Catalog (459)

This is an unused, "New Old Stock", Pharmacy or Drug Store display from the 1940-1950's era. It is complete with 16 full boxes of "THRIOCAIN LOZENGES". The pink tablets are inside a plastic tube which was prepared for and labeled "James' Drug Co., New London, CT".

This diminutive size display measures 6.25" x 3.75" x 2" closed and is in very nice condition except for some unobtrusive ink scribbling appearing mostly on the top. The cover lifts up to facilitate the advertising of this product and would have been placed on the counter top of a pharmacy in this fashion. A neat find!

Measuring 7 inches in diameter at its widest point and 10 inches high, this lovely, C1920, Ohio-made, yellow ware, blue spongeware pitcher exudes elegance! It features a fabulous, embossed and sculpted rim and a decorative handle, both accented with gold gilt!

The pitcher sits on a footed base and has a generous, bulbous-shaped body. It has glaze crazing typical of an 85+ year old piece of pottery, superficial flakes as noted in photos, and two hairlines at the base (see photos) which likely were acquired through use over the years. The hairlines seem tight and do not appear to threaten the integrity of the piece. P> An outstanding piece of American Spongeware! Becoming much more difficult to find- particularly in this condition!

Please type the word "spongeware" into the Search box to find the other pieces of C1900-1920 Ohio Yellowware Spongeware currently being offered for sale. All pieces are prices separately.

The resplendent colors of this vintage, 1940's, all-hand-stitched, wool felt tote bag with rolled hand straps are pure eye candy!

This never-used tote bears the original paper tag which states, "Handmade by African Cripple; Ematupeni / Zimele Cripple Care Centers; Durban, England".

The artistry of the wool felt, hand-appliqued cut-outs featuring a mother and her three children is further enhanced by colorful bead work which was carefully placed for symmetry in design and form! A gorgeous piece of vintage African Artwork!

Measuring 14 long x 14 wide x 2 deep, the bag retains a "brand-new" appearance with no fading, rips, stains, or other blemishes.

Please see the companion "tea cozy" offered for sale and priced separately.

Measuring a diminutive 2.5 inches tall, this darling pair of Black Memorabilia, ceramic, boy and girl dolls remain in perfect, all-original condition. They remain housed in their original box complete with cardboard divider, and still retain the tiny ribbon bows tied on each of their six pigtails. Both the dolls and their box appear to have been safely tucked away unused and untouched in a drawer all of these years, the condition is that wonderful! The boy is incised "JAPAN" on the back of his white shirt while the girl's "JAPAN" marking appears on the back of her neck. The bottom of the box is stamped in ink, "237 2 PCS JAPAN". Not to be missed---- fabulous new-old stock!

Offered is a wonderful, 1940 era, SENTINEL First Aid Kit sporting GREAT graphics. This visually-attractive, metal case contains all of its contents and appears to be in minimal and perhaps in unused condition!

This diminutive kit was designed to be portable and most useful for scrapes and scratches. The case measures 6" x x 3" x 1.25" and is in very nice condition with minor surface scratches and stains commensurate with age. The contents are near perfect.

Distributed by FOREST CITY PRODUCTS, INC. Cleveland, Ohio.

A wonderful kit for your medical, nursing or emergency-care student or professional in your life!

An additional tube of Ophthalmic ointment and a few early Band-aids are included!

Offered are two, VERY RARE, 1880's, romantically-themed advertisements printed in Germany and sold by the Bim Brothers, London. The two advertisements both feature well-dressed African American gentlemen attempting to woo and capture the exclusive attentions of pretty young African-American ladies, one via a banjo serenade and the other via an offer of lovely flowers.

The products which these advertisements were meant to endorse is unknown. The advertisements feature a high-shine, glossy finish which compliments the beautiful detailing and intense coloring of each piece. Both would look fabulous framed!

The advertisement featuring the banjo playing gent (with that snarling black dog in the lower right corner) measures approximately 7.25 inches wide x 10.25 inches long. The advertisement featuring the shy woman being presented with pretty flowers measures approximately 7.25 inches wide x 9 inches long.

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 advertisements. These pieces are approximately 140 years old, and while in very good condition given their age, both do have tiny surface imperfections, lines and light edge wear. The advertisements are priced at $35 each or two for $60.

Offered is an early portable Steelyard scale that is designed to weigh goods up to 30 pounds. This primitive iron scale sports hand-forging construction and measures just over 13 inches in length. The manufacturer's identifying name is almost fully readable and is stamped "?? WHITHFIELD & SONS".

The arm on one side is stamped in increments 1 through 9 (pounds) and 7-30 on the opposite side. Photo #5 shows two fancy and not often seen, "cross-shaped" embellishments.

The condition is very good with some mild wear, traces of rust, and faint pitting of the iron, all commensurate with an early tool of the trade.

An interesting and scarce example of early American craftsmanship.

Measuring 9 inches in diameter, this wonderful 1950's, school, Spelling and Counting Board retaining its original box with a 77 Cent price sticker on it! The game is quite colorful, as is the box, and both will create an eye-appealing display! The game is in mint, unused condition with all letters of the alphabet present as well as the numbers one through ten with math signs. The box shows its age with superficial dirt, weak corners and seams, as well as tearing to the box bottom. Made by BAR-ZIM, USA. A great find for the collector of School Memorabilia!

Measuring a diminutive 2 inches in diameter and in near mint condition, this interesting and unusual celluloid advertising pocket mirror features a person dosing with a magical "Nature's Remedy" tablet! (**Please note that any white spots in the photos are light reflections ONLY and not damage to the mirror.**)

The mirror front has a age-faded salmon colored border surrounding an image of a person's face with protruding tongue, about to swallow a "NR" (Nature's Remedy) tablet. The fading makes it a challenge to read the following which is imprinted around the circumference of the mirror: "Take One Tonight - You'll feel Better In The Morning."

