Catalog: Archives: Collectibles (190)

Measuring approximately 12 inches in height, these vintage plastic dolls were offered as Aunt Jemima Company premiums in 1949! Purchase price was 25 cents each plus 3 box tops from any Aunt Jemima product! They were sold as cutouts for the buyer to sew together and then stuff as desired.

This pair was machine stitched and lightly stuffed with cotton batting. Aunt Jemima holds a stack of her famous pancakes while Uncle Mose politely holds his top hat in his hands.

Both dolls retain their vivid, brilliant color and are free of rips, tears, holes. Some teeny dirt spots/stains here and there, and Aunt Jemima has a little, 1 inch long, heat-related indentation in her apron--maybe from being stored in an attic and having something press into her? Not a big deal- no tear to plastic - just an impression into the plastic that does blend into the "wrinkliness" of her form anyway.....

A very colorful pair that displays quite nicely as seen in photos! **Please note that any white marks seen in photos are flash reflections only and are not damage to the dolls.**

Used by the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company, New York, - the A & P grocery store chain - for advertising purposes, this rarely-found and sizable die cut has been protected in a 12 3/4 x 9 1/2 inch, gold-toned frame.

Vividly colored, this Black Memorabilia themed piece features a smiling black girl seated on a large straw basket while holding 2, smaller-sized, flower-filled straw baskets in each arm. The young girl is nicely attired in a ruffled blue and yellow dress and wears red sandals, white lacy gloves, and a rose-accented, straw bonnet!

The die cut is in excellent condition! A very rare find!

Measuring 9 inches high, these delightful examples of Folk Art styling, represent two of a series of Black cloth character dolls made in Alabama in the 1930’s by unknown craftsmen/women. It has been speculated that their creation was encouraged through FDR’s Depression era program, the Work Projects Administration (WPA), in existence from 1936-1940.

Offered are two of these fabulous WPA craft Black Character dolls.

One doll depicts the black fisherman. He holds a bait pail and bunch of sticks tied together with string that has been flung under his right shoulder. In his left hand, he carries a wooden fishing pole from which a silver-colored, metal fish dangles (the fishing bowl has a bit of scotch tape wrapped around it, leading one to believe that there is some weakness to the pole that required stability provided through the tape). This is an older gentleman who wears a straw hat with gray hair (peeking through the top as well as undersides of the straw hat) and who has embroidered facial features –most characteristic of these dolls. Also characteristic of this type of doll is a small square of asphalt shingle glued to the feet to serve as a stand. Clothing is machine-sewn cotton with careful detailing right down to the patches on his knees and the red hanker chief tied around his neck. His body is black cotton stuffed with cotton batting.

The second doll, who is posed in the photos lovingly draping her right hand through the crook in the Fisherman’s arm while holding a plaid valise in her left, is dressed quite stylishly in flowered skirt with white bloomers showing, a wine-colored jacket with darling round, matching buttons, and a phenomenal black felt hat adorned with ruby red ribbon accented with pink and white flowers. Quite the stylish Grande Dame!

A pair of very special dolls that takes a snapshot of history in capturing the life of the poor southern black of the Depression era.

Dolls are priced separately at $245.00 each.

Measuring 14.50 inches high and standing on a 5.50 inch square base, this fabulous, vintage 1930's, chalkware statue of Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong holding his fabled cornet is quite heavy, weighing nearly 5 lbs!

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!!

Measuring 8.25 inches long, this vintage, Black Chef Spoon rest was made in JAPAN in the 1950's. Along with its jolly, wide-eyed caricature, the spoon rest features a rose-colored tulip painted on both sides and reads “SPOON- REST” in partially worn, brown lettering at the top of the chef’s hat. Note small "hanging hole" in back for display on the kitchen wall!

Very few of these pieces survive due to the high level of use they encountered. This piece has obviously not seen any use at all as the paint remains absolutely perfect! No chips, cracks, breaks or repairs with very minor crazing and some very, very light beige discoloration at the outer edge of the handle bottom, this fine and very hard-to-find piece of Black Americana is an essential addition for the serious collector! Fabulous detailing!!

Please see the last photo for a companion piece-- an 6 inch Black MAMMY Spoon Rest, 1950's Japan-- also available for purchase and priced separately at $155.00.

Measuring 2.50 inches in height, this extremely RARE, Satin, Camphor glass Golliwog Perfume Bottle was sold by VIGNY Perfumeries of Paris, France in the post World War I years. The satin camphor glass Golliwogg perfume was the very FIRST version of the "Le Golliwogg" perfume to be sold. The bottle design and name are based on a character created by Englishwoman, Florence K. Upton around the turn of the century. The bottle, itself, was made by Verreries Brosse.

This darling, all-glass piece remains in superb condition-no damage of any kind! It retains its wonderful, original satin string around the neck as well as the paper label that reads, “ Le Golliwogg, Vigny, Paris France” and features a lithograph of the Golli’s 2 black hands, positioned in such a way as to suggest that he his holding onto his big round belly!

The Golliwogg’s head is the perfume stopper (which lifts easily out of the bottle), and the facial painting/enameling remains as clear and crisp as the day it was applied! His black furry hair retains most of its original dark tones infused with shades of dark gray! The Golly’s glass collar is painted/enameled white with black lollipops and his feet are accented in black. The original paper label is completely intact.

The base of the clear glass bottle is etched but a challenge to read except under magnification or if the bottle is held up to a light bulb at a given angle. The etching reads, “FRANCE”. This bottle no longer contains perfume.

