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All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1940 item #404216 (stock #BA510)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
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 stick or kindling gatherer. He holds a bunch of sticks tied together with string that has been flung over his right shoulder. In his left hand, he holds a wooden walking stick. This is an older gentleman who wears a straw hat, gray beard and 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 gent has lost his shingle stand but the remnants are still visible glued to the bottom of his leather shoes. Clothing is machine-sewn cotton with careful detailing right down to the patch on his left knee and the red hanker chief poking out of his right pocket. His body is brown 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.

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1940 item #1303175 (stock #BA925)
Stonegate Antiques
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Measuring 39.75 inches long x 17.50 inches high, this untouched, all-original, single-sided, porcelain, circa 1930-40s sign is an extraordinarily RARE piece of Black American history-- an artifact of the "Jim Crow" era when segregation of the African American race was unfortunately, most commonplace.

The origin of this sign is unknown, but given its very substantial size and weight, it likely once hung as a directional sign in a major bus or railroad station, designating the "WHITES ONLY" area where African-Americans were not permitted to sit, stand, or otherwise, occupy.

The subtly convex sign has had no restoration and remains in all-original condition. It bears areas of paint loss, scratching and superficial rusting (some areas larger in scope than others) typical for its age and use as noted in photos. Please view photos for further assessment of the sign's condition. The age and use-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.

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1940 item #421506 (stock #BA61)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Measuring 4 3/4 inches high, this pre-World War II, Austrian-made, metal ashtray features a very intriguing, slouching, black nodder figure smoking a cigar!

In wonderful, working condition, the black man's head is attached to his body via the original, flexible, metal rod which allows the head to bob back and forth when jiggled.

Marked on the base of the ashtray "Made in Austria". Paint loss as seen in photos with no repairs or repainting!

An interesting character!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1940 item #404268 (stock #BA512)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
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.

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1940 item #1224370 (stock #BA884)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
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!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1940 item #404260 (stock #BA511)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
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.

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1940 item #1119536 (stock #BA814)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Measuring 17 inches long x 9.25 inches wide x .75 inches deep, this untouched, all-original, double-sided wooden sign is an extraordinarily RARE piece of Black American history-- an artifact of the "Jim Crow" era when segregation of the African American race was unfortunately, most commonplace.

This sign once hung on the inside of a railroad car, designating the line behind which African Americans must remain-- in the back of the car.

The sign is painted in gold lettering on both sides as follows: the back of the sign is painted, "FOR COLORED PASSENGERS", while the front of the sign is painted, "FOR WHITE PASSENGERS".

The sign is in all-original condition and has some paint fading, fading of the wood stain in given places (please view photos), and imperfections in the wood as noted in photos. These do not impact the integrity of the sign and are appropriate to the age and purpose of the piece. The sign retains all of its original hardware including "keyhole" receptacle for hanging the sign inside of the railroad car.

An utterly phenomenal, extremely RARE, one-of-a-kind, museum-worthy piece of Black American history that may very well be the only one of its kind extant today!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Specialty : Pre 1950 item #1370856 (stock #M1273)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Offered is a graphically appealing, 1950s, Kodak Film Advertising Display. This beauty comes in the original box and shows very little wear. There is scant patina from minimal use, minor surface scratches and blemishes, and one bend in the metal as seen in the photo. The display turns easily on its circular base, and the colors are as bright as if it was brand new! Definitely a discerning collector's dream!

Measures 20.75" tall x 7.25" in diameter. The overall height includes the removal top pediment.

A five-sided display seldom found in this condition!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1950 item #808028 (stock #BA725)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
An exquisite pair!!!

These mint condition, 1940s, PEARL CHINA Black Chef and Mammy salt and pepper shakers are simply outstanding!

Measuring a super-size 7.50 inches high, this exceptionally large salt and pepper pair are meant for stove-top and not table-top use, thus their robust dimensions!

