American Historical Memorabilia

Original program for the Nantucket Stage Company Production of "Dracula", signed by Edward Gorey, 1973. The Nantucket Stage Company (which became the Stra...

PERIOD: Mid 20th Century ORIGIN: Northwest - Tlingit, Native American SIZE: 10 1/2"H x 4 1/2" x 2" Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Gallery deals in the rare, exceptional, and one-o...

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.

Rare Antique American 44 Star Flag, circa 1891, marking admission of Wyoming as a state in 1891. This was an official flag of the United States for only five years, making it one of ...

An important and historic revolutionary war period bed warming pan, belonging to Lieutenant James Porter, Jr., circa 1770s-1780s. A hand chased brass w...

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 ...

This antique Keystone 8 M.M. Film Projector, Model R-8, S/N 444000, was manufactured in Boston, MA, USA. Keystone was an iconic American brand, well k...

Original 1932 Los Angeles Summer Olympics license plate fob.

Vintage cotton flag for the "Camp Fire Girls", the sister organization to the Boy Scouts of America. Camp Fire was the first nonsectarian, multirac...

Antique Rotary Telephone c1920s Good Condition

Identical on both front and back, this brown gutta percha case has a lovely floral design with minimal geometric designs. The gilt stamped brass inne...

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...

Two sided beacon blanket with fringe. Catalog 302. Very good condition. 69" x 81" Period: circa 1920 Origin: Beacon Size: 69" x 81" Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Gallery deals in...

Presented is a vintage Remington Rand typewriter from 1947. The typewriter is the portable De Luxe Model 5, issued in a sleek carrying case. Still functional, this classic design features a black crinkle finish, and a QWERTY keyboard. Included in the set of metal rimmed black keys are fun features like a shift key, shift lock key, self-starter key, marginal release, and a back space key. A touch regulator is also included in this De Luxe model. The touch regulator is an adjustment mechanism that permits the keyboard tension to be set at any one of five positions, as indicated by the number in the center of the touch regulator slot. This enables the operator to easily set the key action to suit light, medium, or heavy touch, ensuring maximum typing comfort and speed. The first commercially successful typewriter was designed by Christopher Sholes and Carlos Glidden and manufactured by gunmakers E. Remington and Sons in 1868. In 1886, E. Remington and Sons sold the entirety of their typewriter interests to Wyckoff, Seamans & Benedict. Wyckoff, Seamans & Benedict manufactured their typewriters under the Remington Standard Typewriter Company name beginning in 1892. The company became the Remington Typewriter Company in 1902, before merging with the Rand Kardex Company in 1927 to become Remington Rand. Remington Rand continued to sell typewriters until around 1955, when it was acquired by the Sperry Corporation. Among the early famous typewriter users was Mark Twain. Twain said in a letter to Remington, “Please do not use my name in any way. Please do not even divulge the fact that I own a machine. … I don’t like to write letters, and so I don’t want people to know I own this curiosity-breeding little joker,” talking about his 1875 Remington model. Twain was the first author ever to have a manuscript typed. Other famous users include Agatha Christie, Rudyard Kipling, who made good use of the Remington Noiseless...

Original 1960s hand painted Hippie hardhat, embellished with Peace Signs, Flowers and the words Peace, Love and Hi. Painted with green, silver, white and pale blue. The brim has cont...