Along with photos of the Golliwog perfume is also a photo of an original 1920’s magazine advertisement for Vigny Perfumes including “Le Golliwogg”. The magazine advertisement is not available for sale and is only presented to serve as an historical reference.

A very, very special piece of Black Memorabilia that has appeal to Black Americana, perfume bottle, and Golliwog collectors alike!

Also pictured here and available for sale separately--- coming from the same estate--- is a 2.25 inch, Vigny, France, Golliwogg Perfume in Clear Glass dating post-WWI and priced at $375.00, as well as a second, 2.25 inch clear glass, 1920's, Golliwogg Perfume bottle complete with paper base label as well as a partial, original box and priced at $425.00. The clear glass perfume was the second version of the Vigny “Le Golliwogg” perfume produced from the 1920’s into the 1930’s. Type "Vigny" in the SEARCH box on our homepage to see all French Golliwogg Perfume bottles!

Measuring 4 1/4 inches in diameter x 1 1/8 inches high x 6 inches long, this fabulous, circa late 19th Century, solid brass Native American and African American SLAVE FACE Bowl is an extraordinarily RARE find! The craftsmanship and detailing of the bowl is superb!

It is quite the extraordinary find to discover any Black Memorabilia item reflecting the common but not widely acknowledged practice of interracial marriage among the indigenous Native American and the freed/slave African American population in 18th and 19th century Southern New England coastal towns and cities that were part of the Slave/Sugar/Rum Trade Triangle of the era. Rightfully viewed as a museum piece, this finely-executed figural bowl is certainly reflective of a unique and little known aspect of African American as well as Native American History!

The bowl is in utterly pristine condition with no faults other than expected age patina to the surface. There are no markings on this piece which appears to be hand forged given the subtle asymmetry of the overall shape of the bowl as well as the detailing of the facial features.

This truly unique and rare item would be an important addition to the serious collector’s Black Americana collection!

In the mid-1800's, an unknown artist painted the face of a young Black boy in warm, soft colors, and unbeknown to the artist, forever immortalized the young boy's image! Since that time a variety of items were been produced in the image of the "Young Black boy with the Torn Hat" or "Johnny Griffin".

This circa 1920-30's Johnny Griffin item is constructed of cast iron and is a match holder! It remains functional for such use today or may be simply used as an attractive desk paperweight or perhaps as a wall ornament!

The match holder is in all original condition with delightful patina- not a reproduction- no replaced parts- and measures 4 1/4 inches long x 4 1/4 inches wide x 1 inch deep. It is unmarked and retains traces of original paint as well as some surface rusting which appears in some photos to be more significant than it is in actuality.

The Johnny Griffin image- in the arena of Black Americana collectibles - should form the cornerstone of any serious Black Memorabilia collection!

Published in 1939 by the Whitman Publishing Company of Racine, Wisconsin, this very rarely-found, large folio, fine heavy stock, softcover book measuring 12.5 x 9.75 inches, offers a very unique continuation of the original Little Black Sambo story!

Entitled A New Story of Little Black Sambo, this tale picks up the story of the original Little Black Sambo tale 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. Two hungry tigers soon arrive threatening to eat Little Black Sambo, trapping him up in the tree for the entire day! Eventually, Sambo's friend, Tusker the Elephant arrives, successfully chasing off the tigers, saving Sambo. Tusker carries Sambo back home, where his worried parents await him. Relieved that Sambo is finally safely home, Black Mumbo decides not to punish him too harshly by spanking him with a hairbrush for running off without permission and all alone. The conclusion of the tale then moves forward one month, one week and one day before Little Black Sambo is finally allowed to wear his fine clothes once again!

Although no author is attributed, it is thought by some that this continuation tale of Little Black Sambo was co-authored by Clara Bell Thurston and Earnest Vetsch, who illustrated Whitman Publisher's earliest and first known edition of this story version in 1926.

The hallmark of this version of A New Story of Little Black Sambo is the utterly fabulous illustrations that make this edition stand out. The vibrant colors used, the stunning detail applied, make each of the 12 full color plates simply gorgeous works of art! This softcover book is constructed of very sturdy, heavy, high quality stock which likely accounts for its very good condition. No fading of color, writing or missing pages. Binding is tight with all three original staples present although the cover pages have separated at the bottom to just above the lowest staple. Some page edges are subtly worn with minor creasing, and age-related, light soiling is present.

This very rarely found continuation of the original Little Black Sambo story is a must have addition for the collector of Little Black Sambo books! Given the extraordinary quality of the illustrations, this is a book that one will want to display- under protective cover, of course!

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

The 1852 publication of Harriet Beecher Stowe's, UNCLE TOM'S CABIN, caused an international sensation which prompted many potters in Great Britain to produce a plethora of objects depicting various scenes and sentiments from the novel.

One of the most distinctive pieces to be produced came from the Staffordshire pottery of Ridgway and Abingdon, and in time, came to be referred to as 'the slavery relief jug'.

The jug displays two very compelling scenes from the novel: the dreadful slave auction depicting a devastated and weeping, soon-to-be-separated slave family on one side, and on the other side, the fugitive slave, Eliza, fleeing north from enslavement with her baby in her arms across the ice floes of the Ohio River. A notable detail on the side of the jug depicting the auction- the broadside posted on the auctioneer's podium reads, "By Auction this Day a Prime Lot of Negroes".

In addition to these two scenes, the jug handle is decorated with the iconic image of the head and clasped hands of a slave (presumably Uncle Tom) in prayer.

The underside of the jug is stamped by the maker and is dated January 1, 1853, indicating that it was produced within just months of the 1852 publication of UNCLE TOM'S CABIN.

