Catalog: Archives (250)

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

From approximately 1910 through the 1930's, Mrs. Concepcion Vargas-Alphonso, influenced by the great artistry of her famous father who also sculpted in wax, crafted a variety of wax dolls inspired by the black folk she saw on New Orleans's street corners selling their wares or practicing their trade - black folk performing everyday activities that would have been daily seen on the streets of the city.

Sold exclusively at the time through Harriet's, of 318 Rue Royal in the French Quarter of New Orleans, the completely hand-made, one-of-a-kind dolls are seldom found on today's market due to their inherently fragile nature, making them highly sought after in the Black Memorabilia / Black Americana Collectible arena.

This figure, known as the Female Vegetable Seller Smoking a Pipe, was recently de-accessioned from the Louisiana State University Rural Life Museum collection, Baton Rouge, LA, having been acquired by the museum from a private collector in January 1979.

The Female Vegetable Seller Smoking a Pipe was one of the most popular of the renowned Vargas figures, highly sought after by visitors to the city of New Orleans. Her vegetables were hand-sculpted with exquisite detail and coloring, and her corncob pipe evens presents a red flame in the center of the pipe's bowl, adding to the superlative character authenticity of this Vargas street vendor.

Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features. This gentlewoman Vegetable Seller wears a yellow floral kerchief around her neck, a red patterned bandanna on her head, a red, blue, and yellow plaid shirt and skirt, a blue floral-patterned apron around her waist, and black "leather" shoes. Her costume is entirely constructed of actual cloth fabric that was coated with a fine layer of clear wax to stiffen them. The Vegetable Seller's wax body is internally supported by a wire frame through which the figure is securely attached to the wooden base which, underneath, still retains its original "Harriet's" sticker.

This wonderful figure is in incredible condition for her 90+ years of age with, amazingly, only one minor restoration likely performed by the professionals at the LSU Rural Life Museum: a repaired carrot held in her right hand! It is a true rarity that the Vegetable Seller's corncob pipe and all fingers remain present given their highly delicate and fragile nature!

A true must-have piece for the ardent collector of New Orleans Black folk character figures!

Please take a moment to view the additional Vargas figures we currently have the pleasure of offering for sale. Type "Vargas" into the search box on our website homepage.

Measuring approximately 7 inches high, this highly sought after Black Americana Vargas wax figure is mounted on its original wooden platform and is one of a series of fascinating "street character wax dolls" conceived of and crafted by Mrs. Concepcion Vargas Alfonso, daughter of the world-renowned, turn-of-the-20th century, New Orleans, Spanish sculptor, Francisco Vargas.

From approximately 1910 through the 1930's, Mrs. Concepcion Vargas-Alphonso, influenced by the great artistry of her father who also famously sculpted in wax, crafted a variety of wax dolls inspired by the black folk she saw on New Orleans's street corners selling their wares or practicing their trade - black folk performing everyday activities that would have been daily seen on the streets of the city.

Sold exclusively at the time through Harriet's, of 318 Rue Royal in the French Quarter of New Orleans, the completely hand-made, one-of-a-kind dolls are seldom found on today's market due to their inherently fragile nature, making them highly sought after in the Black Memorabilia / Black Americana Collectible arena.

This figure, known as the Praline Seller, was recently de-accessioned from the Louisiana State University Rural Life Museum collection, Baton Rouge, LA, having been acquired by the museum from a private collector in January 1979.

The Praline Seller was one of the most popular of the renowned Vargas figures, highly sought after by visitors to the city of New Orleans. She holds a wicker basket in her right arm that contains five incredibly realistic praline cakes, and tucked under her left arm is a paper "fan" used to ward off any flies from landing upon her delicious pralines.

Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features. This gentlewoman Praline Seller wears a yellow floral kerchief around her neck, a red, yellow and blue bandanna on her head, a red and yellow plaid shirt, an ecru linen waist apron, and a delightful yellow skirt patterned all over with whimsical bunny rabbits, which nearly conceals her black "leather" shoes. Her costume is entirely constructed of actual cloth fabric that was coated with a fine layer of clear wax to stiffen them.

The Praline 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 has the word "Praline" scripted on it.

This wonderful figure is in amazing condition for her 90+ years of age with one imperfection: a missing thumb on her left hand- a common condition occurring due to the extreme delicacy and fragility of the wax. At very close inspection, it appears that her right forearm may have been professionally repaired some many years ago, likely by professional staff at the museum.

A true must-have piece for the ardent collector of New Orleans Black folk character figures!

Please take a moment to view the additional Vargas figures we currently have the pleasure of offering for sale. Type "Vargas" into the search box on our website homepage.

Offered is a rarely found, circa 1921, Parker Brothers dexterity game entitled "The Game of Sambo".

The game features a brightly colored lithograph target depicting "Sambo, a Good Old Southern Darkey".

This brightly lithographed game retains 2 of its original 4 cardboard throwing rings, Sambo's wooden pipe upon which the circular rings are meant to land, and two original, wooden stands designed to keep the Sambo target upright as well as the original cardboard cover upon which, on the reverse side, are printed the directions to play the game. The game box base is missing and the box cover no longer retains its sides.

