Salesman Samples

c. 1940s/1950s; MATACO (Machine and Tool Accessories Company), Inc. - Cleveland, OH Fitted machinist’s gauge and setup tool set housed in a black textured carrying case with dual me...

c. 1950s-1960s; Clow Corporation - Oskaloosa, IA Factory cutaway demonstrator model of a Clow fire hydrant, mounted vertically on a hardwood display base and housed in its original ...

Phenomenal pair of miniature wrought iron peacock chairs designed by John Salterini. This diminutive set of doll size chairs were made as sales samples featuring intricate iron work....

Representational scale model drop-leaf table. Plank construction on hinges, turned legs. with plywood crossmembers, in cherrywood finish. One plywood crossmember is missing.

The velvet lined case is full and contains 45 sample lenses. The case is signed in gold stamped letters L.O. BITTNER & CO., OPTISCH FEINMECHANISCHES WERK. MUNCHEN. I have never seen ...

Presenting an exquisite miniature Dutch marquetry cabinet, a beautifully crafted example of traditional European decorative arts. Standing 37" high x 31 1/2" wide x 14 3/4" deep, thi...

This promotional advertising store display box was made for the Detmer Woolens Company of the United States in circa 1945. This box was either sent to various clothing retailers or t...

French (1930's) miniature salesman's sample model of natural wicker 4 piece salon set with orange and black trim.  

Very pretty Victorian set of shop or salesman sample glasses sewn on a cardboard and velvet panel 10 different sizes and models of eye glasses 8 of them are so called Pince-Nez g...

A classic form club chair Salesman's sample in a mottled brown leather with button tufted shaped back and rolled arms with brass nail head trim.

Turn of the Century Metal Bowler of molded sheet metal, possibly a salesmans sample or display item. 1930s. Marked ELTON. 10.5" x 9" x 4.

Original brass hardware. Most likely a salesman's sample. Made in Spain for B. Altman. Retains it's original label.

A miniature Dutch table top secretary, a salesman sample chest. It is very early 19th century could be even late 18th century.

Clavier, a bi-monthly music instructional magazine originating in 1962, likely designed this action model as a salesman sample / store display. Unique decorative item as well a train...

This piece features a combination-style lock partially encased in luctite. Likely a salesman sample or store display, this piece shows the complete functional lock including the rear...

These irons were probably like salesman samples or children's. largest miniature sat iron measures - 4.2 inches wide x 2 inches deep x 3.5 inches high Smallest iron measures - 2.5 ...

Many others believe that they were made as “salesman’s sample pieces” which was when scale models of a workshop's output were made in advance of a road trip, during which the salesma...

Rare footed petite poolside Barbecue Salesmans Sample/Model or promotional Ashtray, Candy Dish or Incense Bowl made by Albert Manufacturing of Los Angeles California.

Reminds me of a milk truck from the 60s or a salesman sample in a car dealership. We were told an engineer that worked at Alamogordo, NM made this truck and a jeep which is listed se...

These tiny treasures were sometimes made as salesman's samples, which were identical to larger pieces and used by salesmen to showcase quality. 

A 1920s American salesman's sample of a playground tilting seat swing in orignal paint with a custom made wall bracket for display. 14 1/8" h., 13 7/8" dia.

1800s French inlaid diminutive commode. It is a salesman sample converted into a jewelry box with the two deep compartments and back lined in velvet.

A circa 1920s American salesman's sample of a playground suspension merry go round.

A late 19th century French Baroque style miniature buffet , traditionally made as a salesman sample or doll furniture. Made of solid walnut with rosewood rippled molding trim accents...

A charming 19th century Victorian walnut miniature walnut chiffonier having mirrored back to superstructure over shaped top and three cupboard doors with mirrored panels (This ...

This was most likely a very fine salesman's sample. In the 18th and 19th centuries, craftsmen would carry these small examples around the country to show potential clients what they...

An extremely rare piece of folk-art, perhaps made as salesman sample diorama for an interior decorator.

This piece serves as a salesman sample-type display used to advertise the various hardware and attachments manufactured by Westfield.

