American Historical Memorabilia
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Place of Origin: American
Aqueduct Wood Memorial Trophy Won by Personality
Located in New Orleans, LA
A rare and exceptional trophy, won by the thoroughbred personality at the 1970 Wood Memorial Stakes race held at the Aqueduct Racetrack. Beautifully craf...
Category
20th Century Other American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Silver
Bruce Goff Architectural Portfolio, 1978
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Rare limited numbered boxed portfolio for the "Art and Architecture of Bruce Goff" exhibit. Yellowstone Art Center. Billings, Montana 1978. Number 366/1500....
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
U.S. Navy League, "War Clouds Gather!" by Hazel Roberts, Vintage Poster, 1916
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This propaganda poster was designed by Hazel Roberts (1883-1966) to encourage onlookers to join the U.S. Navy League. The poster was issued in 1916 and features a depiction of a Navy soldier facing the horizon and playing a bugle. The text at bottom reads "War Clouds Gather! Manhood willing but unarmed. Help the Navy-Join the Navy League/ Local Headquarters." The artist's signature from the lithograph...
Category
1910s Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
"Volunteer for the Red Cross Motor Corps" Vintage WWII Recruitment Poster
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an original WWII poster designed by Whitman. Showing a woman behind the wheel of a vehicle speaking to two airmen, this poster places the female Red Cross volunteer in t...
Category
1940s Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Knoll International Catalogs
By Knoll
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Introducing a captivating collection of vintage Knoll catalogs, a must-have for design enthusiasts and collectors alike. This carefully curated assortment showcases the iconic furniture designs and timeless style that have made Knoll a revered name in the industry.
Each catalog in this collection offers a glimpse into the rich history of Knoll, featuring a range of beautifully photographed interiors, furniture arrangements, and detailed product descriptions. Immerse yourself in the mid-century modern aesthetic, as these catalogs transport you to an era of sleek lines, organic forms, and innovative design concepts.
Discover the vision of legendary designers such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Eero Saarinen, and Harry Bertoia, whose iconic creations are showcased within these pages. Explore the iconic Barcelona Chair, the elegant Tulip Table, or the sculptural Diamond Chair, among many other timeless masterpieces that have defined Knoll's legacy.
As you peruse these vintage catalogs, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that Knoll is renowned for. The catalogs offer insights into the design philosophies behind each piece, providing a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and the ideas that shaped these iconic designs.
This collection is not only a valuable resource for design professionals and enthusiasts but also a visual delight for anyone passionate about mid-century modern aesthetics. The catalogs serve as a source of inspiration for interior designers, architects, and collectors seeking to create spaces that exude elegance, sophistication, and enduring style.
Each catalog has been meticulously preserved, showcasing the original graphics, typography, and design elements that capture the essence of the era. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of vintage design, this collection of vintage Knoll catalogs is a rare treasure that will enrich your understanding and appreciation of design history.
Don't miss the opportunity to own this remarkable collection of vintage Knoll catalogs, a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the most influential design companies in the world. Immerse yourself in the golden age of modern design and be inspired by the timeless creations that continue to shape the aesthetic landscape even today.
A wonderful collection of twelve Knoll International...
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Original Buffalo Bill Cody, Chief Red Cloud, American Horse Photograph
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Authentic, original D.F. Barry photo (3 marks), 11" x 14". Noted on back "William Cody, left of him is Red Cloud and right of him American Horse. Photo ta...
Category
1890s Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Other
19th Century Mortar and Pestle
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
19th century fruitwood mortar and pestle. Remnants of oxblood red and silver blue banded paint. Original pestle included.
Origin: Eastern, United States
Period: First half of the 19...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Fruitwood
1847 Antique Map of Mexico, Texas and California by Samuel Augustus Mitchell
By Samuel Augustus Mitchell 1
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is the second edition of Samuel Augustus Mitchell's Map of Mexico, Including Yucatan & Upper California, an important map showing the progress of the Mexican-American War. ...
Category
1840s Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Vintage 1912 Arizona and New Mexico Statehood Flag
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
25th Design Patriotic American silk flag with 48 stars. Arizona Statehood Feb 14, 1912; New Mexico Statehood Jan 6, 1912
Period: 1912
Origin: United States
Size: 12" x 17".
Family ...
