American Historical Memorabilia
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Place of Origin: American
Original 1920s Tom Mix Silent Film Poster Fragment
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Original 1920s Tom Mix Silent Film Poster Fragment
Later Black Lacquer Frame 63 w x 45" h
Poster 60 w x 42" h
A striking and cinematic survivor from the silent film era, this monum...
Category
1920s Art Deco Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wood, Paper
Set of Three Vintage Doll Head / Face Molds Steampunk
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare set of three vintage metal doll head / face molds, circa 1930s. The Industrial looking pieces are quite unique and make a great "Steampunk" decor item. Wonderful natural patina ...
Category
Early 19th Century Steampunk Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Highly Important Theodore Roosevelt Collection of 6 Items
By Theodore Roosevelt
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A HUGELY IMPORTANT, EXCEPTIONALLY RARE and FULLY AUTHENTIC COLLECTION of 6 Items pertaining to President Theodore Roosevelt, that have never been outside family ownership, namely:
(1) Original Theodore Roosevelt Letter 14th August 1918 to Eliza Calvert Hall,
(2) Original Envelope – Aug 1918, with postage stamps, marks, etc.
(3) Original Theodore Roosevelt Letter 8th November 1918 to Mrs Obenchain
(4) Original Envelope – Nov 1918, with postage stamps, marks, etc.
(5) HUGELY IMPORTANT handwritten ‘Poem’ on an Index Card by Eliza Calvert Hall which was sent by her to Theodore, after the death of Quentin in July 1918 and is referenced to by him, in the letter of August 1918, and
(6) Original letter dated 12 September 2018 to Maj LC Obenchain, which completes provenance/background.
(1) & (2) – PRESENTING AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE and FULLY AUTHENTIC Theodore Roosevelt Letter from August 1918 with original envelope.
On ‘Sagamore Hill’ letterhead. Fully handwritten and personally signed by President...
Category
Early 20th Century American Empire American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Native American Beadwork Gauntlets with an Chief, ca 1880-90
Located in York County, PA
Native American beadwork gauntlets with Indian Chiefs in feathered headdresses, probably souix, Ca 1880-90
Native American beadwork gauntlet...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
1960s Robert Berks Sculpture Bust John F Kennedy JFK Miami Beach Mid-Century Art
By Robert Berks
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This is a rare 1965 presentation award bust of JFK. A wonderful piece of mid-century historical decor from an important American sculptor, Robert Berks. Hi...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Resin, Wood
39-Star Antique American Flag with 'Whimsical' Star Pattern, 1889
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a 39-star unofficial American flag, handmade and printed on cotton. The flag dates to 1889 and has a unique history, thanks to its rare star-count.
The flag’s canton is prin...
Category
1880s Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Cotton
Blackfoot Native American Dress
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Blackfoot dress of red Stroud. Estimated 1920s. Beads on panels both sides carried over from 19th century.
Period: 1920s
Origin: Blackfoot
Size: 40" x 40".
Family Owned & Operate...
Category
1920s Native American Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Beads
Vintage Texas Cowboy Hand Wrought Cattle Branding Iron
Located in Stamford, CT
Here it is, that unique gift you have been looking for for the cowboy or cowgirl in your life. A genuine vintage Texan wrought iron cattle branding iron. ...
Category
Early 20th Century Primitive American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wrought Iron
Barbie Pink Bell System type 500 Rotary Desk Telephone Western Electric 1981
By Western Electric
Located in Miami, FL
Western Electric had been producing telephones for the American Telephone and Telegraph Co. (ATT) and the Bell System since 1927.
During the 50's, new line of type 500 sets were int...
Category
1980s Modern Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Set of Fourteen Jasperware Cameo Medallions by Wedgwood
By Wedgwood & Co
Located in San Diego, CA
A really cool set of fourteen jasperware cameo medallions by Wedgwood, circa 1900s. The set includes:
-Pair of Abraham Lincoln including a rare black background.
-Pair of horse hea...
Category
20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Porcelain
Fireman's Life Saving Machine, 1907 USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Although it may resemble a trampoline, this is an extremely rare fire safety net designed to catch those leaping from burning buildings. The net was patented in 1887 by Thomas F. Bro...