PRESENTING A VERY RARE and Original J Mack Moore Photo of Virginia Memorial in Vicksburg, MISS and probably taken circa 1907/08, after it’s dedication. Paper photograph mounted on board, on it’s original matting. Taken by famous photographer John Mack Moore of Vicksburg and signed by him in red ink on bottom left “J Mack Moore’ and “Vicksburg, Miss” on the bottom right (also in red ink). Hand-noted in black ink on rear as “Virginia Tablet, Vicksburg National Military Park” and also signed again by J. Mack Moore in red ink on left center on the rear and “Vicksburg, Miss” on the right center (also in red ink). Newly framed and matted and under glass. Original photos by J. Mack Moore are ‘highly’ sought after and have performed very well at auction. John Mack Moore, born in 1869, was the son of prominent residents of antebellum Vicksburg. He was only a toddler when the famous 1870 race between the Robt. E. Lee and Natchez had his hometown in a state of excitement as the big sidewheelers passed upriver en route from New Orleans to St. Louis. As a young man, he became an avid and skilled photographer, spending much time at the wharf along the Mississippi and Yazoo, recording on glass plate negatives the daily activity of the busy river landing. Conversations with masters, mates, mud clerks and roustabouts were his daily fare. Moore learned photography from an elderly master of albumen, wet plates and homemade printing papers. He had a disdain for newfangled gadgetry and held fast to utilizing the old methods of previous decades in the making of photographs, with sparkling results. J. Mack Moore was considered the dean of photographers as well as a colorful character around Vicksburg. In later years, owing to his white hair and moustache, he was said by many to bear a close resemblance to Mark Twain. Moore’s Clay Street home, where he also operated his photographic studio, was built from the top down, a most amazing feat accomplished by a unique individual. Originally it was a rambling residence in a Southern, park-like setting. However, when paved streets eventually came to the city, the house was left at the base of an embankment, the large oak trees removed to make way for an unsightly culvert. Singlehandedly, Moore raised the house to street level. As the edifice gradually rose, Moore fashioned lower floors, accomplishing the feat with heavy timbers and screw jacks...

Very rare item. Vintage cast iron Christmas tree stand shaped like Santa Boots. The internal diameter of the hole holding the tree stump is ...

PRESENTING A UNIQUE AND IMPORTANT Original Scrap Book and Photograph of Major WA Obenchain, pertaining to Ogden College, Bowling Green, KY. The photograph is ‘new’ to the market and has never left family ownership until NOW! It is a previously, unseen image, of a significant historical figure, Major William Alexander Obenchain, who served on General Robert E. Lee’s Staff during the Civil War and was President of Ogden College in Bowling Green, Kentucky between 1883 – 1906. We are of the opinion that the photo was taken, whilst, Major Obenchain was President of Ogden College, and circa 1890-1900. It bears the stamp on the bottom right for “McClure of Lexington, KY”. Framed and under glass. The Scrap Book is his personal Collection of numerous and various newspaper article cuttings, letters, speeches and other historical items of memorabilia, MAINLY, relating to Ogden College (now part of Western Kentucky University), from the 1870’s up to 1918. Signed in ink, by the Major, on the inside of the front cover and hand-written annotations by him, throughout. It also includes newspaper article cuttings and other historical items of memorabilia personally relating to Major Obenchain and his family, including: Articles relating to the ‘Stone’ Criminal Trial in Dallas, TX in 1876 for the almost fatal shooting of his brother, James T Obenchain , Merit Certificate for distinguished academic achievement by Major Obenchain, from the Buchanan Collegiate Institute dated July 6th 1849, et al. Over 53 Pages of content! An EXCEPTIONAL and UNIQUE Collection that is ‘new’ to the market, has never been seen by the public before and has never left family ownership until NOW! A UNIQUE HISTORICAL RECORD OF OGDEN COLLEGE/WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY and BOWLING GREEN! 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...

Unusual ceremonial / presentation gavel presented to Angelo Carlo Bosso, president of the California Pharmaceutical Association 1941-1942. Turned wood in the form of medicine bottles...

Presented is an original pair of Civil War-era field glasses. The glasses, an intricate example of brass and glass technology, were made in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by the company Queen & Co. The glasses are stamped “Queen & Co., Phila” along the eyepiece. They are housed in the original leather hard case. The glasses were most likely made in the early 1860s. Binoculars were first invented in France in the 1840s. They started small, primarily as opera glasses, but by the Civil War, they were being used in battle. Larger versions, like the pair seen here, became known as field glasses. Unlike Civil War uniforms...