AND....

"Better Than Pills For Liver Ills - Get a 25 Cent Box"

Original mirrored backing is in very fine condition with just a few very minute, superficial scratches.

Manufacturer name stamped on bottom edge: "Parisian Novelty Company, Chicago".

An interesting little advertising piece!

Measuring just 4.5" wide x 5.5" long, this very rarely found, circa 1940's, metal mechanical toy features the beloved Golliwogg character!

Unmarked, this toy is in very good condition with tiny superficial surface scratches wherever metal rubs metal during toy movement. To operate the toy, one simply squeezes the metal lever on the back, which causes the clown to hit poor Golly on the head with a mallet!

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 wonderful vintage hospital sign from the 1920's once hung in a small central South Carolina hospital, as told by the 91 year old seller from whom it was purchased.

Taken right out of her sewing room where it had hung for decades on the wall, the black and gold sign, which is painted on a heavy particle-type board, has a very lovely, warm, aged patina. It was very difficult to photograph as the black background paint readily picked up the slightest light source. The very first photograph most accurately depicts the color and appearance of this piece. Any white glare in any of the photographs should be completely disregarded, as both the color and tone of the sign are quite uniform.

Measuring 24" wide x 6" long, the sign has three eyelet-type holes in each of three corners (one corner is missing) to facilitate hanging. It comes with a heavy, ancient piece of wire that was used to hang the sign in the seller's home.

As noted in the close-up photos, the sign has its share of surface rubs, scratches, paint edge wear and three of the four corner edges missing-- all appropriate examples of wear for a well-used sign that is nearly 100 years old! Close examination of the sign suggests that the background was painted completely black first and then the gold edge-work and lettering were stenciled on top of the black background.

Just LOVE the look of this sign!

Please note that the mortar and pestle pictured on the right side--as seen in the first photo--has been sold.

This wonderful, 1940-1950s vintage hand made and painted mortar and pestle display once adorned the interior of a Connecticut pharmacy. The display is decorated in red with painted bronze details for added flair.

Measures about 7 high” x 4.5” wide and is in very nice condition! Some unobtrusive surface paint loss and scuffing including a few tiny nail holes are apparent but do not distract from their visual appeal!

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 3.25 inches high by 3.75 inches in diameter, this lovely Victorian Barber Shop, mustache or shaving cup or mug remains in excellent condition but for the subtle wear to the gilt-edged rim.

The cup is embossed with swirls, dots and bows as well as decorated further with gold-drawn designs and 2 large, hand-painted pink roses with 1 smaller cream-colored rose. The cup base is scalloped and the fancy handle is gold-gilded.

A very pretty piece!

Measuring 13 inches in height, this vintage 1930's, Mammy Bottle Doll is in lovely condition, with nicely detailed clothing and a very darling face! Mammy bottle dolls were constructed to be quite functional; they were used as doorstops back in the day. Their sand-filled bottles added enough weight to readily keep that door in place.

This mammy's cute face is completely hand-stitched and is accented by original celluloid hoop earrings. She wears a flowered bandanna, a cream colored flowered shawl, and an off white apron over her green and black mini-checked dress. She even has a cream colored petticoat underneath all! Her machine-stitched clothes are odor free and are nicely constructed, although her apron does have tiny age holes!

Although her bottle frame is covered by a black stocking, the stocking has risen up revealing her sand-filled milk bottle with red lettering from R.W. Tripp's Dairy, established 1889. The milk bottle lettering is in great shape and even features a graphic of a school boy and girl! Among milk bottle collectors, this particular milk bottle is quite rarely found and quite highly sought after, adding further collectible value to this sweet doll!

This great, early mammy bottle doll is one of 3 currently offered mammy bottle dolls --- rarely found in today's market and all priced separately.

Offered are three, desirable, circa 1910-1920 era, smooth face, hickory shaft golf clubs. Although smooth face golf clubs fell out of fashion and perhaps function by the very early 1900s, they were still offered in catalogues for a number of years beyond this date.

The first club is stamped on the back "SPALDING - GOLD MEDAL" and measures 39.5" from the heel to the top of the shaft. The Gold Medal line was first introduced in 1905 and offered till 1919. The complete grip shows mild separation and is in good condition. The shaft on this long club (likely a #2 iron) has a modest bend near the grip.

The second club, a putter, is stamped on the upper shaft "THE CRAWFORD MACGREGOR & CAMBY CO - DAYTON, OH" and measures 32.5 inches from the top of the club to the heel. The sheepskin grip is worn and the face of the club is heavy by design.

The third club is likely a MASHIE, has a straight shaft and good grip. The name of the maker is not discernible due to a partially worn stamped label. It measures almost 36 inches from the end of the club to the heel.

All three clubs show various, small, leading edge dings, original patina and mild wear commensurate with the clubs' use and 110+ years of age. A delightful trio!

Measuring just 11 inches tall, this sweet cloth doll with a composition face may be placed in either a standing or sitting position.

Her composition face is in impeccable condition with sharp, well-drawn painted facial features. Her face is further accented by 3 darling curls peaking out from under her brightly colored cloth bandanna!

Her body is machine-stitched cotton fabric stuffed with sawdust. On the back of her right thigh, her place of origin is stamped: "POLAND". Her little flowered skirt is also machine stitched and is the only piece of clothing that may be removed.

Condition is superb with the exception of a hand-stitched repair to the seam line of her left foot where the foot is joined to the leg. Does not detract.

19thC English instruments are noted for their high quality craftsmanship, and this suppository mold certainly meets this very high standard. Constructed of brass, this footed mold sports 5 tubes for making 2 grain suppositories.

