Collectibles and Curiosities

Expressions of a New Spirit softcover book. Published by the Museum of American Folk Art, New York in 1989. Printed and bound in Great Britain, illustrated, 168 pages.

Set of four glass snuff bottles, very rare from the 1960s/70s, made of one of the glassworks - probably Joska Kristall, in the Bohemian Forest, Germany. These are collection items t...

Antique collectible leather African Moroccan satchel bag with flap decorated with traditional Moorish embroideries. Hand-tooled in Marrakech, this is an old antique shoulder slim bag, merchants in Morocco when traveling used this bag under their coat to put their money and valuables and medicine. This messenger shoulder leather African bag is one of a kind and reflect the folk artwork of the Berber Tribes of Morocco. Antique leather African Moroccan satchel bag with flap decorated with traditional Berber embroideries. Antique collectible leather bag, handmade in Morocco. True vintage Berber bag collectible piece of decorative wall art. The leather is hand embroidered. Artisan hand tooled very unusual and rare leather bag. Handmade from thick tan leather. The strap is long enough to wear the bag at the shoulder or cross-body with it sitting above the hip. Under the flap, you'll find one long narrow main pocket. This beautiful leather bag has been crafted in Morocco. This bag has a fold over fastening. The bag craftsmanship embroidered consists of geometrical Moroccan Moorish designs. This messenger shoulder leather African bag will be great as Moroccan Art wall decoration, just hanging from a hook or framed in a plexiglass presentation box. Dimensions: H 9 in. x W 10.5 in. x D 0.75 in. Total length 29 in. strap is 20 in. circa 1920. This messenger shoulder leather North African exotic bag...

This curious Folk Art stick pin was probably worn by a man, in particular, a hunter, as a charm. They’re often found on the charm bracelets of hunters, ...

Antique German set of five Putz stick-legged Deers and a Hunter. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativity scene figures. As they are all old, most show the expected signs of age and use. This is a fabulous set of stick-legged deers with dust covered body. The animals have a sturdy stick leg construction, with all of them having their original stick legs and have not been repaired. The Measurements given in the dimensions section refers to the Hunter figure. This extraordinary set dates from around 1880 - 1890s and was made in the Erzgebirge area (Ore Mountains) in Germany. This is a nice addition to any Christmas Decoration or just for your collection of old German toys. For explanation: Putz items, by true definition, were any figures or buildings that when displayed together, told the Biblical story of the birth of Christ. The term today is loosely used for any item that is used under a Christmas tree to create a Christmas “garden” or “yard.” Buildings, homemade or mass produced, composition figures and animals, bottle brush trees and any assortment of various accessories, possibly a toy train and usually a Nativity set at the heart of the display are just a few things that might spark one’s creativity when designing a “putz” for under the tree. Elaborate “putz” scenes reached their heights in the 1920s and 1940s. Today you will generally find them under the trees of diehard collectors of antique Christmas items...

Manufactured in 1884 by the Shepard Hardware Company in Buffalo, New York, this cast iron mechanical bank measures 7 1/8" long and is in excellent all original condition and paint, especially considering that the Shepard Company did not use a primer rendering their surface more vulnerable than say, the Steven's Company. There is no touch up or repaint, and no restoration of any kind. Colors of bright red on the dress, flesh tones, tan colored dog, and maroon base are all very bright and crisp. The bank is accompanied by the original wooden box in which it was originally shipped; a very special find and charming piece of Americana. Rare to find the original box. The bank and box came directly from an estate and the original owner, and I have owned it since then for over 35 years. The theme of the bank depicts a young Victorian girl playing with her golden retriever. It is one of only four antique mechanical banks...

African Urembo Beaded vintage necklace choker by the Maasai Tribe Kenya Vintage African Urembo beaded necklace choker. Handmade in Kenya by the ...

This rare and exquisite miniature antique German wooden Boule Bedroom Furniture set with fine golden transfers, dated about 1860s to 1890s. Made by one of the famous German toy companies. A very lovely Furniture set for antique dolls and for dollhouses. Measurements given in dimensions section refers to the bed. The small Vanity desk...

Architects Model circa 1920 We are proud to offer a unique circa 1920s architects model of a timber-clad colonial style house in original paint. An a...

Surveyors tripod level tool from the late 19th century. The tripod is made of wood and the level is brass. The wood tripod is 39.75in high.

This rare and exquisite miniature antique German Flower Stand Basket is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beautiful intricate design, it is suitable for any room and adds a touch of elegance to your Dollhouse. The set includes also a bouquet of flowers and the stand, all in very good condition. Made of high-quality gold-plated metal and handmade by skilled craftsmen, this original piece is a testament to the rich history of German toys. Whether you're a fan of entertainment or vintage items, this Erhard & Söhne dollhouse toy...

