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...

An EYMC sterling silver music award fob 1927 with a ribbon pin brooch. This vintage 1927 sterling silver award watch fob pendant is on the original red, white and blue silk ribbon pin. This 1-3/8" x 1-1/8" singing music award has high relief music symbols on the front and the engraved dedication on the back; it says E.Y.M.C. 1927 SOPRANO SOLO 1ST PRIZE WON BY PAULINE NICHOLLS. E.Y.M.C...

This is a rather whimsical piece of Automobilia......a presentation to Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker, the World War I flying ace, at a special dinner in New York in 1924. The sheet inside the mat measures 11 1/2" by 17 1/2" ( 17 1/4" by 23 1/4" as framed). Written up in a humorous style, the note commends Rickenbacker for his flying victories and makes a number of humorous commentaries contemporary to the times, all referring to his then-budding career as an automobile manufacturer...

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...

A rarely-found 1920's piece! Measuring approximately 12.5 inches tall x 9.50 inches wide x 3/8" deep, this wonderful and scarce CHOCOLATE LOVER'S Take a Chance Gambling Board would have been found in one's local general store...

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”...

This is a very unique item........NOT a print! It is an original drawing in pastel and gouache on a soft old board, measuring 40" by 30" extreme dimensions. The subject is a lovely young Gloria Swanson in a classic 20's 'do, probably created for some kind of advertising purpose like a lobby card, poster, etc., although I haven't found any printed item corresponding to this particular work (though I haven't looked exhaustively)...

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 wonderful early wooden school chalk box retains the majority of its original, COBALT BLUE paper label advertising one gross “OLD FAITHFUL COLORED CHALK CRAYONS, # 610, manufactured by the AMERICAN CRAYON COMPANY, Sandusky, Ohio & New York. Alas, the chalk box is empty, the chalk having been long ago used by the school children!

Circa 1920-30’s, the chalk box features a sliding wooden top and carries further advertising on one side printed in matching cobalt blue print...

The ornate metal stations and fluted beads resemble the silver work of Boston's Peruzzi or Parenti, yet the vintage carved Chinese beads are either lavender jade jadeite or amethyst gemstone The lucky signs carved in place make these an unusual special pair to wear with either your vintage Peruzzi or Chinese jewelry wardrobe .
The 9 - 10mm carved lucky lavender jade jadeite or Amethyst bead, one slightly smaller than the other, and sterling silver earrings are 3 1/4" N to S...

Measuring 9 inches long x 7 wide x 1.25 deep, this circa 1920's, children's architectural, wooden block set, likely made in Germany, is in near perfect condition!

The set appears to have been lightly used, if at all! Nearly all blocks are present, and all of these are in wonderful condition! It appears that one red triangular block is missing along with the four rectangular pieces needed to complete the second window frame (the second paper window insert remains)...

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...

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.

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...

A rare and exotic authentic period Art Deco gilt brass and purple glass bead mesh head covering or skullcap hat c1920s. This unusual and fabulous fashion accessory would have been the height of fashion at a speakeasy or dance club; it consists of large gilt brass loops, gold plated chains and purple glass beads...

An Art Deco evening bag made of woven French silk brocade in the Persian style, showing parrots among flower bouquets. The clasp with a glass or stone disk and tiny marcasites. The peach colored interior stamped in gold "Kurzman - New York - Made in France". Condition: some wear, the lining with splits. Dimension: 13.5 cm x 20.5 cm.

A wonderfully styled vintage Art Deco pocket comb in green celluloid with a designed sleeve. This 4-1/2 x 1-1/8" comb is in a green celluloid, which has mellowed to an olive and light butterscotch brown colour. The comb has a checkerboard decoration with cream white squares on a green and copper metallic ground; the cover has black paint, subtle hand carving and gold highlights. Both pieces are unsigned, however we aren't sure if they started life together or not, although they fit together ...

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/...

VINTAGE DETEX GUARDSMAN STATION CLOCK WITH ORIGINAL LEATHER COVER, STRAP & KEYS Also Recording Station. VINTAGE DETEX GUARDSMAN STATION TRIP CLOCK WITH ORIGINAL LEATHER STRAP AND CASE - I worked at the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1910 Pacific Electric Building in the 60’s at corner of Main Street & 6th Street. I found the Station Time Clocks in the attack and bought them from Chuck Smith the old watchman of the building, a railroad employee. Comes with the 2 original keys. One wind...

