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The character of Rastus was based on an actual person- a black waiter from Chicago- who was paid $5 for the use of his image by Colonel Mapes, the General Manager of the Nabisco Company, the owner of Cream of Wheat. The company began using the waiter’s image in the early 1900’s, replacing the original woodcut of a black chef that appeared on the packaging from 1894 until that time. Interestingly from a social and historical perspective, the depiction of the ever-pleasant, always-smiling Rastus was both a subtle yet positive departure from the extremely derogatory advertising much more typical of the era- advertising that nearly always featured blacks with wildly contorted and exaggerated features most often in very undignified poses and predicaments.
This beautiful, rarely-found puzzle, which is in excellent condition, is attractively framed in a hardwood molding colored in walnut, ebony and gold. The puzzle frame is original to the puzzle, and it is contemporary to the production date of the puzzle as it still retains its original wood panel backing, a framing technique not typically found after 1910. The puzzle pieces, themselves, are very finely and delicately cut, and are of a much smaller size than what is typically found in puzzles dating from the 1920’s and beyond.
A phenomenal piece that would be a centerpiece to any serious Black Americana, Advertising, or Cream of Wheat collection!
PLEASE NOTE: Any discoloration, white spots, or other unnatural variances in color are due to the unavoidable light reflections caused by the glass in the framing. The presence of the glass made photography quite a challenge!
A note to collectors: vintage Black Memorabilia puzzles from the pre-WWII era are a VERY rare find. Many were given out as "premiums" for utilizing a given product, and did not stand the test of time. Happy collecting!
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The little boy shuffles along quite nicely via his original wind-up mechanism.
Over 80 years old, he is still quite sturdy as he was well made, but does show some superficial scratching from use over the years.
Of particular interest is the little boy's face which is highly exaggerated, a racist characterization that was unfortunately typical of the era when this toy was produced.
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This unsigned and undated piece of art was executed with very soft lines whereby no edge seems sharp- not the counter edge, or the lids of the jars, or the heavy black iron grates of the gas stove. Painted in predominantly darkened hues of blues, silvery-whites and grays, pops of red appear in the freshly canned strawberries and hints of yellow emerge in the window curtain and in earthenware bowl that the young girl works out of, all culminating in the creation of an ethereal effect of calm and serenity.
This lovely piece is generous in size with the visual dimensions of the actual watercolor measuring 15" in height x 26.75" in length. The watercolor is double-matted with an 1/8" wide interior mat in a neutral earth-tone surrounded by a cream-colored, 2 3/4" wide mat that is further complemented with an etched, earth-tone, single line simulating the demarcations of a false third mat- very clever! (see photos) The extraordinarily sturdy, warm-toned, hardwood frame measures 1 3/4" wide with the total framed measurement of this piece approximately 25" in height x 36" wide. The backside of the frame features an Estate Sale, stringed-tag stating the provenance of this piece: "From the Greenwich CT home of Gayle King".
It must be noted that all photographs were taken through the glass of this framed piece, so multiple photographic angles are provided in the attempt to reduce distortion in the photos from light reflection off the glass. Please ignore any variations in color or shading - all are strictly the result of unavoidable light reflection.
Please also note that because this item would be classified as oversized by delivery carriers due to its weight (approx 11 lbs) and its length and width measurements, this item does not qualify for free shipping.
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While some photos may appear a bit blurry, this is a function of photography and not condition. All postcards are crisp and clear! The two comical cartoon postcards are much more brightly and vividly colored than the photos depict. The eight photo postcards also feature titles describing their subjects.
A delightful grouping that would be much-appreciated framed!
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Manufactured by FOSTA Products, this highly sought after piece of Black Memorabilia shows some wear to the gold lettered word, “RECIPES”, although the majority of the paint remains intact. Small paint rubs are present here and there on Aunt Jemima’s face as seen in photos. The tiny plastic knob on the left side of the box that acts as a hinge for the cover is missing, but this minor imperfection detracts little from the fabulous color contrast and visual appeal of this delightful and essential, vintage piece of early 50’s Black Americana!
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This Black Porter Pushing A Wheelbarrow amazingly still retains his original, red ribbon neckerchief. The windup mechanism is intact and holds a full wind...the man's legs are a little sluggish after 90+ years, but the toy does work.
This very difficult-to-find, Black Memorabilia toy measures 6" long, is approximately 2 3/4" wide and is 6" tall. Minor rubs to paint are present as noted in photos, but this paint loss is insignificant given the age of this toy.
A fine addition to one's Black Memorabilia collection!