This is a vintage centennial company medallion. An American, bronze corporate anniversary keepsake for the J Walter Thompson advertising agency, dated 1964. Founded in New York City in 1864, the James Walter Thompson advertising agency was one of the first to open in the United States under the name Carlton & Smith. Incorporated as J. Walter Thompson in 1896, by 1899 the firm had opened a London branch before expanding to Africa and Asia. Long-standing clients include Unilver, Ford and Rolex watches. Fascinating centenary medal, with fine detail and good weight Displays a desirable aged patina throughout Quality bronze presents deep golden hues and minimal tarnishing Face features a representation of the global regions the company operated in Reverse features a reproduction of the mural featured at the company headquarters Maker's mark to edge for Medallic Art Co...

Sioux ceremonial moccasins with dragonflies. Fully beaded, including soles. Period: circa 1880. Origin: Sioux, Plains Size: 9 3/4" x 3 3/4". Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Galle...

Presented is a rare, platinum Master Exhibition Print of Edward Curtis’ The Three Chiefs. Typical of Curtis’ Master Exhibition Prints, this platinum print is double-mounted, signed, with an embossed copyright credit and date stamp. His numeric notation “52-00” is in the photographic negative. Curtis photographed The Three Chiefs during his two weeks on a Blackfoot reservation in the summer of 1900. The photograph depicts three Piegan men in traditional dress on horseback, situated next to a small stream with an expansive cloud-filled sky behind them. The Piegans were the largest group in the Blackfoot Confederacy and still retained a majority of their original culture when Curtis visited the tribe. It reportedly took Curtis several days to find the perfect prairie backdrop and riders for this photo, yet his patience paid off. The image was pivotal in enabling Curtis to form his vision for his next project - his ambitious 20 volumes “North American Indian”publication. This print is believed to be one of only three oversized, platinum Master Exhibition Prints of this image in existence. It was printed by Curtis specifically for his East Coast exhibition tour of 1905-1906. Curtis chose only a small number of what he believed to be his finest negatives to produce prints for the show. He never again mounted an exhibition of his work, nor produced such distinctive, large-format platinum prints. “The extraordinary rarity of The Three Chiefs becomes clearer when viewed in the context of other Master Exhibition Prints, principally the 108 in the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, the largest collection in existence. The Museum, however, is missing a number of early, iconic images, including The Three Chiefs. It has long been assumed that these missing prints were held elsewhere, possibly in the collection of The New York Public Library. This theory has been substantiated by the Curtis scholar, Bruce Kapson, who unearthed a cache of letters from Curtis to J.P. Morgan and to Morgan's librarian, Ms. Bella da Costa Greene in the Pierpont Morgan Library archives in 2007. The correspondence establishes that 58 of the 100 prints in The New York Public Library's collection are actually Master Exhibition Prints, specifically selected by Curtis for J.P. Morgan as the best examples of his work. A typed letter, dated March 1907, from Ms. Greene to Curtis states: 'I enclose herewith a list of Indian photographs which you sent to Mr. J.P. Morgan'. The letter is accompanied by a handwritten list of 58 photographs, including The Three Chiefs (print number 52.) Morgan donated this group of prints to The New York Public Library in 1912.” (Christie’s Live Auction 1893 Catalog, 2007). Curtis’ platinum prints make up less than 1/2 of 1% of all of the work he created. Curtis’ platinum prints were created only for exhibition or direct sales to patrons and they were always made by Curtis himself. One significant dealer in Curtis prints...

Very sleek & cool styling in this Genie telephone. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear retains the great color of it's early days. Not tested.

This is a rare Singer Model 24 chain stitch small sewing machine. Its background is painted black and adorned with red and white foliages decal. A gold color ...

Art Deco Silver and Mother-of-Pearl Handled Walking Stick Offered for sale is an Art Deco walking stick with a silver handle that is topped ...

Wonderful entertaining rare item consisting of the actual newspapers from the San Francisco Examiner dated July of 2018---all issues; complete. Condition: They are bound in a hardc...

Rare and Obscure Naval Department Office Wall Plaque / Sign. Plaque Only Dia 15 x Thk 5/8 in.

