Glittering black glass microbeaded box bag with a tortoise Lucite top and dark brass hardware, and heavy black glass beaded handle. Black satin lining and snap close. 1940s. These bags are fabulous headturners. 7 1/2 inches wide, 5 inches long and 3 1/2 inches deep. The handle drop is 5 1/2 inches. Overall excellent condition. No losses to beaded exterior. There is a very very faint hairline in the Lucite at the clasp, not visible at a short distance...

This 1970 era, laser cut, Ramada Inn Hotel and Restaurant advertising sign sports patriotically-colored red, white and blue detailing. The sign highlights Ramada's SPECIAL GOLF PACKAGES and its very humorously-named "DUFFERS LOUNGE"! (In golf, a duffer is a mediocre or poor golfer.).

The 2 inch thick wood sign measures 20 inches long by 5.5 inches wide and is in very good condition...

A wonderfully nostalgic look back in time to early education of the Depression era 1930's!

This 32 page, Pre-Primer called "Everyday Doings" written by Julia Letheld Hahn, was published in 1935 by the Houghton Mifflin Company, and was acquired for use by the York, Pennsylvania, School District in 1936 (see ink stampings to front cover).

In wonderful condition with absolutely no evidence of use, this booklet was one workbook within the Child Development Series of Houghton Mifflin Early Read...

This stylish basket weave purse was quite the rage during the 1950s when Dorset Rex marketed this patented purse during the Eisenhower years. The patent was actually issued in late 1949, after which a wide range of purses entered the market. The Dorset Rex tag tells us that the purse was made after 1951, thus we date it c. 1955.

This purse is gold with reddish-brown, possibly deep mauve, lucite top which closes with an S-hooked clasp. The horse shoe handle rotates freely on pins...

Beautiful and versatile long necklace in black glass links with gilt metal mountings and glass based faux pearls, with a slide clasp with wired glass beads and faux pearls. Made by the Venetian glass maker Archimede Seguso, for Chanel. Not marked but very well documented. I am also selling a similar necklace and a pair of earrings from the same collection. Super wearable for day or night, and great to layer with other Chanel necklaces. Wearable length is 35 inches. 5/8 inch wide...

Measuring 9 inches in width x 3 inches in height x 1.75 inches deep, this vintage 1920’s, country store advertising display reads, “We Give And Redeem Gold Stamps”. A very unusual find!

Black with hand-painted, gold lettering, this interesting advertising display would sit nicely on a shelf! In fine, all-original condition with the expected nicks and superficial surface scratches.

A first edition hard cover published by Abbeville Press in 1998.The dust jacket shows some wear with scotch tape on the upper corner ( see photo ), the back has a tear and creasing at the top edge and there is an ink spot on the bottom text block. The book is in fine condition. Illustrated. 359 pages. Original price $ 75.

An early 20th century reproduction print of famed Belle Epoque actress SARAH BERNHARDT (1844-1923), **HAND SIGNED/INSCRIBED** by her. The signature is in ink at lower right (guaranteed her original ink signature and not printed). The print is after the 1879 etching by artist Jules Bastien-Lepage. This print under magnification has the dot matrix confirming it is a reproduction and not an original etching. The value is in the autograph and inscription...

This wonderful, late 19th / early 20th century photograph of students and teacher from a New England, one-room school house measures 10 x 8 inches including mat. Actual size of the sepia toned photo is 8 x 5 inches. The subjects are posed on the stairs in front of the schoolhouse porch or veranda...

Totally chic and modern looking bib necklace made from metal rings of dark brass in different shades, which contrast beautifully with luminous white glass based faux pearls. Anni Lang Schaad was a German designer of beaded jewelry under the name langani. She also worked with the Paris designer Louis Feraud. When not signed, her pieces are identified by the trademark of a black bead near the clasp. This piece has the black bead near the spring ring clasp...

This stunning twill silk scarf is titled "Brise de Charme." The noted artist and designer, Julia Abadie, did the graphics work for this, which was made in 1985. To my knowledge, it has never been re-issued.

With a background of a beautiful blue, it depicts, in marvelous detail and a rainbow of colors, a panoply of handpainted 18th and 19th century fans...

1914 Coca Cola "Betty" Serving Tray whose obverse is in Excellent+ to Near Mint condition. The back has some adhesive residue but it is in otherwise near mint to mint state. Please note that the front has a faint scratch, and the bottom rim has a small but deep chip. These early trays do not come up for sale often. Now is the time to make the purchase that refreshes. Dimensions: 10-5/8" x 13-3/8"

A Montreal Shipping Co...

