Catalog: Popular Collectibles (243)

Offered is this early 1930's, LITTLE BLACK SAMBO Book with beautiful illustrations by Phyllis Robinson, a M.A. Donohue Company, Chicago, book publication. Hardcover, 18 unnumbered pages. Curiously, the M.A. Donohue Company, did not always date their publications as is the case here. They, additionally, were not prolific publishers of the Little Black Sambo story book. It is believed that this edition was the company's final publication of this story which was used over a period of ten years up until WWII, with changes only to the cover design. M.A. Donohue's Little Black Sambo books, today, are a very rare find!

This story is a much-beloved children's classic written in the early 1900's by Englishwoman, Helen Bannerman, for her two daughters while they lived in India. Sambo, in the original Bannerman tale, was an Indian boy and not an African-American child. He was converted to this race overtime, however, by subsequent story tellers and illustrators. This age-old tale tells of Little Black Sambo and his frightening tiger encounter, which fortunately, has a happy ending!

Condition is a 7.5 out of 10! All the wear on this brightly colored hardcover book was absorbed by its cover with wear to book edge points, book cover edges, and splits to the exterior spine. The interior binding is intact and tight as are all pages. No rips, creasing or bends to pages or pen/pencil markings. Illustrations remain very brightly colored and vibrant and are known for their very fine artistry. There is a small spot of brown paint that likely dropped onto the book while it was closed because a tiny remnant of this paint appears on the very edge of each page approximately one inch from the top of the pages (as seen in photos). Interestingly, both the front and back covers are identical in design!

Amazing condition for a nearly 90 year M.A. Donahue Publishers book- a book that is exceedingly difficult to find in today's market!

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

Measuring 7 inches long x 4 inches high x 6 inches wide, this all tin, 1943 copyrighted, WOLVERINE “SEE and SPELL” educational school toy is in fine overall condition! The tin is lithographed with a delightful scene of school children standing at the front of the class during a spelling bee with the teacher seen in the lower left corner holding a spelling book! Just adorable! On the back of the toy, a lone boy is seen drawing pictures and practicing spelling at a portable chalk board.

The toy is operated by pushing either side handle in a downward motion, which makes the words and pictures spin inside the toy. When the motion stops, four different spelling words with their accompanying pictures appear in the eight different windows.

Other than light surface blemishes due to age and gentle use, and the 4 missing tab covers which are supposed to keep the spelling words hidden, this vintage toy is in remarkable condition and makes a very colorful display piece!

Offered is the 1928, 2nd edition of Helen Bannerman's, Little Black Sambo book published by the Platt & Munk Company of New York and illustrated by one of P & M's noted artists, Eulalie. The Platt & Munk Company was renown for hiring highly talented artists and illustrators, all of whom who contributed to the company's reputation for publishing exquisitely illustrated children's books.

This story is a much-beloved children's classic written in the early 1900's by Englishwoman, Helen Bannerman, for her two daughters while they lived in India. Sambo, in the original Bannerman tale, was an Indian boy and not an African-American child. He was converted to this race overtime, however, by subsequent story tellers and illustrators. This age-old tale tells of Little Black Sambo and his frightening tiger encounter, which fortunately, has a happy ending!

In very fine condition with the only flaws noted to this hardcover book being extremely minor corner edge wear, what appears to be a blue ink stain on one page (see photos), one small 1/2" long tear on the page "Oh, Please Mr. Tiger, DOn't eat me up", and what looks to be an oil stain beginning at the edge of the inside of the front cover, continuing to about the middle of the book. However, the stain is smaller and smaller with each successive page. The colored illustrations are beautifully vibrant, with both the black line drawings and color illustrations demonstrating the superb artistic talent of the illustrator, Eulalie! Unnumbered pages alternate between color and black line illustrations. No creases. Nice, tight binding.

A must have addition for the collector of Little Black Sambo books!

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

Measuring 9 inches high, these delightful examples of Folk Art styling represent three of a series of Black cloth character dolls made in Alabama in the 1930’s by unknown craftsmen/women employed under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's (FDR) Depression era program, the Work Projects Administration (WPA), in existence from 1935-1943.

The Work Projects Administration was designed to provide jobs across the country during the Great Depression when hundreds of thousands were out of work. While most WPA jobs were in construction and infrastructure, the most well-known project arm of the WPA, known as Federal Project Number One, employed musicians, artists, writers, actors and directors in arts, drama, media, and literacy projects. The five projects assigned to this consortium were: the Federal Writers’ Project (FWP), the Historical Records Survey (HRS), the Federal Theatre Project (FTP), the Federal Music Project (FMP), and the Federal Art Project (FAP).

The creation of these fabulous dolls fell under the WPA Federal Art Project, with the goal of representing and preserving the various aspects of the culture, work and lives of the Southern black community of this time period. All of the WPA black folk dolls produced for this project were placed on asphalt shingle stands, they all feature elderly folk, they all share black leather shoes, a cotton-batting stuffed body, and identical hand-stitched facial features with subtle and unique variations in expression around the eyes due to the clever positioning of the eyebrows!

The Country Preacher is fully decked out to conduct worship services, from his black, wide-brimmed top hat down to his leather shoes, the left one, unfortunately, showing a bit of wear with his socked big toe peeking out! His machine-stitched clothing is all in the color black with the exception of his white ministerial collar. The preacher holds his real-wood walking stick securely in his right hand while clutching the Holy Bible under his left arm. Note the colorful red handkerchief that was placed in a back pants pocket, peeking out between the tails of his suit coat. The fully bearded preacher wears silver, wire-rimmed spectacles surrounding his soft and compassionate eyes and offers an open smile showing his front two teeth!