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In utterly excellent condition with the only flaws noted being subtle wear to the paper dust jacket and a past owner's name and address, this version of the Little Black Sambo story is highly collectible as any item produced by its publisher, Platt & Munk, is aggressively sought-after due to the company’s reputation for use of extraordinarily vivid graphics.
This mini book is sixty-two pages long with 29 vividly colored illustrations designed and executed by the author, Frank Ver Beck.
A must have edition for the collector of Little Black Sambo books!
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The banks may be purchased as a pair for $425.00, or they may be separately purchased as follows: Mammy with Spoon $295.00 and Black Man Darkey Sharecropper $225.
The Mammy with a Spoon measures 5 7/8 inches high and was produced between 1905 and 1930. She retains much of her original paint and exudes a warm, rich patina commensurate with a well-loved antique of approximately 100 years of age. She wears a blue dress, black shoes, a silver apron and a red kerchief that still retains some of its white polka dots. Mammy holds a gold-colored spoon in her right hand while placing her left hand firmly on her hip. Mammy means business!
The Black Man Darkey Sharecropper measures 5 1/2 inches high and was manufactured from 1901 to 1930. He retains most of his original paint showing less paint wear than Mammy and also exudes a very warm, rich patina. He wears black pants with red suspenders and a gold hat and gold shirt with red collar. He wears black shoes; however, his left black shoe is worn through at the toes, resulting in all five toes peeking out! He stands casually with his hands in his pocket. His back screw, while an old one, is a replacement.
Mammy and the Darkey Sharecropper were clearly manufactured as companion pieces given their similar size and stance. Both stand freely and would make wonderful additions to the well-curated, antique, Black Americana collection.
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I have never seen this piece before, nor have I seen it pictured in any Black Memorabilia Reference books!
Circa 1940's, this hefty and very well-constructed piece is made of solid wood and measures 14 inches high x 9.25 inches wide x 3 inches deep. It weighs nearly 4 lbs!
This wonderful piece of Black Memorabilia may be displayed as a free standing shelf piece or may be hung (original hanging hole present!).
The condition and visual clarity of the Mammy graphic (Mammy scratching her head in her attempt to remember her grocery list!) as well as the grocery list text remains superb and vibrant! This graphic is printed on a solid, 5/8 inch thick, wooden board that slides up and out of the red frame to reveal the 5 slot knife box interior! The box also has a single hole beside the knife slots presumably to hold a wooden spoon! Turn the wooden grocery list board over and one finds a cutting board!!! How very, very clever! The grocery list peg holes are found within the frame of the knife box as opposed to the common placement on the grocery list board; one original wooden peg remains.
The piece is in very fine condition with some superficial wear to the red paint in appropriate locations, some old grime, and a few white paint spatters at the top of the box where the knife slots are located (all of which will be left to the new owner to clean or retain!) No manufacturer's mark.
Truly a fabulous and most RARE piece of Black Americana!
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This document is an exceptionally rare piece of historical ephemera in that it is the actual, formal and legal lawsuit filed by slave owner, Esther Miller, along with 25 other named male citizens of Decatur County, Georgia, against one Cader Powell for the "offense of beating, whipping, and assaulting a slave without sufficient provocation."
The document goes on to state that Cader Powell assaulted "a certain male slave named Issac (property of Esther Miller) with sticks, fists, cow pokins, and other dangerous weapons and then did unlawfully whip beat him, so that the healthy body of service of said slave was greatly injured without sufficient provocation being first given by said slave to the great annoyance of the said Esther Miller, the lawful owner of said slave..."
While one would like to think that this formal lawsuit was filed as a result of the tremendous outrage against humanity felt by the 26 parties bringing the suit, one has to consider that this lawsuit was more likely filed due to financial considerations--that the cruelly assaulted slave, Issac's, monetary value as owned, usable property was greatly diminished as a result of his beating. It is quite reasonable to infer that the slave, Isaac, suffered permanent physical injury as a result of his beating and that his monetary worth was thus, permanently devalued.
Regardless of the motivation behind the filing of the lawsuit, to find such extant documentation describing the conditions of southern slavery as well as the objection of slave-owners to the cruel and inhumane treatment of a slave is rare indeed.
The document remains in excellent, all-original condition. It measures 7.75 inches wide x 9.75 inches long.
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This extremely rare SAMPLE doll was, at one time, exhibited by Mrs. Park at a Van Buren drug store for marketing purposes--orders would be taken at the drug store based upon her sample doll or dolls that were displayed.
This richly detailed, finely executed doll wears 2 authenticating cloth tags (see photos) that attest to this doll’s provenance; one tag is a hand-inked-in-script tag sewn to the base of the doll’s apron that reads “Sample”, and the other is a machine-printed tag that is stitched to the waist band of the apron and reads, “Designed by Ruie Ann Park, Van Buren, Ark., All Rights Reserved”.
