Catalog (56)

This vibrantly colored, uncut, circa early 1920's, Little Mary Jane Paper doll 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! It was designed by Berta and Elmer Hader, an American couple, who jointly illustrated more than 70 children's books,

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.

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, fading or irregularity 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. Coloring remains consistent throughout.

Given the extreme play-time popularity of paper dolls, it is very rare to find an uncut sheet such as this! What an interesting and unusual fall-time and/or Halloween decoration piece!

Some history on the Haders:

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).

Presented in a frame is the highly colorful, visually-appealing and patriotic cover of an 83 page song book advertising BROMO-SELTZER. Prominently featured is the American flag waving beside the iconic, cobalt blue colored BROMO-SELTZER bottle!

This cleverly-designed image dates to the late 1890s to the early 1900s as it advertises the product as a CURE for all headaches. The passage of the 1906 Pure Food and Drugs Act requiring that foods and drugs bear truthful labeling statements and meet certain standards for purity and strength, prohibited the previously popular and loose use of the word "cure" in product advertising from that point forward.

This delightful song book cover is framed in a 1930s era metal frame measuring 10" x 8". The graphics are quite sharp, and the paper appears aged, consistent with its 100+ years of existence.

This wonderful vintage hospital sign from the 1920's once hung in a small central South Carolina hospital, as told by the 91 year old seller from whom it was purchased.

Taken right out of her sewing room where it had hung for decades on the wall, the black and gold sign, which is painted on a heavy particle-type board, has a very lovely, warm, aged patina. It was very difficult to photograph as the black background paint readily picked up the slightest light source. The very first photograph most accurately depicts the color and appearance of this piece. Any white glare in any of the photographs should be completely disregarded, as both the color and tone of the sign are quite uniform.

Measuring 24" wide x 6" long, the sign has three eyelet-type holes in each of three corners (one corner is missing) to facilitate hanging. It comes with a heavy, ancient piece of wire that was used to hang the sign in the seller's home.

As noted in the close-up photos, the sign has its share of surface rubs, scratches, paint edge wear and three of the four corner edges missing-- all appropriate examples of wear for a well-used sign that is nearly 100 years old! Close examination of the sign suggests that the background was painted completely black first and then the gold edge-work and lettering were stenciled on top of the black background.

Just LOVE the look of this sign!

Offered for sale is a fabulous and most colorful, hand-painted Connecticut TIN trade sign from the 1920s – 1930s.

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 condition of the sign is quite good with lovely patina and appropriate surface wear for its 90+ years of age. Note a small unobtrusive piece of framing missing from the bottom right.

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.

Measuring 26.5" long x 13.75" wide, this fabulous, one-of-a-kind segregation sign is felt to be circa 1930s.

The sign with its flat black background, features a decorative free-hand, skill-fully executed, corner-looped edge design in old white paint advertising: SLEEPING ROOM FOR RENT.

Beneath the words 'FOR RENT', the words "WHITE ONLY" have been covered over with a layer of similar-colored background paint. Both words are still visible beneath this layer of paint with the word "WHITE" being most readily visualized.

I believe that this "paint-over" can be easily, professionally removed, and I toyed with the idea of having this done, but then felt that I should offer the sign as it is in its current state, as it is reflective of a small yet positive progression in history, in the viewpoint of at least this proprietor in our society in this time period. What prompted this change of viewpoint, which obviously occurred decades before the Civil Rights Act of 1964, is forever lost to history. The place of origin of this sign is unknown.

The sign is hand-painted on Masonite, a smooth-faced, compressed wood hardboard that was invented in the 1920s and was in popular use during the Depression-ridden 1930s due to its relatively inexpensive price tag. The sign has nine holes to facilitate hanging: three on each end and three down the center of the sign. The sign retains an original surface patina with age-related crackling to the lettering. In addition to the words "White Only" being painted over, a decorative flourish centered between the words "Sleeping Room" and "For Rent" has also been painted over, reason unknown. Mild surface paint loss, scuff-marks, and edge wear are present, commensurate with a 90+year old sign.