The white haired, bearded male country gentleman doll is attired in machine-sewn cotton, blue-striped britches with a patch at the left knee, black suspenders and a tan striped cotton shirt with a red kerchief tied around his neck. His hat is constructed of cranberry-colored felt. Under his right arm, he holds a nicely crafted fabric chicken that has sustained a tiny bit of fabric loss to its face, while his left arm holds a wooden walking stick. His complete asphalt shingle is missing, but remnants remain firmly attached on the soles of his shoes. He bears a very sweet, surprised expression on his face as evidenced by his slightly upturned eyebrows!

The female doll in this grouping is clad in a red and white checkered, machine-stitched dress topped over with a cream-colored linen apron which evidences, here and there, some very light, age-related discoloration. Her apron pocket displays a red and white polka-dotted hankie- a lovely detail-, while a bright, multi-colored head wrap protectively covers her graying hair from dust and grime while she completes household chores. Her outfit is fully completed with the cream-colored linen chemise and pantaloons underneath her dress, and she wears black leather shoes. Even though she is working at chores, as evidenced by the wicker-straw broom she holds in her right hand, she has not forgotten to wear her brass-toned, double hoop earrings! And she wears a pleasant expression on her hand-stitched face, showing a bit of a smile and her two front teeth.

Three very special dolls, which today, are becoming very, very difficult to find, representing a snapshot of history, capturing the lives of poor southern black folk of the Depression era! The Preacher and Lady with the Broom are priced at $295.00 each, with the Country Gent Holding a Chicken priced at $275.00 to compensate for his incomplete asphalt shingle.

This highly decorative, quite visually appealing, and VERY RARE children's alphabet and nursery rhyme combination block set was designed to teach young ones their ABC's along with the skill of memorizing and reading the popular nursery rhymes of the day.

This 114 year old educational toy manufactured by Parker Brothers of Salem, Massachusetts, New York and London, is marked copyright 1909, in the lower left hand corner of the cover.

De-accessioned from my personal collection and displayed and enjoyed by me for over 20 years, this block set features twelve, 3/4th inch thick, wooden blocks wrapped in brightly colored, glossy, high quality paper, each illustrating a specific letter and a nursery rhyme, on both the front and back of each block.

This set features the letters A through L. It is so very, very rare - likely Parker Bros did not manufacture many - that I have never been able to locate the other half of the set in all my years of ownership! Isn't it further quite curious that Parker Bros chose to divide this alphabet and nursery rhyme series into two separate parts?

Measuring approximately 12.5 inches wide x 10 inches long x 1 inch deep, this fabulous ABC block set displays easily upon a common folding stand, which can be acquired at a local craft store or online. The box cover illustration is simply marvelous, filled with much joyous childhood energy as a multitude of children and a dog play in and around a little red rail car caboose. This game/toy/educational teaching tool displays just beautifully!

Each individual block measures approximately 2.5 inches wide x 4 inches long x 3/4ths inch deep. The alphabet letter is featured on front and back, and a different nursery rhyme appears on each block, beginning on the front side and ending on the back side. Also, on each side of every block is printed a three letter word such as "saw" or "dog" or"pet", many of which are "sight" words - words we learn when we first learn to read, memorizing them by simple repetitive recognition or "sight". Quite a comprehensive learning tool for beginning readers!

Condition: The cover had lost its sides long before it came into my possession. The box bottom is completely intact but has been restored with archival-quality, acid-free tape in various places to keep it so. One side of every block is either unblemished or in near perfect condition (see photo). Some of the blocks (see photo) do have some paper loss on their back sides which occurred over time and with active use many years back.

Nonetheless, presented is a very, very rare, beautifully colorful and illustrated set, sure to enhance one's children's toys or early school collection!

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

This circa 1900-1910 Johnny Griffin item is a double image still bank that features 2 images of Johnny's head placed back-to-back. It was manufactured by the A.C. Williams Company of Ravenna, Ohio, which at the turn of the 20th century and up until World War II, was the largest toy and still bank manufacturer in the world. (At the start of WWII, production declined sharply as iron was needed for military consumption, marking the end of an era.) The bank is constructed of cast iron in two pieces which unscrew to facilitate the emptying of coins. There is a coin slot at the top of Johnny's head for use in depositing the coins. This sweet bank remains functional for banking use today or may be simply used as an attractive desk paperweight!

It is in all original condition with delightful patina- not a reproduction- and measures 3 inches high x 2 1/2 inches wide. It retains traces of the original gold leaf paint and may (or may not!) have a replaced screw.

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

To see all of the Johnny Griffin items currently available for sale, simply type “Johnny Griffin” into the search box on our web home page.

Increasingly more and more difficult to find, this pot metal pencil sharpener was made in pre-WWII Germany in the 1930's.

Measuring 1.5 inches long x 1 inch wide, this sharpener depicts a derogatory caricature of a Black Man. The glaring eyes are painted a stark white with teeny black pupils, while the red painted lips surround the pencil sharpener blade which takes the place of the man's teeth. Curly molded hair and eyebrows are painted black, while the face is painted brown- inside and out.

The pencil sharpener is stamped GERMANY on the back inside.

Condition is very good with approximately 75% of the original paint remaining. There is no repaint! The paint is worn in expected areas, with the majority of paint wear seen on the sides of the face and bottom of the chin where one would grasp the sharpener. Facial feature paint is strong.

Germany apparently made a good steel blade as the sharpener still works!