The pair are in mint condition and likely were never used. They retain their original corks and are accented in 24KT GOLD-- on the black chef's lips, ladle, the kerchief in his back pocket, and his name, "SALTY" and on Mammy's name, "Peppy".

Rarely found in this condition, the pair displays simply beautifully!!!!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1950 item #560817 (stock #BA624)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Measuring 5.25 inches high x 6.50 inches wide, this near mint, three piece, Black Mammy and Chef Oil and Vinegar Cruet was produced in 1940s Japan.

The bodies are one single piece with one hand each on Mammy and the Chef that serve as stoppers for the two pouring spouts. The piece is marked with a "V" for Vinegar and an "O" for Oil on each arm. Very sweet faces!

All original with no breaks, cracks, repaint or repairs, the cruet retains the original corks as well! In truly lovely condition with just one scrape to the red paint under the chef's left arm and some missing paint spots on his right arm. (see photos) Otherwise quite perfect, and displaying very, very well!!! An eye-catching piece!!!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Pre 1950 item #950210 (stock #BA769)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
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!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1950 item #930358 (stock #BA761)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Measuring 7 inches wide by 11 inches long by .25 inches thick, this wonderful wooden 1940's Mammy grocery memo board retains fourteen of its original multi-colored wooden pegs which, today, are very often found to be missing.

The graphic of Mammy remains in very fine condition as are the painted list of groceries. Some old splintering of the wood on sides and edges add to the board's all original vintage patina! This memo board was once sold as a Canadian souvenir piece as it still retains its original "St Stephen Canada Maple Leaf" decal.

The white, shiny spots that may appear in the photos are the result of camera flash glare only and are not imperfections to this piece. Wood color is richer than photos could capture.

These pieces are heavily reproduced in today's market; however, it is quite uncommon to find a genuinely vintage, Mammy Memo Board with so many original pegs in such fine, vintage condition!!!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1950 item #674205 (stock #BA654)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Measuring approximately 5 3/8 inches in length, 4 3/4 inches in width, and 2 3/8" in depth, this wonderful, ceramic, Wide-Smiling Mammy Wall Pocket was made in Japan, circa 1940-50's.

Coloring is quite brilliant, and the condition is very fine with appropriate age-related crazing and some tiny, circular, firing imperfections on Mammy's polka dotted scarf as noted in photos. Please note that white marks are flash reflections, not imperfections. Makers mark is noted on the back--- an "E" inside of a crown.

A delightful piece of Black Memorabilia that displays wonderfully on a wall or shelf!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1950 item #728200 (stock #BA679)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Measuring 19 inches long by 3.5 inches wide, this untouched, all-original, double-sided, porcelain-enameled, 1930-40s, metal sign is an extraordinarily RARE piece of Black American history-- an artifact of the "Jim Crow" era when segregation of the African American race was unfortunately, most commonplace.

This sign was found in storage inside of an old Austin, Texas, gas station and likely designated the COLORED ONLY entrance to a local public building or room within.

This historic sign is enameled on both sides with the word "COLORED" and a downward pointing arrow. Colors are blue with cream background.

The sign is in all-original condition with several chips to the porcelain enamel as well as subtle edge wear. It likely was posted on the interior of a building as its overall condition is really quite fine and does not evidence any characteristics one would expect of a sign that was subject to the ravages of Mother Nature. Or...perhaps the sign was simply never used-- a mystery never to be solved!

An utterly phenomenal, extremely RARE, one-of-a-kind, museum-worthy piece of Black American history that is quite likely the only one of its kind extant today!

Please take a moment to view the second "Jim Crow" Segregationist Era sign I currently have the pleasure of offering.

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1950 item #428998 (stock #BA529)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
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.**

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1950 item #290705 (stock #BA415)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
A delightful and visually appealing Black Memorabilia kitchen item!

This circa 1940's Mammy and Uncle Mose ceramic Vinegar and Oil Set is marked "JAPAN" on each figure's base.

