"Dutch Boy" Themed Chocolate Mold Pattern Circa 1915, Belgium

This copper-plated cast iron Santa Claus nutcracker was manufactured in England, circa 1880s. It pivots on an iron pin. The face is very finely cast de...

From the Alice in Wonderland series, this full figured American cast iron doorstop features the "Carpenter" and he is sitting down with hands on knees, a ruler in his back pocket, often referred to as "taking a break". Unknown manufacture albeit the number "665" is stamped at the lower part of the hollowed out interior (see image. The doorstop is completely original in excellent all original paint, with no repairs, no restoration, and no touch up paint. It is nicely painted in brown, orange, and black, with flesh tones to the face and hands. Dimensions are 5 3/4" High x 4" Deep x 3" Wide. It has quite a bit of weight to it considering it's size. Excellent age crazing and patina throughout. The doorstop is circa 1910, judging by the finish and the popularity of Alice in Wonderland in America. The doorstop is referenced on page 200 in "The Doorstop Book" by John and Nancy Smith...

Antique toys like this (wind ups) are difficult to find in outstanding operating condition as this one (see the video attached) because of the rough play they would have received from the children who owned them. In very good and all original condition and paint in green, white, yellow, and flesh tone; the paint and lithography has no touch up or repaint of any kind; there is zero restoration. To operate, just turn clockwise the attached clockwork wind up key on the back of the girl and the she dances around in a circular motion for quite some time. "Dancing Katinka" is an all tin wind up toy...

This is a very rare toy that I have not seen an example of before, and judging by it's action and appearance, I would venture to say it is post war, probably made in Japan for the American market (boy looks very American). I have called it "Smiling Boy Polishing Boots" which resembles the clockwork movement. To operate: hold the toy in the left hand with thumb on chest and then; wind up attached original key with the right hand several times; and release. With a smiling face, the boy will roll his head back and forth, while diligently shining his black boots, using an up and down motion with his right hand. The toy works quite well and will go on for some time. It is made up of several materials. The head, hands, and shoes are made of composition; it has a tin body; the clothes jersey, hat, and "falling" trousers" are made of fabric. The toy is in good original condition; some wear to boy's hat and jersey in back (see images), a slight "bend" to tinplate in the rear; but for the most part, the toy is very sturdy, works well, has a nice appearance, and wonderful charisma. This is a charming rare toy that operates as it should, and is a "must have" for collectors of post-war vintage wind up toys...

A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, not marked. Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina. The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolate production and cons...

A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, marked Walter, Berlin and #4572. Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina. The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolat...

A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, not marked. Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina. The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolate production and cons...

A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, not marked. Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina. The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolate production and consumption throughout Europe. Many cities and towns had competing chocolate shops with wonderful window displays filled with intricate, molded solid chocolate figures to entice hungry passersby. By this time, they had perfected the art of molding chocolate by using metal molds. The most known and best Manufactory for this kind of molds was the famous Anton Reiche...