Catalog: Archives (250)

This exceptional, one-of-a-kind, circa 1900, cloth doll was made and designed by Ruie Ann Park, a Van Buren, Arkansas, Civil War History author who wrote “Civil War Letters of the Shibley Brothers, Van Buren, Arkansas”.

This extremely rare SAMPLE doll was, at one time, exhibited by Mrs. Park at a Van Buren drug store for marketing purposes--orders would be taken at the drug store based upon her sample doll or dolls that were displayed.

This richly detailed, finely executed doll wears 2 authenticating cloth tags (see photos) that attest to this doll’s provenance; one tag is a hand-inked-in-script tag sewn to the base of the doll’s apron that reads “Sample”, and the other is a machine-printed tag that is stitched to the waist band of the apron and reads, “Designed by Ruie Ann Park, Van Buren, Ark., All Rights Reserved”.

This lovely, 13 ½ inch long, old black Granny doll has a delicately designed, serious looking face that has been carefully hand-etched in ink. Her curly gray hair pulled back into a bun at the nape of her neck is crafted from yarn, and she wears a small, proper brown cloth hat with pink banding. Her body is quite firmly stuffed with cotton, her hands are stitched to delineate her fingers and (separated) thumbs, and her outfit is machine-stitched and completely original. She wears unbleached, ruffle-edged, muslin pantaloons and underskirt. Her dress is cream colored cotton calico printed with black and pink flowers, and further accented with the most delicate, pink-trimmed, pink polka-dotted, lace cuffs and collar. Her unbleached muslin apron is trimmed with light pink ric-a-rac along its hem and single pocket. Her outfit is completed with black cotton stockings and authentically detailed black, lace-up leather boots.

This extraordinarily rare doll with her very unusual, documented provenance is in very, very fine condition! A truly superb Black doll beckoning to the most sophisticated of doll collectors! Also offered from the same wonderful doll collection is a circa 1920 black cloth doll named "Sallie"- another must-have!

Measuring just 3 6/8 inches long x 2 ¾ inches wide x 2 inches high, this sweet little 1930’s Germany tin at one tin held coffee!

In very fine condition with the expected superficial scratches and rubs to the litho and some light rust spots on the inside bottom of the tin, the tin’s most endearing feature is the image of 3 adorable black children holding the brand name sign: MACHWITZ KAFFEE.

Brightly colored in orange, gold, black and cream, this darling tin is visually striking and displays very well!

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

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

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

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

A simply wonderful gift for the educator!!

Measuring 13 x 13 inches, this terrific example of 1920’s American Folk Art, a Black Washerwoman Whirligig, is in superb, untouched, all-original, fully functional condition!

Painted in tones of red, green, black and white and showing expected and appropriate age wear to the paint, this delightful wooden sculpture has been mounted onto a simple, present-day, wooden display platform.

Turn the propellers, and Mammy bends forward and back again as she scrubs her clothes on a yellow and black painted washboard that sits in an authentic looking, tin wash tub!

A very rare piece of early 20th century Americana!

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."

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

This circa 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.

Measuring just under 6.5 inches in width, this VERY RARE, 19th century, hand-forged iron, slave collar with unusual incised detailing was recently uncovered in Texas.

Complete with functional locking mechanism and -even more scarcely found- a working key, this seldom found piece remains in excellent, all-original condition and stands as a horrid, tangible testament to the malevolence of slavery.

The collar is constructed of two, hefty, separate, semi-circular pieces of iron that are hinged together via a thick iron pin that has a "head" on either end preventing the two pieces from separating. While the interior of the collar is plain, the exterior, very unusually, has been "decorated" with incised diagonal lines cut between horizontal, incised banding at the top and bottom of each piece (see photos). The collar, thus, opens and closes at only one end.

