were given to worthy students by their appreciative school teachers at the end of a term for a variety of reasons not the least of which were scholarship, attendance, and deportment.

This sweet little pin is in excellent, all original condition retaining its original and quite functional clasp! It measures 1/2 inch in diameter.

A darling little addition to one's Olde School House Collection!