Antique & Vintage Toys, Photography, Political Ephemera & more
This is a sampling from our current inventory. Please contact us for more information on anything that interests you.
1930s HENRY & MAHOUT ON ELEPHANT LINEMAR JAPAN CELLULOID COMIC WINDUP TOY
Circa 1930’s Henry & Mahout riding on an elephant comic character celluloid windup toy with original winding key. This toy has a bright pink elephant with very colorful details on the elephant's blanket. Also, there are colorful details on the figures of Henry & of Mahout (the native boy who was Henry's friend). The colors are all extremely bright & vibrant to the max degree. The celluloid components & the paint show no wear. It looks like the toy was never played with. The native boy's right shoe is bent a bit. This may have occurred in the making. But, we are not certain one way or another on this minor point.
The native boy is strung a bit loose. So, he can easily slip around a bit. However, he is attached by string (as issued) & will sit up for display. There is an extra bit of original string tied to the elephant's tail.
The toy was in excellent working condition when we first tested it prior to taking the photos. When the toy was wound carefully in the clockwise direction the elephant's head went from side to side as the elephant's ears moved back & forth. HOWEVER, after taking the photos when we wound it slightly the toy did not work. So, we are offering the toy as NOT WORKING.
The original box measures 8 1/2 inches by 5 7/16 inches by 3 1/4 inches. The box has some flaws but still overall has a solid, stiff, & tight feeling. The box has some smooth bends especially on one long side panel. The box is complete with all end flaps present & firmly attached. This is the box version which has scenes on all six panels. The corners of the box have some slight wear & a few tiny scuffs & there is slight separation at a couple of corners. One side panel has a 2 1/2 inch tear which extends 1 1/4 inches in to the top side. Still, even with the flaws, a decent example of this appealing box.
The actual toy is in the running for the finest & most beautiful example we have ever seen in the pink elephant variety (which is far more beautiful than the more frequently encountered white elephant variety). The box has markings of toy name, designer, distributor, & country made in as follows: "Henry On Elephant", "Copyright Carl Anderson", "Distributors: Geo. Borgfeldt Corporation New York" & "Made in Japan". Carl Anderson was the famous comic strip artist who created the Henry comic strip. George Borgfeldt was the most renown distributor of comic character toys in the 1930's in New York.
1930's EXTREMELY RARE BUCK ROGERS ROLLER SKATES’ ORIGINAL BOX & SKATES
Buck Rogers roller skates in extremely rare original box. These skates were made by the Louis Marx Toy Company which had their main location at 235 5th Ave. in New York, New York during the 1930s. The box has a copyright symbol marking & the wording "1935 John F. Dille Co. Licensed Under Copyright 1930-1935”.
A full description including additional informaton and price on request.
1950’s MICKEY MOUSE LINEMAR JAPAN TIN & CELLULOID WINDUP TOY TRICYCLE
Circa 1950s Mickey Mouse tin & celluloid windup toy tricycle. This toy has the marking on the back: "Linemar Co. Inc. Japan Walt Disney Productions". The figure of mickey is made out of thin celluloid & the tricycle is made of colorful litho tin. The Mickey figure has some dents on his right ear & has some dents at the area where that ear connects to the head.
Mickey's legs are missing the strings that would have held them inside of Mickey's body. So, currently the feet are attached to the pedals but the legs are disconnected at their tops & are loose. The paint on MIckey is fresh & bright & appears to have had no use. The litho tin on the tricycle appears to have had no use. The handlebars are in bright fresh untarnished condition. The winding mechanism does not work.
The toy is 3 3/4 inches long by 4 inches tall by 3 3/4 inches across the handlebars. The weight is 2.2 ounces. This toy was found seven years ago in a Lancaster County, Pa. estate. We have enjoyed looking at it for those seven years & have just decided to pass the joy on to some other lucky person.
Price: $250.00
19th C. FRENCH ARTIST W/PALETTE SPELTER CANDLESTICK SIGNED FRANCOIS GEORGE
Whimsical figural candlestick depicting a French artist holding a palate. This tall, beautifully painted, & finely detailed piece is signed, in the casting, on the top of the base. This was designed by the talented & creative 19th century French artist & sculptor, Francois George. This candlestick was made in the late 19th century. We are estimating circa 1870's or so.