This fine example measuring 6"L x 1.5"W x 1"H, sports a warm patina commensurate with an instrument of this age.

The mold is marked "S. MAW & SONS, THOMPSON - LONDON", a noted manufacturer of quality medical instruments and tools for many years).

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!

This extremely rare cross stitch sampler of a young black boy with hands placed on his hips is dated to at least circa 1890, although it is quite likely an earlier example of 19th century needlework making it highly scarce and sought after.

Completed in silk thread on early, thick, pressed paper canvas, the diminutive, 1 5/8 x 2 3/4 inch piece of needlework remains stitched onto the original, 1 ¾ x 8 inch long, deep red satin banding. Standing on deep red ground, the black boy wears pale green and black striped clothing.

This wonderful, early piece of Black Americana needlework remains in excellent, original condition. At some point in time, a previous owner matted and framed the piece to allow for both ease of display and protection; however, to meet archival requirements, the piece requires a replacement of its current cardboard backing, and spacer bars separating the needlework from the glass should be added. Framed measurements are 4.5 inches wide x 11 inches long.

A phenomenally rare piece for the advanced Black Memorabilia collector!

It is difficult to photograph glass without reflection- please note that any aberrations are reflections only.

Offered is a wonderful 1920-1930s era Asthma Remedy bottle labeled HIMROD'S REMEDY. This lovely nostrum sports bright colored graphics and includes full contents and image of the debonair Mr. Himrod.

The condition is very good with the expected wear and minor scuffs and imperfections of a vintage piece.

There is even a high profile testimonial on the top box label from Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes who claimed this medicine to be "the best thing in my experience" etc.

Measures 4.5 inches tall.

Measuring approximately 23 inches high X 18 inches wide, this heavy cardboard restaurant menu from the 1940’s has never been used! This menu board was designed by the manufacturer to be a consumable, throw-away --- for jotting down the ever-changing, daily menu “Specials”!

Featuring a delightful, cartoon-like caricature of a black man, this board is in very good condition with minor edge wear, slight age-discoloration and a teeny missing piece of the front rim of the hat.

An interesting, seldom-found piece of Black Memorabilia!

Please disregard reflections in photos that are due to the presence of protective plastic wrap.

Offered are three, handsome, McGregor Brass head hickory shaft golf putters that are all different. All three clubs have a wonderful aged patina and solid straight shafts that include a stamp noting the following: "MADE BY THE CRAWFORD, McGREGOR, & CAMBY CO DAYTON, OHIO".

Club #1 sports sleek Art Deco styling with a milled flange on the base and a beveled edge on the top back of putter. The #60 stamped on the bevel indicates the model number. It measures 34 inches from heel to top of shaft and has small dings and surface wear commensurate with use and its 100+ years of age.

The 2nd handsome club notes fewer custom features but is similar in style and shape to club #1. Measures 34 inches from the heel to the end of the shaft and its condition is similar to club #1.

The 3rd McGregor brass putter is a smooth face blade example that sports a new grip. Measures 33 inches from heel to the end of the club and is in good condition for an 100 year old club.

A terrific trio!

Offered is a very interesting, scarcely-seen, Black Americana child's toy from the 1930's era.

Measuring 7" long x 4.5" high x 4" wide, this colorful toy features two African-American boxers who are activated by jiggling the paddle which causes the boxer's arms and legs to freely fly about.

The boxers have painted wooden bodies with lithographed tin arms and legs. They are attached to the wooden paddle by a thin metal wire.

The toy is complete and in all-original condition and has not been subjected to any repair or repaint. Wear to the painted faces is evident as noted in the extreme close-up photos provided. No manufacture marking evident.

This seldom-found toy displays very nicely and would be a delightful addition to a Black Americana toy collection.

Measuring 7 1/2 x 9 1/2, this lovely, 1920-30's, English or Continental origin, Black subject die cut features a very pretty, smiling young woman in a straw bonnet with unknown book in hand.

This die cut was manufactured to advertise a specific item, store or location but was never used for that purpose or otherwise personalized. Likely, this vintage advertising piece was discovered and then framed so that it could be enjoyed despite its anonymity.

This pleasant die cut is in excellent condition and comes protected in an attractive, walnut-tone, oval decorative frame! The frame bears some minor veneer loss that does not impact the frame integrity, nor is it immediately noticeable.

A sweet piece!

Measuring 3” in diameter, the patent date indicates that this vintage, NEW ORLEANS MARDI GRAS pin back was manufactured in 1957, by Pictorial Productions, Inc.

It features a vintage, EARLY HOLOGRAM IMAGE, a “moving” Court Jester or Clown, who in a gallant sweeping motion, removes his broad-rimmed hat and takes a grand bow. (Tilt pin slightly to make Jester move.)

Colors: bright, buttery yellow background, jester in traditional Mardi Gras colors: dark fuchsia, green and white, with lettering and metal pin back frame in red.

Condition: quite nice for its 65+ years of age with light, expected wear to red paint at rim edges and back. NOTE: The piece of tape shown in pics is not part of the pin or attached to it, but was used to prop the piece up to display the two different moving images.

While everyone else wears their newly bought, common, plastic, Mardi Gras beads on Fat Tuesday, stand out and be unique sporting a vintage, 65 yr old, traditional, Mardi Gras, Clown Jester Hologram pin!

Measuring 9 inches in diameter and 2.75 inches high, this gorgeous, Ohio-made, yellowware fruit bowl features fabulous blue sponging with gold gilt highlights along its decoratively embossed and scalloped rim.

The bowl has glaze crazing typical of an 85+ year old piece of pottery. An extremely tight hairline on one side of the bowl has been photographed for one’s perusal. It does not affect structural integrity, and the pricing of the bowl reflects this imperfection. No other flaws!