The collar is locked and unlocked via a hand-forged locking mechanism that, amazingly, retains its original key--- an extraordinarily rare occurrence today as typically the key has been long ago lost. The locking mechanism remains smooth and is readily operable. It is unlocked by fully inserting the key and slowly turning it to the right until the pin holding the lock in place is released. To lock, reinsert the open hinge into the lock and hold in place while turning the key to the left.

An excellent and rare example of an artifact of slavery- a material reminder of the malevolence and cruelty suffered by African-Americans in 17th, 18th, and 19th century America.

Offered is an extremely RARE 1847 Slavery Manumission document from Knox County, Tennessee, executed for Richard Dunn and referencing his slave, Eliza, and her three children, William, Nancy, and Mary Elizabeth. Archived 1842 Tennessee Early Tax List records indicate that Richard Dunn owned 302 acres of land, was employed in agriculture and owned one slave valued at $400 in that year; perhaps this slave was Eliza (pre-children).

Measuring approximately 12.5 long x 7.75 wide, this extraordinary and historical document is handwritten and appears to have been scribed by an individual other than the slave owner, Richard Dunn, as Mr. Dunn's signature is simply a "mark" labeled as such with his first and last name scribed around his "mark". The document is in excellent condition save the fold marks; this document clearly has been stored in this folded state for the past 170 years. It is suitable and ready for archival preservation- appropriate acid-free backing and matting materials with framing.

The text of the document is as follows:

"Know all men by these present that whereas my negro woman named Eliza having a strong desire for freedom and so I Richard Dunn of the county of Knox and the state of Tennessee being in possession of said woman Eliza and three children named William, Nancy and Mary Elizabeth. Now this is to show that I the said Richard Dunn for and in consideration of a certain sum of money to me in hand paid to my full and perfect satisfaction do hereby renounce my own right the right of my heirs or the right or claim of all manner of persons whosoever the said Eliza and her heirs forever to have and enjoy all the rights and privileges of a free white citizen so far as the laws of the state will permit and with regard to the law in such case made and provided it is necessary to have such matters attended to in open court I hereby (if it should not be done in my lifetime) make it obligatory in my heirs executors or administrators (as the case may be) to have the freedom of the above named woman and her children secured to them forever so as to enjoy all the rights and privileges of free white citizens so far as the law of the land will permit."
"In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 7th day of Nov. one thousand eight hundred and forty nine."
Signed, sealed ?GC?.
in presence of us,
Andrew McCall
Elijah Dunn
Martha Dunn

Richard Dunn his mark

Truly an extraordinarily rare piece of historical ephemera documenting a tiny light shining within a very dark period in American history. One can only be hopeful that Eliza and her three children one day achieved the freedom that this document promised.

Offered is a fabulous and scarce, 19thC, tin, CANNABIS, apothecary storage container with hand-painted, gold gilt label and a decorative and stylized floral, front embellishment. The label is likely one-of-a-kind, ordered by an early pharmacist!

The tin sports an early and original, hand-painted, mustard-colored surface, and it measures approximately 7 inches high x 4 inches wide x 5 inches deep (front to back including the distinctive front floral embellishment).

Structurally, the canister is a solidly crafted container, with a slanted, well-fitting, hinged cover that snaps into place when closed. The right top portion of container is slightly bent, and the finish shows modest wear and paint loss. The condition is commensurate with a 19th century well-loved and well-used, dispensary antique.

The inhalation of medicinal vapors was common practice during the late 19th and early 20th century. Inhaling devices came in many shapes and forms. This very decorative and functional inhaler was very popular during that period. I have seen an earlier and rare, boxed VapoCresolene example from the 1870's, and it was not as decorative as this lovely late-Victorian-styled inhaler. It is complete and comes with it's very detailed box which sports information on its many merits.

The box measures 6.5" H and has some unobtrusive hand writing on the front panel. It is also missing the bottom though displays perfectly. The lamp is in original condition, complete and has a wonderful patina.