Category
Early 1900s Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
1700s Colonial Hand-Forged Strongbox Verdigris Green Jewelry Table Chest Safe
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Hand Wrought Lock Box. Beautiful patina. Painted inside with date, which is after the original creation date.
Box W 13.25 x D 10 x H 10 in.
Key L 4 in.
Category
1770s American Colonial Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
American Hepplewhite Virginian Secretary Chest with Civil War Provenance
By George Hepplewhite
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING a FANTASTIC and HISTORIC Early 19C American Hepplewhite Virginian Secretary Chest with OUTSTANDING Provenance.
This Secretary Chest was made in Virginia in the Early 19th Century, circa 1810.
It is made of cherry, walnut and maple and is most definitely in the Hepplewhite Style of the period, with it’s original Hepplewhite brass drawer pulls.
IT IS A REALLY INTRIGUING AND HISTORIC PIECE, ESPECIALLY, WHEN VIEWED IN CONTEXT WITH IT”S AMAZING PROVENANCE!
This piece was originally owned by Major William Alexander Obenchain who ‘hailed’ from the State of Virginia.
He was an engineer and was in the Virginia Corps of Engineers during the Civil War and served on General Robert E. Lee’s staff. It was acquired by him before the Civil War and we believe that this piece was on campaign with him during the War. We know for a fact that he fought at the Richmond Campaign in 1864, as we have, in our Collection, his original Field Map for that Campaign which ended the War.
It has remained in family ownership ever since.
It has come directly from the Family Estate, together with other VERY IMPORTANT items belonging to Major Obenchain and other IMPORTANT items that belonged to his wife, Eliza Calvert Hall-Obenchain. ALL these items contained in the Collection, are listed/posted individually on our Website.
The top drawer is on retractable curved side hinge supports and pulls outwards and drops to reveal a secretary and writing area.
The Bureau/Secretary Gallery has 6 drawers and 6 cubbies, a central tabernacle door with another drawer and 2 cubbies and this is flanked by 2 secret pull out compartments.
The central tabernacle door has it’s original key and working lock.
Closed, it is almost ‘flush’ like the rest of the drawers, with some very minor bowing through age.
The 3 drawers underneath are graduated in size and it ends with a serpentine shaped base and sits on four hand carved legs with original metal casters, marked ‘Universal 3’.
It has it’s original brasses and hardware throughout, save the addition to 2 contemporary replacement brass hinges to the drop down desk front, as the original hinges were broken, could not be repaired and were not supporting the weight of the drop down leaf.
Some minor repairs but not noticeable.
Otherwise, the piece is in it’s entirely, ORIGINAL condition!
What makes this piece even MORE INTRIGUING and APPEALING HISTORICALLY, are the 2 ‘historic’ circular holes on the piece:-
(1) in the back of the piece as seen in the photos. This hole is not symmetrical or fully round and appears to serve no purpose to the piece whatsoever. Sometimes, pieces have holes for wiring for lighting, put in them over the years, but this one never had such lighting or, indeed, any such explanation for this hole, AND
(2) the rear hole is replicated, in the corner portion of the bottom drawer and someone (a very long time ago) has used a tin can top, to cover the hole in the back of the drawer. The tin can top is period to the Civil War Era and is embossed “Minimum Volume 1 Pint”.
Our conclusion, is that (whilst we are, by no means ballistic experts) that these holes were created by musket balls, fired during one of the Major’s campaigns in the Civil War. It is entirely conceivable that this piece, being strapped into a covered wagon for carriage, would have been on it’s side. We are of the opinion that both holes, were caused or created by a musket ball entered the chest trough the base and back. We also believe that ‘the Major’, used what he had at his disposal on the battlefield, namely, a tin can lid to repair the hole in the drawer.
SO THIS PIECE IS A VERY SPECIAL PIECE OF US HISTORY, INDEED!
NOT ONLY IS IT AN EARLY 19th CENTURY AMERICAN PIECE, WITH A CONNECTION TO THE STATE OF VIRGINIA, THE CIVIL WAR, HISTORIC & IMPORTANT FIGURES IN THAT WAR AND IMPECCABLE PROVENANCE AND HISTORY!