Heavily Oxidized Painted Metal Sign, Faded Graphics, but a nice even fade. It is very tall for Wall Hanging Display or Leaning against a wall, at 55.75 inches high. Structurally th...

Art Deco Catatin tube radio designed by Delco. Very cool custom art deco Delco midget bakelite tube radio model R-1150 created in 1939. This is a 5 tube one band am set with all n...

Gelatin silver photograph of “The Battle of the Little Bighorn Survivors”, by Bill Groethe, American, circa 1948. Recently professionally framed in a vintage clean lined Mission oak ...

A very nice pair of antique hardwood juggling pins, circa 1900s. The pair are in good vintage condition and measure 3.5"D x 19"H. They have a grea...

Three 18th century engravings of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. Mounted on paper. Each engraving measures 2.75" x 2". In a circa 1920s frame.

There are 2 wood and glass frames that must be an early firefighters lifetime collection. I'm guessing these were commemorative convention badges. Most are from New York and the surr...

1940s Vornado vintage antique electric fan powerful and silent. Art Deco era electric table desk top fan with modern industrial design. Has one ...

An original girls sized 6X monokini with a bandeau top bathing suit designed by Rudi Gernreich, circa 1964. Rudi Gernreich was an American Designer born in Austria, Vienna in 1922 ...

A rare copper-patinated bronze bas-relief portrait plaque of Abraham Lincoln by Lithuanian / American sculptor Victor David Brenner. ...

Mid Century Massachusetts Institute of Technology Collectibles. Upgrade your legacy and clout with a few well placed trinkets from Mid Century M.I.T. sca...

President William McKinley as Napoleon ' Small' Toby Mug, by Morris & Willmore Made by Columbian Art Pottery / Morris and Willmore of Trenton, New Jersey This model was made in size...

Brooke Cadwallader Silk Scarf, The Carnival Print – 1947-1950 Brooke Cadwallader was a well-known printed textile designer of the mid-20th century...

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. ...

President William McKinley as Napoleon Large Toby Mug, by Morris & Willmore Made by Columbian Art Pottery / Morris and Willmore of Trenton, New Jersey This ...

Antique vintage kodak wooden trimming board by Eastman. The wooden cutting surface measures 6 inches tall by 5 inches wide by 3/4 inches tall. Some of the original writing can be seen on the surface of the board and the ruler on the top is visible. This board was used for trimming photographs. Beautiful and interesting piece for your use or library decor...

Monumental 50 star American Flag with antique Federal Eagle brass and wood pole. A patriotic piece suitable for any home. This set includes both ...

A large silverplate champagne bucket or ice bucket which was given to Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme by Gladys & Jack Leonard. Jack Leonard was a well-known actor and comedian in the...

Rare American medal of Military Valor - silver US Army - ARMY SERVICE CORP - United States Army Corps of Engineers. news: Army Service Corps, a compon...

13 antique glass lantern slides with motifs of USA and Canada. 1. New York, Statue of Liberty 2. New York 3. San Francisco, Town Hall "the new hall...

Original US production still for the 1966 film Batman. This film was based on the Batman television series, and was the first full-length feature film adaptation of the DC Comics' c...

Presented is an original Ulysses S. Grant signed Presidential Appointment, dating to February 28, 1871. Signed during the first term of Grant's presidency, the document appoints "Robert W. Healy" to the role of "Marshal of the United States in and for the Southern District of Alabama." The appointment is countersigned by "Hamilton Fish" as Secretary of State. The document is partially printed in formal script, and completed by hand in black ink. The document reads in full: “Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States of America. To all who shall see these presents greeting: Know ye, That reposing special trust and confidence in the Integrity, Ability, and Diligence of Robert W. Healy, I have Nominated, and, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, DO APPOINT HIM Marshal of the United States in & for the Southern District of Alabama; and do authorize & empower him to execute and fulfill the duties of that Office according to Law. And to hold and hold the said Office, with all the powers, privileges, and emoluments to the same of right appertaining, unto him, the said Robert W. Healy, for the term of four years from the day of the date hereof, subject to the conditions prescribed by law. In Testimony Whereof, I have caused these Letters to be made Patent, and the Seat of the United States to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand, at the city of Washington, the Twenty eighth...