This beautiful little miniature antique desk is almost certainly a travelling salesmans sample piece. It's form is quite rare and it is intricately designed, making it quite unlikely...

This piece serves as a salesman sample-type display used to advertise the various hardware and attachments manufactured by Westfield under the "Columbia" line.

Or whether it was made as a travelling salesmans sample piece, which is when a few items were produced as scale models but a well established workshop as a form of physical catalogue...

A charming mid-19th century mahogany two door miniature chiffonier having carved decoration to back and two-panelled below on original plinth (An unusual type of piece to see a mini...

Historically crafted as a meuble de maîtrise by a guild apprentice to demonstrate technical proficiency, or used as a traveling salesman's sample. Three dovetailed drawers with turne...

Historically crafted as a meuble de maîtrise by a guild apprentice to demonstrate technical proficiency, or used as a traveling salesman's sample. Perfect for storing treasured objec...

This is a singular piece, a framed vintage Chinese gilt and inkwash miniature six-fold paper screen, that was possibly a salesman's sample, and it is beautiful. This is from the la...

Many others believe that they were made as "salesman's sample pieces" which was when scale models of a workshop's output were made in advance of a road trip, during which the salesma...

The fact that it is an unused single panel and signed (they were usually not signed) suggests this was a salesman's sample. The larger version is Documented in the Lalique book by Ma...

Or whether it was made as a travelling salesmans sample piece, which is when a few items were produced as scale models buy a well established workshop as a form of physical catalogue...

These miniature chests were historically crafted as a meuble de maîtrise by a guild apprentice to demonstrate technical proficiency, or used as a traveling salesman's sample. Perfect...

The fact that it is an unused single panel and signed (they were usually not signed) suggests this was a salesman's sample. It is Documented in the Lalique book by Marcilhac under 'G...

This particular miniature chest would almost certainly have been made as a salesman's sample piece, due to its overall quality and design and the fact it has been constructed from ...

Miniature centre tables come in many different shapes, sizes, qualities and designs and were nearly always created as salesman’s sample pieces, i.e. scale models of bigger versions.

This is one of my favorite types of antiques as it appeals to a verity of collectors, firstly you have the obvious, its a super rare highly desirable salesman sample, these were made...

This iconic miniature cedar chest by Lane is a timeless piece of American craftsmanship, originally designed as a "hope chest" salesman sample or a graduation gift. Constructed from ...

A charming mid-19th century simulated bird's-eye Maple miniature chest of three long drawers With original turned wooden knobs raised On original plinth (There is often debate ...

We believe that this wonderful little antique miniature chest is almost certainly a salesmans sample piece due to its overall quality and charm, alongside the use of high end mahogan...

Or whether it was made as a travelling salesmans sample piece, which is when a few items were produced as scale models buy a well established workshop as a form of physical catalogue...

Or whether it was made as a travelling salesmans sample piece, which is when a few items were produced as scale models buy a well established workshop as a form of physical catalogue...

One use was of course pieces which were made as travelling salesman’s sample pieces, which is where a few articles were made as scale models in advance of a road trip on which the sa...

Or whether it was made as a travelling salesmans sample piece, which is when a few items were produced as scale models buy a well established workshop as a form of physical catalogue...

One use was of course pieces which were made as travelling salesman’s sample pieces, which is where a few articles were made as scale models in advance of a road trip on which the sa...

Or whether it was made as a travelling salesmans sample piece, which is when a few items were produced as scale models buy a well established workshop as a form of physical catalogue...

Or whether it was made as a travelling salesmans sample piece, which is when a few items were produced as scale models buy a well established workshop as a form of physical catalogue...

Or whether it was made as a travelling salesmans sample piece, which is when a few items were produced as scale models but a well established workshop as a form of physical catalogue...

A delightful Regency Period burr oak miniature chest having Superbly figured top above two short & three long drawers with Original brass knobs flanked by elegant fluted stiles ra...

Unique find, luxury collectible with its original label and stopper; this would be a wonderful cornerstone "frontispiece" and meaningful addition to a perfume collection. In addition...

Opinions often differ as to the original purpose for many items of miniature furniture in terms of whether it was was made as an apprentice piece, which is when an unemployed craftsm...