Measuring 14" X 23", this vintage, Ca 1930's, "Little Black Sambo" metal game board bears the circular emblem mark of the Wyandotte Toy Company at bottom right, "Wyandotte Toys, Made in USA", attesting to its authenticity as a non-reproduction piece.

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.

Each measuring approximately 7 inches high, these highly sought after Black Vargas wax figures which are mounted on their original wooden platforms, are two of a series of fascinating "street character wax dolls" conceived of and crafted by Mrs. Conception Vargas Alfonso, daughter of the world-renowned, turn-of-the-century-New Orleans, Spanish sculptor, Francisco Vargas.

From approximately 1915 through the 1930's, Mrs. Vargas-Alphonso, influenced by the artistry of her father who also sculpted in wax, crafted a variety of wax dolls inspired by the black folk she saw on New Orleans's street corners while growing up. Sold exclusively at the time through Harriet's, of 318 Rue Royale in the French Quarter of New Orleans, the completely hand-made, one-of-a-kind dolls are seldom found on today's market due to their inherently fragile nature, making them highly sought after in the Black Memorabilia Collectible arena.

The female figure is known as the Praline Seller as her business was to sell freshly made Pralines, a candy confection composed of Louisiana cane sugar and pecans. Her straw, woven basket contains four Praline cookies or flatbreads.

The male figure is known as the grapevine and/or alligator seller. The grapevines are tied in a large bundle on his back which he also supports using the rope in his right hand, while leading a young alligator along in his left.

Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features.

The Praline Seller wears a vividly colorful array of different pattern fabrics which work to comprise her eye-catching costume. Atop her head, she wears a large, green and red polka dot bandanna that allows a bit of her wildly-curly, dark hair to peek through, with a solid yellow bandanna tied around her neck. Her her red, cream and blue patterned blouse and skirt are partially protected by a rather sedate, cream-colored apron. All of her clothing is constructed of actual cloth fabric that was coated with a fine layer of clear wax to stiffen it. She carries her basket of pralines on her right arm, while holding a piece of paper in her right hand. A written price list, perhaps? In her left hand she carries a reed duster to keep the flies off of her confections!

The Grapevine/Alligator also wears fabric clothing coated in wax. His pink, white and blue patterned bandanna is tied around his neck and worn over a red, blue and yellow plaid shirt and blue denim pants. He is missing his hat-- perhaps, the alligator ate it?! He holds onto the gator's rope in his left hand while trying to balance the huge mound of grapevine on his back via a rope end clutched in his right hand.

The figures' wax bodies are internally supported by wire frames through which the figures are securely attached to the wooden base. The bottom of each base retains its original stamp which reads, "Genuine VARGAS New Orleans, LA".

These wonderful figures are in near mint condition for their 75+ years of age. The Praline Seller perhaps has lost a couple of her pralines from her basket over the years, an insignificant detail, or perhaps her basket was never meant to be filled to indicate that she had already successfully made some sales! The Grapevine/Alligator is missing his hat as noted earlier, as well as two of his fingers on his left hand, a common injury as they are so very, very thin and inherently fragile. The young Alligator is missing the tip of his tail and the tip of the top of his mouth, again, two very thin pieces of wax which were vulnerable to easily breaking off.

Please note that the Vargas figures are priced $795.00 EACH.

Protected in a 12 ¾ x 22 ½ inch, gold and green painted wood frame, this authentic GOLD DUST Trolley Sign was manufactured by the N.K. Fairbanks Company in 1921!

GOLD DUST Trolley Signs are a very rare find in today’s market as they were made of cardboard, a material much less likely to withstand the test of time as opposed to tin advertising signs which were much sturdier!

This Gold Dust trolley sign features the Gold Dust Twins busily scrubbing a bathtub in a gleaming blue-green tiled bathroom! On a stool to the left, sits a large, opened box of Gold Dust Washing Powder. The advertisement proclaims in yellow-outlined, navy blue lettering: “Kept Clean with Gold Dust”.