This figure on base measures 12 inches tall. The base diameter is 3 3/4 inches & the width across the hand holding brush & the hand holding palate is 5 inches. This is made of spelter metal & weighs 3 pounds. The back area of the top of the base is signed in the casting: "F 'Cois George".
This truly exceptional example is all original in all respects. There are no repairs & no missing components. All areas of the paint are entirely original & the details & quality of the paint is superb.
Price: $500.00
1880’s JAMES HENNELL LONDON SILVER BEAKER: w/ 33 SILVER PENNIES Ca.1272-1307
A rare & fascinating 1884 presentation solid English silver beaker mounted with 33 silver pennies dating from the reign of Edward I of England. This silver beaker was made by James Barclay Hennell of London, England. His five hallmarks, which indicate him as the maker & which indicate a date of being made as 1883, are present slightly below the top edge. The Hennell family business was famous for making outstanding novelty silver items in the last quarter of the 19th century.
There is a presentation inscription around the top of the base: "W. H. Pickford From J. R. Reid 1884". Also, there is an inscription underneath the bottom rim of the base: "This Beaker Weighing oz 6.10 was made to receive 33 coins of 1272 Edward I 1307". Note: the actual total weight on our scale is 7.20 ounces. So, apparently the beaker, before the coins were added, must have weighed 6.10 ounces.
The coins used in this beaker are all original medieval era silver pennies circa 1272 A.D. to 1307 A.D. Many of the coins used are examples in high grade condition & all are in pleasing condition.
There are four rows of silver pennies with eight coins in each row & there is one coin centered under under the base. The total number of coins is 33. The beaker has a lovely rich toning on the outside & inside surfaces. The beaker condition is wonderful & there is no damage & there are no repairs.
Price & further information on request.
19th C. FIGURAL SPELTER CANDLESTICK SINGING WOMAN W/GUITAR SIGNED FRANCOIS GEORGE
An original whimsical figural spelter candlestick depicting a singing French woman with guitar. This tall, beautifully painted, & finely detailed piece is signed, in the casting, on the top of the base. This was designed by the talented & creative 19th century French artist & sculptor, Francois George. This candlestick was made in the late 19th century. We are estimating circa 1870's or so.
This figure on base measures 11 3/8 inches tall. The base diameter is 4 3/4 inches & the width across the purse & the head of the guitar is 6 1/4 inches. It weighs 2 pounds & 10 ounces. The back area of the top of the base is signed in the casting: "F 'Cois George".
This truly exceptional example is all original in all respects. There are no repairs & no missing components. All areas of the paint are entirely original & the details & quality of the paint is superb.
Price: $310.00
19th CENTURY FRENCH ARTIST W/PALETTE SPELTER CANDLESTICK SIGNED FRANCOIS GEORGE
An original whimsical figural candlestick depicting an opera singer. This tall, beautifully painted, & finely detailed piece was designed and signed on the base in the casting by the talented & creative 19th century French artist & sculptor, Francois George. This candlestick was made in the late 19th century. We are estimating circa 1870's or so. This figure measures 12 1/8 inches tall. The base diameter is 5 1/4 inches & the width across the open book is 4 1/4 inches. This is made of spelter metal & weighs 3 pounds & 15.5 ounces. The back area of the top of the base is signed in the casting: "F 'Cois George".
Note: this example, at some point in its past, had a cracked broken base. The base was solidly repaired (no replaced parts) & filled in with extra metal underneath. At that time the base, shoes, & gray pants legs were repainted. These areas of repaint must have been done quite some time ago as the paint looks somewhat old. But, the repainted area shows up under a black light. All other areas of the paint are original & superb. Please examine the photos closely and purchase based on your own judgement as to condition and value.
Price: $175.00
1860’s CDV: PHOTOGRAPHER STANDS BY STUDIO CAMERA AS HE HOLDS A PHOTO
Original albumen cdv photo circa 1860’s of a photographer standing next to his studio camera. The photographer holds the cord from the lens in one hand posed ready to snap a photo. Interestingly, in the other hand he is holding a photograph.
The matt does not have any photographer’s marking. The photo was found years ago in Paris, France. But, we do not know where it was taken. This cdv measures 3 7/8 inches long by 2 3/8 inches wide.