An outstanding piece of American Spongeware! Becoming much more difficult to find- particularly in this condition!

Please type the word "spongeware" into the Search box to find the other pieces of C1900-1920 Ohio Yellowware Spongeware currently being offered for sale. All pieces are prices separately.

Measuring 9.75 inches in diameter and 3.75 inches high, this gorgeous, Ohio-made, circa 1920's, yellowware fruit bowl features fabulous blue sponging with gold gilt highlights along its decoratively embossed and scalloped rim.

The bowl sits upon a one inch high foot and has glaze crazing typical of an 85+ year old piece of pottery. No chips, cracks, or hairlines. One teeny, tiny fleabite on rim too small to be photographed with any clarity.

An outstanding piece of American Spongeware! Becoming much more difficult to find- particularly in this outstanding condition!

Please type the word "spongeware" into the Search box to find the other pieces of C1900-1920 Ohio Yellowware Spongeware currently being offered for sale. All pieces are prices separately.

Offered is a hard to find, vintage hand-carved and hand-painted, ice fishing fish decoy from the 1940-1950 era.

This wonderful folk art decoy was recently acquired from the collection of an 81 year old Kansas collector who stated that the decoy originated in Montana.

This delightful and visually appealing folk art beauty has been skillfully crafted and painted with lifelike details to closely reflect a real fish. In fact, this charmer has evidence of having been a working decoy as noted by the mild areas of surface rust on the tin fins and where the fishing line connects.

A loss of paint and light wear gives this work of art a wonderful vintage patina, and one large weight on the bottom provides a bit of heft. Measures 9.0 inches long x 2.0 inches wide x 2.0 inches high including the dorsal fin. Maker is unknown.

A splendid work of folk art!

Please take a moment to view our other fish decoys offered for sale by typing "decoy" into our homepage SEARCH box or by clicking on the "American Folk Art" specialty category on our homepage.

Well, this was recently acquired from the estate of a 100 year old resident. The nickel plated shaver is in very nice condition, complete with a blade and box that is lined in a purple velvet type material. The interior is labeled “ANTICOR – The Saftey Corn Shaver” and the directions are printed on the label noted on the bottom of the box.

The box measures 4 inches long and is in good condition.

A must for the foot doctor in your life.

Measuring 3 3/4 inches tall, this rarely found, bisque, black baby doll rests in a 6 inch long Peanut!

The little black doll retains its original cloth diaper and swaddling blanket with arm holes. The blanket shows spotted soiling. The baby doll features a nicely hand-painted face with the bisque in excellent condition with the exception of the right foot. The top front of the right foot appears to have been chipped during production as it retains the original paint that is applied over the white bisque during the manufacturing process. The doll is marked on its upper back: "made in Japan".

The 2 piece peanut shell is quite lightweight and appears to be made of layers of heat-pressed paper that was fashioned into a peanut via a mold. The two peanut shells retain the original hinges. A 1 inch long piece of the interior paper liner has separated from the peanut shell, but the separated piece remains (see photo). These delicate peanut shells are in fine condition overall!

Perhaps originally intended as an ornament, the peanut shell still retains a hanging string at its top edge. A rarely found piece of Black Memorabilia!

Measuring just 3.25 inches in length, this unusual, 19th century, Three leaf Clover cookie cutter is in fine, all-original condition! From the renown, Pennsylvania Robacker Estate, published experts in Pennsylvania Dutch decorative art and culture, who passed away in the 1980's.

An earlier, older restoration to one seam at the base is evident. A tiny spot of very superficial rust here and there that may be removed, if so desired, by polishing with a clear paste wax.

A sweet accent piece for the country kitchen with wonderful decorative form!

This rare and unusual, finely constructed, Civil War Era, portable Field Surgeon's Operating or Gleason type Mortuary Table (also known as a Cooling Table) comes from the estate of a 4th generation New England medical doctor, and retains its original finish with wonderful patina.

The decorative and delicate detailing of this piece is at odds with its most gruesome history! Scalloped copper edge guards and the appealing pattern in which the drainage holes in the laminated wood tabletop were laid out contribute to visual appeal. The softwood table frame stands on nicely turned hardwood legs.

When opened and extended to its maximum dimensions, the table measures 72" long X 18.5" wide X 22" high. To facilitate ease of traveling, this portable table slides and folds to 40" long X 18.5" wide X 4" high. A leather carrying handle is attached to the table edge; legs, when folded, are secured in place with hooks.

Very fine original condition: expected overall wear (patina) with one hook missing and minor unobtrusive loss of laminate along lower table top edge measuring approximately 1/3” wide by 7”.

Offered is a choice, late 19th century, physician's, Homeopathic Medicine Case No. 1 from Parke Davis & Company.

It is a nearly complete example containing 23 of the original 24 screw cap empty vials! This example was most likely part of a set of 2 or 3 other matching cases offering various additional remedies as the gold printing on the flap notes the following: "TABLET TRITURATE CASE NO. 1. A partial printed label marked "ASSORTMENT A..." indicates that Parke Davis offered a large assortment of different homeopathic medicines.

Each cylindrical vial measures approximately 3 inches in length including the cap. The vials are nestled in the leather case with most of them sporting a small paper label that is hand written or printed upon. The fitted leather case measures 7" long x 1.5" wide x 3.5" high and shows wear commensurate with its use and its 120+ years of age. Modest loss to the flap closure is noted with general wear and mild loss of material. One flap is separated as seen in the photo.

A wonderful pharmaceutical relic representative of late 19th century homeopathic medicine!