The Gold Dust sign is marked, “Copyright 1921 The N.K. Fairbanks Company.” in the lower left hand corner. In the lower right hand corner, the following appears: “G.D.115 10-21. 64”.

The condition of this trolley sign is truly quite fine. Colors are very strong and consistent throughout; please ignore the various glass reflections seen in some of the photos- they were unavoidable and do appear to make the colors appear faded—which is inaccurate! The sign is free of rips or tears although it does have two surface abrasions at the lower left near the Twins where a top layer of paper is missing- looks as though this occurred long ago when some tape was removed. Some light dirt marks are also seen near the lower twin and between the letters G & O in the word “GOLD”. They are unobtrusive and do not detract from the wonderful image this sign conveys.

An unusual opportunity to acquire a very RARE piece of Black Americana !!

Please take a moment to view the circa 1910-1920 GOLD DUST Scouring Powder can filled with original contents-never opened- that I also have available for purchase as of this writing.

Painted on a 16 inch x 20 inch artist canvas panel, this highly colorful acrylic painting was executed by Geraldine Smith, a self-taught, African-American, Southern, Folk Artist.

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.

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

From approximately 1915 through the 1930's, Mrs. Vargas-Alphonso, influenced by the artistry of her father who also sculpted in wax, crafted a variety of wax dolls inspired by the black folk she saw on New Orleans's street corners while growing up. Sold exclusively at the time through Harriet's, of 318 Rue Royale in the French Quarter of New Orleans, the completely hand-made, one-of-a-kind dolls are seldom found on today's market due to their inherently fragile nature, making them highly sought after in the Black Memorabilia Collectible arena.

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

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

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

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

Vargas figures are becoming increasingly more difficult to find!

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

If found in mint condition, this incredibly rare game, THE PICCANINNY BOWLING GAME, copyright 1928 and designed by the Spear's Game Company, Germany, retails at $525!

This particular specimen, unfortunately, was not stored with care, and it suffered exposure to dampness at some time during its 85 years. It is, thus, being offered at significant discount.

Measuring 10 3/4 inches tall x 7 1/4 inches wide, the game retains its cover with three of four sides present, the directions card, ALL FIVE original wooden throwing balls, and the game target board which features the five "piccaninnies".

The box bottom is missing as is some of the purple paper that decorated the sides of the target board and which also once framed the front cover. Remnants of this paper remain on two sides of the box cover.

The target board, despite its exposure to dampness, remains completely intact including the original metal guide pins that are located at the bottom of each piccaninny's open mouth and which would have helped to "guide" the target ball into the piccaninny's mouth during play. The target paper litho is somewhat loosened at the edges here and there, and foxing is present. The cover suffered the most exposure to dampness as is evident from viewing photos. There is foxing and some surface paper loss is evident as seen in photos.

The Spear Game Company designed the game, and it was manufactured in their facility in Bavaria, Germany. (This information was printed along the base of the game cover, although 50% of it is now no longer readable.) The Spear Works of Germany operated prolifically from the 1890s through the 1930's, and during this time period, it was recognized as the most well known, international manufacturer of games and children's activity kits. Publishing rights are noted on the direction page as J. W. Spear + Sons, New York City.

RARELY found!!

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.

Measuring 12 inches wide x 8 inches high, this untouched, all-original, double-sided, porcelain, circa 1930s 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.

This historically significant sign features a white background with deep blue lettering. It remains in all-original condition with very few flaws: faint, superficial scratches and minute pitting to the porcelain here and there, with most on or near sign edges. The sign is equipped with two metal eyelets at the top which would facilitate hanging so that the double-sided lettering, "COLORED REST ROOM", could be viewed from two opposing directions.

A 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.

Offered is a 1910 PISO'S Cough Cold Remedy CANNABIS Patent Medicine Bottle recently acquired at a local estate sale in Myrtle Beach, SC.

This is an investment caliber specimen in original packaging that is unopened, unused and full.