All four toys cars are being sold for one price; as a lot. Please see descriptions below. Videos available on request (they display operation). 1) Early Vintage Chein Company All Tin Toy Wind-Up Limousine, American, Circa 1930 This is one of the earlier, New York City based, J. Chein Company, tin toy pieces. They started doing lithography in 1930. This toy wind-up sedan was made circa 1930 and is brightly lithographed and painted in red and yellow, with grey and red balloon wheels. All tin, this car is quite scarce and well proportioned and stream lined with a visor over the windshield, a fancy checkered, red and yellow running board, and three cut out windows to each side of the car; very luxurious and cool looking. Markings consist of "N.J.-44"; the word "Stop" in a logo of some kind; and Chein logo attesting to "Made in U.S.A." manufacture. (see image). Also "marked" and of note are the tires "Chein Balloon Cord" "U.S.A." and "33 x 6 00.6 Ply" Car is from my own collection and is in very good and all original condition with no touch-up paint or repaint, and no restoration of any kind; fabulous colors and presence. The car works fine; see video for operation of the limousine (on request).. Dimensions: 7 1/4" long x 3 1/2" wide x 3" high 2) Rare 911 Porsche Friction Tin Toy by Bandai Toy Co. Made in Japan Circa 1960's Offered here is a whitish/cream colored friction tin toy 911 Porsche circa 1960's, marked at the bottom; "Porsche" in addition to the Bandai Toy Company logo embossed, along with "Made in Japan" designation being noted. The Bandai Toy Company is a post war toy company established in Taito, Japan circa 1950 and is still conducting business today, albeit, it has shifted from toy manufacturing to video toy accessories. This is a very rare toy and is coveted by collectors of both toys and fast cars. Except for the odd and minor scratch here and there, the toy is in very nice, all original condition with absolutely no restoration or touch up to the paint or mechanism (see images). The action and friction functionality works well (see video on request). Motor and engine mechanics and nomenclature are colorfully displayed through the plastic rear trunk window (see image); while the colorful interior can be seen through the side window. Car is all tin, with rubber tires and plastic windows. Dimensions: 10 1/4" long x 4" wide x 3 1/4" high. Note that this toy doesn't become available very often and the few that have turned up in recent years , don't work. 3) Vintage Free Wheeling Green Lithographed All Tin Racing Car. French, Circa 1930 Circa 1930's free wheeling green lithographed all tin racing car, with attached pressed steel driver; it is probably of French manufacturer (the only time I have seen for sale was from a French toy dealer). This scarce toy has markings resembling early racing cars with the streamlined style graphics in yellow and green; standard grill; exhaust four manifolds to each side, and a spare tire attached to the rear; looks like an early Le Mans type car with the spare (see images). Other markings include the number "3:" on each side; "510 x 1" on the rear tire"; and probably the makers mark and logo, which I can't identify, on the top right behind the driver (see images). Not being a wind-up or a friction toy, this racing car was pushed across the floor by hand or/and used as an accessory in a toy train layout setup. The car is in excellent and all original condition (remarkable for a nearly 100 year old floor toy), with no dents, no touch-up paint and absolutely no restoration.. Provenance: From my own collection of toys and banks, having been purchased 33 years ago in 1990. Dimensions: 8 1/4" long x 2 1/2" wide x 2 1/2" high 4) Lehman Auto "Ito" Sedan, Germany, circa 1913 This hand-painted German tin toy was manufactured by the "Lehman Toy Company" in Brandenburg, Germany beginning in 1913. It was made for a number of years after that, enjoying about a 20 year run. Entitled "Ito" it operates by winding up the attached key wind mechanism, placing it on the floor, and watching it go. The car is in very good all original condition with no repairs and no repaint. It runs well. There are a number of markings on the car including "Lehman" with the corresponding logo and the number 679 on the rear. The side of the has the patent information "Pat'd 12 May 1903; 13 Sept. 1904; and U.S.A. 2 Dec. 1913". Hand-painted nicely in red and black with black and gold trim; the hand-painted driver is in blue with flesh tones to the face. Dimensions: 7" long x 3" wide x 3 1/2" high. Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and banks; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin...

A massive nearly 10 foot tall by 5.5 foot wide antique Dutch ecclesiastical wooden cross. Hand-crafted in the Netherlands in the 19th century, very large sculptural Celtic cross for...

Fantastic folky oversized 19th century mustard over copper Lightning rod ball on a professional iron stand. The base is a plank of original work that the...

A 1930s souvenir building Statue architectural model Ashtray. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal. A beautiful nice desktop item or just a display item i...