Category
1910s Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Silk
19th Century Blackfeet Fighting Dag
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Blackfeet fighting dag native made with blade from a wagon wheel or barrel rim. Blade goes full length of handle and protrudes 8 1/4". Much patina from use. Fastened with nail rivets...
Category
Mid-19th Century Native American Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Iron
G.S. Garcia Bit, circa 1900
By G.S. Garcia
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Silver overlaid bit with pair of two eagles and 3" concho, marked. By G.S. Garcia
Period: circa 1900
Origin: United States.
Family Owned & Operated
Cisco’s Gallery deals in the rar...
Category
Early 1900s Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Silver
U.S. Army General George Patton Autographed Collage
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Offered is a collage celebrating General George S. Patton Jr. This collage features Patton's signature on an envelope postmarked January 20, 1919. Patton has signed the paper “Col. G...
Category
1910s Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Jewels in Her Crown Treasures From Special Collections of Columbia's Libraries
Located in valatie, NY
Jewels in her crown treasures from the Special Collections of Columbia's Libraries, Introduction by Jean Ashton. Columbia University, 2004. 1st Ed softcover exhibition catalog. ewels...
Category
Early 2000s American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
WWII General Douglas MacArthur Signature Collage
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This collage features an authentic signature by General Douglas MacArthur paired with a photo of the impactful soldier and a five star genera...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
19th Century "Peace, Friendship, Trade" Treaty Knife
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Treaty knife we assume accompanied or took the place of a Peace Medal. Blade from a US Cavalry sabre, elk bone handle. Guard stylized arrowhead. Handle is ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Native American Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Iron
1840s American Octagonal J Boardman New York Mineral Waters Soda Bottle New York
By John Boardman
Located in Hyattsville, MD
J. Boardman & Company New York Mineral Waters, this bottle is never sold. Soda water bottle, America, 1845-1860. Octagonal, bright, medium sapphire b...
Category
1840s Federal Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Blown Glass
Art Deco Brown Genuine Cord Ladies Handbag, 1930
Located in Devon, England
For your consideration is this super stylish "Arvey" Genuine Corde bag in chocolate brown with original change purse. Three gold tone bars across the front f...
Category
Mid-20th Century Art Deco American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Brass
19th Century Northern Plains Pictorial Painted Robe
By Native American Art
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
"Keeper of the Horses" genuine 19th century Northern Plains pictorial painted robe with over 50 horses, pictorial story telling of horse raids painted on Dapple Gray brain tanned Ind...
Category
Late 19th Century Native American Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Other
Four Antique American Car or Automobile Association & Membership Grill Badges
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This grouping of four metal automobile grill badges are all unmarked with respect to their respective maker, but presumed to have been made in the United S...
Category
Mid-20th Century Art Deco American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
19th Century Sioux Split Horn Headdress
By Sioux Indian Art
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Genuine 19th Century Native American made Sioux split horn bonnet with buffalo hide liner. Long dangling ermine tails, tips beaded with greasy yellows and red hearts tipped with horse hair. Small brain tanned thong with hawk bells connecting both horns. Beaded brow band, matching horn...
Category
19th Century Native American Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Hide
Army Air Forces WWII Poster "O'er the Ramparts We Watch" by Jes Schlaikjer, 1944
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Offered is a vintage 1944 United States Army Air Force poster. Designed by Jes Schlaikjer, the design features an Army Air Force serviceman looking s...
Category
1940s Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
1864 "Proclamation of Emancipation, " Antique Engraving by Charles Shober
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This 1865 engraving features the Emancipation Proclamation in elaborate calligraphic text, with five patriotic vignettes and a small portrait...
Category
1860s Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Antique Brass and Tassel Military Shoulder Scales with 78th Field Artillery Pins
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique brass and tassel military shoulder scales with 78th Field Artillery enamel pins
Interesting military items
Mounted dimensions: 13" wide x 17" high
Good antique condi...
Category
Early 20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century American Bronze Figurine of a Jewish Businessmen
Located in New York, NY
Bronze figurine of a self-satisfied, disapproving Jewish businessman with the caption: Now! Vot about it? (an imitation of the Jewish accent), heavy, cast bronze figurine...
Category
Early 20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Bronze
1842 Wall Map of the United States by J. H. Young, Published by S. A. Mitchell
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an 1842 hanging “Map of the United States,” engraved by J. H. Young and published by Samuel Augustus Mitchell, Philadelphia. This is a beautiful example of the rare 1842...