The contents include Extract Cannabis Indica and Chloroform and are clearly marked on the bottom of the packaging front. The FOOD & DRUG ACT of June 30, 1906, is noted on a side panel with information also printed in German on the opposite side panel.

The paper label packaging is mostly complete with some fading, wear, minor loss and aging commensurate with an antique bottle. It measures almost 6"H x 2"W x 1". There are no signs of content leakage or staining. The fancy Victorian images and script found on the label are more pronounced on the front panel. The top appears to sport a small tax stamp printed, "THE PISO COMPANY - WARREN, PENNA".

The last photo (photo #6) shows the back side of packaging.

This is an antique collectible item and contents are not for consumption.

A very difficult to find Tin, Black Man dancing toy!

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!

Measuring 13 inches tall, this fabulous, highly-detailed, circa 1900, folk art, cloth doll is reminiscent of William Shakespeare's era! Shall we call him Othello?

Dressed in a machine-stitched, worn-in-places (see photos), black velvet pants and shirt complete with red chain stitch accenting, the doll, Othello, also sports an original and very well-worn red velvet hat and a very frail, pair of original, black leather shoes.

Othello's face is interestingly expressive with hand-stitched black eyes and eye lashes, hand-sewn, red satin lips, and a three-dimensional nose! His hair is fashioned from wool yarn which has selectively faded in places resulting in a salt and pepper look of light tan and black.

Othello's body is fashioned of firm, cotton-batting-stuffed, black sateen cotton that has been machine stitched. As indicated earlier, Othello's red velvet gathered hat or beret is quite delicate in condition with wear, fading and splitting of the cloth quite evident (see photos). His right leather shoe remains firmly tied in place despite the wear evident to it (see photos) and only one half of the left shoe exists (again, see photos). Othello's neck has also experienced some loosening over time from the vicinity of his shoulders making his head wobbly when not supported. This can be repaired-- or not -- if desired by the new owner.

Despite his flaws, Othello, given his approximate 111 years of age, remains a beautifully-fashioned and an historically-interesting example of a folk-art-inspired, black cloth doll fashioned over a century ago to appeal to upper class clientele of the turn of the twentieth century, given the very fine attention to detailing evident in both his crafting and creation.

Identical to Milton Bradley's "Jolly Darkie Target Game" manufactured circa 1910, this visually striking dexterity game is very curiously unmarked---quite likely a very rare error in manufacture.

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!

A representative sampling of pages from this hard-to-find, 1938, hard cover, Little Black Sambo book published by McLoughlin Brothers, Inc., of Springfield, Massachusetts, has been photographed for one’s viewing pleasure!

In utterly excellent condition with the only flaws noted being very subtle wear to spine edges and book cover tips, this version of Little Black Sambo is highly collectible as any item produced by its publisher, McLoughlin Brothers, is aggressively sought due to the company’s reputation for use of extraordinarily vivid graphics.

Thirty pages long with 14 vividly colored illustrations and 4 completed in black and white by Hildegard Lupprian. A must have edition for the collector of Little Black Sambo books!

Offered is an interesting antique hearing device from the late 1800s called a CONVERSATION TUBE.

According to Elisabeth Bennion, author of “Antique Hearing Devices” page 31, “The great advantage of the conversation tube as a type of hearing aid was that it obtained greater enhancement of sound by placing the bell close to the mouth of the speaker, thereby allowing for a normal conversational tone;.......It proved very effective as the sound, having been collected at source before being conducted to the ear, the speech sound level could therefore be increased considerably without danger of background noise.”

The ear trumpet conversation tube measures approximately 39.5 inches. The metal bell and gutta percha ear piece are in very nice condition. The spiral conical long aluminum tube is encased in silk or plaited wool that is intact though worn and still appealing . A great “conversation” piece!