Early 20th century jigger doll We are proud to offer an early 20th century hand carved jigger doll. Made for a light pine wood, with hand carved detail across its face and lovely Chelsea boots. Jig dolls or les gigueux are old and established wooden or tin – plate “toys...

A rare set of three feather tree glass Christmas tree topper from Germany. Each is made from mouth blown glass, would be a great antique addition for your Christmas or feather tree. ...

19th C original painted checkerboard game board. Board has great Grungy paint. Great Pitina.

A rare set of four feather tree glass Christmas tree topper from Germany. Each is made from mouth blown glass, would be a great antique addition for your Christmas or feather tree. S...

Large wooden screw of a wine press, Italy, 1900s. A walnut sculpture. Really nice.

The colorful orange face on this old Halloween noise makers are obvious devils. Each has sinister eyes and a smile that shouldn’t be trusted. There is a s...

The term "spelter" refers to a zinc/lead metal compound used to pour and make castings. Because of the thinness of the castings there is great detail to the subject matter of these banks. Spelter banks...

A set of three antique Austrian Alps Chamois antler trophies on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaques. I think they are from the 1890s or older. Tallest is approximate 10" high, 6...

This unique Christmas Box from Austria is handmade and futures a famous Christmas character, The Krampus, Belsnickel's companion. The vintage piece dates from the 1940s or older and ...

Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century hand crafted and hand painted House Altar with a lot of Christianity miniatures and accessories. A wonderful decorative...

Deep Design: Nine Little Art Histories by Libby Lumpkin. January 1, 1995 In nine ambitious essays of uncommon erudition, art historian Libby Lumpkin constructs quirky condensed his...

Step back into the spirited world of 19th-century pugilism with this charming Vintage Boho Staffordshire Boxing Figurine. Featuring the famous bare-knuckle boxing rivals Tom Spring a...

An exceptionally good quality Turkish prisoner of war glass beadwork amulet necklace dating from the first world war 1914-1919. These pieces were made by Turkish prisoners of war, ca...

Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition. T...

Very charming small figurine of a lady that functions as a tape measure. This vintage piece was commonly found on a sewing table and has both centimeters as well as inch measurements...

Antique Silver Repousse Islamic Talisman box Holder. Large Berber tribal ethnic talisman pendant holder. In triangular shape, silver repousse talisman miniature case which would have stored select verses of the Koran Revelation considered to hold special protective powers. This would have originally been worn by someone to protect from the evil eye. The front has intricate, dense design., the back is plain, the box have been sealed and soldered to protect the scriptures. Large silver triangle pendant with hanging beads, embossed silver metal with geometrical relief and repousse. This beautiful antique ethnic piece could be worn as a piece of jewelry, pendant or pin broch, necklace, pendant. Silver Metal triangle shaped box with eleven hanging charms that will makes sounds to push away any bad spirit when moving. Great Islamic Folk Art, metal work, bold, beautiful and musical. The containers would have also held a miniature paper scroll containing a combination of prayers and Koranic verses. Material: German nickel silver. circa 1920s. Probably from North India, Kashmir, but similar to the North African Berber and Tuareg Jewelry...

This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...

Asmat Art, Woodcarvings of Southwest New Guinea, edited by Dirk Smidt. Hardcover book with dustjacket. Published in 1993 by George Braziller of New York. Ill...

19th C original painted checkerboard game board.

Bavarian Votiv Tablet 19th century. Jesus at the scourge pillar, Oil on wood, dated 1840. Very nice original condition.

A wonderful and charming early 20th century American bush plane model constructed with painted canvas stretched over a wooden skeleton, and mounted on a custom steel mount.