Condition: The matt has only minute wear at the corners. The two piece construction matt was slightly misaligned at some areas along the edges when made. The photo has a decent appearance when viewed straight on. But, there are numerous small flaws to the surface of the photo.
A scarce & interesting photo which would well warrant some additional research to try to pin down the specific make of camera as well as to pin it down to a specific photographer.
Price:; $575.00
19th CENTURY SINGING MAN W/ VIOLIN SPELTER CANDLESTICK SIGNED FRANCOIS GEORGE
Whimsical figural candlestick depicting singing violinist. This tall, beautifully painted, & finely detailed piece is signed, in the casting, on the top of the base. This was designed by the talented & creative 19th century French artist & sculptor, Francois George. This candlestick was made in the late 19th century. We are estimating circa 1870's or so. This figure on base measures 11 inches tall. The base diameter is 4 3/4 inches & the width across the back to the head of the guitar is 6 1/4 inches. This is made of spelter metal & weighs 2 pounds & 8 ounces. The back area of the top of the base is signed in the casting: "F 'Cois George".
The violin bow is missing. Otherwise, this is a superb example. All areas of the paint are entirely original & the details & quality of the paint is outstanding.
Price: $270.00
Civil War Brig. Gen. Gouverneur Kemble Warren CDV Photo, Brady Washington, D.C.
CDV photo of Gouverneur Kemble Warren (1830-1882) by “Brady’s National Photographic Galleries, Washington, D.C. Broadway & Tenth Street. New York” which is printed on the back. Printed on the mat below the image is “Brady” and “Washington”. The CDV measures 3 13/16 by 2 5/16 inches. There is light toning to the mat and one small spot of staining at the lower left of the image edge. There is some very slight in period trim to the mat to expedite album insertion. His name is lightly penciled in period on the back in an unknown hand.
Gouverneur K. Warren was a civil engineer, cartographer, and explorer and served for 32 years in the military. He was a Brigadier General and the Chief Engineer of the Army of the Potomac at the Battle of Gettysburg. His call for reinforcements at Little Round Top was an instrumental factor in the victory by the Union forces. He is often referred to as the “Hero of Little Round Top”. A monument to Gouverneur Warren stands at the summit of Little Round Top at Gettysburg National Military Park. He was active at several important Civil War battles besides Gettysburg including the siege of Yorktown, the second battle of Bull Run, Petersburg and others. This is a very hard pose of Gouverneur Warren by Brady to find. An E. & H.T. Anthony example of this same image from the Brady negative is in the Ostendorf collection held by the Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Price: $250.00
1892-1910 Julia Jones Beecher Cloth Doll
Circa 1892 to 1910 black Americana Beecher cloth doll in original clothing. She measures 19 1/2 inches tall and wears a marvelous red and white printed dress, a white apron, a shawl, a petticoat, and bloomers. At the back of the neck the dress closes with a snap type closure as does the back of her petticoat.
The waist of her bloomers in the back also has a snap type closure but her waist has gotten thicker over the years from sitting around for so long. Thus the back of the bloomers no longer can be pulled together enough to close. The back of the dress at the waist has a hook type closure. In the front the ends of the shawl are kept closed at the waist with a straight pin.
There is some loss to the topmost fuzzy surface of the black fabric that is used to simulate hair but due to the nature of the fabric she still has the appearance of having an overall short curly hairdo. The shawl and apron are of a very fine delicate fabric that has age toning. The shawl has a couple of breaks, one of which has an old stitched repair. The apron has one small hole.
This doll is from the collection of Tex Johnson, the longtime antiques dealer who sold from her shop on Route 272 in Adamstown for many years just a very short distance from the famous Shupp’s Grove Antiques Market.
Price: $1500.00
General James B. Ricketts Signed Civil War CDV Photo
We are offering in this listing one original 1860's Civil War cdv sepia albumen photo of General James Brewerton Ricketts. A superb image with rich contrast. The photo is ink signed with rank "James B Ricketts Brig Genl." The signature which was clipped from a larger piece was affixed, in period, to the front bottom of the photo. This is an authentic autograph in the hand of General James B. Ricketts & it is guaranteed entirely original in all respects. The back has the photographer's marking "Published by E. & H. T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York. from photographic negative in Brady's National Portrait Gallery". The back has an, in period, penciled identification "Genl Ricketts" in an unknown hand.