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 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,...

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...

This glorious pitcher featuring the mascot of The Sleepy Eye Flour Mill Company was among the popular promotional items given to customers of its flour. Decorated in the round, the pitcher includes tee-pees and trees.

Condition is Very Good, suffering from age toning and crazing. There are no cracks or chips.

Dimensions (inches)
Height: 9
Width: 9
Depth: 3 3/4

Measuring 4 inches high with a 3.75 inch base diameter, this authentic looking 1919 Patent model bank of the historic Philadelphia Liberty Bell, is in wonderful all-original condition!

Given away as a premium for opening a bank account, this still bank advertises the Mechanics Savings Bank of Hartford, Connecticut.

The bank is complete with the famous Liberty Bell crack down its front as well as this slogan etched around its top, "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All The Inhab...

Early circa 1915 painting of a race car and be-goggled driver, painted on paper or thin canvas, subsequently laid on board. An old framer's blue label suggests that the artwork spent some time in Rugby, England, but, the painting is laid on a modern day board, much newer than that outer backing would suggest. Taking into account some general wear in the field at right center, and a heavy old cigarette smoke odor close up, I do believe the painting is vintage and of the period depicted, and th...

A very attractive German made 9 x 5-3/4" gold plated brass mounted glass bead floral purse c1920. This purse has deep purple, black, blue, turquoise, green, light green, pink, lilac, red, amber and yellow beads with beaded fringe along the bottom. It has a brass chain and clasp and a yellow cloth interior. It is stamped GERMANY on the clasp and it is darker than our pictures and the beads include deep purple as well as black. This item is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, dents, ...

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. Bernhardt of course was one of the most...

A scarce and unusual 3-3/4" antique English porcelain souvenir beaker or tumbler from Elora, Ontario, Canada c1900. This travel memento features a black transfer of the Irvine Bridge; the area has long been a tourist destination and it is quite beautiful with the Victorian town and the Elora Gorge on the Grand River the highlights. This beaker has embossed decoration and gold trim; it is stamped with the Myott's mark with the Royal Grafton mark beneath it. This item is in excellent conditio...

A pair of Zig Zag confection tin lithograph premium miniature cups circa 1900. These scarce advertising miniature tin cups were given away as premiums in Zig Zag confections at the turn of the century. The first has floral decoration and the D.L. Clarke company logo and name, a box of the Zig Zag confection and the name of the Franz Euler Co. of New York, the manufacturers of the premiums and advertising items used by Clarke to promote their products. Zig Zag was a product similar to Cracker ...

A Mauchline ware Flume, White Mountains, N.H. bank circa 1900. This unusual late Victorian Mauchlineware barrel shaped 3-1/8" high wooden coin bank was made in Scotland and it has a decal depicting the Flume gorge in the Franconia Notch State Park, White Mountains, N.H. (New Hampshire, U.S.A.). It also has a decal stating SCOTLAND on the back and it was made as a souvenir for the U.S. market. This item is in very good condition with no cracks, losses, damage or repairs other than some minor s...

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....

A PAIR of watercolor and ink original drawings of elegant women in their elegant period finery, circa 1900, in matching oval late 20th century gold frames (14 1/2" by 11 1/2 as framed), one signed at lower right "F Siedle". These traditional works would make for fine additions to a lady's dressing area or bedroom.

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

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

De-accessioned from my personal collection and displayed a...

This is a very delicate 14K yellow gold and enamel pin featuring a centered blue enamel flower flanked by five seed pearls on each corner, unmarked,; measures 1 1/4 in approx, wt. 1.9g, Condition is good to very good with minor curve in pin, possible repair to clasp, damage to pearls on one side, may need cleaning.

Offered is a set of three tubes of C1900, unused, new-old-stock, M. Stein's theatrical grease paint makeup, rarely found in today's collectible market. Stein's theater makeup was extremely well-known throughout New York City's Broadway Theater District and was manufactured locally in New York.