I am pleased to offer this latest acquisition direct from a pharmacy collection in Delafield, Wisconsin. This lovely 19th century hand blown clear glass apothecary show globe is a rarity indeed!. The condition of the glass is wonderful with no chips or cracks noted with only minor faint interior water remnants seen. The sculptured finial has some unobtrusive scratches noted.

There are 3 pieces to the 33 inch show globe with the base being molded to the bottom globe, the decorative middle section and the finial. The base has an open pontil mark and all stoppers are ground glass which fit perfectly.

A similar example can be found in SCHIEFFELEINS 1883 catalogue and is listed as a “Pineapple Show Globe”.

An original 1940s photograph showing the globe on display in the front window of Delafields pharmacy is included. C.J. Cather, R. Ph., was the proud pharmacist owner of this great drugstore display.

A point of clarification: the hand-blown finial ends in a solid ground stopper- very, very rare- thus, it cannot be filled with color water. However, both the bottom and middle globes can each be filled with a different color liquid if so desired.

A great find indeed!

This interesting, circa 1930's, dentist's kit was used to match size and shape of teeth to be replaced! The handsome black Bakelite case is in nice condition, containing many original sample teeth and sporting 9 drawers with oval metal labels. All drawers open smoothly except for the top one. Small unobtrusive right edge chips on 3 shelves fail to detract from this interesting dental collectible.

Measures 6.5"H x 7"W x 5"D and bears the label, "The Dentists’ Supply Co. of N.Y. – Bioform".

A striking dental display!

We are excited to offer this handsome, traveling, doctor's apothecary medicine chest from the 1870-1880 era.

This fine, walnut, twenty-five compartment case houses twenty three medicine bottles, most of which are embossed FRASER & CO, with a few marked FRASER. A total of seventeen of the bottles sport original, early labels. Three other bottles have hand-written labels, and the remainder are unlabeled- one of which has no embossing. There are a total of six amber bottles, two of which are corked and without labels, while four are complete, inclusive of paper labels. Some of the bottles are partially filled with tablets. Please see photos to view the various medicine labels, one of which is OPIUM.

The walnut cabinet measures 11" W x 10.5" D x 6.25" H, and is in nice condition with a split on the front top that can be restored if desired. The finish has a lovely, warm patina, and the brass escutcheon bears just the right amount of oxidation. A wonderful addition to any collection!

A very nice early 1900's Veterinary medicine lithographed tin from The Newton Horse Remedy Co. Toledo, Ohio. This is the very rare small version of this neat tin that also mentions the 1906 Food and Drugs Act.

This very colorful and graphic Victorian era medicine tin has a wonderful and graphic image of a horse, sulky and driver. All 4 sides are packed with details, directions, price and a sales pitch.

The tin is 4.25 inches tall and 3.5 inches wide. The tin has some minimal denting, oxidation on the top, and spots of scattered, a few paint chips and minor unobtrusive surface rust to the edges. This wonderful early tin would be a great addition to any vintage tin collection.

*****Please go to http://petvet.home.mindspring.com/VCR/articles/newton.html for an unbiased and informative article on the history of Dr Newton>*****

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

From approximately 1915 through the 1930's, Mrs. Vargas-Alphonso, influenced by the artistry of her father who also sculpted in wax, crafted a variety of wax dolls inspired by the black folk she saw on New Orleans's street corners while growing up. Sold exclusively at the time through Harriet's, of 318 Rue Royale in the French Quarter of New Orleans, the completely hand-made, one-of-a-kind dolls are seldom found on today's market due to their inherently fragile nature, making them highly sought after in the Black Memorabilia Collectible arena.

This figure, known as the Female Vegetable Seller, is one of the more difficult to find of the New Orleans street character wax dolls. Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features. This female Vegetable Seller wears a multi-colored kerchief on her head, a red and cream polka dot scarf around her neck, a cream shirt decorated with red flowers, a blue and white polka dot apron and pale blue skirt decorated with a sea of multi-colored flowers - all constructed of actual cloth fabric that was coated with a fine layer of clear wax to stiffen them. Balanced on her arm is a removable, wax, wicker-look basket filled with cabbage, carrots and rhubarb. The Vegetable Seller's wax body is internally supported by a wire frame through which the figure is securely attached to the wooden base.