This cdv measures 4 inches tall by 2 7/16 inches wide. There is a small 1/4 inch by 1/32 inch bit of residue on the back. There is a very faint insignificant wrinkle on the back surface that only shows when the cdv is held in strong light. The cdv is basically quite choice & shows only minute wear.
This cdv is one part of a 98 piece collection of cdv photos that was formed during the Civil War and slightly after by General George Hampden Crosman & his wife. The Crosman album contained a number of scarce & elusive cdvs of Union generals as well as a number of cdvs of Union generals with original autographs.
Price on request.
1930's Mastercraft Full Vision Electric Toaster
1930's Mastercraft Full Vision Electric Toaster which features glass windows in both of the flipper sides and also in the left and right sides so that you can watch your slices while toasting them! In the Greguire book (1997) on toasters the author stated that it is one of her favorites as she likes the warm glow emitted through the four windows when it is making bread into toast.
Measurements: 7 inches tall. 8 inches across the widest part of the base. 5 inches across the base from front to back.
Printed on bottom: 115V 450W
It has an attached cloth covered black and red cord which is in fine condition. There is an old paper label wrapped around the cord on which is printed the words "Replacement Power Supply Cord” along with "Underwriters Lab Inc." Thus the original cord must have worn out resulting in a past owner getting a replacement cord. The toaster is in working condition.
Overall the chrome is very nice with only small signs of age and use. The interior of the sides has some small scattered rust spots. There is wear to the black paint of the base. The top surface of the base under the heating elements has light rust.
Price: $150.00
1930’s-1940’s DICK TRACY PREMIUM BADGES & 2 BUTTONS
Circa 1930's-1940's collection of eleven original different Dick Tracy badges & buttons. Included in the collection are:
#1. "Dick Tracy Detective Club" embossed brass shield with eagle at top badge. 2 11/16 inches by 2 5/16 inches. This has a shield shaped leather section on the back which closes with a snap. Beautiful luster with only slight wear.
#2. "Dick Tracy Secret Service Patrol Captain" brass badge with five pointed star badge within a wreath. 2 3/8 inches diameter. The pointed section of the back pin is missing. Shows some toned wear but considerable original luster is still present.
#3. "Dick Tracy Secret Service Patrol Inspector General" brass badge with five pointed star within a wreath surmounted at the top by an eagle. 2 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches. The back pin is intact. Has a lovely appealing evenly lightly luster to the surface.
#4. "Dick Tracy Secret Patrol Sergeant" brass badge with five pointed star with three "v" shaped extensions below. The back pin is present. Has slight wear & toning. But, lots of appealing luster is still present. 2 5/8 inches long by 1 15/16 inches wide.
#5."Dick Tracy Secret Service Patrol Lieutenant" silver colored plating on brass badge with five pointed star within a wreath. Center of star has worn plating showing brass. 2 1/8 inches by 1 15/16 inches. Considerable pleasing luster is still present. The back pin is present.
#6. "Cleveland News Dick Tracy Detective" brass shield badge with eagle at top. Back pin is present & solder holding pin to back is old. But, we are not sure whether solder holding pin to back is original or not. 1 5/16 inches by 1 1/4 inches. Beautiful bright original luster is intact.
#7. "Member Dick Tracy Secret Service Patrol" litho tin pinback button has a diameter of 1 3/8 inches. Has maker's mark on the edge of "Parisian Novelty Co. Chicago". Button has intense dark blue & gold colors intact. But, there are some smooth bends to the metal through out & some minor thin surface scratches.
#8. "Dick Tracy Secret Service Patrol Member" brass star badge 1 1/2 inches long by 1 3/8 inches wide. Back is missing pointed part of the attachment pin. Has some toning from age & use. But, part of luster is still present.
#9. "Dick Tracy Detective" celluloid pinback button 1 1/4 inches diameter. Colors are very sharp, fresh, & bright. Front is very smooth to the touch & shows only faint signs of use. Original back pin is smooth to touch & richly toned from age. Metal backing has light surface rust.
#10. "Dick Tracy Detective Club" brass shield badge with eagle on top. 1 9/16 inches long by 1 3/16 inches wide. Front is fresh & bright near mint. Back has medium age toning & retains the original pin.
#11. "Member Dick Tracy Secret Service Patrol Girl's Division". Small brass badge measures 1 1/16 inches by 13/16 inch. Has even pleasing toning from wear & use & retains the original back pin.
Price: $295.00
1920’s Emerson Type 29645 Table Top Electric Oscillating Fan
A very clean working 3 speed Emerson Type 29645 oscillating fan with original cloth covered cord. Acquired along with it was a business card on which is printed: “E. THOMA & CO., 119 WEST MONROE STREET, ESTABLISHED IN 1907, PHONE 3-7515”. “FANS - FANS - FANS WE CARRY IN STOCK EMERSON GENERAL ELECTRIC WESTINGHOUSE WE OVERHAUL REPAIR AND REFINISH FANS”. An image of a fan is on the card. That image looks like the fan we are listing. Apparently the Thoma Company was fond of the 29645 model of fan! The card is included with this fan.
We did some research on the E. Thoma Company and found an ad for the company in an Arizona newspaper of 1922. That was all we found. We think that it is likely that a past owner acquired this fan from that company. The fan appears to be all original and in superb condition with some minor wear to the back side of the paint on the back of the motor. Has three speeds. All working. Please see video.
Our experience with fans is limited. We have been dealing in other types of vintage electronics such as radios and toasters. When this fan turned up locally we decided to buy it because it is so clean and in such good condition. If you have questions that are not answered here in our description, please let us know and we will do our best to answer them.
Measurements: 14 inches tall to top of cage. Cage: 10 inch diameter. Base: 6 inches diameter.
Weight: 12 lbs 13 oz.
Price: $350.00
ATLAS OF PHILADELPHIA 42nd WARD, G. W. BROMLEY, 1923, FOLIO
“Atlas of the City of Philadelphia, 42nd Ward, from Actual Surveys and Official Plans by George W. and Walter S. Bromley & Co., Civil Engineers, Published by G. W. Bromley & Co., 147 N. 5th St., Philadelphia 1923”. This folio size atlas weighs in at 17 pounds and 12 ounces. It measures 23 inches by 18 inches by 3 inches. There is a double page linen backed color Outline and Index Map with Legend, a linen backed Street Index page, and 36 tabbed double page linen backed color maps. Many of the maps have paste overs which were added as properties were developed.
The cover is cloth covered with a gilt lettered leather cover label, leather corners, and a leather spine.
Stamped twice on the front endpaper is: “Allen & Barnes, Real Estate & Conveyancing, 2515 Germantown Ave., Phila., Penna.”
The overall condition is very good. If you would like to receive a detailed description of the condition please let us know.
Price: $500.00
1931 "RACING AT HOME & ABROAD: RACING & BREEDING IN AMERICA AND THE COLONIES"
A handsomely illustrated book, "Racing & Breeding in America and the Colonies", by John Hervey, Harry Worcester Smith, S. Saunders, G. H. Hilliard, Charles L. Stanhope, James T. Wallace, Brig.-Gen. Sir Ormonde Winter, K.B.E., C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O. This first edition book is #458 of a total of only 855 copies and it is the third volume in the series Racing at Home & Abroad.
The other books in the series were Volume I, British Flat Racing and Breeding published in 1923 and Volume II, British Steeplechasing and Racing in Ireland published in 1927. We are offering only this one book from the series.
"Racing & Breeding in America and the Colonies" #458/855 was printed at the Gresham Press in London by the London & Counties Press Association in 1931. The binding is brown morocco, ruled and lettered in gilt. The top page edges are gilt, others uncut and untrimmed. There are 502 numbered pages and 82 photogravure plates from 136 illustrations taken from various sources including engravings, paintings, and photographs. The frontispiece is of the horse Lexington from the painting by E. Troye.
The book measures 12 3/4 inches by 10 3/4 inches and is 3 1/4 inches thick. It weighs 10 pounds 4.5 ounces.
Price: $375.00
1795, 1st Worcester Edition Isaiah Thomas Printer: Elegiac Sonnets and Other Poems.
Elegiac Sonnets and Other Poems by Charlotte Smith, 1795 printed in Worcester, Massachusetts by Isaiah Thomas, author, antiquarian, typographer, paper manufacturer, bookbinder and bookseller, the foremost and most prolific of 18th century New England’s printers. This was the first book printed on wove paper in the United States. The text pages are printed on wove paper. The engravings that illustrate the poems are printed on laid paper which was the traditional paper to be used for printing at the time.
Pages run from pp. i-xx and 21-126 (with missing pages noted below). On page xiii Isaiah Thomas wrote a page long “Advertisement”. In the second paragraph on that page he wrote (with 18th century spelling included): “The making of the particular kind of paper on which these Sonnets are printed, is a new businefs in American and but lately introduced into Greatbritain; it is the first manufactured by the Editor.”
The book measures 5 15/16 inches by 3 3/4 inches by 5/8 inches.
A very rare book.
The book is in Fair condition and has numerous condition flaws which are only partly described as follows:
The front hinge shows splitting but the cover remains attached.
Missing front flyleaf as well as the page that had an engraving opposite the title page.
Missing page 23 and page 24 on which had been Sonnets III and IV.
This is an over 200 year old book that shows signs of use and age.
If you would like more information about condition or would like to see more photos, please let us know.
Price: $675.00
Arcade Cast Iron Yellow Cab
An Arcade cast iron yellow & black cab. Called by most collectors & labeled with Arcade's stampings "Yellow Cab". But, I would really call the color orange. This is the largest version of this design, to my knowledge, which Arcade ever issued.
This is the 9 inches long by 4 1/2 inches tall by 3 5/8 inches wide across the back size. I have only owned this toy for a very short time & am just getting around to offering it for sale on eBay. I had put the cab on a shelf & was tentatively thinking of collecting it as it is such a choice example & it has been so long since I have had one this nice.
But, then I have been back & forth on whether or not to collect it since it would now be the only iron toy cab that I would own. The last time I got seriously involved in iron cabs many years ago I formed one of the top collections of iron cabs which according to Don Kaufman was at least equal, if not better than his. But, the cabs I had have all been gone for many years & I have, so far, resisted the siren's call. In any event, I figure that if I sell this toy I will easily save myself a a fortune by not starting again on collecting the high end condition cabs. But, on the other hand, then who needs to save money which was really made for the purpose of spending!
Anyway, the example I am offering has all original paint which is bright & superb. No touch-ups, no cracks. I have not dusted the toy & it appears to have never been cleaned. All original components with the exception of the wire mesh screen which looks pleasing but it is replaced. An easy upgrade to make, if desired, by taking an original screen out of a far lesser example of a yellow cab when found.
The original rubber tires are as can be seen. The rubber tires are distressed & flawed & cracked with one section of rubber from one tire broken & missing a small piece. That tire is separating & about ready to slip off. Anytime I have owned iron cars or trucks I have always left the original rubber on them regardless of how the original rubber looks whereas some people prefer to replace rubber tires when distressed. In any event, here a very upscale example with superb original paint.
Price on request.
Cupola Cast Iron Building Bank
A pleasing example of an all original circa 1870's-1880's or so iron cupola bank building. This bank was made by the J. & E. Stevens Company of Cromwell, Connecticut in several different sizes. The one we are offering measures 4 1/8 inches tall by 3 5/16 inches from right to left across the roof by 2 5/8 inches from front to back across the roof. This one has a deep red roof with delicately painted deep gold leaves decorations. There is minor wear to the roof. But the majority of what looks like roof wear on a quick glance is actually the delicately painted leaves decorations.
The consistent nature of this roof decoration, which we have also seen on some other examples of the cupola bank gives us the feeling that the Stevens company, most likely, used several different stencils for the painting of the various sizes of the cupola banks. This example has a smooth rich gray colored building which is painted with blue & red details & a rich red roof.
A small percentage of the examples of this bank made by Stevens were issued with mica flakes on the front panel. This example is especially appealing as it is one of those examples & it has lots & lots of original mica flakes, as issued, which are still intact on the front panel. This makes the bank especially charming as the mica flakes catch the light & sparkle in a very beautiful way in the light.
The bank is in excellent all original condition. It is complete with no breaks, no repairs, & no touch-ups to the paint. Through its many years of life it has acquired a lovely patina. We have decided to offer this bank exactly as found as we find the patina quite appealing. An especially attractive example of this cupola building bank which has considerable charm & a lot of visual appeal.