Measuring 6.5 inches long and approximately 4 inches in both width and depth, this wonderfully RARE, Black Americana, Red Cap, Railroad Porter, pottery string holder is in very fine condition with just a sprinkling of white speckling where the black cold paint has worn away.

A stunning and very visually striking piece, it is labeled on back, "Fredericksburg Art Pottery USA", a pottery once located in Fredericksburg, Ohio, manufacturing between 1939-49. The back has 2 original hanging holes for placement on a wall.

Truly in wonderful, vintage condition with no cracks, chips, repairs or repaint! A fabulous addition to one's Black Americana collection!

Please note that the natural outdoor lighting used to photograph this piece has amplified the white paint flecking --the teeny white spots really show up more in these photos than on the actual piece in an indoor setting--- photo number one gives an accurate depiction of appearance.

Measuring 9.5 inches long x 8 inches wide in its wooden ABC frame, this delightful, fine motor practice material was made in pre-WWII Germany, circa 1930's.

Housed under the frame's glass are 2 color picture paper card models of common objects for tracing as well as an uncut sheet of never-used coloring squares to further build fine motor coordination in young, Kindergarten-age, fingers and hands.

The uncut sheet of coloring squares can be folded and stored in the protective frame along with the two color object cards.

ABC Frame, glass, and colored tracing sheets all in very good to mint condition. Uncut sheet of coloring squares has fold lines, tiny edge tears, and some foxing.

Makes a very visually appealing display for home or classroom!

These wonderful circa 1940-50's BRI-TONE Number 8, school or art crayons manufactured by the Imperial Crayon Company of Brooklyn, New York, are in near mint condition! The crayons are unused and are all original! The box features a fabulous graphic of a young boy and girl busily coloring using their Bri-Tone crayons! The box measures 4 inches tall x 2.75 inches wide x 1/4 inch deep.

An absolutely wonderful addition to one's School or Artist Memorabilia collection!

Measuring 8.25 inches long, this vintage, Black Mammy Spoon rest was made in JAPAN in the 1950's. Along with its jolly, wide-eyed caricature, the spoon rest features a purple-colored tulip painted on both sides and reads “SPOONREST” in black lettering at the top of the Mammy's polka-dotted, purple headscarf. 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 much if any use as the paint remains absolutely perfect! A single, very minor, very tight age crack is present at the outer edge of the handle bottom. Two superficial craze lines noted: one at the base of the right-side tulip, the second noted at the "R" in "SPOONREST". No other imperfections.

This fine and very hard-to-find piece of Black Memorabilia is an essential addition for the advanced collector! Fabulous detailing!!

Offered is an extraordinarily rare, 1930's, Googly Eyed Tea Pot made in Japan. A Google search on this item yields NO other vintage, 1930s Japan, Mammy, Googly-eyed Teapots available, further attesting to this piece's rarity!

This particular piece is in very fine condition, with cold-paint flaking noted on the spout and on the lid edge decoration as this piece's only readily-visualized flaws. (Cold paint refers to paint applied AFTER a piece has been painted, glazed, and fired in a kiln. Because this after-paint is not glazed and fired, it is easily subjected to flaking and disintegration.)

The teapot remains in fabulous, all-original condition with its original, twisted-wire, bail handle intact and in fine condition. The tea pot measures 5.5 inches wide from the edge of its spout and across the body to the opposite side. With its handle upright, the pot measures 7.75 inches tall, and 5.75 inches wide. The teapot with lid, absent the handle, measures 5.25 inches tall.

As noted previously, the teapot spout presents flaking of its green paint, with two tiny flea bites present on the tip of the spout detected only via touch versus the eye. The pot has no chips, cracks, repairs or repaint. There are very teeny surface rubs on the left cheek, but these are paint flaws which occurred prior to glaze application and firing. There are also two teeny "dots"-- one on the forehead and one just to the inside corner of the right eye that are also flaws created either right before or during firing.

This fabulously RARE piece displays just wonderfully and would be a prized asset in the collection of any advanced collector! And its diminutive size makes it easy for one to display in one's collection!

Enter "Googly" into the SEARCH box to see our other Googly-Eye collectibles!

Measuring 12.25 inches long x 8 inches in width, this two-sided, 19th century estate document listing all of the worldly goods of LEWIS MATTAIR is de-accessioned from the inventory of the ill-fated Middle Passage Museum (see museum history below). The document is undated but is estimated to be circa 1865-66 based on current research of federal and state archival documents.

This particular estate document is extraordinarily unique and atypical in comparison to other estate documents of this period as it lists 15 SLAVES among the articles of property, and it actually labels these individuals as SLAVES as opposed to the much more common and typical practice of listing "Slaves" as "Negroes". The slaves are listed on the back side of the document with all other inventory listed on the front side.

Each slave is listed by first name with the corresponding current market value written to the left of the name, with the total market value of the 15 slaves named at $8600-- quite a hefty sum when one considers that the remainder of the estate (furniture, livestock, transportation and work vehicles, tools, etc) is valued in total at $980.75. Also listed in the inventory was 13,000 pounds of seed cotton, indicating that Lewis Mattair owned a sizable cotton plantation, clearly farmed by the slaves.

Lewis Mattair is noted in the 1860 Federal Census as a resident of Suwanee County, Florida; the 1860 Federal Census- Slave Schedules references Lewis Mattair owning 28 male and female slaves, ranging in age from 4 to 58. Lewis Mattair is listed in the 1865 Florida Tax records, but his name does not appear in any archived state or federal records after that year. Thus, it is presumed that this document dates from or just prior to 1865, the year that the Civil War ended.

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."