This wonderful figure is in amazing condition for her 75+ years of age with no apparent or visible imperfections other than two missing fingers on her left hand, a condition which is quite commonly found in Vargas figures. A highly collectible piece representing 1920s New Orleans's African American culture. Vargas figures are becoming increasingly more difficult to find!!

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

Measuring 10 inches long, this fabulous and rarely-found, all-original, C1900, cast iron, MAMMY Memo Board actually still retains its original pencil, which is labeled "MAMMY MEMO Made in USA No.370"!

This cast iron piece retains a majority of its original paint, and the bug-eyed caricature of Mammy is suggestive of turn-of-the-century manufacture. This memo board is heavy and hefty and is, not unexpectedly, missing its paper pad. This wonderful piece also reveals its manufacture origin on the reverse side indicating Holyoke, Massachusetts, origin (see photo). Mammy may either be displayed propped up on a shelf, or she can be hung via the original hole in the top of her kerchief.

This cast iron Mammy memo board in such fine condition rarely surfaces in today's collecting market. It is the precursor to and model for all subsequent Mammy memo boards that were manufactured much later on in a variety of materials--plaster-of-Paris, wood, and plastic.

Truly a must-have for the collector of Mammy or Aunt Jemima collectibles!

I am pleased to offer this latest acquisition direct from a pharmacy collection in Litchfield, CT.

This lovely 19th century, hand-blown, diamond swirl glass apothecary show globe is a rarity indeed! The condition of the glass is wonderful with no chips or cracks noted and with only minor, faint, interior water remnants seen. Noted on the sculptured finial are some faint unobtrusive scratches.

There are 3 pieces to this gorgeous, 29.5 inch show jar or show bottle. The base is molded to the decorative bottom globe; the equally decorative middle section and the finial are each separate pieces. The base has an open pontil mark and all stoppers are ground glass that fit perfectly!! The hand-blown finial ends in a solid ground stopper; thus, it cannot be filled with color water. However, both the bottom and middle globes can each be filled with a different color liquid if so desired.

A similar showglobe (without decoration) can be found in SCHIEFFELEIN'S 1883 catalogue and is listed as a “Pineapple Show Globe”.

This extraordinarily RARE show globe is part of a pharmacy collection from the Crutch & MacDonald Pharmacy, Litchfield, CT.

A great find indeed!

***Please see my other auctions for a magnificent OPIUM LUG from the same pharmacy as well as an extremely rare LUG with Grecian Key decoration.***

Offered is an incredibly RARE, COMPLETE, "dexterity" game entitled, "TIP THE BELL BOY, copyright 1929 and 1930, manufactured by All-Fair Toys and Games of Churchville, New York.

This unusual and cleverly conceived game features a VERY brightly colored lithograph target in very fine, virtually unused condition, depicting "a RITZ HOTEL Bell Boy" hanging from a metal stand while balancing 3, all-original, tins cups- two on his arms and one between his feet. The metal stand, from which the bell boy hangs, inserts into a wooden lined hole in the game board base. The stand is designed with a hook at its top from which the Bell Boy hangs, easily swinging back and forth.

The colorful cardboard game base features 18 holes designed to "capture" balls aimed at it with point values of 5, 10, or 15. If one is dexterous enough to have one's ball land in one of the cups on the bell boy's arms, one earns 25 points! A ball landing in the cup between the bell boy's feet, earns 40 points! The game came with 12 wooden balls of different colors, and all 12 original balls remain. The balls are aimed and shot at the target via the original, wood and metal shooting mechanism (see photos and game box cover).