Price on request.
1890’s-1910 Bendigo Pottery Still Bank
RARE STONEWARE JOLLY "N" POTTERY STILL BANK BY BENDIGO IN AUSTRALIA CIRCA 1890's-1910
Extremely rare original brown glazed pottery figural still bank. This bank is in the shape of the head & bust of a black man. On the back is the wording "Jolly N…… Bank". The bank dates circa 1890's-1910 or so. This bank was made by the Bendigo Pottery Company in Australia. The design of this very rare stoneware pottery still bank was inspired by the American version of the mechanical which was patented in 1882 & produced by both Shepard & Stevens.
This Bendigo brown glazed stoneware still bank version features a more elongated bust than was featured in the frequently encountered American iron mechanical version. Also, this pottery version has more pronounced hair on the front of the head & both arms positioned straight down.
All of the few known Bendigo J. N. stoneware banks are extremely rare. Purportedly there are only a total of four or five known examples of Bendigo "Jolly N….. Banks" in all varieties. To my knowledge each of the few known examples is different. This is thought to be the only known example of this stoneware bank in this exact form.
The pottery is quite thick around the base & measures from 5/16 inch at the sides to 3/4 inch thick at the bottom of his arms. The bank measures 4 1/2 inches across the base of his arms by 6 3/4 inches tall. This well made stoneware bank weighs approximately 29.7 ounces. The original attractive rich thick brown glaze is in wonderful condition & has a lovely sheen & patina.
The area which would have been a solid stoneware base under the bank has been broken away to retrieve the coins & the base is missing. There is a small separation flaw crack that occurred in the making at the center of the bottom lip. Also, there are some chips to the bottom lip & loss of some of the teeth over the bottom lip from when the coins would have been put in to his mouth to go in to the bank. The condition can be seen in the accompanying photos.
Price on request.
Speaking Dog Cast Iron Mechanical Bank
PAT. 1885 SPEAKING DOG IRON MECHANICAL BANK
A complete & all original cast iron Speaking Dog mechanical bank.
This is certainly a charming & attractive design. The original designers are to be congratulated for their achievement in this regard. The example we are offering is a very scarce paint version variant which features a multi colored medium brown dog with lots of white highlights on the fur details. Examples of the Speaking Dog bank, which usually show up, are more frequently found with either a much darker brown paint on the dog than our example has & with far lesser details in the highlights or in a much lighter brown than ours also with far lesser detail highlights than present on our example.
Examples of the Speaking Dog bank were made by two different toy companies. The bank we are offering is the variety which has a rectangular key lock trap. This variety was made by the the Shephard Hardware Co. of Buffalo, New York.
The bank was patented on 20 October 1885 & was deigned by Charles G. Shephard & Peter Adams, Jr., both of Buffalo, N.Y. The bank measures 7 1'4 inches long across the base by 3 inches deep at the base. The height is approximately 7 3/8 inches. The weight is 4 pounds & 12 ounces.
The bank is in sound operational condition. Overall, the major majority of the all original paint is present. The bank shows more paint wear on some areas than other. This is often the case with banks made by the Shepard Hardware Co.
The girl's two arms, the area where the coins go in tp the bank, & the left side lap area of the girl's dress show the most paint wear. Most other areas of the bank show only minor wear. The girl's face is missing a few flakes of paint. But, the facial paint present on her face has lovely luster & the quantity of paint present is considerably more than is usually encountered on the girl's face on Speaking Dog banks. The paint on the dog is superb, has a gorgeous luster, & far more paint is present on the dog than is usually encountered. An even more significant point about the dog's paint is that we have never seen another dog as beautiful as this one in the color combo when combined with the extensive highlights.
Absolutely all of the components of this bank are entirely original in all respects including all of the exceptional condition paint. There are no cracks, there are no chips to the iron, & there are no repairs or replaced components anywhere on the bank.
We do NOT have the key to unlock the coin trap. We have had this bank in our collection for a number of years. In over 58 years of buying/collecting/ & selling mechanical banks this is the most pleasing condition example of a Speaking Dog mechanical bank which we have had the pleasure of owning. We will, most assuredly miss this lovely bank. But, the time has come for the bank to find a loving new home.