This lovely, 13 ½ inch long, old black Granny doll has a delicately designed, serious looking face that has been carefully hand-etched in ink. Her curly gray hair pulled back into a bun at the nape of her neck is crafted from yarn, and she wears a small, proper brown cloth hat with pink banding. Her body is quite firmly stuffed with cotton, her hands are stitched to delineate her fingers and (separated) thumbs, and her outfit is machine-stitched and completely original. She wears unbleached, ruffle-edged, muslin pantaloons and underskirt. Her dress is cream colored cotton calico printed with black and pink flowers, and further accented with the most delicate, pink-trimmed, pink polka-dotted, lace cuffs and collar. Her unbleached muslin apron is trimmed with light pink ric-a-rac along its hem and single pocket. Her outfit is completed with black cotton stockings and authentically detailed black, lace-up leather boots.
This extraordinarily rare doll with her very unusual, documented provenance is in very, very fine condition! A truly superb Black doll beckoning to the most sophisticated of doll collectors! Also offered from the same wonderful doll collection is a circa 1920 black cloth doll named "Sallie"- another must-have!
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Constructed of tin with a tin embossed and lithographed image and a glass cover, this game features a mirror on back. The puzzle is in all-original condition with the embossed graphic remaining free of scratches and abrasions. (Please disregard any light or shiny spots in photos which are due to flash reflection off of the glass.)
An interesting image and a delightful piece of early Advertising or Toy Black Memorabilia!
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From approximately 1910 through the 1930's, Mrs. Concepcion Vargas-Alphonso, influenced by the great artistry of her famous father who also sculpted in wax, crafted a variety of wax dolls inspired by the black folk she saw on New Orleans's street corners selling their wares or practicing their trade - black folk performing everyday activities that would have been daily seen on the streets of the city.
While the majority of Vargas figures were sold exclusively through Harriet's, of 318 Rue Royal in the French Quarter of New Orleans, a small number of Vargas figures were also sold through Kate Latter's Candy Shop in New Orleans. The shop, opening during the Great Depression years, had significant financial difficulties and closed after only five years (1933-1938) in business. This particular Vargas figure was one that was sold there, and it retains a gold foil sticker advertising the shop underneath its wood base.
Vargas figures are completely hand-made, one-of-a-kind dolls that are seldom found on today's market due to their inherently fragile nature, making them highly sought after in the Black Memorabilia / Black Americana Collectible arena.
This figure, known as the Sugar Cane Seller, was recently de-accessioned from the Louisiana State University Rural Life Museum collection, Baton Rouge, LA, having been acquired by the museum from a private collector in January 1979.
The Sugar Cane Seller is one of the more difficult to find of the Vargas figures. In his right hand he holds three stalks of newly cut sugar cane, and in his left hand he holds a silver-colored, light-weight, metal machete.
Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features. This gentleman Sugar Cane Seller wears a red and yellow checked kerchief around his neck, a green shirt with yellow polka dots, black and tan striped pants, and black "leather" shoes. His costume is entirely constructed of actual cloth fabric that was coated with a fine layer of clear wax to stiffen them. The Sugar Cane Seller's wax body is internally supported by a wire frame through which the figure is securely attached to the wooden base. Underneath the wood base is found the Kate Latter's Candy Store sticker as well as an inventory sticker from the LSU Rural Life Museum.
This wonderful figure is in fine condition for his 90+ years of age with the following minor restorations likely performed by the professionals at the LSU Rural Life Museum: a restored right hand (that is presently missing a thumb), and restoration to the back of the vendor's hat, noted by the lighter colored wax. The sugar cane stalks appear to have been reattached in place, and his left hand is also missing the thumb. Due to the fragility of the wax fingers, it is not uncommon to find them missing or partially present.
The Sugar Cane Seller's light-weight metal machete was once attached to the left hand. It is my opinion that this metal machete was fashioned by professionals at the museum to replace the original cardboard version. Its weight, however, appears to be too much for the wax hand to hold, and thus, it became unattached while still in the museum's collection. As seen in the photos, the machete can be successfully rested inside the hand provided it is placed so that it is balanced, with equal lengths of the machete in front of and behind the hand.
A true must-have, rarely-found piece for the ardent collector of New Orleans Black folk character figures!
Please take a moment to view the additional Vargas figures we currently have the pleasure of offering for sale. Type "Vargas" into the search box on our website homepage.
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Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) was the greatest Jazz musician of all time, defining what it was, what it meant to play Jazz. His incredible technical abilities, the joy and spontaneity felt in his works, and his amazingly quick, inventive, musical mind continues to dominate Jazz to this day.