Offered is this very rarely found, 1938, LITTLE BLACK SAMBO book with beautiful, full color illustrations by Hidegard Lupprian, a McLoughlin Brothers Inc, Springfield, Massachusetts, book publication. Hardcover, 53 unnumbered pages.

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 8 out of 10! All wear on this brightly colored hardcover book was absorbed by its cover with minor wear to book edge points, book cover edges, and spine edges. Light scuffing to front and back covers. The interior binding is intact and tight as are all pages. No missing pages, rips, creasing, pen/pencil markings or bends to pages with one exception: the initial front blank page is missing its lower corner, and it also has five circular hole punches running at the bottom of the page. Child mischief, no doubt!

The fourteen colored illustrations remain very bright and vibrant with the McLoughlin Bros. well known for their very fine artistry. Three black ink illustrations. Pages printed with a larger font suitable for young readers. Subtle age discoloration to pages.

Wonderful condition for a nearly 90 year old 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 enter “Sambo” into the search box on our website homepage.

Offered for sale is a fabulous and most colorful, hand-painted Connecticut TIN trade sign from the 1920s – 1930s.

Framed in sturdy wood, this metal sign is hand-painted in stunning blues, whites, and oranges and reads: “JOHN E. MELVIN – PLUMBER – TEL. CONN”.

Measuring approximately 32.5 inches wide x 18 inches high, this vintage tin sign, a most unusual find, has wonderful visual graphic appeal and would add great decorative interest to any room!

The condition of the sign is quite good with lovely patina and appropriate surface wear for its 90+ years of age. Note a small unobtrusive piece of framing missing from the bottom right.

Offered is a delightful trio of 19th century, Horn, Apothecary Pharmacy Powder or Tablet Scoops. These tools of the trade were made in three different sizes ranging from nearly 5 inches long to 5.75 inches long.

These interesting pharmacy implements have a warm honey translucent tone and are complemented by a natural brownish color which is especially noted in the largest scoop. They were most likely made from cow horn as was typical of the period. Depending upon their size, a scoop, such as these, was capable of holding from 2 ounces to about 4 ounces of medicine when used compounding process.

The smooth surface of each scoop shows minor wear from usage. Overall, they have a very handsome and rich patina with various minuscule scuffs and imperfections commensurate with age and use. The only minor damage noted is a 1/4" split near the corner of the handle of the largest scoop.(SEE PHOTO).

This very scarce group of 19th century horn scoops will make a wonderful addition to any apothecary 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 1920-30's Johnny Griffin letter opener is constructed in solid brass. It remains functional for such use today or may be simply used as an attractive desk paperweight!

It is in all original condition with delightful patina- not a reproduction- no replaced parts- and measures 10 1/4 inches long. Remnants of green paint are visible on Johnny's shirt. Interestingly, this piece also doubles as an advertising piece as on the reverse side it is impressed, “I. C. Herman + Co., 507-9 Broadway, NY (New York)”.

Johnny Griffin Black Americana collectibles should form the cornerstone of any serious Black Memorabilia collection!

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

Offered is a scarce, vintage, boxed case of SS White Dental Burs from the 1920 era.

This awesome tool-of-the-trade includes many unused burs housed in their original, individual boxes! A detailed, complete label is pasted on the interior lid and is in good condition.

The hardwood case measures 11" L x 5.5" W x 3" H and has wear to the finish commensurate with age and use. A visually-appealing display piece that would enhance any dental instrument and artifact collection!

Pictured is an absolutely fabulous and wonderful Victorian Child's Rocking Chair sporting a fancy crest with an incised design in what appears to beautiful burled walnut. This diminutive gem with beautiful detailing is further embellished with caning woven to its back and seat.

Overall, this heirloom piece flaunts its desirable size with a nice early finish, lovingly curved armrests, perfect-condition caned seat and back, and decoratively turned spindles and front legs.

Given its age, the rocker remains very sturdy and ready for the child in your family to enjoy! It has the expected, minimal surface blemishes and unobtrusive dings and wear that are commensurate with a piece of child's furniture from the 1880 era. Additionally, there are two very, very tight hairline splits in the left side of the seat frame, that again, do not effect the chair's structural integrity. The first is noted just in front of the base of the left arm (when sitting) and the second is seen where the back of the seat joins with the vertical rail. Both imperfections have been photographed, are solid, and do not impact the rocker's structural integrity. The chair measures just over 27 inches tall and the seat width at the front of the chair measures 15.5 inches wide. The rockers measure 24 inches in length.

Just a lovely and special heirloom piece for the new baby or toddler in your family!

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

Presented as a historical and cultural artifact, this seldom-found, vintage, 1942, Ten Little Colored Boys book illustrated by Emery I. Gondor and published by Howell, Soskin Publishers, New York, is in very good condition.

Measuring 10.75 inches wide x 8.25 inches long, the book has seen extremely gentle use as evidenced by the minimal wear of the little boys' heads which, while providing visual interest, are primarily present to allow easy turning of each page. Given this purpose, it is quite remarkable that all heads remain present after 80+ years, with prominent creasing only appearing at the neckline and lessor crease lines present elsewhere on the heads. Four of the heads have suffered minimal tearing at the neckline, and were, at some point, restored and secured with what appears to be an archival quality tape. Front and back covers are constructed of heavy cardboard, the pages of heavier stock paper. Both the front and back boards evidence minor corner and edge wear along with minor soiling from handling. The front cover has a tiny 1/4 inch long tear at the binding, about 1 1/2 inches down from the top of the book. The back cover at the exterior upper corner is missing a small section of the top layer of cardboard. Interior pages are intact and crisp. Please view photos.