IT IS TRULY UNIQUE!
William Alexander Obenchain. Born April 27, 1841 at Buchanan, Botetourt Co., Virginia.
Parents: Thomas Jefferson Obenchain and Elizabeth Ann Sweetland.
Entered VMI on July 18, 1859 as a member of the VMI (Virginia Military Institute...
Category
Early 19th Century American Classical Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Brass
1940s Vornado Vintage Electric Metal Table Fan Restored
By Vornado
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Large size Vornado vintage antique electric fan powerful performance
Art Deco era electric table desk top fan with modern industrial design.
One speed operation.
18.75 H x 16 W x 8...
Category
1940s Industrial Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
American Mid Century Atomic Age Vintage 12" Replogle Globe Rare Walnut & Metal
By Replogle Globes
Located in San Diego, CA
A very rare mid century modern atomic age Replogle Globe , sitting on walnu & metal base very hard to find , original condition and patina , circa 1950's some fading and wear as shown .
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal, Brass
Vintage Ocean Rolling Chair Co. Inc. Boardwalk Cart: A Timeless Seaside Treasure
Located in New York, NY
Step back in time with this fun Early 20th Century Wicker Boardwalk rolling cart crafted by the renowned "Ocean Rolling Chair Co. Inc," as evidenced by delicately placed porcelain si...
Category
Early 20th Century Other American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Rattan
Plateau Beaded Dress
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Beautiful tanned elk hide dress. The yoke with underlying rows of larger red, white, green and blue beads. Shoulder strips lazy stitched with 20/0 cut seed ...
Category
20th Century Native American American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Hide
Rare Columbia Film Studios Motion Picture Reel Case with 35mm Movie "Tarzana"
By Goldberg Brothers
Located in San Diego, CA
An extremely rare Columbia Studios motion picture reel case with three reels of 35mm movie "Tarzana", circa 1969. The case was manufactured by Goldberg...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Steel
Impressive 1870s Arapaho/Sioux Beaded Hide Dress
By Arapaho Indian Art
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Faceted Beads; Arapaho/Sioux dress on brain-tanned buffalo. Simple four color design; was probably the first dress made after quilling. Stars on dress, and...
Category
1870s Native American Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Hide
Full Dress La Salle Cadet 'Tar Bucket' Dress Hat/Shako, and Stand
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Full Dress La Salle Cadet ``Tar Bucket`` Dress Hat/Shako and Stand
USA, Late 19th Century/Early 20th Century
This nearly pristine 'Tar Bucket' Dress Hat/...
Category
20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal, Brass, Iron
Antique Federal Eagle American 50 Star Flag with Brass Eagle Pole, 19th Century
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Monumental 50 star American Flag with antique Federal Eagle brass and wood pole. A patriotic piece suitable for any home. This set includes both ...
Category
19th Century Federal Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Set of 5 Vintage Instructional School Signs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of 5 Instructional Educational School Signs. Show great signs of wear with nice patina! Stand easily and are easy to move around! Fun accent to use ...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Archery Hunting Arrow Set Four Arrows Leather Quiver Case Collectible
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Arrow set and quiver leather case historical collectible piece
Includes four arrows
Measures: arrow 16 long x 23.5 x 2.25 diameter
Original vintage condition and presentation
See our...
Category
Early 20th Century Primitive American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Wavy Glass Bowl Carnival from Dugan - Marigold "Brooklyn Bridge" - 1907 USA
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very beautiful wavy bowl from the Dugan Glass Company in the United States, first quarter of the 20th century, in iridescent molded glass, called carnival ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Craftsman American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Glass
Nez Perce Saddle Throw
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Highly decorated Nez Perce saddle throw on brain tanned elk hide. 50” plus 30” fringe, both ends. Heavy bull hide. Similar, but not matching, 12" beaded panels on each side. Second time around. 24" war...