A fabulously detailed, historical graphic of the California State Seal adds to the importance of this authentic, museum-quality, 1899, TEACHING LICENSE / DIPLOMA issued by the STATE OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY, DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.

Text indicates that the diploma was awarded to Josephine Downey on October 21, 1899, and certified her to teach the Grammar or Primary Grade for the subsequent 6 years. Signed by Thomas Kirsh, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Secretary.

Further documentation on reverse reads, "Issued on the recommendation of the Board of Education of San Francisco County, in accordance with Section 1521 of the Political Code, upon a first grade or Grammar Grade Certificate of San Francisco County, California, 95% (Josephine’s teacher examination grade).”

With the exception of early fold lines, condition is mint! Measures 14.6 inches X 11.5 inches.

See my other school certificates for an 1892 Teaching Certificate awarded to Josephine's sister, Mary Downey!

A wonderful piece of museum-quality, educational ephemera representing San Francisco's and the state of California's early educational history!

Offered is an absolutely wonderful, original, 1930s watercolor portrait of a young "Black Shoe Shine Boy", a figure quite reflective of one aspect of African-American cultural history, as the iconic "shoe-shine boy (or man)" was so very frequently seen on city street corners plying a meager living during the first half of the 20th century.

The piece is signed in the lower right hand corner by LISTED American artist, Olga Lea Rosenson, who was born September 10, 1892, in Brooklyn, New York (died 1959). She was best known for her work capturing town and city landscapes as well as portraiture. This portrait intimately captures the soul of its subject as he pensively awaits his next customer, and it is supposed to have been inspired by a young man whom Ms. Rosenson frequently observed on the streets of Brooklyn.

Painted in 1934, the framed piece measures 20" x 26.5"; the watercolor, 13” x 19.5 “. It is completed in various subtle tones of blue, gray, green, and brown, and it is double-matted in cream with a subtle gray under-mat.

This watercolor remained in the same collection for over 60 years and was professionally re-framed by the original owner in 1987, with information on this re-framing taped to the back side of this piece. The wood frame is in very good condition with a couple of small, age-related areas of wear that are minimally noticeable. There is a 5 inch vertical tear to the paper backing as seen in a photo that was taped closed by the earlier owner; there is no damage to the foam-core backing underneath. To the left of this tear, is cut-out information on the artist that was also taped on back by the earlier owner.

Ms Rosenson's works are owned both privately and by museums around the world, including Washington D.C.'s National Gallery of Art.

Offered are a fabulous variety grouping of VERY RARELY FOUND, 1880's, Black Americana die cuts printed in Germany and sold by the Bim Brothers, London.

The assortment features die cuts of musicians, jugglers, a boxer, actors, a bagpipe player, comically portrayed African natives, and die cut heads of adults as well as die cut heads of children. All but the four African die cuts remain connected as a grouping, just as they were when originally produced and shipped from the factory- a very rare find which increases each grouping's value.

The products for which these die cuts were meant to endorse is unknown. The die cuts feature an embossed, glossy finish which compliments the beautiful detailing and intense coloring of each piece. All would look fabulous either framed individually or as a grouping!

Approximate measurements are as follows:
The 2 standing, connected figures: 3.25" tall x 4.50" wide
Connected Adult Heads: 2.25" tall x 3.75" wide
Connected children Heads: .75" tall x 4.50" wide
4 African loose figures: 2" tall x 1" wide

Please note that any white specks that seem prominent in the closeup photos are the result of light bouncing off the surfaces of the aged die cuts. These pieces are approximately 140 years old, and while in very good condition given their age, tiny surface imperfections may be evident here and there. The photo of the verso of all reveals that no repairs or restorations were made to any of the die cuts in this offering.

This entire grouping of die cuts is being sold as one single offering at $55.00.

Published, designed and printed by Juvenile Productions, LTD, London, England, #1711, circa 1920s, this SELDOM FOUND, soft cover children's book presents a very different, very unique tale inspired by the traditional Little Black Sambo story written by Englishwoman, Helen Bannerman in the early 1900s.

This version, is indeed more aligned with the style of the 19th century stories written by the famous Brothers Grimm of Germany, featuring fairies, a Fairy Queen and tiny elves!

It also, quite unfortunately, utilizes obtuse monikers that, sadly, were in common use during this time period, referring to Sambo as a PICCANINNY and naming his parents, Mr. and Mrs. DARKIE. If not for this usage, this little story would be regarded as very sweet and charming.

The book contains 10 pages, all of which have been photographed here, with illustrations alternating between full color and black line drawings. Color throughout remains brilliant and crisp! Other than some slight rubbing to page edges, very slight foxing here and there, a top corner crease on three pages, and some rusting to the two original staples which still securely bind the pages together, this VERY UNCOMMON book remains in superb condition for its approximate 100 years of age! Measures 7.75 inches high x 5.25 inches wide.

To find our other Little Black Sambo offerings, simply type "Sambo" into the search box on our home page.

A rarely-found 1920's piece! Measuring approximately 12.5 inches tall x 9.50 inches wide x 3/8" deep, this wonderful and scarce CHOCOLATE LOVER'S Take a Chance Gambling Board would have been found in one's local general store. A novel advertising promotion, it provided an opportunity for the store to increase patronage by offering a chance at winning a delicious chocolate giveaway- perfect for a Valentine Day's gift for that special someone!

For a ten cent purchase, one had the opportunity to puncture one of the white dots on the board, and then remove the tiny piece of curled paper which was printed with a random number. If the number on the tiny curled paper matched one of the numbers on the board, one would win the corresponding prize for only a ten cent expenditure! If the number failed to match any numbers on the board, one walked away 10 cents poorer along with a unfulfilled desire for delicious chocolate!

The board remains unpunched with the exception of 2 fully punched holes out of a total of 300 opportunities to win! Of the two punched holes, one is missing its paper strip, while the other remains in place and can easily be removed with tweezers...alas, this take-a-chance paper has a number printed on it which dos not match any on the board, making it a non-winner!

The board is constructed of a wooden frame completely covered in paper, with a hollow interior which allows for the insertion of the Take-A-Chance curled papers. The piece remains quite sturdy and easily displayed. The photographs indicate the subtle, paper edge wear evident of this 100 year old piece! Displays wonderfully!

A seldom found piece of chocolate memorabilia! A reluctant de-accession from my own personal, chocolate lover's collection due to downsized, change of residence.

Perfect timing for that very unique St. Valentine's Day gift, accompanied of course, by a box of actual delicious chocolates!

Offered is a fabulous grouping of 10, VERY RARELY FOUND, 1880's, Black Americana die cuts printed in Germany and sold by the Bim Brothers, London.

The die cuts are a representation of every day European black folk of the 1880s- from a mother holding her infant to an officer in the army, these ten charming die cuts make for a thought-provoking display! Interestingly, yes, these die cuts do indeed have a bluish tinge to their skin color- an occurrence for which no explanation can be offered.

The products for which these die cuts were meant to endorse is unknown. The die cuts feature an embossed, glossy finish which compliments the beautiful detailing and intense coloring of each piece. This grouping would look fabulous framed!

Approximate measurements are as follows:
6 Musicians: 4.75" tall x 3.75" wide

Please note that any white specks that seem prominent in the closeup photos are the result of light bouncing off the surfaces of the aged die cuts. These pieces are approximately 140 years old, and while in very good condition given their age, tiny surface imperfections may be evident here and there.

The photo of the verso of the figures reveals that there are no restorations or repairs to any of the 6 figures whose verso can be viewed. Note that 4 of the figures remain loosely attached to the black construction paper; it will be left to the buyer to choose whether or not to detach them.

This entire grouping of die cuts is being sold as one single fabulous offering at $55.00.

Measuring 33 inches long x 15 inches high, this vintage 1869, black ink, original lithograph was published as an art supplement to Appleton's Journal.

The litho was executed by John Karst with his signature appearing in the lower left hand corner. Highly detailed, the litho reproduces a bustling New Orleans' dock scene featuring numerous slaves at work.

This litho was professionally re-framed using museum-quality, acid-free materials in 2004. The frame is a classic styled, black painted, beaded, hardwood accented with a dark rose, acid-free mat.

A fascinating glimpse into life on the docks of the Mississippi River at New Orleans!

Please note that any white spots or streaking appearing in photos are the result of light reflection and are not damage to the litho.

Professionally framed in 1989 with museum-quality, acid-free backing as well as acid-free double-matting, this fabulous 1863, double fashion print from Godey's Lady's Book Magazine depicts the high style of the upper echelons of ladies' fashions during the Abraham Lincoln presidency, 159 years ago!

These fashion prints were carefully folded by Godey's to preserve the image and then were typically placed at the front of the magazine. The prints were reproduced from an actual, intricately detailed engraving which was then hand-tinted. Accompanying these fashion prints (or fashion plates as they were often referred to during this time period) were very detailed descriptions about each garment featured as well as the occasions in which a lady would appropriately wear each one.

This Godey's fashion offering features two prints detailing a total of 10 ladies and one young girl in the highest fashions of the day!

In the left side print, three different ladies model the latest in outerwear cover garments, while a fourth young woman is dressed ethereally in oyster white linen and lace. She looks on over the shoulder of a fifth woman dressed in creamy satin who quite expertly paints the portrait of a young girl. A little dog patiently waits! As an artist myself, I have always been especially fond of this Godey print!

The right side print features 5 young women dressed in exquisitely designed satin gowns adorned with lace and hand-embroidery straight from the fashion books of Paris! One of the ladies still models a brilliant ruby outer wear garment, having just arrived to the party that we see in the distance on the right side of the print beyond the heavily brocaded drapery entrance.

The hairstyles and the head-dresses in all Godey's fashion prints were also deliberately depicted so that one's "complete appearance" reflected the latest fashions from Europe, most particularly, France.

Both "fashion plate" prints are in wonderful condition with no concerns noted. Fold lines original to the prints' placement in the magazine are present as is expected as folding these fabulous prints within the magazine was viewed as a mechanism of protection while being transported through the postal system. The fashion plates were expected to be removed and used to either recreate one's own costume, or to add to one's visual collection of current fashion in a memory book or diary.

The prints are double matted in oyster white and a very neutral earth tone- colors that compliment the shadowing in the prints as well as the multiple shades of color worn by the featured ladies.

Measuring approximately 12.75" high x 28.25" wide, this highly decorative wood frame is antiqued-gold-toned and is in mint condition. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL PHOTOS WERE TAKEN THROUGH THE GLASS which accounts for any and all bizarre reflections and/or aberrations in tone or color that might appear in photos. This stunning piece is perfect!

A bit of history: Godey's Lady's Book or Magazine was an American women's magazine that was published from 1830 to 1878 in Philadelphia. It not only featured fashions of the time, but short stories, poetry, directions and patterns for sewing garments at home as well as piano sheet music. Even though the yearly subscription of $3 was quite expensive for the time, the magazine was extraordinarily popular - the most popular monthly journal of its time, with subscribers at its peak reaching 150,000.

Please note that because this item would be classified as oversize (the length) by delivery carriers, this item does not qualify for free shipping.

Type "Godey's" into the SEARCH bar on our homepage to locate the other Godey's Fashion print we have available for sale.

Measuring 13 inches high, this delightful, hand-made, brother and sister pair of Black cloth dolls were made circa 1940's, by "Roxie" of Asheville, North Carolina, as attested to by the dollmaker's tag sewn on the brother's backside.

Both dolls are in near perfect condition with the exception of a tiny teardrop mark under brother's left eye and a tiny hole next to sister's left side of face on her hairline. Detailing is very sweet with nicely embroidered facial features and color-coordinated, machine-stitched clothing. Hair is authentic looking made of fuzzy wool yarn-- brother's hair is curly and nubby--- sister's is done in a head full of bow-tied pigtails! Bodies are machine-stitched, brown cotton that are each stuffed with cotton batting.

A pair of cuties!!!

Measuring 4.25 inches in diameter, this fabulous, circa 1920’s, metal tip or change tray advertising COTTOLENE shortening is in very fine condition!

The front side graphic showing an African American woman picking cotton with her little girl at her side retains its vivid coloring and is in near mint condition with very minor wear specs here and there visible along the black tray rim. The tray underside shows a bit more wear along the tray rim and around the tray base edge.

The front of the tray bears the advertisement, “ The Source of Cottolene- ‘Nature’s Gift From the Sunny South’”, and obviously refers to the cotton plant as the source of Cottolene Lard or shortening which was manufactured by the N.K. Fairbanks Company.

In extraordinarily microscopic-size lettering on the bottom front of the tray at the base of the cotton-picking scene can be read (with a super-magnifying glass), the name of the manufacturer of this metal tip tray: " Passaic Metal Ware Co. Litho. Passaic NJ".

The tray underside depicts a can of Cottolene lard which provides the backdrop for the Fairbanks Company product advertising. It advertising reads, "Way Down South in the Land of Cotton’ If you could see cotton growing in the fields in all its purity, could observe the skill and care used in extracting and refining the oil, you would appreciate while COTTOLENE- the perfect shortening- is so much purer and more healthful than lard could ever be. COTTOLENE is pure and wholesome as the finest olive oil; makes food palatable, digestible, healthful. COTTOLENE shortens your food- lengthens your life.” Wow, quite a testimony!!

A wonderful crossover piece that is becoming very difficult to find and is equally appropriate for one’s Advertising, Black Memorabilia, or Tip Tray collection!

Measuring 12 inches in length, this circa 1930’s, Topsy Turvy Doll is in superb condition and is unusually and wonderfully appointed with great attention to detail! Both black and white sides of the doll have been very finely dressed with rose blossoms on their bandannas as well as at their waists- very, very rare for the “Black Topsy” to be so well attired!

”Black Topsy” is dressed in a striking pink, green, orange, and black cotton, geometric-patterned dress- very Art Deco! Her mouth and nostrils are stitched in red thread and she has white pearl button eyes.

The Caucasian doll is dressed in a cotton lavender dress- also with a geometric, Art Deco pattern in black, green and yellow. Her blouse and bandanna are lavender sateen. Her entire face has been finely stitched. She has pink nostrils and mouth, black eyebrows, and her black stitched eyes have pretty lashes that highlight her silvery gray irises! She has the very palest of staining to her face above her nostrils, but it is barely noticeable, and there is some light fading to her sateen bandanna.

Condition and detailing of both sides of this Topsy Turvy is really quite extraordinary, setting her apart from other Topsy’s!! A wonderful addition to one’s doll or Black Memorabilia collection!

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

This very scarce piece is very much reminiscent of Johnny Griffin items with the exception of the intact, broad-rimmed hat on this piece versus the torn rim typically seen on all "named" Johnny Griffin pieces.

This circa 1920-30's novelty piece is constructed in solid brass, is hefty in weight, and was likely used as an ash tray given its tobacco leaf design/theme. The "Johnny Griffin-like" head of the young African-American boy that serves as the centerpiece of this wonderful piece, was molded separately and screwed into place. The screw is concealed under an original brass cap, done purely for esthetics.

The piece is in all original condition with the delightful, warm, rich, golden patina of old brass- not a reproduction- no replaced parts- and measures 7 inches long x 4 1/2 inches wide. It does not retain any markings, and country of origin is unknown, although likely of European origin.

A very seldom found piece of Black Memorabilia, that indeed pairs well with Johnny Griffin items or one's Tobacciana collection!

To view all of the Johnny Griffin items currently available for sale, simply type “Johnny Griffin” into the search box on our web home page.

This extremely rare, circa 1900, COMPLETE set of 4 Magic Lantern glass slides with Black Americana theme is in mint condition! True to the era in which they were produced, these 4 slides typify the black derogatory stereotypes prolific during this period.

Measuring 4 inches wide x 3 3/4 inches high, the black color-toned set was manufactured by A.D. Handy, Stereopticon & Supplies, Boston.

The four slides tell the story, through drawings and southern black dialogue, of a black boy attempting to steal a watermelon (slide 1). Four other black boys hiding behind a fence and watching, spook him, making the boy think there is a ghost behind him (slide 2)! Dropping the watermelon in fright, he dashes off for safety (slide 3). The shattered watermelon is then left on the ground, already broken into bite-sized pieces for the 4 other boys to enjoy!

This offering is truly an exceptionally scarce Black Americana collectible!!

Offered is a fabulous grouping of 6, VERY RARELY FOUND, 1880's, Black Americana Musician die cuts printed in Germany and sold by the Bim Brothers, London.

The products for which these die cuts were meant to endorse is unknown. The die cuts feature an embossed, glossy finish which compliments the beautiful detailing and intense coloring of each piece. This grouping would look fabulous framed!

Approximate measurements are as follows:
6 Musicians: 6.6" tall x 3.50" wide

Please note that any white specks that seem prominent in the closeup photos are the result of light bouncing off the surfaces of the aged die cuts. These pieces are approximately 140 years old, and while in very good condition given their age, tiny surface imperfections may be evident here and there.

The photo of the verso of all 6 figures reveals that only the violinist has received some restoration- a single piece of archival tape reinforcing a crease.

This entire grouping of die cuts is being sold as one single offering at $45.00.

Offered is an extraordinarily rare, 1842, Warren County, Georgia, Apprehension Order for a SLAVE boy named Henry who is accused of committing a violent assault and battery with intent to kill.

The single page, 16" x 25" document was folded in half by its author, and the charge is written out on one side of the folded page and then completed on the back of the same side of the page (see photos). The folded page was then flipped over, folded into fourths, and the title of the charge was written out: "The State VS Henry Negro Boy Slave".

The text of the charge reads as follows, Paragraph one:
"Georgia Warren County"
"Before me Matthew Sheilds a justice of the peace for said county, personally came Stephen Blount who being duly sworn deposeth and sayeth that according to the best of his knowledge and belief Henry a negro boy slave the property of the estate of Hardy Pitts late of said county deceased, did commit a violent assault and battery with intent to kill Deponent, with a heavy stick - and Deponent believes said stick was ferreled (an action suggestive of a wild beast)- upon the person of Deponent - on this night of the thirteenth of this Instant in said county of Warren to wit upon the plantation of Thomas Persons, near Warrenton.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14th March 1842."
"Matthew Sheilds JP"
"Stephen Blount"

Paragraph two:
"Georgia Warren County"
"By Matthew Sheilds one of the Justices To Sheriff the Constables of Said County and to all other lawful officers for as much as Stephen Blount who being duly sworn deposeth and sayeth that according to the best of his knowledge and belief Henry a Negro boy Slave the property of the estate of Hardy Pitts late of Said County deceased did commit a violent assault and battery with intent to kill Deponent - with a heavy stick and Deponent believes said stick was ferreled upon the person of Deponent on the night of the thirteenth of this Instant...." (continued next page)

Next Page:
"in Said County of Warren to wit on the plantation of Thomas Persons near Warrenton. These are therefore to Command you that you apprehend the Said Negro Boy Henry and bring him before me or some other Justice of the peace of Said County to Answer the said charge and to be further dealt with according to Law Herein fail not. Given under my hand and Seal this 14th day of March 1842."
"Matthew Sheilds JP" (JP written a second time and encircled in a squiggle to simulate a wax seal)

Condition of this very unique slavery document is quite fine given its 180 years of age. Expected aging of paper with insignificant and minor tears at creases. Also present are three long spillages of ink (as seen in photos) which likely occurred at the time this document was written out with, obviously, no intention of the author to start over again and rewrite!

An extraordinarily rare historical document that defines a specific slave-related incident.

Offered is a very colorful group of 5, circa 1970s, golf tee matchbook-style packets which served as novelty advertisement giveaways for family-owned ALBERT BROS., INC., Waterbury, CT, a 119 year old scrap metal recycling company.

Each identical packet is designed in the form of a large matchbook and contains 6 painted wooden golf tees and one plastic ball marker.

Each decorative pack measures about 4 inches long x 2.5 inches wide and ALL are in unused condition. The packets have some minor crimps, slight edge tears or general wear from storage over time. One of the packets has a large rip as seen in the photo.

Wonderfully colorful, usable novelty items from a century+ old company with an interesting history in the scrap metal recycling business. Display well and a unique addition to your golf or advertising collection!

*****PLEASE NOTE THAT WHILE ONLY 4 PACKETS ARE FEATURED IN THE GROUP PHOTOS, 5 PACKETS ARE ACTUALLY INCLUDED IN THIS PURCHASE AS PREVIOUSLY STATED.*****

Measuring 1 7/8 inches in diameter x 1/4 of an inch high, this seldom-found, circa 1920’s, dexterity game depicts a surprised or startled African baby. Likely German-made, the puzzle has no markings. It contains the 3 tiny metal balls, that with the proper manual dexterity, are to be placed in the baby’s mouth and two eyes. Two of the balls are currently fixed in place, likely due to the metal backing being very subtly pushed in.

Constructed of tin with tin back and a cardboard lithographed image and a glass cover, the puzzle is in all-original condition with some tiny crimps to the edges as noted in photos. (Please disregard any light or shiny spots in photos which are due to flash reflection off of the glass.)

An interesting image and a delightful piece of early Black Memorabilia!

An educational tool pairing that spans a century!

Offered are two school slates, both designed to support children's learning, either while in school or at home.

The C1870 school slate was commonly known as a book slate as it is constructed of two separate slates that are bound together on one side allowing the slates to open and close like a book. This construction also allows the bound slates to stand freely on a flat surface. Each slate measures 7" wide x 9' long, and are framed in wood with a decorative, thread bound leather edging that has been tacked into place around the perimeter. The two slates are joined together by a cloth binding. The condition of the slates are quite fine with no cracks, fractures or missing elements either to the slates' surfaces or to the framing. Traces of ancient writings and numerals are subtly visible. Double slates are much less common versus the single slate as doubles were not only more expensive to produce but also were more expensive to purchase!

The companion slate offered was produced by the well-known US child toy and game manufacturer, Transogram, circa early 1960s. This slate retains its original and quite visually-appealing box and is constructed of a masonite-type board-- with a smooth surface on the backside and a textured gray-colored surface on the front side. The slate is in very good condition and is imprinted with the alphabet and numerals 0-9 as well as a pair of stars and school bells on either side of its name: TRANSO-SLATE. The slate is advertised on the box cover as washable, and the set originally came with a little eraser and colored chalk. The eraser is no longer present and only remnants of colored and white chalk remain. The condition of the box is quite fine with only superficial wear to some of the cover edges. No rips or repairs. Imaging and printing on the box cover remain bright and intact. The box measures 8.25" wide x 6.25" long. The slate measures just a fraction smaller, fitting snugly inside of the box.

A wonderful pairing of 19th and mid-20th century educational tools!

Offered is a beautiful variety grouping of VERY RARELY FOUND, 1880's, Black Americana die cuts printed in Germany and sold by the Bim Brothers, London.

This offering features two lovely die cuts- one, a well-to-do Victorian era husband and wife sitting down to dinner, and the second, a colorfully dressed bride and groom at the altar about to take their wedding vows. The third offering is a glossy finish mini-size litho featuring three siblings arriving at school with book bags on their backs, and one sporting an umbrella in case it later rains. Three children peer out the school window awaiting their arrival.

The products for which these die cuts and litho were meant to endorse is unknown. The litho features a very glossy finish, and the die cuts feature an embossed, glossy finish which compliments the beautiful detailing and intense coloring of each piece. All would look fabulous either framed individually or as a grouping! Think gift!

Approximate measurements are as follows:
The dining couple & the Wedding: 4" tall x 5.75" wide
School children: 6" tall x 4.50" wide

Priced each at $45.

Please note that any white specks that seem prominent in the closeup photos are the result of light bouncing off the surfaces of the aged die cuts. These pieces are approximately 140 years old, and while in very good condition given their age, tiny surface imperfections may be evident here and there.

The photo of the verso of all three pieces reveal that only the wedding die cut has a small restoration made to one of the altar candlesticks using archival quality tape. There have been no repairs or restorations made to either the school litho or the Dinner die cut.

Measuring 11 inches wide x 6.25 high x 1.25 deep, this circa 1920's, architectural, children's, wooden block set made by the W. C. Hoag Company of Burlington, Vermont, is in near perfect condition!

The set appears to have never been used! All blocks are present and are in wonderful condition! The paper label attached to the sliding, wood cover is intact with very minor, age-appropriate edge wear and scuffing. What a fabulous, graphic image that would certainly command presence when displayed on a shelf! The integrity of the all-wooden box remains strong and sturdy.

Sets such as these could be found in the more affluent home as well as in early elementary level classrooms, as such toys or learning manipulatives, promoted the development of eye-hand coordination and visual-spatial reasoning skills.

A delightful and diminutive, circa 1950's, Baby Boomer Era, set of children's wooden architectural building blocks marked "Made in Japan".

Measuring a slight 4" x 5", the brightly painted blocks are housed in a highly-detailed cardboard box featuring a colorful graphic of a young child playing with them. This toy was also used in the primary grade classrooms to help develop fine motor coordination and dexterity.

Condition is quite fine with the exception noted of 2 missing blocks.

An ornately detailed and historical graphic of the California State Seal adds to the importance of this authentic and extremely RARE, museum-quality, 1859, TEACHING and PRINCIPAL’s LICENSE / DIPLOMA / CERTIFICATE issued by the STATE OF CALIFORNIA, and the City and County of SAN FRANCISCO, DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, just 9 years after California became the 31st state!

Text indicates that this early Principal and Teaching Certification was awarded to Mr. O. P. Sarle on January 5, 1859. This “Certificate of Approval” found him qualified “with respect to Learning Utility and Moral Character” to not only teach but administer as Principal at the Grammar School Grade for “one year unless sooner revoked by the board”. Signed by five individuals constituting the Examining Board and the President of the Superintendent of Public Schools.

Measures 14 inches X 16.5 inches. Labeled lower left corner: "Fishbourne's Litho. Ohio Street San Francisco". With the exception of early fold lines and a lower left edge water mark (which will not be seen when framed), condition is mint! This certificate comes backed on a museum-quality, acid-free foam board which can be used when the piece is framed.

Truly a historically significant, museum-quality piece of ephemera which tells a part of the story of the beginnings of public school education in California.

Offered for individual sale are two, circa 1960's, "Days of the Week", cotton muslin Hand Towels each featuring a cross-stitched Mammy hard at work tackling a different household chore on each day! The towels are priced at $38 each or both for $65. Please specify preference when making inquiries.

One of the hand towels, "Monday", is entirely hand-cross-stitched and hand-hemmed on a somewhat heavy-weight, cream-colored, cotton muslin. It measures approximately 36 inches square and features Mammy washing clothes using a washboard in a wooden barrel. Condition is quite good with small, scattered, stain spots here and there- none in the area of the cross-stitching.

The other hand towel, "Friday", is made of a slightly lighter weight and whiter-colored, cotton muslin. It measures 28 x 29 inches, and again, it has a tiny stain spot here and there away from the cross-stitched area. The hems are machine stitched while the cross-stitching is entirely hand-completed. This towel features a humorous scene of Mammy serving/making pancakes while a pitcher of milk or water unknowingly spills behind her!

These delightful towels would look charming folded and displayed on a kitchen wall rack or could even be framed - folded so that only the cross-stitched area is visible in the frame!

As the towels are priced both separately or as a pair, please email us stating whether you wish to purchase the pair or only one of the towels so that we can customize your order form.