Made of Parian stoneware, the jug measures approximately 7 inches high, with an approximate 3.5 inch diameter mouth. The jug is in all-original and overall excellent condition. Two slight and tight hairline cracks are evident at the base and are best viewed by looking into the interior of the jug as their presence is much more subtle on the exterior and thus more difficult to photograph. One of these hairlines is present along the foot of the jug; the other occurs a bit higher up in acanthus leaves that border the baseline near the ice floes. A single, tight hairline is also present at the interior mouth near the handle (please refer to all photos). None of the hairlines affect structural integrity as they are quite tight; they are not atypical given the jug's 150+ years of age.

An exceptional and formidable piece of history, very rarely found in today's antiques market!

Offered is this 1927 copyright, LITTLE BLACK SAMBO published by Rand McNally Company, Chicago. Hardcover, 64 pages.

Little Black Sambo is the featured story in this book with the short stories, "The Gingerbread Man" and Titty Mouse and Tatty Mouse", added in as extras. While the illustrator in unnamed in the book's credits, all illustrations are executed by the same hand and are either initialed MEP" or signed "Margaret Evans Price".

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 tale, was an Indian boy and not an African-American child. He was soon converted to this race, 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!

The book exterior has seen much wear as evidenced in the photos, with significant wear to all edges, which amazingly, has had no effect on the sturdy structure of this book! The interior of the book remains in absolutely perfect condition, with an undamaged, very tight binding, and not an imperfection to be found-- no rips, stains, creases--only the inked inscription of the last name, "Meyere" on the upper right corner of the title page (see photos).

Illustrations are lovely and have that timeless yet nostalgic look of fine work produced in the Art Deco era!

Little Black Sambo books from this period are infrequently found!

Measuring approximately 7.25 inches high, this highly sought after Black Vargas wax female figure selling vegetables is mounted on its original wooden platform and is one of a series of fascinating "street character wax dolls" conceived of and crafted by Mrs. Conception Vargas Alfonso, daughter of the world-renowned, turn-of-the-20th century-New Orleans, Spanish sculptor, Francisco Vargas.

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 figure, known as the Female Vegetable Seller, is one of the more difficult to find of the New Orleans street character wax dolls. Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features. This female Vegetable Seller wears a multi-colored kerchief on her head, a red and cream polka dot scarf around her neck, a cream shirt decorated with red flowers, a blue and white polka dot apron and pale blue skirt decorated with a sea of multi-colored flowers - all constructed of actual cloth fabric that was coated with a fine layer of clear wax to stiffen them. Balanced on her arm is a removable, wax, wicker-look basket filled with cabbage, carrots and rhubarb. The Vegetable Seller's 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 amazing condition for her 75+ years of age with no apparent or visible imperfections other than two missing fingers on her left hand, a condition which is quite commonly found in Vargas figures. A highly collectible piece representing 1920s New Orleans's African American culture. Vargas figures are becoming increasingly more difficult to find!!

Type "Vargas" into the SEARCH box to see the other Vargas figure currently available: 1920 RARE New Orleans Vargas Wax Black Doll Female Cotton Seller+Child

This sweet, 1930's, wooden pull toy made by the Hustler Toy Corporation of Sterling, Illinois, features a darling little black character pulling the reins of his white mustang horse! The toy measures 12 inches long x 5.5 inches high.

When the toy is pulled, the wheels rotate and the horse's head bobs up and down! Just adorable!

This 75 year old toy is in very good condition with very minimal and expected, normal wear from light playing to appropriate areas (see photos).

All original including very aged (!)string, with no breaks and no repairs or replacements to either wooden or metal parts. There is evidence of repaint to the green platform and the red wheels only; however this was done a very, very long time ago as the repainted areas show old wear! The horse's black cloth ears are worn-looking but still intact!

A very charming old toy with fabulous, visual "shelf appeal"! Perfect for either the Early Toy or Black Memorabilia collection!

Once part of the Middle Passage Museum benefactor's inventory, these authentic and extraordinarily RARE, Slave Ship shackles have been de-accessioned from the personal collection of the museum's anonymous Georgia benefactor who is cited below.

These iron, hand-forged, 19th century slave ship shackles were purchased back in the early 1960’s out of a family estate in New Orleans, Louisiana, whose 18th and 19th century ancestors were involved in the slave trade. The shackles remain all-original and untouched with fifteen very heavy chain links that vary in size, measuring a total of 40 inches in length when positioned in a straight line. The cuff size is enormous with diameter measurements of 4.75 and 4.25 inches each; the heft and weight of each cuff is quite impressive. This very weighty set was designed to immobilize when the two circular links were attached to another locking shackle on the interior wall of the ship. An utterly horrible, tangible testament to the malevolence of slavery.

The anonymous museum benefactor from Georgia kept this particular set aside from those items he had planned to donate to the Middle Passage Museum due to the rarity in opportunity of acquiring slave ship shackles---the only set he acquired in his many years of collecting which began in the early 1950's before the collectible field of Black Americana was popular or even socially or politically acceptable.

Also currently offered for sale and priced separately are a rarely found, 19thC Slave Rattle Shackle out of the Charleston, South Carolina area and a set of early 19th century, child/young adolescent - size, Slave Crab Rattle Shackles. Please type the word "shackles" in the search box on our home page to find these sets of shackles.