Category
Early 20th Century Native American American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Beads
Ohio State Parade Flag with a Civil War Veterans Overprint
Located in York County, PA
OHIO STATE FLAG WITH CIVIL WAR VETERANS' OVERPRINT FROM THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC POST IN COLUMBUS, MADE IN MOURNING OF THE 1925 PASSING OF NATIONAL G.A.R. COMMANDER IN CHIEF DANIEL M. HALL, WHO ALSO SERVED AS COMMANDER OF THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF THE G.A.R., AS WELL AS THE LOCAL CHAPTER
Flag of the State of Ohio, printed on oilcloth-like cotton, affixed to its original wooden staff. Made for Civil War veteran's use, the flag bears a stamped overprint in the striped field that consists of an open wreath of laurel branches, inside which is the following text: “GAR [Grand Army of the Republic] Post, Dan Hall, Columbus, OH”.
Born on October 20th, 1842, Daniel M. Hall enlisted with the Union Army as a Private at the age of 18 on August 25th, 1861. On October 8th of that year he mustered into the Co. H of the 2nd Ohio Cavalry. Discharged for disability on June 28th, 1862, he reenlisted approximately 17 months later, on November 11th, 1863, and mustered into Co. F of the 12th Ohio Cavalry at Camp Cleveland. He was at some point promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and, on February 21st, 1864, to the rank of Corporal. He mustered out at Nashville on November 14th, 1865.
Hall mustered into the Hamlin Post of the Ohio G.A.R. on May 23rd, 1883. He would go on to serve not only as Commander of the Dept. of Ohio for the organization, but as National Commander of the entire Grand Army of the Republic.
The Grand Army of the Republic was the primary veterans association for Union Civil War soldiers. Founded in 1866, its members dressed up in Civil War uniforms, attended parades and reunions, and the organization was somewhat more fraternal in nature than today’s VFW or American Foreign Legion.
Flags overprinted for the purpose of advertising are a specialized form in American flag collecting. A flag with a basic G.A.R. overprint is the most common type. This might be accompanied by a post number and a date. More elaborate the overprints are more highly desired, such as this one, which is the only variation I know of that honors a particular person who was not the namesake of the chapter itself.
It is of interest to note that a sister variety of 48 star parade flag is known, printed on the same fabric, that bears the same overprint, accompanied by the words: “We Mourn Our Comrade." From the additional text on the 48 star variety, one can extrapolate that the flags were made to mourn the passing of this important leader of Civil War veterans on October 19th, 1925, just one day before his 83rd birthday.
The State Flag of Ohio was designed in 1901 by Cleveland architect John Eisenmann, who designed the Ohio building for the state's exhibition at the Pan American Exposition World's Fair in Buffalo, New York. It was officially adopted by the Ohio legislature on May 19th, 1902. It's elements are centered on a red disc, set against a circular white ground that forms a letter "O." This simultaneously represents a buckeye, the fruit of the state tree and an iconic Ohio symbol. The flag's 5 stripes are said to represent the state's waterways and roads, while the triangular shape of the union is said to illustrate hills and valleys. The presentation of 13 stars along the hoist end, arranged in a semi-circular medallion with two off-set stars above and below, reflects the original 13 colonies. The diamond of stars, towards the fly end. bring the overall count to 17 to reflect Ohio's admission. When the design was adopted by the state legislature, the position of these stars was changed slightly, moving them further around the circle to form a wreath.
Flag expert Whitney Smith, who coined the term Vexillology in the late 1950's (the accepted term for the study of flags), pointed out that the format of the flag itself was reminiscent of Civil War cavalry guidons, carried by Ohio regiments throughout the state. These were of swallowtail form, though with 13 stripes, all horizontal and 90 degrees to the hoist. Most often these had circular star patterns around an open center, which makes them even more similar to the Ohio flag...
Category
1920s Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Cotton
Navy Five-Star Admirals Signatures, United States World War II
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This amazing piece of U.S. Naval history features signed items from all four World War II Navy Admirals to ever wear the five-star rank. All are cons...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Canvas and Leather Postman U.S. Mail Delivery Bag
Located in Brooklyn, NY
U.S. postman, mailman "city collection" mail delivery bag features a well-worn canvas body with leather frame.