Category
1840s Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Large Civil War recruitment Broadside for the 53rd New York Volunteer Infantry
Located in York County, PA
LARGE CIVIL WAR RECRUITMENT BROADSIDE FOR THE 53RD NEW YORK VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, 5th REGIMENT, "EAGLE BRIGADE," WITH AN ATTRACTIVE AND COMPELLING ...
Category
1860s Antique 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
Midcentury Era Chesterfield Cigarette Metal Tobacciana Advertising Sign
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This midcentury period embossed and painted tin advertising sign was made for the Liggett and Myers Tobacco Company in circa 1965 to promote their Chesterfield cigarette...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Pocahontas and John Smith, Chromo-Lithograph, Dated 1870, Rare
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Pocahontas Saving The Life of Captain John Smith" is a chromo-lithograph made by the "New Eng. Chromo Lith. Co. Boston" (printed on the lower left border). It is dated 1870...
Category
19th Century Victorian Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wood, Walnut, Paper
Antique American Flag w/ Hand-Written Inscriptions Mourning the Death of FDR
Located in York County, PA
48 STARS ON ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH HAND-WRITTEN INSCRIPTIONS AND AN EMBROIDERED DATE OF APRIL 12TH, 1945, MOURNING THE DEATH OF PRESIDENT FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT:
American national parade flag with 48 stars, printed on cotton, embellished with hand-written inscriptions and an embroidered date to commemorate the death of FDR on April 12th, 1945.
“On this day in 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt died of a massive cerebral hemorrhage at his Warm Springs, Georgia, retreat at the age of 63. Roosevelt’s death in the final months of World War II was met with shock and grief throughout the Western world. Many Americans had no inkling of his decline in health. [He] had been president for more than 12 years, longer than any other person. He led the country through some of its greatest domestic and foreign crises to the impending defeat of Nazi Germany and within sight of Japan’s surrender...
Category
1940s Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Cotton
"Join the Air Service" Vintage WWI Poster by J. Paul Verrees, 1917
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is very scarce WWI recruiting poster for the Army Air Service. The poster dramatically features a two-man open cockpit biplane with American and French markings flying against a red sky background. In the foreground, two uniformed spotters look on. The poster reads "Join the Air Service...
Category
1910s Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Antique Folk Art Carved Wooden Sculpture of the 'Old Grand Dad' Whiskey Logo
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique Folk Art carved wooden sculpture is initialed on the base, but the artist is unknown. It is presumed this carving was done in the United States in 1945 in a Folk Art sty...
Category
Mid-20th Century Folk Art American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Hardwood
Ulysses S. Grant, Large Albumen Photograph on Card by Abraham Bogardus
Located in New York, NY
Grant, Ulysses S.
Large Albumen Photograph
Magnificent large albumen photograph of Ulysses S. grant by Abraham Bogardus.
An unusually large late (circa 1880) photograph of Grant, post-presidency, in formal dress, sitting and in partial profile. Mounted on thick card with the photographer’s credit and address (“A. Bogardus / 872 Broadway, NY”) on matte below the photo.
The photographer, Anthony Bogardus, was a photographic pioneer, described by the New York Times as “the best-known photographer in the United States” in his prime who took “the first photographs of Gen. Grant, Gen. Hancock, Samuel D. Morse, inventor of the telegraph; Horace Greeley, Henry Ward Beecher and other equally well-known men.”
The engravers Currier & Ives produced an engraving based on this photograph, calling it “the last and best taken of General Grant...
Category
1880s Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Hyman G. Rickover Signed Letter to Robert L. Michaels, Exceptional Content, 1972
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an original typed and signed letter from Vice Admiral Rickover to Robert L. Michaels, dated January 31, 1972, regarding the capabilities of U.S. nuclear-powered submarin...
Category
1970s Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Vintage 1950s Baltimore Sun Taxi Cab Sign Car Topper
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Plastic construction. Fairly rare item, Baltimore History.
Category
1950s Machine Age Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Plastic
Vintage California Historical Landmark Sign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Interesting vintage California highway sign for Adobe Rios-Caledonia. This is a California historical landmark and on the National Register of...