An original gouache on board painting with some airbrush, titled at bottom "ED WYNN", the subject actor Ed Wynn (1886-1966), who famously dressed in red fire hat and costume in the 1930's pioneering radio show "The Fire Chief", sponsored by oil company Texaco. Wynn was an American actor and comedian who started in Vaudeville in 1903 and moved on to the Ziegfeld Follies in 1914. He had a decades-long career in entertainment, writing, directing and producing Broadway shows, hosting comedic early...

This 1867 educational text was published by Charles Scribner and Company of 654 Broadway, New York City. Intended for students under nine years of age, the object of this delightful introductory school text, as stated by Mary Howe Smith, a Princeton University colleague of text author, A. Guyot, is “to impart geographical knowledge to prepare the student for its successful acquirement in the future.”

Contains numerous black and white line drawings which prove to quite adequately visually ...

Plane, 747 Jumbo Jet Charm - Sterling Silver is 1 1/16th" long without ring. It is hallmarked "ster".

A circa early 1960's black and white photo of famous actress Leslie Caron (1931-), the actress appearing very young, with her famous sassy short haircut, inscribed at lower right in somewhat faded ink "Pour George Ghira/Souvenir de/Leslie Caron". The name of the recipient might be "Ghica", or even another variant---difficult to decipher. Caron of course is the actress known for "Gigi", "An American in Paris", and so forth. She has been a presence in film for approximately sixty years---and ha...

These wonderful, circa late 1950-early 1960's, TRU-TONE No Roll, school or art crayons manufactured by the Milton Bradley Company of Springfield, Massachusetts, are in mint condition! The crayons are unused and are all original! The box measures 4.5 inches tall x 4.5 inches wide x 1/2 inch deep.

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

Also pictured are two other mint condition, unused, boxed, school crayons that are currently offered for separate sa...

This is one unusual painting.........40" by 57" (with frame a whopping 46 1/2" by 64"), oil on masonite, signed at lower right by HIGHLY IMPORTANT, INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED aviation artist R.G. (Robert Grant) Smith. This painting belongs in a museum, and I welcome institution inquiries. The subject is monumental.........the Douglas DC-8, DC-9 and DC-10 jet aircraft, flying in formation through puffy clouds. The painting, I understood from the source from whom I acquired it, once hung in the e...

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 q...

A rare hand signature on a photo card featuring English diminutive turn of the century era dance hall performer DAISY DORMER (1883-1947). In ink, she wrote "Yours Laughingly/Daisy Dormer". Prior to 1901 the slight, dark-haired performer was known as "Dainty Daisy Dimple". She had a pantomime career and performed in one silent movie, "Potted Pantomimes", with Lillian Russell. Later, in 1935, she performed in one talking picture, "City of Beautiful Nonsense". See the net for more on the perfo...

A flamenco-style fan purchased in Spain during the 70's that has flowers painted on the mother of pearl sticks and black lace. The brass etched handle is a bit bent.

Beautiful clip earrings in turquoise glass with goldtone metal mountings and beads, and rhinestone accents, by the Venetian glass maker Archimede Seguso, for Chanel. Not marked but very well documented. I am also selling two similar necklaces from the same collection. 1 inch long and 3/4 inch wide. Excellent condition. Photos enlarged to show detail.

An original Mexican movie poster, for a movie released in 1952, "Mujer de Medianoche", starring Gloria Marin and Victor Junco, directed by Victor Urruchua, the artwork dated 1950 by Carlos Vega. Apparently there was some delay in releasing the film. This example retains the electric blue and yellow color, but the very fragile, acidic, thin paper on which this was printed has deteriorated seriously with time and careless handling. There are small holes, water stain at upper and lower right cor...

This red and yellow sign promoted the Coca Cola campaign to encourage grocery store sales of its flag ship brand. The daring use of two primary colors certainly got people's attention and should get yours today, too.

The sign is made of cardboard and features a 6 pack carton of coke with the message to Take Home A Carton. The original gromets intended to support hanging of the sign are still fresh and intact.

There are reproductions of this sign, but this one is the rea...