Presented is a typed letter from John F. Kennedy on official stationary from his presidential campaign. The letter is addressed to Mrs. Pearl Zel...

Antique Industrial 8- Inch Cast Bronze Bolt with Nut from Brooklyn Bridge* USA, Circa 1880-1883 Beautifully made and cast, *the provenance is by repute was a leftover carriage bo...

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...

This is a Keuffel & Effer Co. military transit surveyor. It consists of a compass and a telescope. Inside the center of the compass is hallmarked Keuffel & Esser. Also over the front...

“Spoon” Designed by Mark Diaper, Phaidon Press, 1st Edition 2002 This is the out of print polymer coated Steel version with a cover bent like the silhouette of a spoon. An award winning catalogue showcasing 100 contemporary industrial designers nominated by 10 curators. Spoon covers a vast spectrum of styles, media and work, from kitchen utensils, tools and lighting, to furniture, high-tech products and cars. Each designer is featured over two double-page spreads, illustrated with sketches, models and photographs. A short explanatory text by the selecting curator, and biographical information on the designer are provided. Each curator has also chosen a design ‘classic’ that illustrates the concept of ‘good design’. Publisher ‏ : ‎ Phaidon Press; 1st Printing Edition – September 20, 2002 Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 444 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0714842516 Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.1 pounds Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 in W x 1 in. H x 12 in. L The expected light wear found in used books.

Antique Hand Colored Photograph of Nantucket Street Scene by Marshall Gardiner (1884-1942), circa 1910, a period hand tinted photograph entitled "Nantucket Shearing Cart and Quakers" showing classic grey shingled houses on a cobblestone paved street, with a couple in horse drawn cart riding away from the viewer, and four women on doorstep and sidewalk, all dressed in period Quaker attire. It is interesting to note that the couple in cart are seated on antique Nantucket Bow Back Windsor chairs. The photograph was titled and hand signed in pencil across the bottom of the old acid foxed mat; the photograph is now mounted in new archival acid free matting, and a photocopy of the original pencil inscription has been preserved on the reverse. The photograph itself remains in excellent condition. H. Marshall Gardiner (1884-1942) was born on September 18, 1884 in Windsor, Ontario, and immigrated to the United States circa 1890, where his father W.H. Gardiner opened two photographic studios, one in Detroit during the winter months and a second at Mackinac Island during the more tourist-oriented summer months. Recognizing the potential of Florida's rapidly growing tourist trade, around 1894-95 he moved with his family from Detroit to Daytona, Florida which proved much more accommodating to the family's photographic business during the colder winter months. Marshall learned many of his photographic techniques from his father prior to going out on his own at a relatively early age. Whereas his father generally used wet collodian negatives, technology had advanced to where he was able to use gelatin dry plates in his earlier years, and later the less expensive and much more convenient roll film. Another very important lesson learned from his father was strategy of setting up shop in a tourist resort. Early in his career he traveled to Bermuda where he shot a series of beautiful Bermuda scenes that he hand-colored and successfully sold over a number of years to the local tourist trade. Around 1910, at the age of around 24, he first traveled to the island of Nantucket. The year-round population of Nantucket was then just over 2500, not nearly enough to sustain a photographic business for the entire year, so he opened a joint Photography and Art Supplies Store. Working as Nantucket's exclusive agent for Eastman Kodak, his business expanded to include the island's only photo-finishing service. However, with such a small year-round population, even the addition of a Gift Shop to compliment the hand-painted photographs, general portrait...

Measures: L 32.5 x W 8 x Thk 6 in.

Very large roll-up movie screen in a box. Overall W 75 x D 12.5 x H 57.5 in. Screen W 68 x H 53 in.

PRESENTING A FABULOUS Original hand-written Letter from Theodore Dreiser dated 19 Dec 1916 to Eliza Calvert Hall. The letter is entirely hand written with pen and signed by the re...