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Leather, Canvas
American Bank Protection Company Alarm System Switchboard in Birch Case c 1920
Located in Milford, NH
A fine example of a double alarm system switchboard in birch case circa 1920 manufactured by the American Bank Protection Company of Philadelphia, PA. This alarm system uses of a pair of timers which provided redundancy in the case of the failure of one; the same design used in multiple movements found in time locks. The switchboard is Model #27-2028, and the lower section of the case housed any dry battery case or battery electrical supplies, as these were needed since central electricity stations were not yet common, especially in rural areas. The interior of the lower case shows handwritten service records beginning around 1920. This alarm system switchboard appears to be in amazingly preserved condition, with minimal imperfections and light wear commensurate with age and use. An additional photo of the inner panel is included. A great historical piece for any bank memorabilia...
Category
1920s Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal, Brass
Printed Linen Kerchief of George Washington, ca 1806, Germantown, PA
Located in York County, PA
Extraordinarily early (1806) printed linen kerchief glorifying George Washington, Germantown print works, Germantown, Pennsylvania
Printed in sepia ink on coarse, white linen, this patriotic kerchief shows a standing portrait of George Washington, above which is a swag valance and the words “The Effect of Principle, Behold the Man”. The portrait is based on a mezzotint after Gilbert Stuart’s very famous painting of Washington in his later years. Stuart painted it in oil on canvas for a wealthy merchant by the name of William Constable, who commissioned the work for Alexander Hamilton.
The kerchief is interesting because it is both American-made and documented. This is exceptionally unusual for any printed textile of the 19th century or prior and the earlier the time period the more unlikely an object is to be identified. This kerchief and a companion piece entitled “The Love of Truth Mark the Boy” (also glorifying Washington through the fabled story of the cherry tree), were made ca 1806 by Germantown Print Works in Germantown, Pennsylvania.
To the left of Washington's image is a portion of his infamous farewell address to his troops at the end of the Revolutionary War. To the right is a short excerpt from his eulogy. Below these are three images. In the center is a square-rigged tall ship with “Commercial Union” above it, flanked by the American eagle on the left and the British lion...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Linen
Quilled Sioux Native Authentic Child's Dress
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Lakota Sioux child's dress quilled on buffalo hide; collected and entered into the Maryland Academy of Art and Science prior to 1880. It was deaccessioned...
Category
1860s Native American Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Other
Civil War Bible, Presented to James Robberts, of 1st Maryland Vol. Group, 1864
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
The New Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: Translated out of the Original Greek and with the Former Translations Diligently Compared and Revised. New York: American Bibl...
Category
1860s Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Paper
American Diplomatic Mission Flag, Judaica- Liberation of Concentration Camp 1945
Located in Doha, QA
This American Diplomatic Mission Flag is one of its kind, a true museum’s piece, and it’s from the time which should never happen again in human history.
This Flag was taken from th...
Category
20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Cotton
Chief White Feather "Dr. Teyet Ramar" Sioux Beaded Vest
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Chief white feather "Ramar" Dr. Teyet Ramar , better known as Chief White Feather Sitting Bull (1908-1957) Born of Sioux father and Chippewa mother, he was a direct descendant of an even more famous chief, Sitting Bull. Teyet Ramar graduated from Shelton College, New York City, and before his conversion was a feature organist in Broadway theaters...
Category
Early 20th Century Native American American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Beads
19th Century Northern Plains Beaded Possibles Bag
By Native American Art
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Northern Plains beaded possible bag. Sinew sewn and beaded on softly tanned hide using colors of red white heart, pea green, greasy yellow, royal blue and...
Category
Late 19th Century Native American Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Other
Trench Art Vase Dated 1918-19
Located in Fulton, CA
Extraordinary example of WWl Trench Art. Historical significance as this vase is signed by the soldier that crafted it, "Lieutenant Thorburn" including regiment "62nd Reg" and date "1918-19". Also inscribed A. E. F. The AEF helped the French Army on the Western Front during the Aisne Offensive (at the Battle of Château-Thierry and Battle of Belleau Wood...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Brass
Penny Arcade 'Mutoscope' Estate of UB Iwerks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From the Ub Iwerks Estate! Consider extremely risque for its time. Everything original and working beautifully. It only accepts old British pennies.