The Middle Passage Museum was the dream of Jim and Mary Anne Petty of Mississippi as well as that of an anonymous Georgian benefactor who had together compiled a collection of slave artifacts numbering over 15,000 pieces and who had hoped to find a permanent site in Mobile, Alabama, for their museum. While they formed a non-profit organization to raise funds for their hoped-for museum, their dream was never realized.

In a 2003 statement, Jim Petty remarked, "The importance of the exhibit of these artifacts is to understand the harshness of what slavery and segregation was all about. The items in the exhibit remind us of the terrible heinousness of slavery. Viewing the collection can be very emotional, but it is a tool through which we can understand, honor and respect a great culture. We want to realize that out of slavery, a great culture emerged, and carried on, and continued to strive for a better life regardless of the adverse conditions that were placed upon them."

"Beloved Belindy" was the MAMMY of the well-known Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy dolls!!!

This rarely found copy was written and illustrated by the renowned author of a number of Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy stories of the period, Johnny Gruelle. The book was published in both the United States and Great Britain in 1926, by the P.F. Volland Company of Joliet, Illinois.

This copy has superficial scratches to the front and back covers, wear on book cover edges, inside cover has a small black marker smear, inside front & back covers have minor soiling here and there(see photos). The binding is super-tight and all pages remain very clean and present.

The book is eleven chapters in length, approximately 88 unnumbered pages. Book is filled with a variety of wonderful black-ink and full-color illustrations as represented in photos. PLEASE NOTE: in the photos, the printing seems somewhat light and faded- not so! It is merely the function of over-lighting or light reflection.

A wonderful and truly RARE book not to be missed--- it currently lists in Black Memorabilia books at $200-250!

This rarely found, copyright 1921, target, dexterity, game entitled "SAMBO FIVE PINS", was manufactured by Parker Brothers out of Salem, Massachusetts. This game appears to have seen little, or more likely, NO use whatsoever, as the two, original, wooden bowling balls remain sealed in their original packaging.

The game is complete and features five, brightly colored, lithographed-cardboard, standing "Sambo" targets or "pins". The "Sambo pins" are in fine condition with minimal wear to edges and a few wrinkles here and there. One Sambo pin has an obviously creased neck and this is pictured in the last photo. During this time period, game directions were typically printed on the inside of box covers; there is no evidence that this was the case with "Sambo Five Pins". Perhaps the manufacturer felt that the game of bowling was self-explanatory!

Measuring 10 3/4 inches tall x 13 inches wide, the game cover as well as the SAMBO bowling pins display absolutely wonderfully! As evident in the photos, the box cover shows some minimal and expected wear given its 90+ years of age. The box cover has some missing spots of paper, some surface creases and is missing one of its four sides- the box side placed at the bottom of the cover. The box base has minimal edge wear and remains quite sturdy.

A RARELY found, quite visually captivating Black Memorabilia collectible that displays absolutely wonderfully!

Measuring 20 inches in length by 4 inches high, this rare, Jim Crow-era, segregationist sign once hung in the one and only movie theatre of Doerun, Georgia, a small south Georgia town. Folks would view movies on a white sheet that was tacked to one wall. The white folk sat in folding chairs on the first floor while the African-Americans were directed to seating via this sign in the upstairs balcony.

This 1940s sign is white-washed on both sides with lettering and art work completed in red paint. Made of metal with 2 holes on either end for hanging. It has seen its share of vandalism with numerous deliberately inflicted scratches to the paint as seen in photos.

Once part of the Middle Passage Museum inventory, the sign has been de-accessioned. The Middle Passage Museum was the dream of Jim and Mary Anne Petty of Mississippi as well as that of an anonymous Georgian benefactor who had together compiled a collection of slave artifacts numbering over 15,000 pieces and who had hoped to find a permanent site in Mobile, Alabama, for their museum. While they formed a non-profit organization to raise funds for their hoped-for museum, their dream was never realized.

In a 2003 statement, Jim Petty remarked, "The importance of the exhibit of these artifacts is to understand the harshness of what slavery and segregation was all about. The items in the exhibit remind us of the terrible heinousness of slavery. Viewing the collection can be very emotional, but it is a tool through which we can understand, honor and respect a great culture. We want to realize that out of slavery, a great culture emerged, and carried on, and continued to strive for a better life regardless of the adverse conditions that were placed upon them."

For those interested in collecting vintage school memorabilia, no such collection can be considered complete without the inclusion of the extremely RARE Silica Book Slate.

Bound just like a typical book, this slate was unique in that it was extremely lightweight and offered multiple surfaces on which to complete one's studies (a total of six writing surfaces including interior front and back covers and two interior pages!!). Due to the fragile nature of construction as well as the vigorous use all school slates experienced, not many of these rare slates survived.

Measuring 5 1/8 wide x 8 3/5 long (closed dimensions), the front and back boards are covered with fabric that is embossed with the name of the slate (Silica Book Slate Quartz Surface) and manufacturer info (New York Silicate Book Co).

The interior pages retain some writings that indicate that someone actually used this slate to record information as late as the 1970's!!

A simply wonderful gift for the educator!!

Pickaninny Brand Peanut Butter was produced in the 1920's by the F.M. Hoyt Company of Amesbury, Massachusetts, that guaranteed the quality of its peanut butter. Its sales slogan was: "Packed For Those Who Appreciate Quality".

The company's logo featured a very young, African-American girl in a red dress, eating peanut butter out of the tin pail while her cloth doll rested on her lap. The words: "A.C. CO OF MASS." appear in the tiniest letters below the words "Peanut Butter" on one side of the pail, likely the local manufacturer of the tin pail for the F.M. Hoyt Company. Impressed into the base of the tin is the word: "CANCO".