A 5-3/4" high blue and white glazed pottery water pitcher or jug from British Airways. Made and marked by Royal Norfolk, Staffordshire, England, this travel advertising item is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, crazing, losses, damage or repairs. All items are thoroughly and conservatively graded and all condition issues are noted; all items are vintage or antique and may have slight signs of gentle use. Surface shipping to the U.S. starts at $14 (other spots may vary) - insuranc...

Offered is a vintage, 1930s era, metal sign embossed "$50 REWARD PACIFIC RURAL PRESS".

The Pacific Rural Press, first established in 1871 in San Francisco, California, was formed to educate and otherwise serve the needs of California's agricultural community, primarily addressing fruit and vegetable growers. In addition to being a highly-respected, scientific informational source, the Pacific Rural Press publication also offered the opportunity for manufacturers of related farming products to...

Offered is an antique, hand-personalized and hand-signed, school merit award, circa 1860's.

The artistically-rendered award was presented to student, Eleanor R. Russell, and signed by her teacher, Angie M. Gibson.

The framed and matted merit award measures 8 inches wide x 10 inches long and is adorned with a delicate, hand-colored, floral wreath. The award features a poem of religious sentiment: "Tis sweet oh sweet to know, if we our time improve, we shall be happy while below, and dwell i...

Fabulous sculptural modernist necklace by Danish designer Gerda Lynggaard in frosted Lucite on black fabric cord. Circa 1980, an early piece. From a Baltimore estate. Marked GERDA LYNGGAARD MONIES COPENHAGEN on the attached lightweight metal tag. The Lucite beads are solid and heavy and with a great smooth matte finish. Very wearable and versatile -- it can be tied and worn several different ways.

Wearable length is up to about 30 inches. The center drop is an additional 5 1/2...

A Victorian sterling silver sewing thimble with daisies dated 1897. This 13/16" high sewing accessory is fully hallmarked for Birmingham, England 1897 and it has the T.E.M maker's mark for Thomas Edward Mannox. It is in very good condition with no holes, dents, corrosion, losses, damage or repairs other than a small bend at the hallmark. All items are thoroughly and conservatively graded and all condition issues are noted; all items are vintage or antique and may have slight signs of gentle u...

This is a bracelet made with the olive seed carving of laughing Buddha , String together with some jade beads and agarwood beads, the Agarwood Beads is smelling very sweet and mellow

Circa early to mid 1960's image of actress Joanne Woodward (1930-), hand signed and inscribed "To Tom Best Wishes Joanne Woodward" in blue marker. The photo (7 1/2" by 9 1/2", 10 1/2" by 12" in simulated wood frame) is I believe a reprint of a sixties image of the actress in her prime, and signed at a later date. Woodward of course was married for fifty years to actor Paul Newman, with whom she appeared in ten films, and with whom she collaborated on many others. Today she is said to be aff...

Rare industrial metal mold of Dumbo the Flying Elephant. Unmarked and very heavy, probably iron, it measures 10 inches high and 8" at widest point. Circa 1940's. More photos and information upon request.

Another delightful example of an Olde School House collectible-a tiny metal Student Merit Award Pin which is designed in the shape of a circular olive branch crown with the word "REWARD" on a blue enameled open textbook and the date "1924" inscribed on a white enameled scroll.

Items such as this were given to worthy students by their appreciative school teachers at the end of a term for a variety of reasons not the least of which were scholarship, attendance, and deportment.

This sweet li...

Antique Victorian era lady's hand fan ("opera fan"), framed shadow box style, the fan itself 16 1/2" by 10 1/2" as fully opened, the printed images on the fan of feminine, delicate young dancing ladies, floral and leaf motifs bordering, the base worked mother of pearl with floral designs, as well as a most unusual VANITY MIRROR at far right, modern typeface in the box stating "Opera Fan With Mirror/Nannie Campbell Moore 1858 New Orleans". I googled the name and found the following genealogical...

Fabulous large vintage 1940s gathered pochette or wristlet bag beaded in brilliant glittering bronze coppery glass micro beads, with a soft flexible beaded strap which pulls through a large loop to close. The beads are very high quality and are cut on every side. With matching peach color silk lining. Exterior is in excellent with no losses to beading. The lining has some slight losses as shown. 7 1/2 inches long, 7 1/2 inches wide and 2 inches deep. The strap drop is 4 1/2 inches. D...

This vibrantly colored, uncut, circa early 1920's, Little Mary Jane Paper doll designed by Berta and Elmer Hader, an American couple who jointly illustrated more than 70 children's books, ran exclusively in the iconic Good Housekeeping Magazine and features a Halloween theme complete with jack-o-lanterns and a basket of harvested fall apples!

