Antique late 18th-early 19th-century American gilt bronze and blackened desk letter wax seals handle in typical American federal style manner. The handle is composed of solid blackened bronze orb adorned with two American Bald eagles with large spread wings, clutching a bundle of arrows in its left talon, and an olive branch in its right talon, together symbolizing that the United States has "a strong desire for peace, but will always be ready for war...

Antique, medieval from the 13th-15th Century A.D., a German knight's, hand-forged horse bit, made of iron. MEASUREMENTS: Over-length: 23 cm (9.06 inches) Weights: 130 grams. CONDITION: In very good excavated condition.

A rare antique medieval, 9th-10th century, Khazar horse curb bit, entirely hand forged from several elements of solid iron, composed of two bars, called canons, with a loop for reins. Each canon is connected to a curved cheekpiece affixed with two slabs pierced with rectangular holes to mount the harness...

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)...

Very scarce, fine quality, antique 17th century, Crimean Tatar Islamic helmet "Misiurka” from the Crimean Tatar Khanate (Qırım Hanlığı, قرم خانلغى‎ or Qırım Yurtu, قرم يورتى‎) Giray Dynasty period...

An antique Chinese lady motif tea chest tin with hasp. This domed trunk style tea chest is 8-7/8" wide and it stands 6" tall. It features a blue and yellow lithographed design and the swing-up brass handle has Victorian style decoration. It also has a brass hasp and eye for a lock and it has a circled DB or BD maker's mark which we haven't identified...

Antique 19th century beautifully executed with superb fine hand-chiseled details, bronze sculpture busts of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, mounted on column base, depicting the Emperor, wearing his favorite uniform of Colonel of Chasseurs Cheval de la Garde Imperial wearing the Order of the Legion of Honour, Iron Crown and the Order of the Legion of Honour Grand Cross Breast Star CONDITION: in very good condition with nice patina, and good signs of age and usage MEASUREMENTS: Height: ...

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...

De-accessioned from the inventory of the ill-fated Middle Passage Museum (see museum history below), this very unusual and atypical, 19th century, estate document is offered for sale, the purpose of which was to itemize and execute a division of property from the estate of the deceased, southern plantation owner. This document was purchased in the 1960s by one of the founders of the Middle Passage Museum from a descendant of this Sumter County, Georgia, plantation owner...

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...

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...

Offered is a highly-collectible and seldom-found, circa 1850's, Staffordshire, England, earthenware, pictorial ABC plate featuring a Southern US slavery theme: slaves picking cotton.

Entitled "Gathering Cotton", the plate depicts eight slaves, including two children, picking cotton and placing it in woven straw baskets.

Plates such as this, particularly those with the alphabet embossed around the rim, were produced for use by children as subtle educational tools...

Offered is a bucolic and beautifully-colored, medium-folio, copyrighted 1854, Nathaniel Currier, New York, lithograph entitled, "Catching A Trout". The image measures approximately 10" x 14", and depicts a fancily-dressed African-American man "netting" the trout caught by one of the two well-dressed gentleman enjoying a relaxing day of fishing...

Offered are two, 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 out for a stroll, and the second, a colorfully dressed musical trio playing banjo, concertina (small accordion) and tambourine...

Antique 18th -19th century, Chinese or Vietnamese, large combat polearm partisan in the form of the spear or lance.

A leaf-shaped blade made of hand-forged iron with a visible forge layered lamination structure, engraved on both sides with scrolled decorations. The long stout tang with a faceted block is fitted into its original red lacquered bamboo pole (shortened) with a large, ribbed bronze ferrule. These types of spears of identical forms were used in China and Vietnam...

Early pre 1900 game of Komical Konversations. Instructions inside the Box lid. Box Lid is missing two flaps, all the rest is in good order. Game made by Selchow & Richter - New York

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...

I cannot find anything on this game, early McLoughlin Brothers target/toss game. Instructions are inside the box lid and missing whatever arrows etc.. that would have been used to toss at the target. Box has some wear to it and measures approx 20" Tall and 12" Wide

Avon Cape Cod napkins rings. 4 to the box. In very good to excellent condition.

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

"The Golliwogg at the Sea-Side", published in 1898 by Longmans, Green & Co, London & New York, was illustrated by Florence K. Upton, with story written by her mother, Bertha...

Measuring 7.75" tall with a bell diameter of 4" at its base, this fabulous, C1870's, school teacher's, hand-held bell sports a wonderful, all-original, vintage patina.

This solid, 1/8" thick bell gives its ring the classic resonance one would expect to hear in a 19th century bell - a sound that would carry a good distance announcing the start of the school day!

The top of the bell features a decorative 3 rimmed edging. The bell retains its original black-painted wooden handle, and iron cla...