The game directions are printed on the inside of the original cardboard cover and specify a 1929 copyright in tiny print above the words "All-Fair". A copyright of 1930 is printed on the game base and a copyright of 1929 is printed on the game box cover.

Measuring 12 inches tall x 12 inches wide x 1 1/2 inches deep, the game cover as well as the RITZ Bell Boy target and game board all display absolutely fabulously!

As evident in the photos, the box and box cover show expected wear given their 82+ years of age. The box cover shows evidence of minimal creasing, some small areas of paper loss, some slight tearing at the upper right side seam and some edge wear. The box base shows edge wear. The game base has some minimal creasing and minor areas of surface paper loss. The Ritz Hotel Bell Boy ("RITZ" is printed on his red cap) evidences minor areas of surface paper loss, most predominantly at the base of the legs where one of the metal cups is attached.

Given overall condition, the game seems to have seen little if any play!

The All-Fair Toys & Games Company was in business from 1926-1952. Harry O. Alderman and Elmer E. Fairchild were co-founders of the Alderman, Fairchild Company of Rochester NY in 1900, manufacturing paper boxes and novelties. Elmer E. Fairchild held a number of patents related to the paper and novelty industry. When the market for paper boxes dropped, they switched their printing presses designed for color lithography over to the production of games and paper litho on wooden toys. Board games and target games were being advertised and sold under the name "All-Fair" as early as 1922 (The Auto Race Game). In 1926, All-Fair spun off as a separate company and moved to Churchville, NY, some 59 miles east of Buffalo. The box cover as well as the game base are labeled as follows: "COPYRIGHT(s) 1929 & 1930 BY ALL-FAIR incorporated CHURCHVILLE, NY, MADE IN U.S.A." An EXTRAORDINARILY RARE find!!!

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.**

Measuring 15 ¾ x 19 ½ inches, this extraordinarily RARE, circa 1920’s (or earlier!), heavy painted cardboard, BIMBO RINGO Ring Toss game board is all original and complete. Included are 6 rubber toss rings that have the appearance of mason jar washers and which may or may not be original to this game board. At any rate, the previous owner had these rings displayed with the game board at the time of acquisition, and they will be passed along to the next owner.

This item has phenomenal visual appeal! The striking graphic of an African native holding a shield and spear has been completed in red, black, cream and green colors that show no evidence of fading over these many years. The native's facial features are exaggerated which is quite typical of early 20th century depiction of African Americans.

Manufactured by the G.H. Robinson Company of Chicago (the paper manufacturer’s label remains affixed to the back of the game), the game comes with an attached cardboard stand in back that allowed it to remain upright during play. The game board retains its 5 original metal ring hooks at the native’s ears, nose, shield and spear. The object of the game was to successfully toss and hook a ring onto each of the hooks, with different point values awarded to the various hooks. The first person to accumulate 200 points won the game!

As stated earlier, condition is quite fine with no fading of colors. The metal ring hooks have acquired a nice patina. This game was attentively cared for over the years and at one time was reinforced at each of the four corners with cotton stitching. There is some creasing to the upper right hand corner and a ½ inch long tear- as opposed to a missing piece- to the top border directly aligned with and above the right ear. The stand was also sewn and taped at one time, but remains intact.

This Black Memorabilia game is truly quite rare as it is not documented in any of the extant Black Memorabilia source guides! It is quite likely that not many of the Bimbo Ringo Ring Toss games have survived given the inherently fragile nature of a cardboard – as opposed to a metal- toy!

This is a fabulous and eye-appealing toy that should not be missed by the serious collector of Black Memorabilia!!!

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

Delightful item!

Offered is an exquisite pair of 1890's, cobalt blue, label-under-glass, poison, apothecary bottles. Measuring 5 inches high, these beauties are in fine condition with some faint and unobtrusive manufacturing flaws.

The lighter blue bottle is embossed "W.T. & CO." on the base. The dark blue bottle has a faint, double stamped mark. Together they make a wonderful pair waiting for a place in your collection.