The very popular Mary Jane paper doll series was featured each month in Good Housekeeping Magazine for months, with little girls everywhere excited to i...

Straight out of the "Roaring Twenties", a fantastic French handmade bugle beaded evening wrist clutch,circa 1925, comprising an envelope shape, hand held purse designed with delicate metallic beads in a classic geometric Deco pattern on an overall tortoiseshell-style background made of Czech glass bugle beads in rich shades of amber and dark chocolate, snap closure. Inside a dark taupe water silk lining with single pocket having stitched on label Made In France. Measurements: 8 1/2" wide x 4 1/...

Movie promotional poster for 1995's film "The American President" starring Michael Douglas and Annette Bening, directed by Rob Reiner, AUTOGRAPHED in gold marker by both Douglas and Reiner. The poster, 41" by 26 1/4", is currently shrink wrapped (not framed, but possibly "museum mounted" if a reverse gallery label for "Museum Mount" gallery be an indicator). The poster appears to be in good condition save for minor handling creases, and some old moisture exposure at lower right corner, which h...

A 1950s Italian straw glass liners & metal carrier. This funky addition to your 1950s retro table is a set of dyed straw glass liners in their original black wire carrying tray. The liners each have a silk MADE IN ITALY sewn-on tag, and they are in pairs, in purple, orange, gold and bronze colours (each 2-3/4" across and 2-3/4" deep). The 16 x 8-1/2" carrying tray has plastic-cord wrapped handles, and this set is in excellent original condition with no scrapes, dents, bends, corrosion, losses...

A c1900 swing-out lorgnette eyeglasses on a handle in heavy rolled gold plate. These folding spectacles measure 4-1/2" long and the lenses are 1-1/2" across. They open on a spring triggered by pushing down the ringed collar near the ribbon loop on the end of the handle; they have an unidentified maker's mark, and the mechanism works perfectly and the lenses are unscratched. This item is in excellent original condition with no chips, cracks, dents, bends, corrosion, losses, damage or repairs....

This is a really great little vintage glass Lantern Candy Container with blue metal base and lid and wire handle. This Lantern Candy Container measures 3 1/2 inches high. With the handle up it measures 5 3/4 inches to top of handle. The glass part of the Lantern is signed: U.S.A. - AVOR 3/4 OZ. The glass part of the lantern is in very good condition with no chips, cracks or scratches. The blue metal base and top are in very good condition with no dents or damage. The lids screws on well. ...

Amazing drop clip earrings with enormous teardrop shaped watermelon glass stones, enormous faceted glass beads with vitrail finish, and rondelles with brilliant pink and aqua rhinestones. The metal is goldtone. Wired construction. Circa 1980. 3 1/2 inches long and 7/8 inch wide. The top stones are 28 mm by 20 mm. The glass beads are 21 mm in diameter. Excellent condition. There is a tiny flea bite to one edge of one top stone; not visible. Photos enlarged to show detail. 3

A fabulous, vintage school teaching tool from the early 20th Century! Copyrighted 1940 and manufactured by the Richmond School Furniture Company, Muncie, Indiana, this early teaching tool featured the unusual option to practice both spelling on one side and computation on the reverse!

Measuring 13 inches wide x 9.50 inches high x 1/8 inch thick and constructed of heavy, multi-layered cardboard, this wonderful piece is in very fine, all-original condition with a warm, rich patina and color. Al...

A hard-backed 368 page catalog, almost like a book, of the December 17, 2019 auction of the estate property of Frank Sinatra's first wife, Nancy, featuring many items that belonged to her and Frank during their married life in Toluca Lake, California and Beverly Hills. The catalog is filled with quality photos of everything from the Steinway piano to paintings, cufflinks, books, steamer trunks, down to small knick-knacks. A most interesting volume, which shows well the quite traditional way th...

Here is another Florentine purse that measures 8-3/4" (l) x 7" (w) closed. The purse is embossed on both sides. The leather handles show modest wear.

An ornate, large 19th century carved bone fan, with fine lace-trimmed silk and metal sequins. This 14" fan extends to 27" across; it features finely carved decorative bone end panels, complex and well-executed silk lace on the upper edge, and sewn gold-coloured spangles or sequins in three different shapes. This item is in excellent original condition with no chips, cracks, corrosion, losses, damage or repairs. All items are thoroughly and conservatively graded and all condition issues are n...