The book retains its brilliant, bright, crayon-box-like colors. The book has ten pages with alternating color and black and white illustrations as noted in photos. Sufficient space to post photos of all pages does not exist, but those present are representative of overall condition. Pages evidence some extremely minor age-discoloration and/or foxing, but all pages are free of rips and creases. The binding is tight and the book retains its original, red, binding spiral.

Originally published in 1868 under the Title of “The Ten Little Indians,” this poem was used during minstrel shows, which oftentimes were traveling acts, performed by white actors in blackface following the Civil War. The following year, the poem was adapted to this overtly horrid, racist rendition, replacing the word Indians with “Nigger” in both minstrel shows, printed sheet music, and children’s nursery rhyme books. This version married the stereotypes of violence and ignorance within the African-American population with the intent of "villain-izing" freed black males while simultaneously allowing violent acts to befall the black characters portrayed in the rhyme.

This 1942 version having changed the derogatory term nigger to that of colored (equally derogatory), also depicts a somewhat tempered portrayal of the violence befalling the characters as compared to earlier versions of the rhyme.

The poem:
Ten little colored boys sitting in a line; one slid off the roof, then there were nine.
Nine little colored boys fished with worms for bait; one fell in the river, then there were eight.
Eight little colored boys flying up to heaven; one tried to parachute, then there were seven.
Seven little colored boys doing circus tricks; one teased an elephant, then there were six.
Six little colored boys found honey in a hive; one tried to pet a bee, then there were five.
Five little colored boys heard a lion roar; One didn't run in time, then there were four.
Four little colored boys started out to ski; One hit a snowman, then there were three.
Three little colored boys cooked some chicken stew; One ate the pot-ful, then there were two.
Two little colored boys playing with a gun; Thought it wasn't loaded, then there was one.
One little colored boy thought it would be fun to settle down and marry, then there was none.
He had a family of colored boys and then, before very long, there were ten of them again.

Measuring just 2 inches high, blown-in-mold, 19th century, clear glass bleeding or cupping glass is in excellent condition.

Extensively used in the 19th century and earlier, the cupping glass is a glass vessel from which the air has been exhausted by heat or suction creating a vacuum, and then applied to the skin to draw blood to the surface for therapeutic or curative purposes.

Offered is a wonderful grouping of five, choice C1900-1920, Patent Medicine Drugstore Pill Vials.

The first two medicines are from Denver, Colorado, are labeled KIDNEY TABLETS, and measure about three inches tall. As noted on their brightly colored labels, they are a remedy for a variety of disorders including: URINARY, LIVER, DIABETES, and LUMBAGO to name a few! The tablets are housed within wooden vials which are covered by the labels. The labels shows mild loss primarily on the ends. The condition of the wooden vials is very good. A hard to find Western medicine!

Thirdly, is another nice Western medicine: SWAIN'S BACKACHE AND KIDNEY PILLS from Kansas City, MO. This three inch remedy mentions the Food and Drug Act and sports a wooden vial housed in a very decorative paper label. The condition is very good with loss of the label on both ends.

The fourth medicine, DEBELL'S KIDNEY PILLS, dates to the early 1900s and also mentions the 1906 Pure Foods and Drug Act. It sports a wood vial enclosed in a paper label. This medicine is specific for kidney and bladder complaints and is from the C.W.BEGGS SONS & Co., Chicago, USA. The condition is good with modest wear and loss to one end of the label.

Finally, is DOAN'S REGULETS touted "A MODERN LAXATIVE" from Foster-Milburn CO., Buffalo, N.Y. The label on this 2.5 inch cutie is complete, mildly worn and colorful. Dates to the 1920s era.

Overall a nice group of early medicines ready for your collection!

Offered is a simply outstanding, extraordinarily scarce, 1920-1930s Art Deco era, ceiling-mount-hanging, drugstore 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 colored-water as was the display fashion back "in-the-day". The frame is embellished with a buffed, silver 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! The hanger medallions retain their original finish and are ready for mounting. Here and there, the metal parts retain a faint honey tone adding to the show globe's antique charm. This fabulous apothecary showpiece measures approximately 34.5 inches from the top of its fancy, ceiling-mount hanger to the base. If desired, it is possible to add additional chain links to further extend the overall length of the globe.

The condition is excellent. The globe glass is clean and clear except for some very, very faint haze on the interior top of the globe just below the neck. A perfectly fitting, ground-glass faceted finial echoing Art Deco design, rounds out this beauty.

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

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!

Offered is C1830's, hand-crafted, Woodworking Adjustable Plow Plane w/Bone Insert. This is a wonderful example of an early, unmarked, one-of-a-kind-constructed, woodworking tool with hand-hewn construction and repairs by a semi-skilled craftsman. Amazingly, this tool is approximately 200 years old!

Evidence of hand-craftmanship are scribe marks that extend beyond their desired point. The metal working skate is crudely riveted to the wood. Various early forged screws and nuts secure the sliding arms. To add to the charm of this early tool are two animal horn repairs to the fence, one of which is quite small and difficult to photograph.

The condition is commensurate with the honorable wear one would expect of an antique, utilitarian woodworking tool. The patina is wonderful with a smooth brownish finish, various scratches and dings, and mild wear. The blade and wedge do not exist.

Offered is an absolutely fabulous, early 20thC, reverse-painted-on-glass, MOYER'S PHARMACY Drug Store Sign.

This striking example was clearly designed to attract customers with its coloring and bold combination of script and block lettering- all executed in reverse on the underside of the glass. The reverse-painting technique adds additional elegance to the artistic quality of the sign's design. The very sturdy frame is constructed of wood that is enveloped in a heavy gauge metal. The metal portion of the frame has hints of having been painted a few times over the years and shows age appropriate wear.