AN INCREDIBLE AND RARE SLAVE DOCUMENT FROM PERSON COUNTY, NC. This document is an agreement to rent a slave from the George Glen estate and is dated December 26, 1864, just months before the end of the Civil War. The document reads:

“ #168 Twelve months after date, me or either of us promises to pay E M Holt & J W Parker, executors of H Parker, deceased, late guardians of the heirs of George Glen, deceased, the sum of $100, of the same being for the [heir?] of a Negro $65 by th...

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 ...

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 bac...

This very rare, 1894, historically significant work of factually-based fiction by Marietta Holley, recounts the author's perspective of what life in the post-Confederate South was like, detailing the significant adjustment Southerners experienced once the Civil War ended and slavery was wholly abolished.

This nearly-lost historical work was originally published in 1892 exclusively for the subscription market and was entitled, "Samantha on the Race Problem". Two years later when the work was t...

Measuring a diminutive 1.5 inches wide x 2.5 inches tall x .5 inches deep, this darling, French, paper packet or package features African, Zoulou-tribe natives as advertising symbols on the packaging, making for a very picturesque graphic!

The paper package contains nearly all of its original powder, having never been opened; however, as noted in the second photo, the corner edge wear has resulted in some minor leakage of the powder. Because of this, the package has been shrink-wrapped to pre...

Antique 19th century Islamic Knife “Rencong” traditional weapon of the Acehnese from the northern Sumatran region of Aceh. A sturdy narrow, incurved, single – edged blade, decorated on both sides in ellipse pattern, with a characteristic bent handle with brass ferrule (metok), in its original wooden scabbard.
CONDITION: The wooden scabbard is chipped, the blade is with age patina and signs of usage.
MEASUREMENTS: Overall length in the scabbard: 28.2 cm (11 1/8 in).

...

Charming Antique French Marble and Ormoly Standish with a young bacchante reclining and reading a book. Circa 1860-70.

Dimensions: 8.25" x 7"

Antique, early 16th century, Renaissance period time circa 1500-1550 A.D. German or Swiss Landsknecht, halberd with a massive steelhead with a sturdy and long spike blade of diamond-shaped cross-section, A large triangular axe blade with oblique, cutting-edge, and cusped sides, is deeply struck on one side with an armorer's mark in the shape of an eight-pointed star in a shield.

Beak-shaped fluke cusped above and below, and an open socket extended on each side to form two waved or flame-sha...

Offered are two, highly-collectible, circa 1860-70's, earthenware, pictorial plates featuring two scenes from the enormously popular, 1852, novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe.

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" or "Life Among the Lowly", is an anti-slavery novel that was published in two volumes and which had a profound effect on attitudes toward African-Americans and slavery in the U.S. It is said to have "helped lay the groundwork for the American Civil War".

Each plate is priced separate...

A group of 4 hand carved bone sewing implements circa 1890-1900. All have drilled holes, lined borders and carved designs and the pieces include the 1-3/8 x 1-1/4" sewing clamp (small crack, carved end plug (replaced?)), the 2-5/8" needle case, the 1-1/8" tall thimble case (thin crack, glued wider crack, no lid) and the 7/8" tall thread case with hole in the top. All are unsigned and they are probably Asian. All items are thoroughly and conservatively graded and all condition issues are noted;...

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 approximate...

SOLD Antique late 19th century Imperial German - the Kingdom of Württemberg, shoulder epaulet for a lieutenant in the field artillery regiment King Karl (1st Württembergisches) No. 13, location Ulm / Stuttgart. Copper half-moon, with elaborate copper "13" numerals, with woven metallic bullion edge "tape", padded red cloth base, and underside with stitched buttonhole.

CONDITION: Showing age and usage, upper side fabric stained, with wear, metal parts with old patina, underside cloth stain...

Sterling silver thimble molded with Christmas bells and holly. Made in the 1890s by Webster Co, Mass.Webster Co started in 1894 and was later to become part of Reed & Barton. Marked inside with the Webster logotype, Sterling and 9 for the size. This model is reproduced in the standard work on American silver thimbles. Condition: fine.

An interesting selection of barbed wire of the Early West dating from 1872 to 1884, the board titled at top "THE WIRE THAT FENCED THE WEST"; samples are identified in handwriting by type. Some of the early barbed wire is quite scarce and rare; collectors know what is and what is not. All in all, excellent memorabilia for the aficionado of the Early West. The piece measures 12" by 12".

A rare set of the Birth of Edward VII comemorative china 1841. This is a grouping of the rarest Royalty commemmorative souvenirs we have encountered - this is a large covered sugar bowl, creamer and two cups and saucers in English pearlware celebrating the birth of (future) King Edward VII in 1841. Given the title Prince of Wales immediately following his birth, this set features the Prince of Wales feathers and a scene with ICH DIEN ("I Serve") on a banner and depictions of the Princess Royal...