An exquisite example of Segregation Era signage that tells a story of prejudice evolving to an acceptance of equality.

Offered are 2 very scarce, circa 1940's, glass, hospital signs acquired many years ago out of a New Jersey hospital that was undergoing modernization and renovation.

These glass SPINAL CORRECTION signs once hung near the entryway of the physical therapy department and are ready for display in your collection!

The first sign measures 13 inches long x 3 inches high and is of thick, heavy plate glass construction. The second sign has the same description but has about and inch missing in length. The signs sport gold-toned, applied lettering and are finished off in black paint, such as in the style seen in reverse-painted glass objects. There is some paint loss and lifting which is commensurate with older painted glass.

Offered is an authentic signed baseball from former Negro League player CLIFFORD LAYTON. The ball was signed for me at an autograph show and is dated 4-15-05.

Mr. Layton was a skilled pitcher with a strong bat who had a four-year career in the Negro Leagues, playing for the Indianapolis Clowns, the New York Black Yankees and the Raleigh Tigers. One of his teammates was a promising infielder by the name of Hank Aaron, who signed with the Boston Braves in 1952, and eventually became a Hall of Famer. Layton received an invitation in 1951 to try out for the Brooklyn Dodgers, but by then his shoulder was troubling him so he declined, hoping it would heal and another opportunity would present, which unfortunately never came. As of 2016, Mr. Layton, at the age of 87, was enjoying retirement as an associate pastor in a North Carolina ministry.

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.

In 1945, when Major League Baseball’s Brooklyn Dodgers recruited Jackie Robinson from the Kansas City Monarchs, Robinson became the first African-American in the modern era to play on a Major League roster. While this historic event was a key moment in baseball and civil rights history, it marked the decline of the Negro Leagues. The best black players began to be recruited for the Major Leagues with their black fans following them, and the last Negro Leagues teams folded in the early 1960s.

Measuring just 2.75 inches high, this lovely Copper Lustre Creamer or mini Jug, is in impeccable condition-- no chips, breaks, hairlines, etc! Delicate floral and leaf patterning in copper is set against a pretty bright blue band. Nicely swirled applied handle! A very sweet addition to one's copper lustre collection!

This delightfully fancy, 19th Century, cast iron, physician's office sign marked "DR. JOHN LAGAN", once hung on a small building in turn-of-the-century San Francisco, California! It actually survived the famous earthquake of 1906!!

A treasure of early signage designed in the Art Nouveau style, this sign measures 46 inches long by 7 inches wide. The sign weighs at least 25 pounds and sports cast detailing seldom found!

The sign features a delightful and mellow patina with an old painted surface retaining traces of old blue coloring beneath the exterior battleship gray tones. Scattered areas of unobtrusive surface rust add to the wonderful appeal of this vintage sign.

Visually appealing and artfully designed, this vintage piece of signage would make an interesting addition to one's Medical Memorabilia Collection!

Measuring 5 3/4 x 7 3/4, this lovely, early, Pre-WWI, English or Continental origin, Black subject advertising die cut features two sweet, smiling, pretty young girls under a tattered umbrella.

This pleasant die cut is in excellent condition and comes protected in an attractive, walnut-tone decorative frame! Likely originally produced to advertise a specific, product, store or location, but then was never utilized for that purpose.

A sweet piece, perhaps, one-of-a-kind!

Offered is a vintage, 1930s era, metal sign embossed "$50 REWARD PACIFIC RURAL PRESS".

The Pacific Rural Press, first established in 1871 in San Francisco, California, was formed to educate and otherwise serve the needs of California's agricultural community, primarily addressing fruit and vegetable growers. In addition to being a highly-respected, scientific informational source, the Pacific Rural Press publication also offered the opportunity for manufacturers of related farming products to advertise their wares.

This visually appealing sign, produced by the Pacific Rural Press Service Bureau, would have been posted by the farm owner as a warning to potential intruders. The sign states: "$50 REWARD FOR ARREST AND 30 DAY IMPRISONMENT OF ANYONE STEALING FROM THESE PREMISES".