Professionally framed in 1992 with museum-quality, acid-free backing as well as acid-free double-mats, this fabulous 1863, 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 typically placed at the front of the magazine, carefully folded to protect them from damage. They were reproduced from an actual, highly-detailed engraving which was then hand-tinte...

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. ...

A sterling silver and guilloche pink enamel 2 piece nail buffer from the 1920s. This fine quality fully hallmarked Art Deco period sterling silver nail buffer has beautiful rose pink guilloche enamel decoration. It is fully hallmarked for Birmingham, England 1925-6, this buffer measures 6" x 1-5/8" and it stands 2-3/8" high. The top features a blue plain enamel interior and the enamel covers the top and the bottom's sides. It has the maker's mark for Charles S. Green & Co., it weighs 146 grams,...

An antique pair of Niagara falls souvenir milk glass spills or mantle vases. These vintage 6" inch tall vases have sprayed-on green colour and hand painted scenes of the falls with thickly dabbed white "foam". The legend SOUVENIR OF NIAGARA FALLS is painted in gold, and these vases show the roughness, straw marks and flaws typical of such souvenir ware. The glass was usually made of stock moulds and was quickly and inexpensively produced. These vases would have been undecorated blanks original...

Wonderful Vintage Alligator Wallet Billfold, rich patina, circa 1940's. No label. In addition to the deep billfold area, a pocket and zippered area, there is a celluloid covered license pocket. Measurements: 7 3/8"x 3 7/8". Excellent vintage condition.

A fabulous, vintage school teaching tool from the 19th Century! A red and gold painted wooden Alphabet or Spelling Board!

Measuring 13.25 inches wide x 9.25 inches high x 1 inch thick, this wonderful piece patented February 16, 1886, is in very fine condition with a warm, rich patina and color as well as all 56 of its original wooden letters! To spell a word, one slides the letters along cut out tracks in the board.

Quite visually appealing!

Condition: three of the 1/8th inch thick, round...

An Edwardian gold filled wrist purse on a chain c1910-20. This 2-1/2 x 1-7/8" purse is undecorated, it has a snap-catch and a 7-1/2" link chain; it has a WH & Co. in a heart maker's mark and it is in excellent original condition with no bends, corrosion, losses, damage or repairs other than two shallow dents on one side and the later insertion of some purple velvet on the inside. All items are thoroughly and conservatively graded and all condition issues are noted; all items are secondhand and...

A clean copy of the 2010 first edition of the book "Michael Jackson: The Making of Thriller", signed by DOUGLAS KIRKLAND, the noted photographer of celebrities, who in 1983 was invited to document the making of that now world-famous, iconic video. Kirkland in 1961 made a series of erotic photos of Marilyn Monroe, and his career grew rapidly in the sixties and seventies. This book shows in detail, from a fly-on-the-wall perspective, the creation of "Thriller", with many of the images documenti...

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...

This bag looks like it's made of bakelite, but it doesn't test as such. I went and learned a lot about early plastics from Andrea DeNoto's book, " Art Plastic," and the best I can come up with is Thermoset Phenolic Resin. That said, whatever the material, this is an extraordinary bag in extraordinary condition. Except for some light surface wear on the back side of the clutch, the bag seems perfect. It measures 9 7/8" (25.5 cm) by 6" (15.6 cm) It is a hair under 3/4"(2.3 cm) wide when it ...

A beautiful silver compact with the exterior sides inlaid with natural organic material. Opening this gem reveals a mirror and a heavily filigreed lid to the interior compartment which contains powder and a puff. Superbly crafted and with no damage or restoration, the compact measures 3 1/4" by 2 7/8", and is 1/2" thick.

A soft cover published in 1982 by Holt, Rhinehart and Winston. Includes the history of fashion, flea market shopping, auctions, etc. B&W photos by Gustavo Candelas. The front cover has a minor crease and there is a short inscription on the free paper. 209 pp.

An opportunity to acquire TWO items autographed later in life by the grand dame of Hollywood, Katharine Houghton Hepburn (May 12, 1907 – June 29, 2003). Hepburn was a leading lady in Hollywood for more than 60 years, and received a record four Academy Awards for Best Actress. In 1999, Hepburn was named by the American Film Institute as the greatest female star of classic Hollywood cinema. The first item is a clean felt pen signature on her red letterhead card, with "Jan 9 -81" written at up...