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...

An exceptional example of 19th century Folk Art-- a very rare needlework cross stitch sampler with Black Americana theme! This highly unusual example dates to circa 1880's and depicts two young girls on a primitive, “make-do” seesaw--- a wooden board placed over a log-- complete with a grapevine trellis in the background! This wonderful piece is accented with a multi-toned, Greek Key border design with fringe edging.

The needlework measures approximately 15 by 14 inches and is in good cond...

A wonderful and extremely rare enameled glass beaker bearing the portrait of Czarina Alexandra Feodorovna on the occasion of her visit to Paris in 1896. Alexandra accompanied her husband, Czar Nicholas II to dedicate the Pont Alexandre III across the Seine. Alexandra is wearing the traditional kokoshnik, a veil, long strands of pearls and a white gown. The portrait is surrounded by gilt lettering, "Souvenir Octobre 1896/Impératrice Alexandra Féodorovna". A matching glass with the Czar's po...

A Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee 1897 brass watch fob medal or pendant. This 1-1/8" diameter brass watch fob was issued to commemorate Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee. This fob could be worn as a pendant, and it has the legend 60th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CORONATION OF QUEEN VICTORIA CELEBRATED AT LONDON, JUNE 22, 1897 MADE IN AMERICA and REGINA ET IMPERATRIX 1837 1897 VICTORIA. This item is in very good original condition with no dents, bends, corrosion, losses, damage or repairs other than a pl...

HAMPDEN 18s CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY 24 HOUR Dial. Also associated with the American Railway series. 24 HOUR ROMAN figures PORCELAIN RR Porcelain Dial NOS. Single sunk Dial. Just removed from Hampden dial factory RR inventory. Never used. Created especially for the CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY Series. Also associated with the Hampden series; Railway and 23j Railway Special. Perfect condition. Hunting Model with dial feet located at 14 Min., 36 min., and 52 Min. THIS IS A FINE COLLECTIBLE. DO...

A monumental serving platter in the Cenis pattern by Ridgways. The motif features branches with pineapples, emphasizing hospitality. The condition is very good, yet expect a scratch or two, and some discoloration - but far less than commensurate with age. The platter wobbles, a not uncommon affliction of these older ceramic pieces as they were difficult to make in this size. This superb example dates to 1871, and is back stamped with Ridways Stoke on Trent, Cenis Dimension: 21 1/4" l

A ceramic oval covered vegetable dish decorated in vivid painted red, black, and green flowers interconnected with transferred branches and stems in full coverage of lid and bowl. The handles are lined with green and have red dots on the main surfaces. The condition is good although the foot has two shallow gouges; the interior has modest staining and other signs of wear; and the handles show loss of finish. The underside is stamped with the Oriental Ivory logo, an incised mark, painted 2364 7, ...

Elaborate graphics which include the California State Seal adds to the importance of this authentic, museum-quality, 1892, TEACHING LICENSE / DIPLOMA issued by the STATE OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY, DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.

Text indicates that the diploma was awarded to Mary L. Downey on January 15, 1892, and certified her to teach the Grammar or Primary Grade for the subsequent 6 years. Signed by 5 members of the California State Board of Education.

Further documentation...

Two French button lots:

(A) Theatre arts people, Is this Canio or Pierrot? Late 1800s antique French Victorian brass metal picture button marked in back: Paris - Depose - A P & Cie in superb condition! 1 7/16". In the button collecting world known as Canio of Pagliacci. A little softening at the nose where it should be, this 100 years later! 10 grams
(B) French Depose 1 3/8" hand painted porcelain paisley with DEPOSE mark above the self shank: images 4, 5 & 6.

$10 USPS Priorit...

A very unusual silver-mounted antique 19th-century Southeast Asian, Burmese, or Thai dagger (Dha, Daab, Dah).

The scarce type blade is hand-forged from Damascus steel with an excellent quality watered pattern. The blade is sturdy, tapered, and double-edged, with a waving (flamboyant) form reminiscent of the Indonesian keris–kris.

The hilt of a rare form features an ornate solid silver guard engraved with intricate scrolls and a three-stage tubular grip made of solid silver with engra...

Cast iron horse drawn sulky attributed to Shimer, Son & Company, a small toy manufacturer from the 1890s to no later than 1920. This sulky is nickel plated and all one piece. Condition is good with about 25+% finish loss, some rust on the horse particularly on butt and head, wheels are wobbly. Shimer is a hard to find maker and this example has all of the wonderful qualities of turn of the century toys. Dimension: 6 1/4" l

A Victorian Aesthetic brass dress hem lifter circa 1880. This unusual Victorian design object was made to hold up the hem of a lady's dress. It sounds a little risque, but sometimes you preferred those long skirts not to be near water or mud, as is only sensible. In the Aesthetic design popular at the time (and swans certainly were popular), this solid brass clothing accessory clamps the bottom of the lady's dress with the tongs, which are locked in place by the sliding shield-shaped housing....