Price on request.
Organ Grinder Dancing Bear Mechanical Bank
1882 PAT. ORIGINAL ORGAN GRINDER DANCING BEAR IRON MECHANICAL BANK, BEAUTIFUL BANK!
An original "Organ Grinder and Performing Bear" AKA "Organ Grinder Dancing Bear" cast iron mechanical bank. The bank was assigned patent number D-259,403 on 13 June 1882. The bank was designed by & manufactured by the Kyser & Rex Company of Frankford, Pennsylvania.
Interestingly, this is one of the very few designs of cast iron mechanical banks which has a key wind clockwork mechanism. The key which is attached to the bank mechanism & is located on the side of the building. When the key is wound a coin is then placed in the top of the organ. Then the lever in front of the organ is pushed. This activates the bear to revolve as the organ grinder man turns the crank while the coin slides inside of the organ. The bank is in excellent mechanically operating condition.
This example has lots of bright original paint & the condition is much better than most examples of this bank which are found. A very beautiful & appealing example of this wonderful bank! This pleasing & attractive bank is 6 7/8 inches long by 2 11/16/16 inches deep by approximately 4 1/4 inches tall. The weight is 4 pounds & 7 ounces.
The bank is complete as shown & still retains the original coin trap. We do not have a key to unlock the trap. In over 58 years of being heavily involved with collecting mechanical banks this is the second best condition example we have ever owned of an Organ Grinder Dancing Bear Bank. We acquired this bank over 30+ years ago & it has been in our collection for the last 30+ years.
Approximately 40+ years ago a former owner of this bank, two owners before we acquired it, had dropped the bank. When we found the bank there were a few hairline cracks on the roof & there was one hairline crack at the center of the fence. There were no chips or missing pieces of iron & just the thin hairline cracks in the iron were present. Approximately 25 years ago we decided to have the bank repaired.
So, the bank repair expert Marc "O" was hired to repair these hairline cracks, approximately 25 years ago. At the time the cracks were repaired some paint touch-ups were done on the roof & also to the center of the fence. But, the major percentage of the original paint remains on both the roof & the fence. The old & superior quality expert repairs/ & touch ups done by Marc "O" are not visible to the naked eye even under careful magnification. But, the paint touch up areas show up under a blacklight examination.
Price on request.
Uncle Remus Cast Iron Mechanical Bank
Original "Uncle Remus" cast iron mechanical bank.
This bank was designed by John Murray of New York, N. Y. The bank was assigned patent number D462,150 on 27 October 1891. The bank was manufactured by the Kyser & Rex Company of Frankford, Pennsylvania. The bank is in sound operational condition.
There are no cracks & no chips to the iron. The original paint shows some wear. The major majority of the exceptionally colorful original paint is present & is quite beautiful & is very bright. The condition of this example is much better than most examples of this bank which are found. This pleasing & attractive bank is 5 7/8 inches long by 3 13/16 inches deep by approximately 4 7/16 inches tall. The weight is 2 pounds & 8.5 ounces.
The hen lever is an excellent professional recast which was made by Russ Harrington approximately 50 years ago (about 20 years before we acquired the bank). The bank is now complete as shown, there are no missing components, & the bank still retains the original coin trap. We do not have a key to unlock the trap. In over 58 years of being heavily involved with collecting mechanical banks this is by far the best example we have ever owned of an Uncle Remus bank. We acquired this bank over 30+ years ago & it has been in our collection for the last 30+ years.
When we found the bank the one tiny lower pin (of the two pins) which connect the side & back sections of the fence was missing. This is a tiny piece which fits inside the sections of the two fence parts. The bank repair expert Marc "O" was hired to repair it & he perfectly replaced this tiny piece, approximately 30 years ago, & no paint touch up was required. Also, at the same time, Marc "O" expertly replaced the policeman's club which was missing. When the club was replaced the policeman's hand holding the club was touched up.
I really sort of hate to sell this beautiful bank which I have deeply loved & very much enjoyed looking at for so many glorious years! But, alas for me & joy for you, the time has arrived for some other lucky mechanical bank collector to provide this exceptional Uncle Remus Bank a good new home. I will truly miss it!
Price on request.