Measuring 10 1/4 inches tall x 6 1/4 inches wide, the game cover as well as the SAMBO target piece displays absolutely wonderfully! As evident in the photos, the box cover shows expected wear given its 90+ years of age. The box cover has some pencil writing, some missing spots of paper and some soiling. The Sambo target piece, which is constructed of wood faced with lithographed paper, is in quite fine condition, as are the wooden pipe and the two, cardboard, target throwing rings. The extant game pieces do not retain a copyright year, but this game is very similar to another Parker Bros SAMBO game that is copyrighted 1921.

A RARELY found, quite visually captivating Black Memorabilia collectible!

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!

Offered is a C1950-60s, vintage package of Zulu Lulu Swizzle Sticks, Novelty Party Bar-ware that has never been opened. The plastic swizzle sticks on a colorful cardboard display remain sealed within their original clear plastic packaging. Never Used! Perfect condition! Measures 11 inches wide x 8.5 inches high.

Offered for your consideration is a very rarely found Bausch & Lomb eye muscles advertising and teaching display!

The display is appealing with embossed and raised detailing featuring eye muscle anatomy!

The display dates to the 1950s and is in fine condition. It is complete with a fold-out display stand, measuring approximately 13 inches high x 8 inches wide.

Perfect for your collection or office.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This beautiful mahogany wood, glass encased pharmacy beam balance scale dates to the 1900-1920s era. It is in very nice condition with the wood case exhibiting a warm colored original patina. The brass scale weighing mechanism is in working order and the sliding front glass panel lifts smoothly. Marked “Made in Germany – Schaar”.

The case measures 16"H x 16"W x8”D. Displays wonderfully!

Offered is a very scarce boxed set of late 19th century Homeopathic medicine vials, most of which still retain their contents. The box is made of cardboard covered by a thin layer of what appears to be leatherette.

The box is mildly worn commensurate with age and use, with some tape holding the top sides together. It measures 5.5"L x 3.75"W x 3.5"H.

Twenty three of the 24 bottles retain their contents, with the one bottle displaying a dark cork being empty and broken (parts of the glass from this broken vial are stuck to the box interior compartment). The vials measure just over 3 inches tall including corks and sport handwritten labels, most of which are legible (a few are faded and illegible).

Overall a very unusual find when you consider that the contents remain.

Some History:
Although homeopathy has its roots in ancient Greek medicine and in the work of the 16th-century physician, Paracelsus, modern homeopathy dates back 200 years to the work of the German doctor and chemist, Samuel Hahnemann. Hahnemann qualified as a physician but ceased to practice as a doctor because of what he saw as the barbaric medical practices of his day - which included bloodletting and the overuse of toxic medicines, leading to horrific side effects.

A brilliant linguist, he earned a living from translating books and was interested by a reference in a medical textbook describing the use of China (Peruvian bark) as a cure for malaria. Intrigued to know why China worked, he took doses of the remedy until he himself began to exhibit malarial symptoms. He stopped taking the China, and the symptoms went away. From this he deduced that the ancient principle of 'like cures like' actually worked.

His next step was to determine if there were safe levels at which toxic substances could be given - and still cure the type of symptoms that they might otherwise cause. His experiments with dilution led him to discover that the more a substance was diluted, the more potent it appeared to become.

Homeopathic medicine was born, but in practicing it, Hahnemann and his followers were subjected to ridicule and persecution by the medical establishment, despite the fact that they were seeing patients getting better on tiny doses of medicines, prescribed on the basis of 'like cures like'. Many European practitioners immigrated to the United States, where homeopathy flourished in the 19th century – until the traditional medical establishment systematically acted to remove its influence.

Hahnemann ended his days as a renowned and very busy practitioner in Paris, working into his 80's. He is interred at the Cimetière du Père Lachaise, where a large monument honors him and his discovery of Homeopathy.

Measuring 4 inches in diameter x 2 inches in height, this colorful, French, LeBene wax tin dates to the 1950's. The lithographed tin still contains a bit of wax. It is in very fine condition with some very light superficial rubs and teeny scratches here and there to the surface of the tin. No rust! A very visually-appealing piece that displays quite well with its vivid black and yellow colors contrasting superbly with the background black.

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

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

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

Offered is a complete Civil War Era traveling Doctor Medicine Case recently acquired from an estate in New Hampshire. The supple leather case houses 20 corked vials sporting vintage paper labels including some with partial contents. The condition is very good considering the age. There are minor areas where a mouse nibbled on an edge and some unobtrusive areas of loss due to ancient tiny insects nibbling on the strap.

The leather case measures 6"L x 4"W x 1.5"H and the corked bottles are just about 3" without cork. No damage to the glass.

Originally published in 1914 by Rand McNally & Company, this edition of this very delightful little story book was published in 1937 and features the tale of Watermelon Pete and his adventures along with five other little stories. The five stories that follow Watermelon Pete do not feature Pete and instead represent a diverse collection of nursery-like tales for young folk.

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.

Offered are two absolutely wonderful, cast iron, still, penny banks manufactured by the AC Williams Company of Ravenna, Ohio, manufactured in the first quarter of the 20th century.

The banks may be purchased as a pair for $425.00, or they may be separately purchased as follows: Mammy with Spoon $295.00 and Black Man Darkey Sharecropper $225.

The Mammy with a Spoon measures 5 7/8 inches high and was produced between 1905 and 1930. She retains much of her original paint and exudes a warm, rich patina commensurate with a well-loved antique of approximately 100 years of age. She wears a blue dress, black shoes, a silver apron and a red kerchief that still retains some of its white polka dots. Mammy holds a gold-colored spoon in her right hand while placing her left hand firmly on her hip. Mammy means business!

The Black Man Darkey Sharecropper measures 5 1/2 inches high and was manufactured from 1901 to 1930. He retains most of his original paint showing less paint wear than Mammy and also exudes a very warm, rich patina. He wears black pants with red suspenders and a gold hat and gold shirt with red collar. He wears black shoes; however, his left black shoe is worn through at the toes, resulting in all five toes peeking out! He stands casually with his hands in his pocket. His back screw, while an old one, is a replacement.

Mammy and the Darkey Sharecropper were clearly manufactured as companion pieces given their similar size and stance. Both stand freely and would make wonderful additions to the well-curated, antique, Black Americana collection.

This extraordinarily difficult to find pharmacy “IDEAL CAPSULE FILLER” was used by early 20th century druggists in the Pierce Pharmacy, Hartford, Connecticut.

The machine was successfully developed to increase a pharmacist's capsule production. The patent date is stamped Oct. 31, 1905, and the direction guide is marked "Baltimore Capsule Co." The capsule filler has a filling plate with 4 parallel rows of 24 holes and each row was made for 2 different size capsules.

The condition of this wonderful apothecary tool of the trade is very good, complete with the warm, rich patina one would expect of an antique of this age including the usual scratches, marks and unobtrusive dings and tarnish. The metal parts appear to be nickel plated, and the wood base looks like walnut. The filler measures approximately 13”L x 4.5”W x 4.5” H.

The accessories appear to be complete when compared to the images seen in the guide that is included.

The interior has traces of residue from the sand that was used to stabilize the box when in use.

A must addition for any pharmacy/apothecary collection.

Please check my website often as this and many other vintage pharmacy items from the Pierce Pharmacy will be posted in the coming weeks. (Circa 1960 PHOTOS of the Pierce Pharmacy are NOT INCLUDED in the sale.)

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This fabulously detailed, circa 1920, hand-made, 18 inch long cloth Golliwog doll has been most finely and meticulously crafted. A brief history of the Golliwog doll: The Golliwog is based on a Black minstrel doll that the Victorian era illustrator, Florence Kate Upton, born in 1873, 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 an ugly 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.

This Golly is in excellent condition with the exception of an old, small tear above his left eye that truly does little to detract from his overall outstanding appeal. His facial features are hand-stitched of silky embroidery thread, and his very soft curly hair has the luster and feel of a Persian lamb coat! His little hands have the thumbs delineated through careful stitching. On his feet are delicately-crafted, very supple, black leather boots! His body is constructed of a fine quality, soft, black cotton stuffed with cotton batting.

This Golly’s costume sets him apart from the vast majority of early vintage Golliwog dolls that are available on today’s market. His very formal, long-tailed wool mourning coat is a combination of hand and machine stitching and is accented with elegant silk lapels and stamp-designed silver buttons; the back detailing is completed with two cloth-covered buttons that show some minor age wear. Golly’s red and white, cotton striped pants are hand-hemmed and have been hand-stitched to his brown and white cotton checkered vest that features lapel detailing. (Please note: in some photos, a small brass safety pin is shown attached to Golly’s pants. This has since been removed as it was not original to the doll, and it served no function.) To complete his finely tailored outfit, Golly wears a most unique, very stiff (glossy cardboard perhaps?), high-collared, formal white shirt, accented with a wonderful little black silk bow tie and a Victorian era, onyx and gold-plated stickpin that is further emphasized with the central placement of a tiny diamond chip.

An exceptional, painstakingly-crafted Golly for the sophisticated doll collector!

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.

Offered is an exquisite, Victorian era, barber shop shaving mug sporting a highly decorated label-under-glass owner's nameplate, which has been recently acquired from a South Carolina estate.

This exceptional, shield-shaped label is executed in a rare and strikingly colorful design that was certainly a special order item for its owner, JOHN E. MATTES.

The condition of the porcelain mug is excellent! It is embellished with mildly worn gold gilt paint on the rim that coordinates with the gold adornment also on the label. This visually-striking label has mild loss, tiny chips and subtle cracks as noted in the photos. The shaving mug measures 4 inches tall x 3.5 inches in diameter at the top. A gem that is worthy of the most advanced barber shoppe collection!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offered is a VERY RARELY found, 1890's, Black Memorabilia-themed trade card advertising Welcome Soap, a product manufactured by Curtis Davis & Company.

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!

Those who are ardent collectors of the famed Florence Upton creation - the Golliwogg - recognize this 19th century, first edition, children's book as an extraordinarily RARE find indeed, very seldom available for purchase in today's market!

"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!!

Derogatorily entitled "Uncle Sam's Big Show Jackie 'COON' Acrobats", this exceedingly rare, early 1920's toy was manufactured by the National Toy Mfg. Company, 1345 West 21st, Chicago.

Included are the original box, as well as the original paper instruction booklet that depicts the "thousands of tricks" the wooden acrobats can perform!

The set of 5 black character acrobats have detachable arms and legs with lithographed paper faces and clothing. All body parts have either notched edges or sides which allow the acrobats to assume all sorts of poses. The figures are free-standing once put together as the toy also comes with wooden bases or stands to mount then upon.

This toy was likely seldom played with as the figures and booklet are in superb condition for its age! The exterior of the box -particularly the cover- shows its 80+ years with expected wear to seam edges, but it remains in sturdy condition.

A very rare toy that displays quite well- has striking, visual appeal!

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 7 3/4 inches long, this VERY RARE, 1930’s VINTAGE, Cast Iron, Mammy spoon rest retains most of its original gold paint suggesting that it saw minimal actual use! The well-dressed Mammy sports a wide grin and holds an iron in her right hand and other household implements in the left.

She is in very fine condition with a smattering of teeny superficial dings to the front side paint surface as well as some very superficial rusting here and there. The back side of the spoon rest is perfect and looks as though it came right out of the factory just yesterday!

The following is imprinted on the backside: “Compliments The Toledo Stove And Range Co”, documenting the spoon rest’s original function- continuous promotional advertising presented as a free giveaway to buyers purchasing the company’s products!

Offered separately is the equally rare companion piece- The Black Chef Spoon Rest from Toledo Stove and Range! A fortuitous opportunity to acquire a very rare Black Memorabilia pair!

An extraordinarily RARE 19th CENTURY piece of Black Americana advertising featuring a fabulous graphic of 2 young African American painters holding a "White-Wash Boy's Hydrated Lime" box.

This product was produced by the lime manufacturers, Hatmaker and Place, of Canaan, Connecticut, in the late 1800s. This small company was located within a large "lime belt" that stretched from Connecticut to Vermont. Back in the day, lime powder mixed with water was quite commonly used to "white wash" or paint numerous surfaces, and it was also used as a medicinal disinfectant! The manufacture of lime from marble was one of the earliest and most successful mineral industries in Connecticut, with historical records dating the establishment of the first CT lime manufactory to 1722.

Given its age and the fragility of paper, condition of this wonderful box is quite good. The lower portion of the back side of the box evidences light surface wear with some of the printing on the lower portion of the box worn away as a result. The front of the box has a 3.25 inch long tear which resulted in the loss of the lime powder from the box.

This early piece of Black Americana advertising is EXCEEDINGLY RARE and may well be a ONE-OF-A-Kind item! The Hatmaker and Place Company was one of a number of very small manufactories located within the "lime belt" that were ALL bought out and immediately closed down by a wealthy group of investors who then created and incorporated the mammoth monopoly, The New England Lime Company, early in 1902.

This fabulous piece of Black Americana is NOT to be missed by the serious collector!

Offered is an incredibly RARE game, circa 1900-1920s, Spear Works, Germany, dexterity game very obtusely entitled "THE WHITE EYED COON".

The game features a VERY brightly colored lithograph target in near mint, virtually unused condition, depicting "THE WHITE EYED COON" dressed as a clown with a nose mimicking that of a RHINOCEROS HORN! The rhinoceros horn nose serves as one of the game hooks.

The target is affixed to the box base interior and additionally retains its two original metal hooks placed on either side of the gent's large, polka dot, bow tie.

This brightly lithographed game retains 5 original, colored, pressed-cardboard throwing rings. The game directions, which are attached to the inside of the original cardboard cover, do not specify the number of rings originally included in the game.

Measuring 8 3/4 inches tall x 6 1/4 inches wide x 1 inch deep, the game cover as well as the target piece display absolutely wonderfully!

As evident in the photos, the box and box cover show expected wear given their 90-100+ years of age. The box cover shows evidence of exposure to dampness and or water, some small areas of missing paper and edge wear. The box base EXTERIOR shows edge wear, some creasing and some very small areas of missing paper. As stated earlier, the target, itself, looks as though it was never played with. Just fabulous!

The game does not retain a copyright year, but 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.

The box cover is labeled "Spear's Games", "Manufactured at The Spear Works in Germany. Designed in England".

An EXTRAORDINARILY RARE find!!!

Offered is an extremely rare, C1920s, Federal agency building sign denoting offices for the Bureau For Colored Children. It is quite likely that this 100+ year old sign remains the only one in existence today.

Given that this sign is clearly segregating services for African-American children despite the fact that this was a federal agency, one can only hypothesize that this sign was placed on the exterior of a federal building in a state that endorsed and enforced segregation.

There does exist in the Temple University archives, Philadelphia, a brief notation of a "Bureau for Colored Children", founded in 1927, as a shelter at 321 North 41st Street in Philadelphia, PA, for dependent and neglected African American children. It provided a foster care program as well as operation of a farm and vocational school for boys in Pomeroy, PA. The Bureau disbanded sometime after 1963, when The State Department of Public Welfare withdrew financial support for failure to meet standards for childcare agencies. This sign could have possibly come from that Pennsylvania agency.

A quick history of this agency drawn from the federal publication, "The Story of the Children's Bureau, 1912-2012":
At the turn of the 20th century, conditions for children in America were deplorable; 1 in 10 infants did not survive the first year of life, and very often, many children were forced to leave school to help support their families, oftentimes working under dangerous conditions.
Those who were orphaned were crowded into large institutions where they received little care or attention.
Lillian D. Wald, founder of the Henry Street Settlement in New York City, and her friend, Florence Kelley, are credited with conceiving the idea for a Federal agency to promote child health and welfare in 1903. Impressed with the concept, a friend of Wald’s wired President Theodore Roosevelt, who promptly invited the group to the White House to discuss it further.
After nearly ten years of discussions with multiple groups, committees, and individuals, as well as numerous failures of Congress to pass a federal bill addressing the plight of these children, Congress, in 1912, finally passed the Act creating the Children’s Bureau, charging it “to investigate and report . . . upon all matters pertaining to the welfare of children and child life among all classes of our people.”
President William Howard Taft signed the bill on April 9, 1912, and the agency continues its work today.

Measuring 24" wide x 18" tall, the sign features a beveled-edged, copper base mounted on a wood frame featuring approximately 3/8" high, raised, solid brass letters ranging from 2" to 3.25" tall. The copper backing is securely bolted onto the wood frame from the front with four brass bolts, one positioned at each corner, adding a decorative element to the sign. Each letter is securely screwed into the copper base from the back of the sign as seen in one of the photos. The sign is marked by the manufacturer, "ABELE" on the lower center of the base underneath the letters "L" and "D" in the word, "CHILDREN".

Fabulous patina to both the copper and brass with just a slight edge crimping below the "N" in "CHILDREN" as noted in photo. Condition consistent of a 100+ year old, extremely well-made sign that was mounted on the exterior of a building. Areas of the copper background surface that appear to be lighter in some areas and in some photos are the result of flash only; the color and patina of the copper background surface is even with consistent aging throughout.

Truly an extraordinary piece of African-American cultural history reflective of an era and time- on the Federal Level, no less- of continued ignorant, obtuse and repugnant belief and behavior.

Measuring 7 3/4 inches long, this VERY RARE, 1930’s VINTAGE, Cast Iron, Black Man Chef spoon rest retains most of its original gold paint suggesting that it saw minimal actual use! The well-appointed Black Chef sports a very wide grin and holds a bowl of eggs in his right arm and a wooden mixing spoon in his left.

He is in very fine condition with a smattering of teeny superficial dings to the front side paint surface as well as some very superficial rusting here and there. The backside of the spoon rest is perfect and looks as though it came right out of the factory just yesterday!

The following is imprinted on the backside: “Compliments The Toledo Stove And Range Co”, documenting the spoon rest’s original function- continuous promotional advertising presented as a free giveaway to buyers purchasing the company’s products!

Offered separately is the equally rare companion piece- The Black Mammy Spoon Rest from Toledo Stove and Range! A fortuitous opportunity to acquire a very rare Black Memorabilia pair!

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!!

Seldom found on today's collectible market, this all-original, Mayo’s Cut Plug Tobacco Roly Poly Mammy Tin dates to circa 1912.

In 1912, in a stroke of advertising genius, Mayo's Tobacco Company packaged their cut plug tobacco in round tins with a lithographed character. Each held 1 pound of tobacco. The tins were opened by removing the head!

These "Roly-Polys" were a unique shape that distinguished them from the rectangular and lunch box-shaped tins that surrounded them on store shelves. There were a number of different characters that were available, and smokers were encouraged to collect the entire set. The six original tins were the Satisfied Customer, the Storekeeper, the Singing Waiter, the Dutchman, Scotland Yard....and Mammy!

Mayo called this packaging a "Brownie" tin...apparently the company suggested that the tins be used as brownie containers after the tobacco was used, and designed them accordingly. They were never a plentiful tin, and today, are becoming increasingly more and more difficult to find.

The Mayo tobacco tins were distinguished by little packages of Mayo Cut Plug tobacco shown somewhere on the character. Notice that the Mammy tin has a tiny tobacco tin tucked into her front pocket.

Mammy's dimensions are 7"x7". She is in very good condition, as evidenced by the photos which clearly detail the very minor flaws she has acquired over her 100+ years of existence. Mammy's front side is nearly flawless, with just the teeniest paint rubs noted. **(Please note, that I was unable to avoid "white" glare in some of the photos which should not be misconstrued as damage.)**

Amazingly, Mammy still retains four separate remnants of the green US Internal Revenue paper tax stamp that are only rarely still found on Mayo Cut Plug "Brownies". They are noted on her back side on either side of the May Cut Plug tobacco package, as well as two smaller remnants directly below it. At first glance, these four tax remnants might be mistaken for areas of paint loss--not so!

Mammy's body has very, very minor, tiny spots of paint loss to the litho as seen in photos- primarily on her back side, and two small and subtle areas of denting on her front base that are noted via "touch" rather than visual appearance. The tin has no repaint. Some very light, superficial rusting is present inside the base.

The exterior base of the tin is labeled "made in factory # 42, in the 2nd District of Virginia".

**The depth of color is better viewed "in person" as opposed to what I was able to capture in a photo.**

A must-have addition to any SERIOUS Black Americana collection! This tin displays beautifully!!

Please note: This item was photographed under glass, and thus some photos depict unavoidable light reflection which distorts both color and condition. Coloring of poster is rich and is uniform throughout with consistent color and tone. Please view all photos for true representation of fine condition.

Offered is a fabulous and very seldom found World War I recruitment poster that honors the service of the African-American male Army Calvary soldier.

Tastefully rendered, this 17" x 20" paper lithographed poster on cardboard depicts a World War I African-American Calvary soldier bidding farewell to his proud sweetheart/wife as his regiment marches forward off to war in the background.

This rarely found poster is entitled, "COLORED MAN IS NO SLACKER". It was published in 1918 by S.G. Renesch of Chicago (thus printed in lower left hand corner), and is one of only two WWI recruitment posters that were published for the purpose of encouraging the enlistment of male African-Americans. The theme of the two different posters was to offer participation in the first World War as an opportunity for African Americans to demonstrate their patriotism and serve their country. (The second recruitment poster was entitled "True Sons of Freedom" and invoked the memory of Abraham Lincoln and the staunch bravery of black troops to inspire African Americans to enlist.)

The poster remains in its original, black-painted, wooden frame with glass, with original nails holding the poster in place in the back.

The poster remains in very fine condition for its 90+ years of age, showing some subtle wrinkling of paper to the lower 1/5th of the poster, likely the result of subjection to dampness, although, please note, that NO water staining is present.

This poster is a credit to the service of the many African-American men who so faithfully served and died to protect the liberty of the United States of America.

A must-have addition to one's Black Memorabilia or Militaria collection!

Measuring 12 inches tall, this unusual, early 1920's, all-original, handmade cloth doll exudes tremendous personality, and even has a hand-inked name tag stitched to her right arm-- "Sallie"!

Constructed of cotton-stuffed, brown stockinette, Sallie's finely detailed, molded, hand-embroidered face is absolutely priceless! Her painted ceramic button eyes gazing off to her left make her come alive and draw one to her! Sallie's fuzzy, black, real-wool hair further authenticates her look!

Sallie wears well-made, all-original, machine stitched clothing. Her dress and hat are a subtlely toned red, white, and blue plaid cotton. Her hat is lined with the same unbleached cotton muslin that both her double-pocketed apron and laced-trimmed pantaloons are constructed from. On her tiny feet, Sallie wears cream colored cotton stockings and sweet little leather shoes complete with tiny leather bows! Care was taken in the construction of her hands with each finger delineated through careful hand-stitching!

Other than 2 tiny rubs to the surface of her stockinette nose (which appear in photos as lighter-colored tiny dots), Sallie is in excellent condition! She is a very, very fine early cloth doll that should not be overlooked by the serious doll collector! Sallie comes from the same distinguished doll collection as the very rare, C1900, Old Black Granny SAMPLE doll made by Civil War author, Ruie Ann Park of Arkansas, that is also currently being offered.

Offered is a wonderful, circa 1920s, hanging, Apothecary Show Globe fashioned in the Art Deco style, complete and all-original. Very often hung in the front window of the local drug store to attract customers, these show globes were frequently filled with colored water to add extra depth and interest to their sculpted appearance.

Condition of this fabulous piece is quite fine. The interior of the globe and finial note some faint, scattered, age-related haziness. While the large globe has absolutely no damage, the decorative finial has a few mild chips to its ground glass base as noted in the photo, that are completely invisible when the finial rests perfectly in place inside the neck of the globe.

For perspective, the globe with finial in place measures about 16 inches tall. The total height as measured from the globe base to the point where the 3 chains terminate at the bracket is 32 inches. An additional 19 inch chain was added by the previous owner.

A noted feature of this globe is the original and very handsome, decorative, metal bracket which supports the globe in a fancy, Art Deco style frame. The delightful hanger rounds out a wonderful example of the "architecture" of pharmacy history of the 1920s. The condition of the globe frame, chains and support bracket is good with the light wear and mild loss of finish expected of an approximately 100 year old piece. The wall hanger is in excellent condition with minimal surface imperfections.

An exceptional opportunity to purchase a visually striking, Art Deco styled Apothecary Show globe in complete and all original, an advertising piece of a bygone era certain to become a central focal point of any apothecary, pharmacy or drug store collection!

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

Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) was the greatest Jazz musician of all time, defining what it was, what it meant to play Jazz. His incredible technical abilities, the joy and spontaneity felt in his works, and his amazingly quick, inventive, musical mind continues to dominate Jazz to this day.

This wonderful piece is a superb likeness of "Satchmo", and it remains in very fine, all-original condition! No chips, cracks, repairs or repainting! Minor and tiny, age-related flakes to the surface of this chalkware piece exist here and there and are entirely appropriate given the statue's 70+ years of age. No maker's mark--just a small encircled "C" for copyright on the back of the base. Bottom of base is covered in an original, soft, felt-like material to prevent statue from scratching display surfaces.

A fabulous piece of Louis Armstrong Memorabilia!!

This vintage dosage spoon measures approx. 4 3/4" long dates to the 1930-1940 era. On one end of the spoon there is a clock face with a rotating dial indicating the next time to take your medicine.

The handle of the spoon is engraved "D & G DRUG STORE" and in the bowl of the spoon are the graduation marks for 1 and 1/2 teaspoons.

Very nice advertising / drug store collectible.

A rarely found Antique Medical Teaching Display entitled "BODYSCOPE" by Ralph H. Segal, Copyright 1935.

This marvelous piece of medical ephemera is quite large, measuring approximately 20" by 15 7/8" and is constructed in a hard-bound, book format with four interior pages. The condition is quite good with the expected, minimal wear of an early teaching aid. The interior pages and the exterior binding are solid.

The four primary, highly colorful, and well-detailed teaching models on each page are all complete with turning wheels on the page side which rotate to display different organs and systems of the body.

Graphic images of the male and female anatomy are featured in the center pages along with 2 other wonderful images. Turn the wheel and 10 different body systems are shown: "1. Our Body, Its Physiology. 2. The Torso, Anterior Organs. 3. The Torso, Posterior Organs. 4. Digestive System, Digestion. 5. The Portal System, Absorption. Body Comparison of Sexes. 7. The Circulatory System. 8. The Respiratory System. 9. The Excretory System. 10. Female Generative Organs."

Published by Bodyscope Publications, Inc. Educational Building, 10 Fifth Ave., N.Y.C.

A fabulously eye-catching medical teaching display adorned with Art Deco inspired design elements! A phenomenal display piece!

Circa 1940's vintage, this authentic, metal sign is an important historical artifact documenting America's Jim Crow era of African-American segregation.

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

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

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

If you are looking for a pharmacy sign that is nearly mint and sports great graphics, you can stop searching!

This awesome example dates to 1955, is painted and has a reflective finish on the large lettering. This sign is new-old-stock, was never used and was acquired directly from the family of the former proprietor of the now-defunct, Stanley, North Dakota, Rexall Pharmacy!!!

This beauty measures 36" long x 18" wide and was manufactured by the Continental Sign and Advertising Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It appears to be made of a galvanized metal, is pre-drilled for hanging and is in fine condition! There are a few faint manufacturing imperfections on the surface. The one worth mentioning is a 5 inch scratch by the letter "A" on the white painted word DAKOTA (the far right hand "A").

Ready for your collection! A fabulous, visually striking, pharmacy advertising piece!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offered are four, VERY SELDOM found, 1880's & 1890's, Black Memorabilia-themed trade cards priced at $40.00 each or all 4 for $140.00.

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.

Offered for sale is a lovely apothecary show globe that was originally offered to druggists in the 1960s – 1970s by Parke-Davis pharmacy salesmen. This 19.5 inch beauty sports a deep red decorated globe set upon a gold and black pedestal. The globe sports advertising on two sides of the base and the “Rx” on the globe.

The condition of the globe is very good with no damage to the plastic. There are some tiny white paint flecks to one side of the base otherwise the globe displays beautifully! Embossed “PRESCRIPTIONS” and “PARKE – DAVIS PHARMACEUTICALS” on the base.

A striking vintage advertising show globe ready for your collection.

Offered is an extremely scarce, 1870s, Scotland Maker, Long Nose, Mid Spoon, Wood Golf Club with original finish!

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!

Offered for sale is a stunning 1920's, Art Deco, Apothecary Show Globe with stand.

This beautiful pharmacy display is in very nice, all-original condition including the lovely sculptured glass finial with stopper!

The show globe measures about 21 inches high and and is capable of holding the colored water if so desired! The finial's ground stopper retains its original rubber cork and smoothly fits into the ground neck of the globe. Very minor interior hazing of the finial is present.

The sleek architectural lines of the show globe's stunning aluminum stand exemplifies the epitome of Art Deco design! Some very faint wear and use imperfections commensurate with its age are noted. Slight interior blue haze line noted by the upper portion of globe.

So very difficult to find in this all-original condition complete with finial and stand. A simply gorgeous and iconic Art Deco drug store advertising display piece!

Offered for sale is a 19th century, medium-sized, apothecary pharmacy bottle sporting “PULV. CANEL. ALB.” on the label under glass label!

The 8.25 inch tall bottle is marked on the base, “WN WALTON PAT. SEP 23 1862”, and is of early blown glass construction. The fancy, recessed applied label is complete and is in very nice condition. The stopper is of ground glass construction and is in very good order as well.

The inside of the bottle is 1/3 full of a light brown powder. Very nice indeed!

Offered is an outstanding, Art Deco era, circa 1920-1930s, hanging, drug store, apothecary show globe in impeccable condition!

The fancy and highly-stylized, Art Deco, aluminum frame cradles an equally highly-stylized, classically-ribbed, clear glass show globe and finial. If so desired, the show globe will hold water. The frame is embellished with a buffed matte finish with design details outlined in contrasting black to further enhance the fabulous, Art Deco styling. The chain link is also painted black, echoing the black detailing of the frame, and it retains most of its gorgeous, original finish, with absolutely no pitting. This fabulous apothecary showpiece measures 29 inches from the top of its fancy hanger to the base.

The condition is absolutely excellent. The globe glass is clean and clear with a perfectly fitting, ground-glass stopper. The interior globe rim has an extremely shallow, minute, surface chip that is insignificant and is very difficult to see and photograph. The finial base has two practically undetectable, teeny, flea bites that cannot be seen when the finial is inserted into the globe rim, and which also, are too tiny to photograph.

The take away of this offering, this outstanding piece of nearly 100 year old, American pharmacy history, is both its exquisite Art Deco styling with extraordinary visual appeal, and its utterly excellent condition, making it a true rarity among extant Apothecary antiques and collectibles!

Offered is an incredibly RARE, undoubtedly one-of-a-kind, authentic, 19th century, slavery artifact!

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!

Offered for sale is a delightful late 19th century cast iron apothecary cork press in the rare form of the SLEEPING DOG. Originating from an early upstate New York country store, the cork press presents wonderful appeal to those who collect early pharmacy objects and those who fancy canines.

The surface sports a vintage patina with traces of rust still present. This appealing cork press measures 9.25� long and is untouched original �as found� undamaged condition.

One of the hardest to find of the vintage figural cork presses.

Offered for sale is a fabulous vintage porcelain advertising thermometer for EX-LAX laxatives.

This uncommon sign measures 36” long x 8” wide and is in near mint condition except for a few unobtrusive edge chips noted around the top and bottom edges (see photos). The lower section has a few minor scratches near the word “EX-LAX”.

This sign dates to the 1910-1920 era and has wonderful visual appeal as well as functioning as a thermometer. There is worn, barely discernable printing on the wood thermometer housing which includes “Made in USA” …Patent…etc. Also marked - "MADE IN USA - A7-M27B" on the bottom front.

One will be quite challenged to find another in this outstanding condition!

Offered for sale is a wonderful 19th century brass and wood English Apothecary Balance Scale. This lovely balance retains its original patina on both the wooden base and brass scales.

The arm is marked "T.O.Co. J. HALL & SON-Makers-Birmingham" and "Class 1 - To Weigh 1 lb."

The scale measures 16"L x 8"W at the wood base and 16 inches high. The condition appears original with only minor distortion to the wood base.

Measuring 4 inches high, this very visually appealing, VINTAGE, solid brass Grinning Black Man with Bowtie Bottle Opener is in near excellent condition with very minimal wear! Scarcely used, he still retains 90% of his original black and gold paint! Designed to be mounted to the wall via three screws, it is quite likely this bottle opener saw little use given its excellent condition! A fabulous find!

Offered for sale is a fabulous, Henry Troemner of Philadelphia, oak and pink marble balance scale from the late 1800s. Balances such as this were known as BOX or COUNTER scales and were used in pharmacies to weigh drugs and other items.

The brass pans and scale are marked “Henry Troemner” Philadelphia. His company began making balances in the USA in 1840, and was singularly, the most successful scale maker of his day.

The scale measures approximately 20 inches long x 9 inches wide and is in excellent condition. The oak wood case is designed in the handsome Eastlake style and retains its original honey colored finish. The pink marble top and brass pans round out a near mint 19th century scale!

Difficult to find in this condition!

Offered for your consideration is an outstanding and rarely found, circa late 19th century, black and gray painted wooden UNDERTAKERS sign!

The sign measures approximately 6’ long x 12" wide and is double sided. It is in very nice overall condition except for areas of paint loss, some crackling and general wear expected of a vintage sign, noted especially to one side. There is also a very subtle bow to the sign, but this does not take away from its most unusual appeal. There are 2 metal brackets, one on each side, which were originally used for mounting upon a building exterior.

A highly unusual and macabre offering for those who collect funerary pieces!

This is an outstanding example of an apothecary counter urn dating back to the late 1800s. Appears to be hand blown with rippling marks in the glass. The bowl is molded to the pedestal base and the cover sports a decorative knob.

Measuring 13"H x 6"W this lovely urn in in very nice condition. The cover has a few unobtrusive edge chips. The urn portion has the expected wear of faint interior scratching which is expected in antique glass. A wonderful find indeed that has fabulous visual appeal!

Offered are a group of ten, Black Memorabilia postcards in wonderful, unused condition of 1930's through 1950's vintage, priced at $60.00 for the group of ten.

While some photos may appear a bit blurry, this is a function of photography and not condition. All postcards are crisp and clear! The two comical cartoon postcards are much more brightly and vividly colored than the photos depict. The eight photo postcards also feature titles describing their subjects.

A delightful grouping that would be much-appreciated framed!

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.***