Nine out of these ten banks are of American manufacture, made between the 1950's and the 1970's, while one (the Well's Fargo Stage Coach) was made in China, circa 1990's. Banthrico, Incorporated (Chicago) made four of these banks, while similar type companies made the other six. They manufactured coin savings banks for banking institutions who used them as premiums to those who opened up a savings account. In the case of young children they were given to them to encourage thrift and savings. These (10) banks are a representation of that era 1950 to early 1970's, encompassing enticing savings themes. They were always made of white metal, and typically plated; usually in a copper finish. All of the banks listed below are pictured front, back, and bottom. Four of the banks lack the coin holding trap, which is quite common, as it was typical for children to toss them or lose them eventually upon removing the money from the bank. 1) "Pirate Bank" Circa 1950's; depicts a pirate sitting on top of a treasure chest with a parrot on his shoulder, protecting his booty. Typical original copper finish in white metal; measures 5 1/2" high x 4 1/2" wide x 3 1/2" deep. Copyright marking to the rear "55" , perhaps 1955. Has the coin trap holder but lacks the circular coin trap. Very good condition. Referenced #335 "The Penny Bank Book" by Andy Moore (published 1984)( 2) "Eagle on Cliff" Made by Banthrico Incorporated and dated 1976 (Americana Bicentennial commemoration bank) portrays a proud American eagle perched on a cliff; nice detail to original copper finish with original coin trap in near mint condition. 6 3/8" high. Made for "United Savings Bank" Referenced #145 "Coin Banks by Banthrico" by Jim Redwine (published 2001) 3) "Covered Wagon" Made by Banthrico Incorporated and from the 1950's, by "The Union Banking Company"; depicts a fully loaded chuck wagon with buckets, and a chest ":parked" on western terrain. Finished with copper finish to white metal, with the typical saw tooth coin trap intact, in excellent and all original condition. 4 5/8" long Referenced #432 "Coin Banks by Banthrico" by Jim Redwine (published 2001) 4) "Well's Fargo Stagecoach Bank" Later made promotional bank by Well's Fargo banking institution; in all original and complete condition with original paint colors of red, yellow, and black, authentic looking stagecoach; in very good condition with coin trap intact and no repaint, restoration or dents. 4 3/4" long 5) "Three Little Pigs" Inscribed on front base plate, all original condition with coin trap intact. Slight manufacturing "blow hole" at base of one of the pigs (see image specific to this); unknown manufacture. Made of copper; measures 5" high. 6) "Indian Chief" Put out by "The Multnomah Bank of Portland,m Oregon; depicts an Indian Chief in full feathered head dress and chieftain regalia; with typical Banthrico Company original copper finish and Banthrico original coin trap to the base. Measures 5" high. Circa 1962 Referenced #27 "Coin Banks by Banthrico" by Jim Redwine (published 2001) 7) "Shoe House" Bank Mistakenly called "Old Lady and the Shoe Bank"; this particular bank is of unknown manufacture (could be early Banthrico bank...

Iconic and rare antique tin toy, highly sought after by collectors of Lehman Toys, and fine quality wind-up toys. Without the "Lehman Autobus" your co...

A hand-carved Virgin of Guadalupe Wood Plaque. This beautifully crafted wooden hanging plaque features the iconic image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Carved with intricate detail, it c...

Vintage Bavarian Traditional Costume Jewelry Brooch with Hunting Pendants An old Bavarian traditional costume pin. A beautiful piece of his...

Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition. T...

The model, made as an inkwell and lacking it's cover.

A set of four vintage Black Forest deer antler trophies on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaques. All dated between 1906 - 1915. Measurement's given in dimensions section refers t...

This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...

This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...

This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...

Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition. T...

Whaler made antique bone and ebonized wood round box, circa 1850. With pierced bone medallion and delicately carved bone spiral decorative supports on the...

The term "spelter" refers to a zinc/lead metal compound used to pour and make castings. Because of the thinness of the castings there is great detail to the subject matter of these banks. Spelter banks...

A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size alw...

A set of two vintage Black Forest deer antler trophies on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaques. I think they are from the early 20th Century. Measurement'...

This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...

A vintage Belgium Decorative Item nice to display in your country style home or kitchen. Found at an Estate Sale in Brussels, Belgium.

Unusual Irish 19th century specialty pony saddle with center harness by Rafferty of Dublin, in richly patinated leather, brass and timber and with padded t...

A vintage Belgium Decorative Item nice to display in your country style home or kitchen. Found at an Estate Sale in Brussels, Belgium.

The cup shaped cast body decorated with incised ring-turned detail, rising from a waisted & stepped circular foot, together with its original pestle. Combined weight, 3.75 lbs.  

Early-mid 20th century Chinese framed Buddhist scepter of authority. Low grade silver shows degrading before it was framed. Filled with bats & a pair of 5-toed dragons surrounding a ...

"Melody-Bank" is a rare bank and was manufactured by "Electric Coding Machine Co., N.Y.C." in 1946. American made, this is a genuine and authentic vintage mechanical bank, albeit somewhat later, having been manufactured in 1946. It maintains all of the elements of a collectible antique mechanical bank; pleasing shelf appeal and wonderful musical action. The metal faux textured, green painted casing on five sides is fronted by cardboard on wood, filled with delightful images of "children at play with money" lithography. To operate: Wind up the mechanism by turning the brass dial in front clockwise; then put a nickel, dime, or quarter in the appropriate slot at the top. Music will play as additional lithography depicting children's nursery rhymes rotate on the interior circular dial ("Little Boy Blue", "Mary Had A Little Lamb", etc.). Coins are removed by unscrewing the metal plate at the rear bottom. Bank is in excellent all original condition with fully operable musical mechanism. Dimensions: 7" high x 4 9/16" wide x 3" deep. I am a leading specialist in the field of antique mechanical coin banks...