Category
1970s Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Steel
U.S. Navy "Navy Day October 27th" Vintage Poster by Matt Murphey, 1940
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Offered is an original U.S. Navy propaganda poster advertising "Navy Day." Below a large image of a U.S. battleship is block text reading "Navy Day, October 27th." The poster dates to 1940, shortly after the American entry into World War II. The poster highlights an impressive depiction of a column of U.S. battleships within a red border with small white anchors. The printed signature of U.S. Navy artist matte Murphey appears at the bottom right of the image, while the bottom edge of the poster bears the printing line: "NRB - 27919 - 8-5-40 - 18M." Each of the ships depicted in the image appear to feature cage masts, indicating that the artist was working from a reference image taken prior to the modernization of the U.S. battleship force in the late 1920s-early 1930s.
The first “Navy Day” was celebrated on October 27, 1922. October 27, 1922 was suggested by the Navy League to recognize Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday. Roosevelt had been an Assistant Secretary of the Navy...
Category
1940s Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Eight Various 19th-20th Century Awards
Located in San Francisco, CA
Eight various 19th-20th century awards
Nice Collection - Various Sizes - See Images
Good antique / vintage condition.
Category
Early 20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
19th Century Large Civil War Era Bronze and Tin Pitcher
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a fabulous historic treasure of times past, namely, a 19th century large Civil War Era bronze and tin pitcher.
From circa 1850, this is an American frontier piece.
I...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Classical Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Copper, Tin
New York World's Fair "Christian Science Pavilion" Architects Model, circa 1965
Located in San Francisco, CA
New York World's Fair "Christian Science Pavilion" Architects Model, circa 1965
Measures: 27.5" wide x 29.5" deep x 12.5" high
Architects origi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Plan of Paris, France, by A. Vuillemin, Antique Map, 1845
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This large and detailed plan of Paris was published by Alexandre Vuillemin in 1845. The map conveys a wonderful amount of information and is decorated throughout with pictorial vigne...
Category
1840s Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Seven Falls Colorado Springs Antique Photographic Postcard, circa 1880
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an antique photographic postcard of Seven Falls, Colorado, from 1880. Postcard production blossomed in the late 1800s and early 1900s, as railroads opened up much of the Western frontier to new and exciting travel opportunities.
Seven Falls is one of Colorado’s most captivating natural wonders. Located at the base of the Front Range, this magnificent series of waterfalls is situated in a 1,250-foot-wall box canyon between the towering Pillars of Hercules and boasts a 181-foot drop of falling water.
Seven Falls was originally part of land given to Nathan Colby in 1872 as part of the Homestead Act of 1862. The Homestead Act granted 160 acres of surveyed land to pioneers in the west, with claimants required to “improve” the plot by building a dwelling and cultivating the land. Mr. Colby promptly sold the track of land to James Hull...
Category
1880s Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Central Plains Warriors Breastplate/Necklace
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Central plains warrior's otter skin breastplate/necklace with hand carved and painted deer antlers simulating grizzly claws. Venetian beads strung in be...
Category
Late 19th Century Native American Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Other
Gene Autry, Eddie Dean and Lash Larue SignedStudio Photographs
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Three 8" x 10" studio photos of Gene Autry, Eddie Dean and Lash Larue all with original signatures.
PERIOD: Mid 20th Century
ORIGIN: Hollywood
SIZE: 8" x 1...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Art Glass
"Congress and the Nation 1946-1964" First Edition Two-Volume Set, Published 1965
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Congress and the Nation 1945-1964: A Review of Government and Politics in the Postwar Years. District of Columbia: Congressional Quarterly Service, 1965. First edition, two-volume se...
Category
1960s Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Leather, Paper
Stan Laurel Vintage 1958 Autographed Typed Letter
Located in Jersey, GB
- Letter signed by Stan Laurel, one half of comedy duo Laurel & Hardy
- Written to news anchorman Glenn Laxton concerning Laurel's early career
Stan ...
Category
1950s Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
1876 "Gettysburg. Repulse of Longstreet's Assault" with Union Officer Swords
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented here is an 1876 engraving of John B. Bachelder and James Walker’s Gettysburg. Repulse of Longstreet’s Assault together with two ornately decorated Union Officer swords...
Category
1870s Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Goodyear Panoramic Factory Print with Gouache by Woodbury & Co, Worcester MA
Located in Milford, NH
A finely detailed panoramic ink print with gouache of the Goodyear factory in the early 20th century done by Woodbury & Co, of Worcester, Massachusetts. This company was known for th...
Category
20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Set of Eight Quartz Crystal Geode Geologic Specimen Bowls
Located in Ferndale, MI
Eight geological specimen bowls in varying sizes.