Category
Early 20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Steel
Antique Groton Inn Crest Restaurantware Plate – Early 20th Century Hotelware
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A rare antique porcelain plate bearing the crest of the historic Groton Inn, one of America’s oldest inns, dating back to the 17th century. A fine example of early 20th-century hotelware, this piece showcases the durable yet elegant craftsmanship typical of institutional porcelain used in prestigious establishments.
Design Features:
• Crested Emblem: The plate prominently features the Groton Inn’s crest, with intricate detailing and subtle accents in red and gold, reflecting the inn’s storied history.
• Classic Style: Simple green and gold border lines encircle the rim, adding understated elegance.
• Material: High-quality glazed porcelain with a sturdy, utilitarian design typical of early hospitality tableware. It is very sturdy and feels almost like ironstone.
• The bottom is marked with the maker in green and reads, "Mitchell Woodbury Co., Mayer China, Boston".
Historical Significance:
The Groton Inn, originally established in 1678 in Groton, Massachusetts, was a landmark of American history and culture...
Category
Early 20th Century Mid-Century Modern American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paint
Frank Lloyd Wright Signature Collage
By Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an original Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation bank check, signed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The check is dated March 1, 1954, payable to Iovanna lloyd Wright ...
Category
1950s Modern Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Robt. Murphy Extensive Collection of Material From "American Protective League"
Located in valatie, NY
Robert Murphy's Extensive Collection of Material From "American Protective League". This lot includes the related memorabilia including: 2 Brass Badges (1 Officers and 1 Lieutenants...
Category
Early 20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Brass
1847 Ornamental Map of the United States & Mexico by H. Phelps
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Offered is an original 1847 ornamental map of the U.S. entitled "Ornamental Map of the United States & Mexico" by Humphrey Phelps. The map was issued as an act of Congress by Phelps on Fulton Street, New York. The broadside is elaborately hand-colored.
This is a very detailed and graphic propaganda map of the United States expressing U.S. dominance of the North American continent. The hand-colored map proclaims the Manifest Destiny, with the recent acquisition of Upper California and Texas at the conclusion of the Mexican-American War. The newly acquired land is boldly colored, standing in stark contrast to the rest of the U.S. The map details a potential route for a railroad running from New York City, to Buffalo, to Chicago, then west along the Oregon Trail to Oregon City. This route anticipates the construction of the transcontinental railroad by nearly 20 years.
The map includes elaborately detailed renderings of George Washington, Hernan Cortez, and Montezuma at top to represent European expansion to the Americas. At bottom are four inset designs with text showing the following: a chronological history of the U.S. beginning from settlement to the U.S. victory in the Mexican-American war; an illustration of General Zachary Taylor with details on the Oregon Territory; an illustration of the Aztec Temple of the Sun in Tenochtitlan and a chronology of the Conquest of the Aztec Empire under Cortez; a portrait of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna...
Category
1840s Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Historical American Civil War Era Wire Frame Magnifying Eye Glass Spectacles
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A delicate pair of handmade magnifying wire rim eye glasses from the American Civil War era, circa 1860.
A great looking historical conversation p...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Classical Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Rocky
Located in London, GB
Original US film poster for Rocky 1967. This is one of the greatest boxing film ever. The film received ten Academy Award nominations and won three, including Best Picture. It was a...
Category
1970s Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
19th Century Blackfeet Split Horn Headdress
By Native American Art
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Blackfeet or crow split horn headdress collected by Ron Hall at Browning, Montana from grandson of Edward Axe (Blackfeet) who acquired from Jack B...
Category
Late 19th Century Native American Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Hide, Beads, Feathers
1930s Moorman Farm Feeds Cast Iron Anatomical Pig Salesman Sample Figure
Located in Lancaster, PA
This rare cast iron pig was produced by the Moorman Manufacturing Company of Quincy, Illinois, as a traveling salesman’s sample in the 1930s. Designed to open on a central hinge, the...
Category
1930s Industrial Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Barnum & Bailey Circus Horse Collar
Located in Fulton, CA
Vintage and historical leather and painted wood horse collar from Barnum & Bailey Circus. Embossed in leather "Barnum & Bailey" and "King". Assuming the name of the horse was King. C...