This antique cast iron horse drawn fire truck consists of a horse drawing a water pumper driven by a fireman molded into his seat. The toy c. 1900 - 10 and attributed to Shimer, Son & Company, a small Pennsylvania toy firm which was active from the 1890s to perhaps as late as 1920. The underside is embossed with 1075, presumably a model number. This model is nickel plated. The condition is good, having around 20-25% paint loss, wobbly wheels, two of which are missing hub caps. There is no rus...

A detailed and historical, 19th century, school "Certificate of Distinction" from the "Albemarle Female Institute of Charlottesville, Virginia"!

Text indicates that the certificate was awarded to Emma Shannon on June 12, 1885 (Or 1883--difficult to read as the date is partially concealed under the frame edge). The certificate recognizes that Emma excelled in Latin, Arithmetic, History of France, Rhetoric, and English Literature. Signed by W. P. Dickinson, President of the Faculty.

With t...

A charming button with a beautiful border of champlevé work with a turquoise enamel on brass.

The condition is excellent with no problems and a few errant black dots of paint. The diameter is 1 1/4".

PLEASE NOTE: We collected buttons for many years, but have decided to sell our collection. The buttons shown on our site represent but a small sample on what we have, so please do not hesitate to ask if you are looking for a particular type.

Also, we frequently add items to our site,...

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...

A round facetted example of what can best be described as flying saucer shape, as seen from the side. No condition issues, and with a diameter of 3/8" and a thickness of 5/16".

NOTES: 1. Tingues are constructed with a layer of clear colorless glass with a very thin colored glass (typically red) sheet overlay on top. This piece is cemented to a glass base with a thin sheet of reflective gold foil or leaf between them. The button is faceted to improve reflection.

2. Tingues are nam...

Northern Plains Indian pipe carved from red catlinite and black steatite stone with a pewter or lead geometric inlay. The vertical pipe bowl is round and tapered, while the pipe stem is of faceted, octagonal form. Circa 1870s. Excellent original condition, no chips or cracks. Size: 7.75 inches length x 3.5 inches ht. x 1.25" diameter pipe bowl.

A wonderful and charming pair of Navajo child's moccasins made of hide and fur with turquoise bead decorations. Superb condition with no flaws or problems of consequence.

Excellent quality antique Indonesian Malay from the 15th-18th century, an exquisite Islamic sword-dagger Panjang Kris-Keris from the colonial period belonging to Malayan aristocrats.

The blade is older than the mounting (from 15th–17th Century AD), sturdy, double-edged, straight blade is finely hand-forged with a beautiful and rare Damascus steel pattern - Pamor Ron Pakis (Pattern Feather Fern).

Mounted in the 18th-century fittings, the brown horn hilt (Hulu) is finely hand-carved wit...

Antique Pre-Columbian, Mesoamerican, Aztec stone dagger with a massive, pointed, cone-shaped blade, 15th-16th century AD.

The blade is extended to a finely carved hilt, which depicts the Mesoamerican deity "Quetzalcoatl" in the form of a feathered serpent seated on a throne. This dagger was primarily designed for stabbing, and its massive blade makes it a deadly weapon.

Stone blades of various types and sizes, including projectile points, hand axes, scrapers, chisels, and other tool...

Antique 19th century Native North American Plains Indians, (possibly Siouk) stone Peace Pipe, and beaded buckskin pipe bag.

Hand carved in two sections and bonded together L-shaped steatite stone bowl with slight flare to prow, adorned with lead inlayed ring. The carved pipe stem of natural wood carved in relief with two elliptical loops design displaying a lovely glossy patina.

CONDITION: in overall good condition showing the age and usage with a beautiful old patina from sweat and gr...

Antique 19th century Native North American Plains Indians beaded and quilled buckskin tobacco pouch.

A tanned hide bag fringed at the bottom and beaded at the front with sinew-sewn seed blue, yellow and red glass beads with geometrical triangular pattern, against a white ground. The interior of the pouch is lined with fabric.

CONDITION:

In overall good condition showing the age and usage with a beautiful old patina from sweat and grease, some minor loss of the red beads along the ...

Measuring 5.75" wide x 8.25" long x 6" high, this C1890s, unique and interestingly designed school lunch box has four parts: the base, which is 4" deep, the lid, a removable handled cup cleverly fitted to the top of the lunchbox lid, and a removal interior tray to dine upon that rests on a small edge inside the base!

Constructed of tin with well-executed soldered seams and rolled edges on nearly all areas which are smooth and comfortable to the touch.

In great condition for its 120 years ...