The sign measures 36"L x 16"W x 1" thick and is in very good condition. There are various mounting holes present. As expected with old glass, some unobtrusive blemishes and small scratches are also present, commensurate with the sign's 100+ years of age. Two very small spots of paint loss are also evident as seen in the photos.

An utterly eye-catching and distinctive, vintage pharmacy sign that will complement any collection!

Entitled "A Chip O' The Old Block", the theme of this 1906 copyrighted lithograph features a derogatory stereotype not recognized as such when it was published 115 years ago. A very young African American toddler, bare-bottomed and still just crawling, is attempting to catch a fleeing hen - the caption implying, just as would his parent. The great irony here is that the artwork is quite skillfully and beautifully executed.

Measuring 8.5" wide x 6.6" long, the original frame is unusually embellished in the lower left hand corner with a very detailed, three-dimensional image of a wicker baby carriage fashioned from an unidentifiable medium. The carriage is missing part of the handle, part of one carriage wheel, and a teeny bit has also been lost on the upper part of that same wheel, but these missing pieces do little to take away from this embellishment's unique character. This is a unique and interesting piece, indeed!

The lithograph measures 5.5" wide x 3.5" long and is signed "Wall" in the grass under the toddler's left foot. The copyright date, 1906, and the publisher, The Ullman Mfg. Co. of New York, appear in the lower right corner. The original backside paper liner is missing.

The book, THOMPSON IN AFRICA or AN ACCOUNT OF THE MISSIONARY LABORS, SUFFERINGS, TRAVELS, AND OBSERVATIONS is the compilation of the journal kept by missionary George Thompson while working at the Mendi Mission in Sierra Leone, Africa, during the period 1848-1851. This is a second edition published in 1852, printed for the author by William Harned, 48 Beekman Street, New York City (the first edition was published in 1851).

George Thompson’s missionary service to Africa occurs approximately 7 years after the MENDI natives of the AMISTAD were accompanied by missionaries on their return to Africa. He serves this very same mission, now in the of colony Sierra Leone, a colony which was established to serve as refuge for the liberated Africans taken from slave ships.

356 pages long, this journal provides a fascinating account of all aspects of the Mendi culture seen through the eyes, however biased in his mission to convert the Africans to Christianity, of a genuinely well-meaning gentleman of his time. Condition: complete, tight binding, foxing throughout, spine wear as shown in picture.

Thompson states, “It is hoped that the following narrative may, in the hands of GOD, awaken a desire in many hearts to go to Africa, for the purposes of preaching, teaching, farming, building houses, mills, manufactories, etc., and thus assist in making long despised and neglected AFRICA, what it is capable of becoming, THE GARDEN OF THE WORLD.”

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!

A delightful find for the Baby Boomer Generation! A circa 1950's, mint condition, COMPLETE SET of bright blue, yellow, and green plastic toy All-American Police Whistles, untouched in their original, cardboard, store display box!

This type of display would have been placed on the counter next to the checkout register with the gum and candy to entice little girls and boys to purchase!

The display box cover features a city policeman demonstrating the authentic and powerful amplitude of the whistles. The cover has a perforated seam that was meant to be unfastened when the box was displayed open so that the policeman and city skyline stood tall above the whistles. The cover has yet to be displayed in this manner.

Marked ALL AMERICAN PLASTIC WHISTLES with no other maker’s mark evident. Very Cool and Colorful Baby Boomer Collectible!

Offered for sale is a wonderful late 19th century, Victorian drugstore, medical advertising cup. This lovely porcelain mug has “CUDAHY’S REXOMA” printed on the lip. Beautifully hand painted pink roses and other lavender colored flowers adorn the cup on all surfaces.

The Cudahy meat packing industry dates back to the turn of the century. The Cudahy meat industry, with stockyards in Omaha, Chicago, Sioux City and Los Angeles produced the REX brand of fine beef and pork products. They also produced lard, soaps and patent medicine products such as Cudahy's Essence of Pepsin and Cudahy's Rexsoma that used the animal byproducts. The patent medicines were marketed as nutritional supplements for improved health.

This 3.5 inch tall undamaged beauty is in very good condition and very classy indeed!

A terrific image on a lovely cup that can be easily displayed anywhere in your collection.

Offered is a very appealing pair of Mid Century Modern, vintage-design-decorated, apothecary jars that once embellished the shelves of a Claymont, Delaware pharmacy.

Dating to the 1950s - 1960s era, this beautiful, white and cobalt blue colored pair are in excellent condition. The large jar measures 10.75 inches tall x 6 inches in diameter. The small jar measures 7.5 inches high x 4.75 inches in diameter.

Ready for display in your vintage drug store collection!

Measuring 10.5" high x 10.5" deep x 6.5" wide at the widest point, this very unique, circa 1940's, pharmacy, ALKA-SELTZER advertising piece displays just wonderfully!

Cleverly conceived and constructed, this display combines a very, visually-pleasing, accessible medicine display that promoted spur-of-the-moment purchases at the drug store cash register, along with a tape dispenser for use by the pharmacist and his employees! Quite clever--- as it guaranteed that the display would remain in use and visible in the pharmacy as the tape dispenser provided a nice convenience for drug store employees!

In very nice condition with expected scratches, paint rubs, and non-problematic, superficial surface rusting here and there (please see photos) expected of a 75+ year old functional display.

The display retains one of its twelve, original, glass Alka-Seltzer medicine bottles (empty of contents) as well as an older, used roll of tape in the dispenser!

A very unique advertising drug store display sure to start an interesting conversation at your next dinner party!

Professionally framed in an intricate, antique-look, gold gilt molding with museum quality, acid-free mat and mounting materials, this 1840, hand-colored map of Germany, Switzerland, and Northern Italy will be well-preserved for many, many years to come!