Category
20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Brass
Vintage Hollywood Hills Painted Wood Wall Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Hollywood Hills Painted Wood Wall Sign
This very large vintage Hollywood painted wood sign with cutout letters in relief would look perfect in ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wood, Paint
19th Century Native American Hidatsa Arikara Medicine Shirt
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Hidatsa Arikara medicine shirt worn by a warrior who deserved honors, pre-reservation. Horseshoes represent successful horse raids, and the six quilled eagle feathers signify war coups, scalps or battles. Would note, four real scalps possibly moved over from an earlier war shirt...
Category
19th Century Native American Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Hide
Hunt Brother Circus & Wild West Show Three-Sheet Broadside, circa 1900-1910
Located in York County, PA
Three-sheet, narrow, vertical broadside, made to advertise Hunt Brothers Circus and Wild West Show ca 1900-1910. With the bold headlines “Buffalo Ranch”...
Category
Early 20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
M. Stalker Long Studio Bench from Shipwreck Wood and Chain
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
M. Stalker Long Studio bench from shipwreck wood and chain, 1863-1886
Studio piece crafted from the main ship haul of the M. Stalker, a Great Lakes 1...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Craftsman American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Iron
Revolutionary War Powder Horn
Located in New Orleans, LA
Powder Horn
Engraving by Charles Goodrich
1776
Powder horns stand among the rarest and most treasured forms of American folk art. Unlike commercial objects, these deeply personal items were crafted by soldiers, sailors and explorers for practical use during their journeys. Through scrimshaw—an intricate technique of engraving bone or horn with a simple jackknife and filling the crevices with available pigments like soot or ash—these individuals left tangible marks of their hopes, dreams and experiences. This exceptional American Revolutionary War powder horn belonged to Charles Goodrich (1720-1816), a significant figure in early Pittsfield, Massachusetts history. The horn displays distinctive period characteristics with the inscription "PITTSFIELD" clearly visible on its amber-colored surface.
Charles Goodrich, born in Wethersfield, Connecticut in 1720, became a prominent civic leader in Pittsfield. He built the first house in the settlement in 1754 and served in various official roles, including Justice of the Peace and town representative to Boston. While Goodrich's name may not appear prominently in history textbooks, historical documents—particularly his September 3, 1776 petition to the Massachusetts Assembly—reveal his compelling story. The petition shows that Goodrich faced accusations of being a British sympathizer and draft evader. According to his account, he was targeted for his public office, physically assaulted by a man named James Morey and subsequently fined by a local committee. Goodrich maintained that he merely defended himself when attacked and claimed ignorance of requirements to either serve as a drafted soldier or hire a substitute—accusations that branded him unpatriotic during the revolutionary fervor.
The Massachusetts Council's concurrence with Goodrich's petition likely inspired his subsequent military service. His powder horn, bearing the inscription of Pittsfield, accompanied him to Fort Ticonderoga, where Simonds' Regiment of Militia (2nd Berkshire County Regiment) was stationed during the difficult winter of 1776-1777. Fort Ticonderoga, a strategic stronghold in upstate New York, had been seized from the British in May 1775 by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold. By the time of Goodrich's service, American forces occupied the fort while preparing for an expected British counterattack. In August 1777, Goodrich and Simonds' Regiment participated in the Battle of Bennington—a decisive engagement where Patriot forces under General John Stark defeated British and Hessian troops. This victory significantly weakened General John Burgoyne's invasion force, contributing to his surrender at Saratoga in October 1777—a pivotal turning point that helped secure French support for the American cause.
Powder horns captivate elite collectors and major museums alike. The Metropolitan Museum of Art recognized their significance by dedicating an entire exhibition to American Engraved Powder Horns...
Category
18th Century American Colonial Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Horn
Antique Vintage Kodak Glass Beaker
By Eastman Kodak
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage 1940s glass Kodak developer beaker. This amazing piece is minimal and cool, and features a large 32 ounce capacity for holding and measuring liquids. Used primarily in dark rooms for photo developer solution, this beaker would be a great gift for that avid photographer, or use as a very unique flower vase...