Measuring 3 3/8" tall x 3.75" wide, this highly collectible, 1 pound size, Black Americana tin scores an 8 out of 10 condition rating. The tin features two very strong images on front and back and retains both its original cover and bail handle. The tin evidences various areas of slight paint loss and surface wear. There are no dents or cracks, the cover has a few subtle dings (indentations) on its top, and light tarnishing is evident on the tin base and interior along with faint superficial rust. Overall great condition with wear to this tin quite commensurate with its 100+ years of age.

This tin also was produced in a 3 pound size intended for commercial use. Both sizes are equally scarce and sought after! A wonderful addition to an advanced Black Memorabilia collection!

An interesting historical side-note: a member of this same Hoyt family, John, was among the first eighteen settlers of the area which came to be known as Amesbury, Massachusetts, back in 1654!

This fabulous 1930's American Beach cast iron sign reading "AMERICAN BEACH FLA Negro Ocean Playground" is in very fine condition with remnants of original paint and vintage patina. This is NOT a reproduction! This sign was originally sold to be used as a license plate topper by African American folks frequenting this beach. It measures 11 inches in length x 4.50 inches high at its tallest point.

American Beach was established in 1935 on Florida's east coast under the leadership of Abraham Lincoln Lewis, one of seven co-founders of the Afro-American Life Insurance Company, and one of Florida's first black millionaires. His vision was to create a beach resort as a benefit for company executives and as an incentive for employees.

In the era of Jim Crow segregation laws, few public places in Florida or the rest of the South were open to African Americans. From the Depression until well into the 1960's, American Beach served as a holiday and vacation destination for thousands of African Americans, and was a magnet for black celebrities such as entertainers Cab Calloway and Ray Charles, heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis and writer Zora Neale Hurston.

But in 1964, the area began to decline. Hurricane Dora destroyed much of the beach, and passage of the Civil Rights Act meant that blacks were, finally, no longer restricted to segregated beaches and the businesses that catered to them.

A fabulous and historically relevant piece of Black Americana!

This darling, late 1950’s, foreign-made toy with gorgeous, colorful lithography measures approximately 10" tall and is in superb condition-- even retaining its original box!

This neat toy features four adorable blinky-eyed Golliwogs that perform individual somersaults as the Merry Go Round spins round and the tiny bell rings! This toy works quite nicely and comes with its original, metal, wind-up key!

This sweet toy appears to have been virtually unused with no wear evident other than some slight superficial scratching to the base. While there are no manufacturer’s marks, this toy was made in post WWII West Germany, and it does retain a paper sticker on its base written in German. This toy, with its red house, is a bit rarer than the same-period-white-colored-house-version; relatively fewer were produced with the red house!!

Measuring 9 inches high, this delightful example of Folk Art styling, is one of a series of Black cloth character dolls made in Alabama in the 1930’s by unknown craftsmen/women. It has been speculated that their creation was encouraged through FDR’s Depression era program, the Work Projects Administration (WPA), in existence from 1936-1940.

This doll depicts the black fisherman. He holds a bait pail and bunch of sticks tied together with string that has been flung under his right shoulder. In his left hand, he carries a wooden fishing pole from which a silver-colored, metal fish dangles (the fish appears to be newer than the doll and is likely a replacement). This is an older gentleman who wears a straw hat with gray hair and who has embroidered facial features –most characteristic of these dolls. Also characteristic of this type of doll is a small square of asphalt shingle glued to the feet to serve as a stand. This gent has lost his shingle stand but the remnants are still visible glued to the bottom of his left leather shoe. Clothing is machine-sewn cotton with careful detailing right down to the patches on his knees and the red hanker chief tied around his neck. His body is black cotton stuffed with cotton batting.

A very special doll that takes a snapshot of history in capturing the life of the poor southern black of the Depression era.

In absolutely MINT condition, this wonderful, 1950's era, 5 piece, ceramic Spice Set features either a cheerful Black Mammy or Pappy on each jar. The set accommodates the following spices: CINNAMON, NUTMEG, SALT, PEPPER, and ALLSPICE.

Each ceramic jar measures approximately 3.25 inches high, and each is marked "JAPAN" on the bottom. They are of one-piece construction retaining the original corks in their bases. Each jar top features a different color which further adds to decorative appeal! Other than age-related crazing to the glaze, each jar is in perfect condition with no wear to the decorative paint!

The original wooden rack which- retains its original "MADE IN JAPAN" sticker on back- measures 9.50 inches long x 4.25 inches high x 2 inches deep and is in very fine condition. The rack features 2 holes for wall-mounting.

This delightful set has obviously seen little use in its 50+ years and would provide the collector with an interesting, visual kitchen display!

Measuring 6 inches high, this highly sought after Black wax figure, which mounted on its original wooden platform, is one of a series of fascinating "street character wax dolls" conceived of and crafted by Mrs. Conception Vargas Alfonso, daughter of the world-renowned, turn-of-the-century-New Orleans, Spanish sculptor, Francisco Vargas.

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 The Banjo Player and is actually quite rare and very difficult to find in today's collectible market, likely because there were not as many Banjo players crafted as opposed to the more commonly found Vargas cotton pickers or praline sellers.

Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features. The Banjo Player wears a tan hat with black band, a green flowered neck scarf, a red and yellow patterned shirt and textured, loose-fitting black pants- with all but the hat constructed of actual cloth fabric that was coated with a fine layer of clear wax to stiffen them. He supports all of his weight on his back left leg while propping his right leg up upon an actual wooden log as he plays! His wax body is internally supported by a wire frame through which the figure is attached to the wooden base via his left leg.

This wonderful figure is in very fine condition for his 85+ years of age with the following imperfections: missing left-hand fingers (an unfortunate, but extremely common consequence of time), and the most obvious imperfection being a missing section of his hat brim. It is evident that the banjo has been re-glued into position over the years---a situation which does not surprise me given that the banjo is only supported by the left hand and propped upon the right leg--not a very secure position from a constructional viewpoint.

Regardless of his minor imperfections, this VARGAS figure would be classified as in FINE condition. Wax is a very delicate and fragile medium in which to work, and some loss is expected given that these figures are fast approaching 100+ years of age. The banjo player's brilliantly executed face with open mouth filled with song, his realistic and intact banjo complete with all original strings, and his incredibly natural and realistic pose remains a most delightful snapshot of C1920 New Orleans African American cultural history!

Please note- photos were taken in interior natural light. The first two photos best represent true, actual color. Any white or light spots on the figure are a result of light glare and are not reflective of discoloration or fading.

Measuring 5 1/2 x 7 1/2, this framed piece of early Black Memorabilia features the hardboard cover only (not the complete book) of "The DARKIES' Painting Book"! Cover depicts 2 jauntily stepping Black children. Color is quite vivid in this very visually-striking piece! Protected in a gold-tone, decorative frame. (Please disregard unavoidable reflections in the glass)

Delightful item!

Measuring approximately 6.25 inches high and 7 inches wide, this extraordinarily rare, 1930-40's Japan, Black Butler Cracker Jar is complete with original bamboo and wicker bail handle!

Stamped "MADE IN JAPAN" on base, this piece is in near perfect condition with no repairs or cracks. Flaws are as follows: there are some very small paint flakes to the jar base primarily on the back of the black coat as seen in photos. The lid has one very faint flake to the upper forehead that is very difficult to see. There is one small (1/4 inch) surface chip to the very edge of the butler's lower right collar near the bottom of the lid cover. The previous owner colored this in so it is quite hard to see on casual inspection. The coloring actually blends in with the unglazed black paint that lines the rim edges of both the base and the lid. Lastly, there are superficial craze lines visible inside the jar and on its base that do not affect structural integrity. The white spot on the butler's blue pants under his hands is not a paint flake but is a manufacturer's paint omission as it is glazed-covered.

This piece presents and displays very, very well. It is eye-catching and rather visually stunning!

This piece is very rare in today's collectible market, and when found, it frequently is missing the handle! 2005 Book Value for the Black Butler cracker jar in this condition is $850.00.

Offered is the fabulously RARE NIGGER HAIR Tobacco Tin produced from the late 1870's through the first half of the 1940's.

This particular tin does not retain its original, US Internal Revenue paper tax stamp, so there is no way to precisely date it. As such, we will place its age as at the first half of the 1940's- the final production years of this style tin.

The image of an African woman with the racist title of “Nigger Hair” imposed over her shoulders was used by The American Tobacco Company of Wisconsin to promote its product; the lithographed tin was manufactured by the B. Leidersdorf Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Interestingly, it must be noted that after World War II, the product name "Nigger Hair" was changed to "Bigger Hair", although the exact same image of an African Woman continued to be used. The company simply added the words “Fiji Islander” to the left of her face in a very, very weak attempt to broaden the product’s appeal by moving further away from the earlier, severely derogatory moniker. At that time, the material out of which the tobacco container was constructed was changed from tin to heavy cardboard.

Measuring 7 inches high x 5 ¾ inches wide, the condition of the tin is a wonderful 8 out of 10--- sporting a beautiful lithograph on both sides with extremely minor, superficial scratches and rubs, along with tiny areas of paint loss. These areas of minor paint loss exist on the back side where the metal bale handle made contact with the tin and slightly scraped it, and on the front side, where several teeny areas of paint loss are present that are very difficult to see unless bright light is deliberately shown upon the tin surface as has been done in both closeup photos. When viewed in natural lighting, the tiny areas of paint loss on the front side are not readily visible unless one deliberately looks for them (see first photo).

The rim of the tin has two, tight 1/8" long splits- very difficult to see and photograph and which are not visible with the tin cover in place. The lid, base, bale handle junction points, and interior of the tin show minor evidence of light, superficial rust. Otherwise, the tin is solid. The original mustard-orange color of the tin remains consistent over the entire tin as does the clear, brilliant black lithography.

Any imperfections are quite reasonable and expected given the age of this piece-- approximately 80 years of age!! Please note that any "white" areas in photos are flash or lighting reflections and are not imperfections to the tin.

Truly an extraordinarily RARE piece of Black Memorabilia seldom found in this wonderful condition complete with bail handle and lid (Soft tissue paper has been wrapped around the bail handle to prevent any further scratching to the tin exterior.)

Purchased approximately ten years ago from the Estate Sale at the Greenwich, Connecticut, home of the very prominent, American, CBS Television Personality, GAYLE KING, this nostalgic watercolor, reminiscent of times past, features a young black girl attentively and carefully canning strawberries in the kitchen.

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.

Measuring approximately 7.25 inches high, this very highly sought after Black Americana Vargas wax figure is mounted on its original wooden platform and is one of a series of fascinating "street character wax dolls" conceived of and crafted by Mrs. Concepcion Vargas Alfonso, daughter of the world-renowned, turn-of-the-20th century, New Orleans, Spanish sculptor, Francisco Vargas.

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.

Sold exclusively at the time through Harriet's, of 318 Rue Royal 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 / Black Americana Collectible arena.

This figure, known as the Spanish Moss Seller with Alligator, 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 Spanish Moss Seller with Alligator was one of the most popular of the renowned Vargas figures, highly sought after by visitors to the city of New Orleans. On his back he balances a very large bale of Spanish moss, while holding tight to a rope that is connected to a very young alligator perched at his feet.

Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features. This gentleman Spanish Moss Seller with Alligator wears a red floral kerchief around his neck, a yellow straw hat on his head, a green flowered shirt, 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 Spanish Moss Seller's 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 amazing condition for his 90+ years of age with three minor restorations likely performed by the professionals at the LSU Rural Life Museum: a repaired right hand, and two re-attached feet on the alligator.

A true must-have 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.

Measuring approximately 7.5 inches high, this highly sought after Black Vargas wax figure with a young child is mounted on its original wooden platform and is one of a series of fascinating "street character wax dolls" conceived of and crafted by Mrs. Conception Vargas Alfonso, daughter of the world-renowned, turn-of-the-20th century-New Orleans, Spanish sculptor, Francisco Vargas.

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 figure, known as the Cotton Seller with Child, is most particularly hard to find and thus is quite highly sought after as it features a very young, female black child standing in a basket of newly-picked cotton. The Vargas family seldom included children or infants in their depictions of the numerous trades of black New Orleans folk, making any characterization featuring a child or an infant more than significantly rare.

Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features. This female, Mama, Cotton Seller wears a red and white kerchief on her head, a red and white checked scarf around her neck, and a yellow and white checked shirt and skirt with an apron that matches her head scarf - all constructed of actual cloth fabric that was coated with a fine layer of clear wax to stiffen them. At her feet is a very large, wax-constructed basket made to simulate wicker that is filled with cotton and within which her young female child stands. The Cotton Seller's wax body is internally supported by a wire frame through which the figure is securely attached to the wooden base. The bottom of the base is stamped "Genuine VARGAS New Orleans, LA".

This wonderful figure is in amazing condition for her 75+ years of age with no apparent or visible imperfections other than some missing fingers, a condition which is quite commonly found among Vargas figures.

The Cotton Seller's young, female child also has some missing fingers, and additionally, her neck shows a contiguous crack all the way around. Because her structure is also supported by internal wiring, her head still remains securely attached to her body. Please note that the child is merely placed inside the cotton basket and was never securely glued into it. The wax cotton basket, which was originally glued to the wooden base, has become loosened from it; however, when positioned on the base, it will easily remain in place for display.

Vargas figures are becoming increasingly more difficult to find!

Type "Vargas" into the SEARCH box to see the other Vargas figure currently available: 1920 New Orleans Vargas Wax Black Doll Female Vegetable Seller

This vintage 1950s, utterly wonderful, little Black Girl Hand Puppet is in wonderful, never-used condition!

Rarely found in this pristine condition, the body of this 8 inch long puppet is constructed of a soft, cotton, flowered fabric, and her head and hands are constructed of a soft rubber. She still retains her "Hazelle" cloth label. Her face is very sweet in appearance!

Produced in the 1950's, the Hazelle Company was a puppet-making company located in Kansas City, Missouri. The company began making hand puppets and marionettes in 1932, and it continued operations for the next 43 years. The founder, Hazelle Rollins, passed away in 1984, nine years after the company closed its doors.

A unique opportunity to acquire a superb vintage puppet! Please see the companion Hazelle Little Black Boy Hand Puppet also offered!

Measuring 10.25 inches high from hat to base bottom, this colorful, 1910 patent date, tin lithographed, wind-up toy featuring a dapper Black Gent dancing a jig is quite visually appealing!!

In very nice condition with minor scratches to paint here and there as seen in photos, this wind-up toy works, but can be a little fussy. Given its 100+ years of age, a bit of fussiness in the mechanism is not atypical or unexpected. Marked "TOMBO" Alabama Coon Jigger Trademark Strauss Mfg Co New York USA; US Patent May 24, 1910. The figure, itself, is 8.25 inches high.

This fabulous toy is a CLASSIC MUST-HAVE for the avid Black Memorabilia Toy collector!

Offered is an extraordinarily rare, 1787, Fairfield, Connecticut, Bill of Sale for five SLAVES owned by Ephraim Willard of Fairfield, sold in November 1787 to two brothers, Ebenezer Whiting of Savannah, Georgia, and Bradford Whiting of Fairfield, Connecticut. The two Whiting brothers then resold these five slaves three months later in February 1788, to Thomas Cumming of Savannah, Georgia.

Also included with the 1787 Bill of Sale are three other Cumming's family documents, two measuring approximately 2"L x 8" W, and one 14"L x 8"W (see photos for condition). They are: an 1815 Receipt from Thomas Cumming to Richmond County, GA, for a $25 payment in taxes; a Dec 8, 1848, Receipt from Henry Cumming of Augusta, GA, a son of Thomas Cumming and a very prominent figure in 19th century Georgia politics, to George W. Crawford, Agent of the Bank of Augusta and Henry's law practice partner, a promise to pay on "the first day of January, 1849,"..."one hundred and three dollars for value received in house rent"; a 28 page 1812 Land Dispute document, Superior Court of Chatham County, GA, executed by Thomas Cumming btwn J. Knowle Fanning and the Joseph Clay Sr estate (Thomas Cumming's father-in-law).

The 1787 Bill of Sale is a single page, 7.5" wide x 12" long document, with text written on both sides of the document. Condition is quite remarkable given its 235 years of age!(see photos) Expected age-related discoloration of paper and some very slight paper loss in center of document ONLY noticeable when doc is held up to light.