Category
15th Century and Earlier Arts and Crafts Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Agate
Antique 13-Star Patriotic Sash by Louis E. Stilz & Bros., Late 19th Century
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an original patriotic sash from the late 19th century, featuring 13 stars against a bright blue field. This sash features appliqued silver stars on a blue canton, red an...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Cotton
38-Star Antique American Flag with Unique Canton, circa 1876-1890
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a striking 38-star American flag. The flag dates to 1876-1890, when Colorado (represented by the large star in the center of the flag’s canton) joined the Union as the 38th s...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Muslin
Mid-19th Century Choctaw Beaded Bandolier
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Choctaw bandolier shot pouch from a Natchez Mississippi collection. Silk ribbon fringe at shoulder. Exceptional graphic condition. White beading on...
Category
Mid-19th Century Native American Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Other
Yellow Cowboy Slicker
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Yellow oil cloth cowboy slicker with slit back outside pockets and brass buttons. Corduroy collar, no makers mark but there were only 3 makers.
Period: Last quarter of the 19th cent...
Category
1870s Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Fabric
19th Century Buffalo Skinners Outfit Kit
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Excellent shape 19th century buffalo skinners outfit with 5 period knives, 2 scales, sharpening steel and holster. Used in the real buffalo days. Vintage,...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Other
Two Books on Trade Tokens, First Edition
Located in valatie, NY
Two books on trade tokens. 1.) U.S. Merchant Tokens 1845-1860 by Russell Rulau. Iola: Krause Publications, Inc., 1985. Softcover. 192 pp. A catalogue of the unofficial coinage of Ame...
Category
20th Century American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Mid-19th Century Metis Cree Beaded Bandolier
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Metis Cree bandolier with classic beading on red Stroud with white bead edging and black silk ribbon border.
Period: Mid-19th century
Origin: Metis Cree
Si...
Category
Mid-19th Century Native American Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Other
Walter Johnson, Washington Senators Hall of Fame Pitcher, Signed Letter, 1925
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Offered is a collage featuring a typed letter signed by baseball’s Walter Johnson, a reproduction scorecard from the 1924 World Series, and a photo of Johnson in his uniform. All elements are framed and matted together in a custom-built frame.
The letter is dated November 7, 1925 and addressed to a Mr. Leo Bicher. In his letter, he explains how he missed the letter at first and will send a signed baseball to Bicher if there is another exposition in the future. At the bottom, Johnson signed his name in dark ink. The score card celebrates the Washington Base Ball Club as the 1924 World Series pennant winners. The Washington Senators...
Category
1920s Vintage American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Leather Fireman's Parade Belt
Located in York County, PA
Leather fireman's parade belt with the word "LIBERTY in white on a red ground, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, circa 1900
This fireman's parade belt is of the type produced during the latter part of the 19th century, between roughly 1870 and 1900. Made of leather, the body of the belt is black. In the center is a recessed window, with a fancifully scalloped edge, behind which a red leather panel, upon which the word "Liberty" appears in raised, white letters. There is a white binding, it's edge trimmed with pinking shears to create a decorative border. The metal buckle fits into an opposing leather strap, small in scale and riveted beneath the outer one.
The words that appear on fireman's parade belts were customized, sometimes displaying the title of the wearer (i.e., "chief" or "clerk"), sometimes the name of the city or town, and sometimes the name of the station, as-is the case in this instance.
Attributed to Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania (Columbia County), I acquired it about 25 miles southwest, in adjacent Union County. Bloomsburg's first fire house, Friendship Fire Company, was established in 1868, shortly following the Civil War. Like most volunteer departments of that time, it was staffed by returning Union soldiers who volunteered, enjoying the comradery. Three more would follow, including Rescue Hose & Ladder (1870), Winona (1881), and Liberty Fire Company (1900). In the early 1990's the process was begun to modernize and consolidate all four stations into one. Liberty's fire house still stands on the 100 block of Leonard Street.
Probably made in the year the Liberty Fire Company was established, for related parades and festivities, the great thing about this belt is the combination of the wonderful, early, painted surface and the terrific verbiage. While words such as "Clerk," "Bloomsburg," or "Rescue" would have limited appeal, the word "Liberty" opens the playing field to a nation-wide audience. Fire memorabilia...
Category
Early 1900s Antique American Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
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