The pair measures approximately 5.25 inches tall and is in wonderful, all original condition! No chips, cracks or repairs. Mild surface crazing present as is appropriate to the age. Uncle Mose is missing a portion of his original cork neck stopper - a very minor inconvenience!

A less seldom seen pair!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1950 item #1303163 (stock #BA955)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
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.)

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1950 item #596309 (stock #BA641A)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
This is an authentic signed baseball from former Negro League baseball player Luther "Luke" Atkinson. The ball was signed at an autograph show in March 2006. Luther "Luke" Atkinson was #20, a stand-out performer for the Wilson, North Carolina All Stars, the Carolina Tigers, and the Satchel Paige All-Stars, who played baseball in the Negro Leagues from 1955 to 1960, starting his career right out of high school. As of spring 2018, Mr. Atkinson, who lives in Maryland, remains an active volunteer in the newly opened, Hubert V. Simmons Museum of Negro Leagues Baseball, Inc., at the new Owings Mills Metro Centre Complex.

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.

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1950 item #560833 (stock #BA601)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
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.

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1950 item #793107 (stock #BA694)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Circa 1940's vintage, this authentic, metal sign is an important historical artifact documenting America's Jim Crow era of African-American segregation.

In bright red and white paint, the sign advertises the "Booker T Colored Motel" of Humboldt, Tennessee. The motel name is clearly a reference to the honorable Booker T. Washington (April 5, 1856 – November 14, 1915) who was freed from slavery as a child at the end of the Civil war as a result of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution which officially abolished slavery. Booker T. Washington, an important educator and author, became a dominant figure in the African-American community advocating education as the pathway to a better life for African-Americans as well as the use of peaceful pathways to gain rights for the African-American community.

Measuring 24 inches wide x 15.5 inches high, the sign is in fine condition with minor and typical signs of age: some subtle crimping to the metal as well as some evidence of superficial rusting as noted in photos.

This important artifact displays easily and is quite visually appealing! A wonderful opportunity to acquire a piece of history!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1950 item #853308 (stock #B257)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
A wonderful and extremely RARE hard cover book with original paper dust cover by Kate Gambold Dyer, copyrighted 1942 by Platt and Munk Publishers and measuring 8 x 9.25 inches.

Fabulous black and red line illustrations as represented by photos adorn this 38 page book! The book features the Christmas-time adventures of eight year old Turquoise "Turky" Trott, one of six of Mammy Trott's children. Featured in the book is a Black Santa!

Interior pages are in fine condition--they are tightly bound together; front and back covers are also tight. The hard bound covers appear to be in mint condition, having remained protected by the original dust cover which has remarkably minimal wear to its edges and retains its brilliant coloration. A penciled in number has been written on the interior front of the book. Stamped on the edge of the interior of the paper dust cover is the original 1942 selling price of 85 cents!

A charming addition to one's Black Americana collection, and a black-themed children's book that is very rarely found in today's collectible market!!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1950 item #739636 (stock #BA687)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
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."

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1950 item #290578 (stock #BA419)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
An extraordinarily RARE version of the commonly found wooden Mammy Grocery List Board!!! In addition to the grocery reminder list, this piece also incorporates a 5 slot knife/spoon box and a cutting board!!!

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!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1950 item #1225780 (stock #BA893)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Measuring 5 inches tall x 4.5 inches wide, this delightful and quite colorful mechanical bank was manufactured by the Chad Valley Company, England, circa late 1940's.

The Chad Valley Company was the most well-known manufacturer of toys in the United Kingdom during the 20th century, beginning in the 1920s. Metal toys were first produced at their factory in 1945 at the end of World War II, which is likely the time frame for production of this bank.

The bank features a well-dressed, smiling black man attired in a black and white checkered jacket with white shirt and black and green striped tie.

To operate the bank, the gent's tongue pops out to receive a coin. When his tongue pops back into his mouth, a wide, toothy smile is revealed. The tongue apparatus is operated via a lever on the front of the bank that is positioned at the knot of the the tie. The gent's eyes jiggle in a silly matter when his tongue moves in and out.

The bank comes complete with the original key. It is in fine condition with expected, light, superficial rubs and scratches to case paint. The face is in quite wonderful condition as seen in photos.

A delightful collectible which displays absolutely fabulously!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1960 item #1065633 (stock #BA794)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Measuring 6 1/4 inches high x 3 3/4 inches wide, this circa 1950's, Japan made, Polka Dot, Mammy String Holder is in very fine condition! Mammy has expected crazing to surface with two very tight hairlines that start at the backside of the piece and feather slightly toward Mammy’s two shoulders about ½ inch. At the lower base of the back is another tight hairline that remains on the back side of the piece only, not extending toward the front of the piece. It rests beside a tiny, darkened, superficial flake which also is not visible when Mammy is placed on a shelf or hung on the wall.

The String Holder is stamped "JAPAN" and “Theo Hinode” on the inside of the base (The Hinode Company is the Japanese Ceramic Company.). Mammy has a hole in the center of her chest area, just above her folded hands, to accommodate the string which would be pulled from the ball of string placed inside her body from the back of the piece. This wonderful piece even comes complete with vintage hanging string---Mammy has two holes at the back of her head to accommodate this! The entire piece is glazed with the exception of Mammy's red kerchief which is cold-painted (meaning that the paint was applied after firing). As such, this area of paint would be the most vulnerable to wear, and Mammy does have some “bald areas” where the paint has come off her kerchief. Please take a moment to view all photos to ascertain condition and appeal of this fabulous and functional, vintage string holder!

A lovely and colorful piece that can be displayed on a shelf or hanging from the wall!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1960 item #281556 (stock #BA401)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Offered is an utterly fabulous, EXCELLENT CONDITION, MINT in ORIGINAL BOX, Black Memorabilia, Plastic Toy Banjo / Ukulele / Banjolele complete with original guitar pick, original protective plastic bag, original box cardboard inserts, and original paper booklet of playing instructions!

THIS TOY WAS NEVER USED!!!

The Banjo / Ukulele face has fantastic and patriotic, red and blue graphics on white ground featuring a cute Black Minstrel dancer, a Caucasian Banjo/Uke player, 2 Southern Cotton Bolls, and a fab graphic of a Mississippi River boat christened the "Robert E. Lee"!

Even the original box features a delightful graphic of a Black Minstrel playing the banjo/uke!

Made in the USA by MASTRO, New York, no date of manufacture is imprinted; however, given the styling of the graphics on both the banjo face and in the instruction booklet, an early 1960's date of manufacture has been surmised. Additionally, Mastro Co. also made an identically styled early Beatles banjo- further evidence of an early 1960's manufacture date.

Banjo / Uke measures approximately 21 inches long x 9 inches wide x 3 inches deep. Box measures 23" x 9.50" x 3.75". Box has some very subtle edge wear to seams and corners and one of the cardboard carrying handles has ripped with a 1" handle segment missing. Toy is MINT!!! Photos speak for themselves!

A Pristine Piece of Vintage Black Americana!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1960 item #519598 (stock #BA582)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
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.

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1960 item #1166268 (stock #BA835)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Offered is a VERY difficult to find, Mammy or Aunt Jemima ceramic Clothes Sprinkler Bottle measuring 7" tall. My references indicate that she was made in Japan in the 1950's. She is in absolutely PERFECT CONDITION (no chips, cracks, breaks or repaint) and is complete with her original rubber and metal sprinkler stopper! Clearly, she was never actually filled with water and used to sprinkle water on wrinkled clothing prior to ironing!

Mammy or Aunt Jemima is wearing a white dress and head scarf with red trim. Her dark brown skin is flawless (any white spots or marks seen in photos are the result of light reflection and do not represent flaws of any kind.)

While she is unmarked, there is a very small black "X" on the bottom of the backside of her dress.

An incredibly hard to find piece! These very functional pieces were, more often than not, actually used in the home on ironing day, and thus were subject to damage or breakage and ended up in pieces at the local landfill! This wonderful Black American collectible was acquired from the original owner where it rested safely on a display shelf all these many years!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1960 item #1037069 (stock #BA790)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Measuring 4 inches in diameter x 2 inches in height, this colorful, French, LeBene wax tin dates to the 1950's. The lithographed tin still contains a bit of wax. It is in very fine condition with some very light superficial rubs and teeny scratches here and there to the surface of the tin. No rust! A very visually-appealing piece that displays quite well with its vivid black and yellow colors contrasting superbly with the background black.
All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Pre 1960 item #499794 (stock #BA574)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
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!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1960 item #1251320 (stock #BA900)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Measuring approximately 10 inches long by 2.50 inches high, these untouched, unused, all-original, porcelain-enameled, 1940-50s, metal signs are extraordinarily RARE pieces of Black American history-- artifacts of the "Jim Crow" era when segregation of the African American race was unfortunately, most commonplace.

These signs were found in March of 1971, inside the abandoned and decaying basement of the former Philadelphia Enameling Works factory at the corner of 13th and Vine Streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The gentleman from whom these signs were purchased, bought these segregation signs along with hundreds of others signs of all types found in the basement of this former factory (see last photo) and has very kindly written a letter of provenance which has been photographed here and which will be included with these signs upon their sale.

These historic signs are enameled on both sides, and on the front sides are written, "COLORED MEN" and "COLORED WOMEN". The signs feature black lettering on a white background.

The signs are in all-original condition with some very minor discoloration and very unobtrusive edge discoloration pinpoints and some enameling loss here and there as seen in photos.

Extremely RARE, UNUSED, one-of-a-kind, museum-worthy pieces of Black American history that are quite likely the only ones of their kind extant today! Condition is amazing!

Please take a moment to view additional segregation signs by simply by typing the word "segregation" into the SEARCH box on our homepage.

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1960 item #861198 (stock #BA286)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Offered are a group of ten, Black Memorabilia postcards in wonderful, unused condition of 1930's through 1950's vintage, priced at $60.00 for the group of ten.

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!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Pre 1960 item #499752 (stock #BA573)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Measuring 5 inches tall, this EXTREMELY RARE, "Little Black Girl" Thermometer was made in 1955, by Multi-Products Corporation, Chicago, as the companion piece to the earlier released Black Boy Thermometer, "Diaper Dan".

Only 500 of these "Little Girl" thermometers WERE EVER MADE as opposed to the 15,000 Diaper Dan thermometers that can still be readily found in today's collector's market.

Made of pressed fiberwood, she is in MINT condition, retaining her original paper-backed glass thermometer that continues to be quite functional.

This sweet-faced, "Little Girl" Thermometer is rarely seen in the antiques market and is a MUST-HAVE for the serious Black Memorabilia collector!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1960 item #364916 (stock #BA444)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Measuring 3 /12 inches high x 5 ¼ inches wide x 3 inches deep, this early 1950’s, USA-made, plastic, Yellow Aunt Jemima Recipe Box has seen some use but remains quite visually striking and in very good condition!

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!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1960 item #364924 (stock #BA541)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
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!!

All Items : Archives : Collectibles : Memorabilia : Pre 1960 item #613156 (stock #BA719)
Stonegate Antiques
SOLD
Measuring 5 inches long x 4 inches high, this wonderful 1950's George Lefton China BLACK CHEF Nodder Spoon Rest remains in fine vintage condition retaining its green ink manufacturing mark that reads as follows: "C"- in a circle (for copyright) "Geo. S. Lefton" "...13".

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!!