The tubes bear the Stein's Trademark seal which is quite detailed and ornate and consists of a horseshoe labeled "Semper Fidelis" (Always Faithful), which encircles a stylized and entwined "M" and "S". B...

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 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...

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...

A superb late Victorian tortoiseshell celluloid hair backcomb with an opulent paste laden wings design c1890-1900. This hair accessory measures 5-1/4" x 3", and the white paste claw-set stones are mounted within gold plated wirework; this unsigned beauty is in excellent original condition with no chips, cracks, corrosion, losses, damage or repairs other than a bit of loss to the worework gilding, and all teeth of the comb are intact. Small packet air shipping to the U.S. starts at $8.95 (othe...

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.

Victorian mother of pearl and silvered metal button hook, for ladies’ boots and gloves. Length "3 ¼ / 8 cm. Condition: fine.

A very fine late Victorian black celluloid large hair comb with black rhinestones c1890-1900. This 6-1/2" x 3-1/2" unsigned comb has nice openwork with fronds, and it is in excellent original condition with no chips, cracks, losses, damage or repairs. All items are thoroughly and conservatively graded and all condition issues are noted. Small packet surface shipping starts at $6.95 (to the US - other spots may vary) - insurance is included. We do ship internationally. All of our prices are i...

An attractive Victorian 12-3/4" long painted silk and bone fan with flowers. This unsigned fan is attractively painted on one side with pink flowers and leaves, and the bone supports are unadorned. This item is in very good original condition with no chips, cracks, major tears or stains, losses, damage or repairs other than some minor fraying to the silk at the ends. All items are thoroughly and conservatively graded and all condition issues are noted; all items are secondhand and may have s...

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...

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

These fashion prints were carefully folded by Godey's to preserve the image and then were typically placed at the front of the magazine. The prints were reproduced from an actual, intricately detai...

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. By the construction and style we'd say it's late Victorian but it could be slightly later - it is in very good condition with some minor surfa...

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 brilliant true chromolithograph for Southdown tobacco by Macnil-Zimmer-McGill Tobacco Company, Petersburg, VA USA Registerd US Patent Office. Super nice condition with a printing flaw in the S of Southdown where the red did ink did not cover its assigned space. Framed in heavy oak frame with bubble glass. The picture was difficult to photograph, so you see glare in the image. This image and ad are well above average. Dimension: 13" x 13"

Offered for sale is a very rare, circa 1890s, trade sign or display advertisement for “KESSLER’S – SMOOTH AS SILK“ WHISKEY-- shaped in the form of a TOP HAT!

This fabulous advertising piece is made of papier mache’, is painted black, and sports cream-colored lettering on both sides of the hat. 19th century advertising pieces such as this are quite simply, extremely rare in today's collectible market, and when found command high values!

Julius Kessler, born in 1855, in Budapest- a...

From the Sunday December 10, 1899 New York Herald is an advertisement for RIPANS tablues, an over the counter remedy for a litany of ailments. Its founder was George Rowell who was an advertising trailblazer in the brokerage business. RIPANS was made for decades before disappearing into the mists of time.

This advertisement is documented to have appeared in multiple publications, but this example from the Herald is surely a one of a kind survivor - or close thereto.

But...

Measuring 5 3/4 inches high x 4 1/4 inches wide x 2 3/4 inches deep, this darling salesman's sample case advertises the Wholesale Grocers, Loverin and Browne Company. This Chicago, Illinois, company established business in 1872.

This diminutive tin case is painted black with gold accenting and gold lettering present on the front of the case. The black paint shows reasonable wear given its 130+ years of age with the majority of wear evident along seam lines and at the base. The gold painting o...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

Offered is a group of five, antique paper, hand-personalized and signed, New York Public School student merit awards from the 1840's, each priced separately, and suitable for framing.

All 5 of these artistically-rendered awards were presented to the same student, Maria Royce, and signed by her teacher, Isabella F. McCormick, as well as two representatives of the school committee for "regular and punctual attendance with correct deportment and diligent attention to her studies." Maria obvious...

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...

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. The ten young gentlemen in the front row, while quite fashionably attired, don’t appeared to be very enthusiastic about their participation in this photography session! Look at those faces!

Co...