Photography was a challenge in an attempt to avoid flash reflections. As such, please note that the rich coloring- violet, yellow, green and gray- is even throughout the map.

All print and map detailing is clean and easily read. Some minimal foxing and age staining to map do not detract from the visual appeal of this piece. Framed map measures 12 3/4" wide x 15 1/2" long.

An interesting and older circa 1940-50's, molded plastic, African female doll carrying a tiny African baby doll in a pouch on her back!

Fine detailing hallmarks this 11.25 inch tall doll. She is dressed in a black native costume -- all handsewn with yellow and black beads, and is adorned with a matching double-strand beaded necklace and single-strand beaded bracelet along with gold hoop earrings. Her lips, as well as the baby's, are painted red and both have inset life-like, plastic eyes. Her hands swivel at the wrists; her arms and legs are jointed at shoulder and hip, respectively.

No identifying marks are evident; clothing is securely attached and could not be easily removed for a further look.

Condition is excellent with the exception of damaged toes on the right foot.

Offered is an interesting grouping of 8 boxes of HYPODERMIC NEEDLES originating from old pharmacy stock. All of the one dozen size samples have partial contents.

There are 3 examples from the most notable company, BECTON, DICKINSON & Co. The 1939 B-D YALE LOC box contains 8 needles. The B-D ERUSTO sample from the early 1940s has 8 needles that are secured in a metal tray. Each needle includes their cleaning wire. The third B-D box has a patent date of 1941 and sports 8 tiny needles secured in a metal tray. Condition is very good.

Next are 2 boxes of ECO RUSTLESS HYPODERMIC NEEDLES that each house 6 needles in a steel cylinder base. The boxes and contents are in very nice condition. A plastic sleeve of cleaning wires remains in one box.

A single box of LILLY HYPODERMIC NEEDLES contains 9 needles that nestle into their fitted box. Condition of the contents is fine, and the box is in fairly good condition showing old tape on front. Dates to the 1940s.

A single box of ECO STAINLESS HYPODERMIC NEEDLES sports 6 needles in a fitted metal base. The contents are fine and the box is modestly worn. This example also dates to the 1940s.

Finally, a partial box of 9 needles clipped into a metal tray round out this very nice grouping of vintage stock. Labeled LUER SLIP and sporting their cleaning wires, this group dates to the 1940s. Box is fair.

Hard to find in this quantity and quality!

Measuring 2 2/8 inches in diameter x 5/16 of an inch high, this rarely-found, circa 1910’s, dexterity game depicts a wide-eyed, black man wearing a hat, a wide white collar and a big red bow! The puzzle is quite colorful and is very visually appealing! The puzzle contains 5 tiny white balls of unknown material, that, with the proper manual dexterity, are to be placed two in the gent's eyes and the remaining three between the lips as teeth!

Constructed of tin with a cardboard lithographed image and a glass cover, this game has a mirrored back. The puzzle is in all-original condition with the graphic remaining in bright color and free of scratches and abrasions. Although the glass front is somewhat cloudy, as one can see in photos, the image is readily visualized. The mirrored back shows significant loss of silvering due to its 110+ years of age. (Please disregard any light or shiny spots in photos which are due to flash reflection off of the glass.)

A delightful piece of early, pocket-toy, Black Memorabilia!

A simply fabulous and extremely rare, circa 1870-1880's, solid brass, Black Americana SLAVE FACE BOWL!! A striking image!!

Prominent facial features- eyes and brows, nose, cheekbones, lips and teeth -and tight curly hair rise from the surface of the bowl. The bowl is rather heavy for its diminutive size and has no markings. Measures 4 inches in diameter and 1.5 inches high. Condition is excellent with some tarnishing that may be cleaned if desired; our preference was to offer this 140+ year old piece in as found condition.

A rare, outstanding and highly collectible offering to add to one's advanced Black Americana collection! I have only come upon 2 of these bowls in my 40+ years in the field.

These authentic and extraordinarily RARE, hand-forged, wrought iron, Slave Ship Ankle Shackles were de-accessioned from a private collection. Ankle shackles such as these were used to restrain and imprison kidnapped Africans below decks in the slaver ships' holds during what is known as the ‘Middle Passage’, the brutal voyage endured by captured Africans from the West Coast of Africa to enslavement in the Americas- the second portion of what was known as the transatlantic slave trade.

While the precise age of this late 18th to early 19th century old shackle is unknown, this type of ankle shackle has been documented to have been in use as far back as the 1780's by English slave traders, and was likely in continued use up until the 1860 onset of America's Civil War.

In 2015, the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool, England, acquired a set of ankle shackles very similar to the set offered here. In referring to the museum's acquisition, the museum's Head, Dr Richard Benjamin, related the following:

“A similar pair of shackles was purchased in Liverpool by the campaigner Thomas Clarkson in his antislavery crusade as evidence against the transatlantic slave trade. They were presented in front of Privy Council in 1788 as part of its enquiry into the transatlantic slave trade. An engraving of the shackles with a detailed description also appeared in Clarkson’s antislavery pamphlet."

These hand-forged, wrought iron ankle shackles remain in all-original and untouched condition, measuring approximately 11.75 inches in length. The cuff sizes vary slightly ranging from approximate lengths of 3.75 to 4 inches and approximate widths from 2.75 to 3 inches, a set likely used on a female slave. The shackles can be described as consisting of a wrought iron bolt with a pair of loops slid onto it via holes in both ends of each loop. One end of the iron bar is fixed closed by a triangular-shaped flange large enough to prevent the loops from being removed from the bar. The other end of the bar ends in a circular "eye" that is secured closed by a hand-wrought circular "lock washer" inserted at the time the shackles were applied.

An utterly gruesome, tangible testament to the malevolence and horrors of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade.