SOLD
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!!!!
SOLD
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!
SOLD
This sample size tin is in very fine condition with minimal surface wear as is evidenced by the photos. The yellow coloring is uniform--any white marks seen in photos are light reflection, not wear or damage.
This product was created by the Madam C J Walker Company of Indianapolis, Indiana, for the purpose of "brightening sallow or dark skin".
It is unknown whether the contents remain as the tin cover is tightly affixed and is immovable.
Madam C.J. Walker built a fortune in the early 1900s marketing hair care and beauty products to African-American women. Born in Sarah Breedlove 1867 Louisiana of parents who were former slaves, she moved her company to Indianapolis in 1910. When she died in 1919, Madam Walker was considered the wealthiest black woman in America. Her daughter, Lelia, succeeded her as president of the C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company.
SOLD
Manufactured by FOSTA Products, this highly sought after piece of Black Memorabilia is in lovely, all-original condition with very light, superficial surface wear as seen in photos; this wear is reflective of less-than-typical use. A bonus--the original recipe cards remain inside! Fabulous color and condition contribute to the wonderful visual appeal of this delightful and essential, vintage piece of early 50’s Black Americana!
SOLD
This fabulous game features a brightly colored lithograph target depicting the dapper, banjo-playing, "Jolly Darkie" with a gigantic mouth.
The target box remains in very fine condition, appearing to have seen little, if any, use. It has four openings through which one was to toss the four wooden balls that the game originally came with, but which are no longer present. It measures 13 inches tall x 6 3/4 inches wide x 1.5 inches deep.
As evident in the photos, the side-less box cover shows expected wear given its 100+ years of age, with some pencil writing in the mouth and some surface soiling.
As indicated earlier, the extant game pieces do not retain a copyright year or maker name; however, this game is very similar to two other Milton Bradley Jolly Darkie Target games that were manufactured from 1890-1910, suggesting that this game was also manufactured during this era by Springfield, Massachusetts' Milton Bradley Company. The directions to this game are not present, and it is quite possible that the manufacturer and manufacture date both appeared on the direction card-- as has been found to be the case on other Milton Bradley games of this era.
The game cover as well as the JOLLY DARKIE target box display absolutely wonderfully and would be a colorful asset to one's vintage black Americana game collection!
SOLD
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!
SOLD
Fabulous colored illustrations as represented by photos adorn this 19 page book! Ten to eleven darling little poems and/or short stories are written in "dialect", reflective of the Caucasian cultural mores of the period.
Interior pages are in fine condition--they are tightly bound together with the 3 original staples and remain brilliantly colored; front and back covers have loosened from these interior pages, and the covers have been taped along the exterior spine in a failed attempt to keep them attached to the tightly bound interior pages. The covers have edge wear, small edge creases, and surface scuffing with minor surface paper loss here and there (see photos). Additionally, the front cover has a small remnant of an old paper sticker in the upper right quadrant.
A charming addition to one's Black Americana collection!!
SOLD
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!
SOLD
The work is entitled, "Coffee With the Spirit World" and is done in acrylics on watercolor paper. It comes mounted on acid-free foam core which can continue to be used when the piece is framed.
Of this piece of artwork, Sister Raya says, “When peoples get up in the morning they slog on coffee and stumble round full of stress and worry, but they don’t be knowin that’s the time when the spirit folk be slippin round they heads. They be friendly folk and like you to say good morning to them. People go too fast today, slow down when you be drinkin yo coffee and say good mornin!”
The vibrant blues, yellows and reds make this art work tremendously visually appealing and thought-provoking!
SOLD
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!
SOLD
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!!
SOLD
All three tins are in very fine condition with some very small spots of superficial rust and teeny superficial surface scratches here and there as would be expected of any item 70+ years of age. These were stored well over the years and their condition reflects this! The largest tin is in the most pristine. The two black, white and red tins are empty but the green and yellow tin still has a hardened lump of polish inside. The large tin measures 5 6/8 inches high, the small black tin measures 4 1/4 inches high, and the green tin measures 4 inches high.
These tins are not readily found on today’s market in this condition and would provide a handsome and visually striking display either as a group of 3 or as a single piece! A nice addition to the advanced Black Memorabilia collection!
As each tin is priced separately, please email us stating which tin you wish to purchase so that we can customize your order form.
SOLD
Helen Bannerman was inspired to write these stories for her two young daughters while the family lived in India; Mingo and Sambo were Indian children and not African-American. They were converted over time to this race, however, by subsequent story tellers and illustrators.
A mini book measuring 4" x 5.75", this cloth-bound hardcover was published by Frederick A. Stokes Company, New York, with 64 pages of vividly colored illustrations, and no copyright date. Research indicates this version was published circa 1902.
Condition is a 9 out of 10! This 120+ year old book has seen little use with just a teeny bit of wear to book edge points and age-related staining with some minor paper loss to the original, overlay-ed paper cover. Some soiling to interior pages here and there, but otherwise, intact and tight with no tears, creases, pen/pencil markings! Amazing condition for a book of this age!
A simply wonderful story, truly a fairy tale of sorts, that is seldom found in this lovely, original, early edition! To see the Little Black Sambo items currently available for sale, simply type “Sambo” into the search box on our website homepage.
SOLD
The two hickory smooth face clubs are each stamped "ST ANDREWS", "Wright Ditson & Makers". Each shaft is stamped "Wright & Ditson" just below the grip and sport a nice aged patina.
The first hickory club appears to be an unmarked putter, and the iron club head portion is in very nice condition. Measures 33.5 inches from heel to top of shaft.
The second hickory club is essentially a 5 iron (MASHIE) although it is not marked as such. There are two small leading edge dings and is otherwise a nice example.
The third club, is a steel club, is marked "5 and MASHIE" on the base and dates to the 1930 era. The painted metal shaft sports a nice dark brown leather grip. The head of the iron is stamped "PARAMOUNT REG.U.S. PAT. OFF. - GRADUATED IRONS 'WRIGHT & DITSON' U.S.A. MILD STEEL". The club head is in good condition with various mild leading edge dings.
All clubs ready to play!
SOLD
This advertising gem was once used at the Island Pharmacy, City Island, New York, and was acquired directly from the family.
This display box measures 11"H x 9.25"W x 4.25"D, is in very good condition and sports the "WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH" cardboard label on its front. Both the display box and label exhibit age appropriate wear as noted: a few, small, top edge chips to the wood, some staining to the label as seen in photos, and the "N" in the word "BLANKS" is damaged.
This graphically appealing, vintage, advertising piece comes with a wide variety of very interesting and historic associated ephemera that serves to define the vast scope of service that Western Union provided: a 1962 CIPHER (Encoding and Decoding Card) for use with money order messages, a guideline card defining the delivery of Military Casualty telegrams, a 1949 guide card defining the Priority Order of Messages, a Standard Abbreviations Guide card, 2 cards notating New York City and Albany addresses of the main Western Union Offices in the state of New York, numerous contracts spanning multiple decades confirming the continued authorization of the pharmacy as a Western Union provider, as well as 15 colorful and unused, telegraph and cable THANKSGIVING blanks and over 40 Christmas HOLIDAY GREETINGS blanks. Also included is a 1950's, 17 page, company history given to Western Union services providers entitled, The Story of Western Union.
The City Island Pharmacy contracted with Western Union as an agent for the delivery and acceptance of telegrams and cable services from 1939 through 1972!
What a delightful advertising piece with wonderful provenance, filled with historic Western Union ephemera!
SOLD
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!!
SOLD
The now empty tin features the Banania brand trademark graphic of a smiling Blackamoor.
Condition is all-original with some wear to tin from use as seen in photos. Light superficial rusting present here and there that does not affect tin integrity and is mostly noted on interior surfaces.
This tin is widely reproduced today, with the original tin very, very difficult to find. A fabulous opportunity to add an authentic vintage BANANIA collectible to one's Black Memorabilia collection!
***Please view the smaller, vintage, BANANIA tin currently available as well as an exceedingly rare, vintage, Banania dexterity puzzle***.
SOLD
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.
SOLD
Constructed of tin with a tin embossed and lithographed image and a glass cover, this game features a mirror on back. The puzzle is in all-original condition with the embossed graphic remaining free of scratches and abrasions. (Please disregard any light or shiny spots in photos which are due to flash reflection off of the glass.)
An interesting image and a delightful piece of early Advertising or Toy Black Memorabilia!
SOLD
Colors are extraordinarily vivid, a fabulous display piece -retains original cardboard backing and original stand, but, alas, no game darts! The darts are extraordinarily rare and are seldom found!
Present are minor surface blemishes, surface scratches, some surface rust specks, as well as minor edge crimps that one would expect of a 90+ year old toy -all of which fail to detract from the fabulously bold visual imagery of this piece! (The most prominent scratch is on Sambo's target.)
To see all of the Little Black Sambo items currently available for sale, simply type “Sambo” into the search box on our website homepage.
SOLD
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!
SOLD
In utterly excellent condition with the only flaws noted being subtle wear to the paper dust jacket and a past owner's name and address, this version of the Little Black Sambo story is highly collectible as any item produced by its publisher, Platt & Munk, is aggressively sought-after due to the company’s reputation for use of extraordinarily vivid graphics.
This mini book is sixty-two pages long with 29 vividly colored illustrations designed and executed by the author, Frank Ver Beck.
A must have edition for the collector of Little Black Sambo books!
SOLD
The Pore Lil' Mose series was created in 1900 by The New York Herald cartoonist, Richard F. Outcault, the creator of the more popularly known 'Yellow Kid' and 'Buster Brown' comic strips. Pore Lil' Mose was the first Black comic strip.
Measuring 14.75" x 11.75" framed, the comic remains in very fine condition with excellent, vivid color, and no rips or repairs. It is framed in an old black wooden frame with a heavy cardboard backing and would benefit from professional framing using archival, acid-free materials to enhance its life for many years to come.
Highly sought after among Black Americana collectors!
The history of the Pore lil' Mose comic strip:
In creating Pore Lil’ Mose, R.F. Outcault took an absurd concept of a 7 year old black kid living on his own in 1901 New York City with his monkey, bear, dog, and cat friends and was able to make people laugh and at times, take a critical look at themselves and the world they lived in.
The “Pore Lil’ Mose” series was far ahead of its time in social commentary and portrayal of blacks. Before he was a cartoonist, Outcault was a masterful illustrator working for Thomas Edison producing complex illustrations for Edison’s laboratories as well as illustrating for some of the largest newspapers and magazines of the late 1800’s. In the beginning, cartooning was just a way for Outcault to make additional income and have fun. Because of his experience as an illustrator, his early cartoons were drawn with more detail and skill than other cartoonist and are rich in artistic and historical detail.
What truly makes “Pore Lil’ Mose” stand out from other black cartoons of the period is Outcault’s portrayal of blacks. One should keep in mind that in 1900, the Civil War had only been over for 35 years, and the civil rights movement of the 1960’s was still over sixty years away. “Pore Lil’ Mose” was the first comic strip to have a black character as its main protagonist, and for over half a century, “Pore Lil’ Mose” was the only comic strip to have portrayed blacks as judges, teachers and other professionals. When one views the 70 plus “Pore Lil’ Mose” strips, one sees that Outcault created a character in Mose who was polite, kind, generous, accepting, intelligent and at times a deeply profound thinker who loved his family and friends. Pore Lil’ Mose can be viewed as a role model for every human being regardless of race or ethnicity.
SOLD
SOLD
The stories were written by Elizabeth Gordon and are whimsically illustrated in color by Clara Powers Wilson.
In fine condition with light wear to exterior boards. An early owners name appears inscribed on the title page. A small folio size measuring 5.25 inches x 6.75 inches.
SOLD
A much-beloved children's classic written in the early 1900's by Englishwoman, Helen Bannerman, for her two young daughters while they lived in India, Sambo, in the original tale, was an Indian boy and not an African-American child. He was converted over time 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!
Condition is 8 out of 10. This book has seen careful but frequent use with moderate wear to book cover edges as well as the red cloth spine cover. While the binding remains quite tight, surface soiling to covers and some interior pages is evident. The inside front cover reveals a penned inscription from an aunt to her nephew at Christmas, 1937.
This book retains outstanding, bold and brilliant coloring of all illustrations--- just fabulous---given its 89+ years of age!
There are small tears at the bottom of the following pages very near the bound side of the pages ranging from 1/2 to 1.5 inches long; some tears have old tape repairs: pages 9, 18, 19,20, 28, 33, 47, 49, 58.
A unique copy!
SOLD
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!!!
SOLD
Author: Heyward, DuBose.
Title: JASBO BROWN AND SELECTED POEMS.
Subject: African-American Experience and Culture of Charleston, South Carolina
Publication: New York: Farrar & Rinehart, (1931)
Edition: First Edition
Description: First edition. Hardcover, gilt-stamped brown cloth. First printing. 96 pages. A tight very good plus copy with a partial, former ownership bookplate with minor writing, some tiny chipping to the spine ends. No dust jacket.
Farrar & Rinehart, Inc. indicated their First Editions by the small oval logo forming the letters F an R immediately above the copyright line on the back of the title page.
The 1924 date is for the copyright date of the poetry, the 1931 is the date of first publication in book form.
Edwin DuBose Heyward (August 31, 1885 – June 16, 1940) was an American author who was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. He is best known for his 1925 novel Porgy. He and his wife Dorothy, a playwright, adapted it as a 1927 play of the same name. The couple worked with composer George Gershwin to adapt the work as the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess. It was later adapted as a 1959 film of the same name. Heyward also wrote poetry and other novels and plays, and this book of selected poems reflected his observations of and experiences with black culture in Charleston during his childhood.
SOLD
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!
SOLD
The first club is from George Nicolls and is stamped on back as follows: "HAND FORGED IN SCOTLAND" - '2 IRON' - 'CARRYING POWER 150/70Yds - and in a circular stamp 'NICOLLS INDICATOR'". The stamp of a hand palm also embellishes this nice Scotland created club. The INDICATOR model was introduced in 1926 and became very popular. The face is DOT stamped and there is a small ding on the leading edge close to the heel. Measures 36.5 inches from then end of shaft to the heel. There is slight gap between the hosel and shaft connection and ancient crimp marks on the hosel are noted. This may indicate that the shaft, while appearing period, may be an early replacement. The leather grip is in very good condition and overall the club sports a nice patina.
The second club is stamped on back with the following information: "Hillerick and Bradbys Co. Louisville, KY 'GRAND SLAM' and a stamp of a hand hold playing cards with an 'A' on the front. It is stamped with the number '5' on the sole. The 36.5 inch shaft is stamped "Made by Hillerick and Bradbys Co. Louisville, KY". A small gap is noted between the shaft and hosel. The club has a wonderful surface patina throughout and the grip is solid. The face sports a square stamped pattern.
Club number 3 is stamped on the back with the following: "G. Schmidt - NIBLICK - FORGED and the letter 'W'". The 'W' may be the owners mark. This 36.5 inch club sports a nice patina, and a good complete grip. The shaft has a barely noticeable split by the hosel. The large face has 'line' pattern stamping and the leading edge shows two honorable dings. A neat club to display!
SOLD
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.
SOLD
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!
SOLD
The advertising card measures 2.75 inches x 4.50 inches and is entitled "Photography Under a Cloud". It features a fabulous litho of 5 African-American boys with exaggerated facial features who are attempting to take a photograph using an early camera. The litho is marked in the lower right corner "Bufford, Boston". The reverse side further advertises WELCOME SOAP and features two shaking hands.
The trade card is in very fine condition with nice color and some very subtle evidence of age staining as seen in photos. The card has no rips, bends, or fading, and would be lovely matted and framed!
SOLD
The AYER'S Cathartic Pills card is copyrighted 1883 in the lower right front corner by the J.C. Ayer Company Company, Lowell, Massachusetts. This card is brilliantly colored with a phenomenal graphic of the Black "Country Doctor" holding a small child who clutches an Ayer's Pills advertisement in her hand. The reverse side carries a testimony to the wonder of the multitude of curative properties of Ayer's Pills. The card measures 2 5/8 inches x 4 3/4 inches.
The 1st J.P. Coat's Company card is not copyrighted but is at the latest, a circa 1890's card, and features a smiling African-American boy seated on a spool of Coat's thread tickling a bright yellow shining sun. The card measures 3 inches x 4.50 inches. The reverse side is an advertisement for J.P. Coat's Fast Black Spool Cotton thread.
The Clarke's Spool Cotton Thread advertising card featuring an African-American boy beating a drum is sold.
The 2nd J.P. Coat's Thread card depicts a humorous scene of an African-American couple attempting to move a very stubborn mule. The card measures 3 inches x 4.75 inches. It is copyrighted on the reverse 1881 by Auchincloss & Brothers, New York. The reverse side advertises the myriad of J.P. Coat's products.
The final card is another Clark's Mile-End Spool Cotton advertisement that features a humorous lithograph of a well-dressed African-American man being tripped by a young Caucasian boy holding Clark's super-strong thread, and measures 2.75 inches x 4.50 inches. The reverse side is a continuation of testimony and advertisement for the product.
All trade cards are in very fine condition with nice color and some very subtle evidence of age staining as seen in photos. The cards have no rips, bends, or fading.
These seldom-found trade cards would look fabulous framed as a group!
As each is priced separately (see photos for pricing), please email us stating which item you wish to purchase so that we can customize your order form.
SOLD
SOLD
This rare, antique, hand-wrought golf club was recently acquired from the estate of a gentleman who had restored and collected golf clubs for 7 decades! His family, while settling his estate, remarked that he had "paid crazy prices for some of his collection!". This prized, rare club is certain to have been included in that category!
This amazing club sports its original varnish surface and is offered in "as found" condition. The darkening of the finish results a wonderful patina. The club displays an enchanting elegance owing to the gently-sculpted angling of the face. The sole of the club shows signs of mild use with linear scuff marks beginning at the front portion of the inlaid horn. It measures a formidable 42 inches from the heel.
The skills of the craftsman are most apparent when the club is viewed from the top. While unmarked, this club displays the form of the exceptional, highly-skilled, Scottish club makers of the 19th century. The lead has been expertly applied to the back of the club, and the original twine adds to the club's character. The hickory shaft is undamaged and sports a warm, honey-colored surface. The leather grip was expertly replaced many, many years ago and has signs of gentle use.
A phenomenal, rarely-found example of 19th century craftsmanship! A tangible example of exemplary golfing history!
SOLD
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!
SOLD
The book tells the infamous story of ten little African-American boys who are gradually eliminated in number via one circumstance after another--most utterly horrid-- choking to death, chopping himself in half, being crushed by a bear, being swallowed by a red herring, etc, ending with the last boy sadly living all alone, a circumstance he happily remedies by getting married.
Originally published in 1868 under the Title of “The Ten Little Indians,” this poem was used during minstrel shows, which oftentimes were traveling acts, performed by white actors in blackface following the Civil War. The following year, the poem was adapted to this overtly horrid, racist rendition, replacing the word Indians with “Nigger” in both minstrel shows, printed sheet music, and children’s nursery rhyme books. This version married the stereotypes of violence and ignorance within the African-American population with the intent of "villain-izing" freed, black males while simultaneously allowing violent acts to befall the black characters portrayed in the rhyme.
This 113 year old book remains in all-original, very good condition with no alterations or repairs. Original binding and stitching remain quite tight and intact. Illustrated by R. J. (James) Williams, the interior illustrations remain very brightly colored. Pages present varying degrees of very light soiling, light foxing, and yellowing of linen, commensurate with age. Some pages also show subtle water staining that has not impacted cloth integrity. No tears or rips to fabric.
This book is in truly remarkable condition for its age and in consideration of its all-cloth construction. This title is very RARELY found in today's market and is an absolute cornerstone piece in any serious Black Memorabilia collection!
To view other versions of this book presently available for separate purchase, please type the words "ten little" into the SEARCH box on our home page.
SOLD
"Twin Babies - The Best Choice Providing Quality Chocolate Since 1908!"
Measuring 7 inches in diameter x 7 inches high, this round, 2-piece-mold, clear glass, candy jar has a flattened base to allow the jar to sit on a shelf at angle that facilitates viewing of the both the chocolate advertising and the delightful, smiling Black Twins Chocolate logo graphic! The chocolate jar is in wonderful condition, free of chips or scratches.
The jar graphic and text are both done in black and remain in superb condition- as crisp and clear as the day the piece was first manufactured!
The jar has a 5 inch diameter opening with decorative edging that allows the chocolate jar to be easily filled and better yet, emptied!!
The jar also retains its original metal cover whose bright green painted surface is generally free of wear. The cover is completed by a black wooden knob. The underside of the cover has some very superficial rust staining that has not impacted the integrity of the lid.
A very, very RARE piece of Black Memorabilia that is both visually pleasing and continues to remain quite functional!
SOLD
This circa 1910-30's Johnny Griffin item is exceedingly rare, being the only example of this form ever seen by this seller either in print, on the internet or “in person”. Clearly, very few of these smoking and/or tobacco stands were produced in comparison to other Johnny Griffin novelties!
The smoking stand is constructed of two different metals- from the intricately embossed “corn stalk” pot metal cigarette and cigar holders, to the brass plated tray, match holder, base and stand. It is in all original condition with delightful patina- not a reproduction- no replaced parts- and measures 30 inches high x 9 inches wide at the tray. It does not retain any marking other than mold number 3104 located on the underside of the tray. This very unusual smoking and/or tobacco stand is a heavy, sturdy piece, and is well-made.
Johnny Griffin Black Americana collectibles are a very interesting and infrequently found collectible form, and they should rightfully constitute the cornerstone of any serious Black Memorabilia collection!
To see all of the Johnny Griffin items currently available for sale, simply type “Johnny Griffin” into the search box on our web home page.
SOLD
This vibrant work, painted in June 2006, depicts a charming 1930's scene of a Southern cotton farm complete with log cabin, old stone wall, dilapidated truck, two big red barns, and two black women picking cotton in the fields. The leaves have turned the brilliant colors of autumn and some have fallen to the ground. The piece is signed in red in the lower left corner "Geraldine Smith June 2006".
(Please disregard any "shiny" or "white" areas in the painting; these are the result of camera flash glare ONLY and are not imperfections in this work. The colors in this painting are actually more vibrant and brilliant in tone than can be depicted in photos.)
Geraldine Smith, who is now in her late 50's, did not begin painting until the late 1980's when she saw the television painter, Bob Ross, and decided she wanted to give painting a try. "I don't know why," Ms. Smith said. "I couldn't draw a straight line. I'd sit up all night trying to paint. Lord help me. Something was driving me to learn to paint." Smith credits The Lord with providing her with the continued inspiration to paint, and states, "When the spirit is leading me, I can paint and paint."
Source for quotes and newspaper photo, The News, South Carolina.
SOLD
"The Golliwogg's Bicycle Club", published in 1896 by Longmans, Green & Co, London & New York, was illustrated by Florence K. Upton, with story written by her mother, Bertha. This book was the 2nd Golliwogg adventure in a series of thirteen Golliwogg adventures by Upton, with the last published in 1909-- all of which are incredibly difficult to find today.
This hard cover book, measuring 8.75 inches high x 11.5 inches long, is a total of 63 pages in length. The book is lavishly illustrated with 30 full-color illustrations and tells the story of Golly's world travels. Golly and his friends, suffering from boredom, create their very own bicycles out of tree-wood and then partake of marvelous adventures in Paris, Japan, Turkey and Africa!
The Golliwog, itself, was based on a Black minstrel doll that Florence Kate Upton, born in 1873 of English parents, had played with as a small child in New York. Upton's Golliwog character was first introduced to the world in her 1895 book entitled The Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls. Like the rag doll that inspired it, the Golliwog in her book was a less-than-handsome creature with very dark, jet black skin, large white-rimmed eyes, red clown lips, and wild, frizzy hair. Golliwogs are typically male and are generally dressed in a jacket, trousers, bow tie, and stand-up collar in a combination of red, white, blue, black, and occasionally yellow colors.
The book is in very fine but not perfect condition-- not surprising given the book's 114 years of age! Wear to hard-board-cover edges. Binding remains strong, but thread stitching securing pages to binding has weakened with the two, center-most pages separated from the others. Evidence of tape repair on these loosened pages present. Book is complete, with no missing pages.
Truly a fabulous find! The first time I have EVER had the pleasure of offering this wonderfully-rare children's book in my 26 years of dealing in Black Memorabilia!!
SOLD
From approximately 1915 through the 1930's, Mrs. Vargas-Alphonso, influenced by the artistry of her father who also sculpted in wax, crafted a variety of wax dolls inspired by the black folk she saw on New Orleans's street corners while growing up. Sold exclusively at the time through Harriet's, of 318 Rue Royale in the French Quarter of New Orleans, the completely hand-made, one-of-a-kind dolls are seldom found on today's market due to their inherently fragile nature, making them highly sought after in the Black Memorabilia Collectible arena.
This particular figure is known as Ole Charley who, severely bent over with age, was once a well known figure in the Vieux Carre.
Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features. Ole Charley wears a yellow hat with blue band, a red patterned neck scarf, a yellow flowered shirt and blue jeans- all constructed of actual cloth fabric that was coated with a fine layer of clear wax to stiffen them. He supports all of his weight with an actual stick cane! His wax body is internally supported by a wire frame through which the figure is securely attached to the wooden base.
This wonderful figure is in very fine condition for his 75+ years of age with the following imperfections: missing left-hand fingers with present left thumb (an unfortunate, but extremely common consequence of time), a chip out of his yellow hat (which actually looks appropriate to the character!!) and a re-molded right hand- a repair made long ago. There is a spot of old glue on the base which suggests that something might be missing- a small stool perhaps? Regardless of his imperfections, his brilliantly executed face and his incredibly realistic pose is most delightful- a snapshot of New Orleans history!
Please see the other two Vargas figures that are currently available. One is depicted in the group photo and all are priced separately. Please note that the Vegetable Seller (with basket) has been sold.
Please note- photos were taken outside in natural sunlight. Any white or light spots on the figure are a result of sun glare and are not reflective or discoloration or fading.
SOLD
This incredible slave collar speaks for itself, opening yet another small window into the history of African-American slavery. The collar is labeled with the enterprise's business name, Ross and Drum, out of Florence, South Carolina (SC), and is dated 1846. This enterprise was likely involved in the trading and auctioning of African-American slaves given its pronouncement of the phrasing "Negroes &" on the metal plate of the collar. The "&" likely implied the service of selling all "other" manner of estate "property" from land to livestock. Slaves- or Negroes as they were commonly referred to in the "slave states"- were considered "property", not human beings.
Measuring approximately 33 inches in length, the collar band is constructed of thick, sturdy leather, upon which is fastened a brass-appearing, engraved plaque, with ten, hand-forged, iron links forming the chain. Two circular, iron loops appear at either end of the leather collar. The collar weighs a hefty 1.6 lbs.
The slave collar plaque, ironically, is decoratively etched and features two crosses and two Masonry symbols, along with other symbolic engravings.
A stunning and important museum-quality offering without question!
SOLD
In very fine condition, with faint, superficial scratches expected of a 70+ year old metal toy, this wonderful Tuxedoed Dancing Black Man is in working condition! He is stamped "Made in USA" on his back and was made by Buffalo Toy Works. It is operated via a small metal lever at the base that can be jiggled (thus, the name "Jigger" Toy) up and down and back and forth to make Dancing Sambo wave his arms and jiggle his legs!
Measures approximately 6.5 inches high. Maker unknown. Displays wonderfully!
Please note that any white spots appearing in photos are from the camera flash and are not imperfections!
SOLD
The very unusual piece is constructed entirely of (unidentified)wood with the tiny Blackamoor’s head separated from the length of the dice pusher by a teeny narrow metal band. It is unknown whether the dice pusher is carved from one single piece of wood or if the dice pusher and head are two distinct pieces.
Other than reasonable and minor wear to the very tip of the dice pusher as seen in photos, this incredible piece is in superb, all original condition !!
The Blackamoor's head is carved with remarkable expertise and attention to detail, which the photos, unfortunately, do not adequately represent; due to the diminutive size of this piece, sharp close-up photos were very difficult to attain- my apologies!
SOLD
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!
SOLD
The box is in very good condition for its 100+ years of age with teeny tiny chips to the surface as noted in photos.
The box features an incredibly detailed graphic on its cover depicting an African-American family gathering around the patriarch as he readies to strike a match for the very first time.
Entitled "Their First Box of Drawing Room Matches. Paterfamilias: You chillin keep back deah! You want you heads blowed off'n you shouldus?"
A fabulously rare piece for the serious collector!
SOLD
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.
SOLD
This circa 1920-30's Johnny Griffin item is constructed in solid brass and was designed for use as a pipe rack although it could hold spoons or even neckties.
It is in all original condition with delightful patina- not a reproduction- no replaced parts- and measures 13 inches long x 6 1/2 inches high and 1 1/2 inches deep. It does not retain any marking other than a mold number 1592.
Johnny Griffin Black Americana collectibles should form the cornerstone of any serious Black Memorabilia collection!
To see all of the Johnny Griffin items currently available for sale, simply type “Johnny Griffin” into the search box on our web home page.
SOLD
Also currently offered for sale and priced separately are a second set of rarely found, Georgia, child's, slave shackles (no key with this set) that is featured in the last photo. An additional set of ADULT shackles is also available. Please type the word "shackles" in the search box on our home page to find all 3 sets of shackles currently offered for sale.
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."
SOLD
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!
SOLD
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!
SOLD
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!
SOLD
The figure is decorated in underglaze black, measures 9 inches high, and is in perfect condition with the exception of expected and appropriate superficial crackling to the glaze, and a shallow and very tight, early hairline to the back of the figure at its base. It is titled “Uncle Tom & Eva” on the front base.
An very exceptional piece of Black Memorabilia for the discriminating collector.
SOLD
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.
SOLD
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.
SOLD
Hand-executed by Robert A. Myers of 73 E. Hazeltine Avenue, Kenmore, New York, the figures vary in height from 2.25 to 2.75 inches. The colors are absolutely brilliant and the detailing exquisite with the tiniest of details painted with superb precision, control and great artistry.
"HAND MADE, R. A. Myers, 72 E. Hazeltine Ave., Kenmore, NY" is clearly stamped on the soles of approximately 5 of the figures--yet there is no question that all were executed by the same hand, and it is likely that all figures at one time bore this stamp.
Little is known of Robert A. Myers other than the fact that the street address stamped on the soles of the figures' feet was a private residence, and Robert A. Myers was indeed listed as residing at this address in a 1930 Kenmore (a suburb of Buffalo) telephone directory.
The fabulous figures have been safely stored over these many years in a felt-lined, hardwood, hinged box which undoubtedly has contributed to their most excellent condition!
Truly a RARITY! These wonderful folk art figures would make an outstanding addition to the museum quality Black Memorabilia collection! Not to be missed--these are one-of-a-kind!
SOLD
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!
SOLD
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!