This wonderful piece is a superb likeness of "Satchmo", and it remains in very fine, all-original condition! No chips, cracks, repairs or repainting! Minor and tiny, age-related flakes to the surface of this chalkware piece exist here and there and are entirely appropriate given the statue's 70+ years of age. No maker's mark--just a small encircled "C" for copyright on the back of the base. Bottom of base is covered in an original, soft, felt-like material to prevent statue from scratching display surfaces.
A fabulous piece of Louis Armstrong Memorabilia!!
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Manufactured by FOSTA Products, this highly sought after piece of Black Memorabilia is in near mint condition with some light superficial scratching that is only visible when the box is held under bright lighting and angled to catch the light just right! A small paint rub to the tip of Aunt Jemima’s nose and some 1950’s dirt tucked into tiny crevices are the only other imperfections! The gold painted word, “RECIPES” , written on the lid is mint! Truly in very, very fine condition----- most fortuitous as these recipe boxes were usually well used!
A delightful and essential, vintage piece of early 50’s Black Americana for the serious collector!
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This great piece is in very nice condition with the exception of a light spider hairline to the GLAZE ONLY of the top of the chef hat. The spider does not penetrate to the ceramic. He also has two very tiny edge flea bites by his shoes. Other than these very minor obtrusions, this wonderful piece remains free of other fleabites or hairlines as well as free of repaint, paint wear, or repairs.
The chef's head "bobbles" or "nods" on a metal spring adding much whimsy to this piece! His face has wonderful detailing--as does his body, and he has a very pleasant facial expression!! His big wide smile accentuates his pearly whites! This cute chef holds a yellow wooden spoon in his right hand and wears an adorable red bowtie!
**PLEASE NOTE: ANY WHITE SPOTS ON THE CHEF'S FACE ARE THE RESULT OF CAMERA FLASH ONLY-- NOT PAINT IMPERFECTIONS!**
A delightful piece!!
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From approximately 1915 through the 1930's, Mrs. Vargas-Alphonso, influenced by the artistry of her father who also sculpted in wax, crafted a variety of wax dolls inspired by the black folk she saw on New Orleans's street corners while growing up. Sold exclusively at the time through Harriet's, of 318 Rue Royale in the French Quarter of New Orleans, the completely hand-made, one-of-a-kind dolls are seldom found on today's market due to their inherently fragile nature, making them highly sought after in the Black Memorabilia Collectible arena.
This particular figure is known as Ole Charley who, severely bent over with age, was once a well known figure in the Vieux Carre.
Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features. Ole Charley wears a yellow hat with blue band, a red patterned neck scarf, a yellow flowered shirt and blue jeans- all constructed of actual cloth fabric that was coated with a fine layer of clear wax to stiffen them. He supports all of his weight with an actual stick cane! His wax body is internally supported by a wire frame through which the figure is securely attached to the wooden base.
This wonderful figure is in very fine condition for his 75+ years of age with the following imperfections: missing left-hand fingers with present left thumb (an unfortunate, but extremely common consequence of time), a chip out of his yellow hat (which actually looks appropriate to the character!!) and a re-molded right hand- a repair made long ago. There is a spot of old glue on the base which suggests that something might be missing- a small stool perhaps? Regardless of his imperfections, his brilliantly executed face and his incredibly realistic pose is most delightful- a snapshot of New Orleans history!
Please see the other two Vargas figures that are currently available. One is depicted in the group photo and all are priced separately. Please note that the Vegetable Seller (with basket) has been sold.
Please note- photos were taken outside in natural sunlight. Any white or light spots on the figure are a result of sun glare and are not reflective or discoloration or fading.
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The origin of this sign is unknown, but it once hung on either the interior of a bus or railroad car designating the section of the bus or rail car where African-Americans were required to sit. One side reads “FOR WHITES” and the other side reads “FOR COLORED” thus separating the two races on public conveyance vehicles-- segregating the African-Americans to the back of the vehicle.
This historically significant sign retains its original metal hanger and is in all-original condition. It has had no restoration and bears some paint loss and scratching typical of its age and use as noted in photos. The “For White” side has significant paint loss from the actual lettering although this side of the sign is still quite "readable". The "For Colored" side is in very nice condition with very minimal paint loss to the actual lettering. This side of the sign displays exceedingly well! The age-related signs of wear do not impact the physical integrity of the sign and are more than appropriate to the age and purpose of the piece.
An utterly phenomenal, extremely RARE, one-of-a-kind, museum-worthy piece of Black American history!
Please take a moment to view the other "Jim Crow" Segregationist Era signs that I currently have the pleasure of offering.