Category
1940s Industrial Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Glass
Original Edward S. Curtis Photogravure, "The Klamath Hunter" 1923
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a beautiful photogravure showing a Klamath man hunting from a dugout canoe. This image is Plate 458 from Volume 13 of Edward Curtis' epic project The North American Indian. The photogravure was published in 1923 by Suffolk Engr. Co., in Cambridge, MA. The Klamath people are from the inland region of Northern California and Southern Oregon. Their oral history records the volcanic eruption that created Crater Lake over 7000 years ago
Edward S. Curtis created one of the most enduring and iconic visual records in the history of the photographic medium. He was an award-winning artist, a consummate craftsman, a visionary, an intrepid entrepreneur, and was highly regarded as a respected ethnographer and publisher.
Curtis began photographing Native Americans in the mid-1890s and selling these images in his successful downtown Seattle studio. One of his earliest models was Princess Angeline, the aged daughter of chief Sealth, the Suquamish Indian after whom Seattle is named. At the National Photographic Convention of 1899 Curtis was awarded the grand prize for three of his soft-focused, sepia-toned images of Puget Sound Native Americans: Evening on the Sound, The Clam Digger, and The Mussel Gatherer.
Curtis spent the summer of 1900 with George Bird Grinnell observing the Sun Dance at an encampment of Blood, Blackfeet, and Algonquin in Montana. This was a pivotal experience for Curtis, confirming his desire to study and photograph the Native tribes of North America. A trip to visit the Hopi reservation in Arizona a few months later further fueled his enthusiasm.
Curtis envisioned a plan to create a massive scholarly and artistic work that would document the tribes west of the Mississippi, their ceremonies, beliefs, daily life, and landscapes. In 1906, Curtis approached railroad tycoon J.P. Morgan to request financial assistance for his project. Morgan agreed to pay him a total of $75,000, or $15,000 a year for five years. Morgan and Curtis decided that Curtis' masterwork, The North American Indian, would be a set of 20 volumes of ethnographic text illustrated with high quality photoengravings taken from his glass plate negatives. Each of these volumes would be accompanied by a portfolio of large size images, all sumptuously bound in Moroccan leather. The papers used for printing would also be of the best quality: a Dutch etching stock by Van Gelder, a Japanese vellum, and for the most discerning subscribers, a translucent Japanese tissue paper. To fund publication, Curtis would sell subscriptions at approximately $3,000 per set, with a total of 500 sets to be published.
An ambitious and extensive project, Curtis spent much of his life documenting as many Native tribes as possible. The importance and the urgency of the task was clear to him, as he wrote in the introduction to his first volume of The North American Indians in 1907, "The information that is to be gathered ... respecting the mode of life of one of the great races of mankind, must be collected at once or the opportunity will be lost." In 1930, some 24 years after his initial request for funding, the last two volumes, Vol. 19 and Vol. 20, were published and The North American Indian project was finally completed. Curtis took over 40,000 photographs and made over 10,000 wax cylinder...
Category
1920s Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
George Washington Praying At Valley Forge, Unique Historical Art Signed 19thc
Located in South Burlington, VT
Unique Historical Framed Account Dating to the Early 1800's , signed Quaker Potts
This is an original and one-of-a-kind enactment artisticaly presented on wood of George Washington kneeling in prayer at Valley Forge...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
U.S. Navy WWI Poster "We Clear the Way for Your Fighting Dollars, " 1918
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This WWI poster features a US sailor after disembarking from a ship and ready for battle. In the background are powerful warships setting the scene. Below th...
Category
1910s Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Mercury Seven Signed Collage Shepard, Glenn, Carpenter, Cooper, Slayton, Schirra
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
The Mercury Seven, composed of Alan Shepard, Gus Grissom, John Glenn, Deke Slayton, Scott Carpenter, Wally Schirra, and Gordon Cooper, was a group of seven fearless astronauts select...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Vintage Harper's Weekly Journal of Civilization New York 1864
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Vintage Harper's Weekly Journal of Civilization New York, 1864.
Measures: 15.75 x 11
Total 8 sheets.
Preowned vintage unrestored antique condi...
Category
1860s Victorian Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
19th Century Native Nez Perce Beaded Martingale
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Early designed beaded Nez Perce martingale. Constructed stroud applied to canvas with beaded panels of hourglass and diamond motifs. Split tab and brass bell suspensions. Stunning pi...
Category
19th Century Native American Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Beads