Sporting a deep, green-colored background which enhances the bold white lettering, the sign measures 10" long x 7" high. (The lovely deep green color is even darker than the photos depict. It was difficult to capture the depth of color due to light reflection.) It is in good condition commensurate with its age and use. The surface has modest, faint superficial scratches, as well as some minor paint loss noted more on the edge and on the embossed letters. There are various slight, tiny dings and scant superficial rust marks. Two mounting holes are present on the top left and right edges to facilitate hanging.

A very interesting and conversation-provoking sign!

Offered is a wonderful, C1950s, Art Deco-styled, advertising store sign that features in bold capital letters the word, "COSMETICS". This sign, which originally hung in a Grand Rapids, Michigan, establishment, might well have been displayed in either a drug store or a beauty salon which sold various lines of ladies' cosmetics.

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. 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.

A delightful find for the Baby Boomer Generation! A circa 1950's, near-mint condition, COMPLETE SET of bright blue, yellow, and green plastic toy All-American Police Whistles, in their original, cardboard, store display box!

This type of display would have been placed on the counter next to the checkout register with the gum and candy to entice little girls and boys to purchase a whistle!

The display box cover features a city policeman demonstrating the authentic and powerful amplitude of the whistles. The cover has a perforated seam that was unfastened when the box was displayed open so that the policeman and city skyline stood tall above the whistles.

Condition: Whistles are all original and complete, in excellent, mint condition. Display box is in near-mint condition; subtle edge wear as seen in photos, one small, partial seam separation at the base of the box cover, where the tab tucks into the box base for closure (see last photo).

Marked ALL AMERICAN PLASTIC WHISTLES with no other maker’s mark evident. A 70+ year old, very cool and colorful, stand-out, Baby Boomer Collectible!

Offered is a very nice 1950 - 1960s era painted wood sign found in a Myrtle Beach antiques shop.

This double sided sign has the same word "WATERFRONT" painted on each side. The white background and bold black stenciled lettering are identical.

This handsome sign measures 24 inches long x 6 inches high and 3/8 inches thick. There are 2 unobtrusive small holes on either side which were used when hanging the sign. Other than the expected scuff marks, surface mars, and minor stains, this sign is well preserved.

Would complement any decor or collection. PERFECT for the BEACH HOUSE!

Measuring 10.25 inches wide by 7 inches high, this highly-colorful, mint condition, felt, American flag is actually a tobacco premium (free gift) which was awarded as a free bonus to tobacco buyers back in the day to encourage them to continue to purchase that particular brand!

The flag features 48 stars and is bordered with the stars and stripes as well as a Liberty Bell at each of the four corners.

The Flag is double-sided and looks fabulous when viewed from either side.

Would look quite striking if matted and framed!

Measuring a diminutive 4.50 inches long x 2.50 inches high, this very unusual tin and pot metal piece features a small black shoe shine boy with shoe polishing brush in hand, about to polish a giant ladies lace-up shoe!!

The piece has two tiny holes in its bowl suggesting that this was once screwed or fastened into another piece. Logic suggests that perhaps this may have been an advertising display item of some sort.

Remnants of red paint are easily visible on the back of the black boy's hat as well as on his lips, and the giant shoe also displays remnants of black paint. When one looks quite closely, one can see that the entire figure was at one time painted. Some light superficial rusting to the bowl is evident here and there.

Certainly a mystery piece as to purpose, this fascinating Black Memorabilia collectible remains quite intriguing and does reinforce a stereotypical occupation associated with black folk during the unfortunate Jim Crow era.

This 1970 era, laser cut, Ramada Inn Hotel and Restaurant advertising sign sports patriotically-colored red, white and blue detailing. The sign highlights Ramada's SPECIAL GOLF PACKAGES and its very humorously-named "DUFFERS LOUNGE"! (In golf, a duffer is a mediocre or poor golfer.).

The 2 inch thick wood sign measures 20 inches long by 5.5 inches wide and is in very good condition. The sign has some areas of faint edge splits, minor paint loss and other unobtrusive imperfections commensurate with age and use. The patriotic colors and embossed lettering create a striking display piece. Ready for hanging above your home bar or within your golf memorabilia collection!