The text of the 1787 document reads as follows, Paragraph one:
“Know all Men by these Presents that Ephraim Willard of Fairfield and State of Connecticut for and in Consideration of one Hundred and Sixty Eight Pounds Lawful Money Rec. (Received) to my full Satisfaction Of Eben,, (the double comma “,,”representing an abbreviation for Ebenezer) Whiting of Savannah of the State of Georgia & Bradford Whiting of Fairfield and the State of Connecticut do give, grant, bargain sell & Deliver unto them the said Eben,, Whiting and Bradford Whiting One Negro Man Named Peter Aged about Twenty one Years old, and his Wife Named Cate about Twenty Six years old, and her Two Children one a Girl about Five Years old, and the other a Boy about Eighteen Months old, and one other Negro Woman Named Vilot about Twenty One Years old.”

“To have and to hold the above granted the Bargainer Premises with the appurtenant thereof unto them the Said Eben,, & Bradford Whiting their Theirs Executors And Administrators and the Said Ephraim Willard do for myself my heirs Executors and Administrators Covenant with the Said Eben,, & Bradford Whiting their heirs Executors and Administrators that I am Now the Soul and Lawful Owner of the above Granted and Bargained Premises, and That I have said Right to Sell the Same as aforesaid, and that the same are free of all Incumbrances whatsoever -and I do by these Presents bind myself my Heirs Executors and administrators and assign forever against all claims and Demands whatsoever in Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal in Fairfield this Twenty first Day of Nov,, (November) in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty Seven~ Ephraim Willard”
(Witnesses?)
Jonathan Mattbig
Ebenezer Dimon

“Savannah, February 23 1788. I have Sold the five Negroes, mentioned in this Bill of Sale to Thomas Cumming of Savannah, for which I have received a consideration to my satisfaction~”
Ebenezer Whiting
Bradford Whiting

A bit of History-
Slavery in Connecticut:Connecticut, in 1848, was the last New England state to abolish slavery. The state's city of New London was one of the New England port cities that was an integral trading partner in what is generally referred to as “The Triangle Trade”- between New England, the West Indies, and the African Gold Coast. In this triangular trade, molasses produced in the West Indies from sugar cane was sent to New England, New England sent rum made from this molasses to Africa in exchange for enslaved people, and the enslaved were sent to the West Indies to work the sugar cane plantations that produced the molasses, maintaining the prosperity of the northern colonies through the 18th century and into the 19th.

Thomas Cumming: Thomas Cumming, to whom the above five slaves were sold in Savannah, Georgia, in 1788, was born in Frederick, Maryland, having moved to Georgia as an adult. In 1787, the year before this purchase, he married Ann Clay, the daughter of Joseph Clay, a wealthy owner of multiple Savannah-area rice plantations. It is hypothesized that Thomas purchased these slaves in conjunction with or for his father-in-law. At some point in the 1790s, he moved his wife and children to Augusta, and served as Augusta’s first mayor upon its incorporation in 1798. From 1819 until his death at age 68 in 1834, Thomas Cumming was President of the Bank of Augusta.

Offered is a vintage, Occupied Japan, tin and celluloid, wind up toy depicting a dancing Black Man or Jigger with cane and hat.

This delightful toy dancer stands on the corner of 125th Street and Lenox Avenue, the Gateway to Harlem, New York City!

The toy is complete and is in excellent working condition. Wind him up and his arms go round and his feet tap frantically! Retains original key. The dancer's head and hat are celluloid. His red felt jacket is age-stained as seen in photos. The dancer's other clothes are in fine condition as are the tin and celluloid components.

The dancer measures 8 1/2" tall, with base 3" by 2 3/4" across. On the back of the platform, the toy is marked: MADE IN OCCUPIED JAPAN PATENT NO15139 DESIGN PATENT NO92497. Items marked "Occupied Japan" date from 1945-1952.

A delightful addition to one's Black Memorabilia collection!

Measuring 5.75 inches in length, this circa 1920s French clay pipe features an exquisite rendering of a Black Man's head. Details are quite finely executed making this a wonderful display piece!

The pipe remains in wonderful condition. It appears to have had some very limited use based upon the slightly darkened condition of the interior bowl.

The pipe is French made and bears the following on either side of the pipe stem, "Bon Fumeur" (Good Smoking) and "Tabaco" (Tobacco). The pipe stem also retains an orange colored, Dutch paper label which reads, "Holland Goedewaagen's" advertising that this pipe was exported for sale in The Netherlands.

Measuring 9 inches high, this delightful example of Folk Art styling, is one of a series of Black cloth character dolls made in Alabama in the 1930’s by unknown craftsmen/women. It has been speculated that their creation was encouraged through FDR’s Depression era program, the Work Projects Administration (WPA), in existence from 1936-1940.

This doll depicts the black washerwoman. She holds an authentic-looking wood and tin washboard in her left arm. This gentlewoman wears a red kerchief on her head covering all hair and has embroidered facial features –most characteristic of these dolls. Also characteristic of this type of doll is a small square of asphalt shingle glued to the feet to serve as a stand. This doll still retains her original shingle stand but it has come loose from the left shoe. Clothing, with the exception of her navy-colored knit-fabric sweater, is machine-sewn cotton with careful detailing right down to the red hankie poking out of her apron pocket. Her body, which is well-stuffed to be anatomically correct, is black cotton fabric stuffed with cotton batting.

A very special doll that takes a snapshot of history in capturing the life of the poor southern black of the Depression era.