Skip to main content

North American Historical Memorabilia

1
582
14
3
to
73
513
41
599
598
599
49
41
28
24
20
13
11
4
3
1
14
192
376
17
139
139
58
16
25
19
14
24
22
24
23
8
4
205
193
92
88
50
811
542
258
182
8
6
5
2
2
Place of Origin: North American
Vintage 7.5 Foot Black Wood Guess Cultural Advertising Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage 7.5 Foot Black Wood Guess Cultural Advertising Sign Vintage 7.5 foot wood black "Guess Parfum" signature question mark advertising sign. This sign would be perfect for a fas...
Category

1990s Modern North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Wood, Paint

Vintage US Post Office Mail Carrier Bag
Located in San Francisco, CA
As they say, "if that bag could talk!" Vintage USPO Mail Carrier Bag in tobacco, distressed leather. Well worn and appreciated, this original satchel has ...
Category

20th Century North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Brass

Rare Aztec Colonial Polychromed Wood Sculpture! Holy Imagene Bultos Santos Icons
Located in Peoria, AZ
MUSEUM PERFECTION ! AZTEC INFLUENCED LATIN AMERICAN COLONIAL ART AMAZINGLY RARE PIECE ! Approx. 14" x 8" x 2 1/2" After Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec empire, painting and sculpture schools were set up within missions to produce art for Roman Catholic worship in Spanish America to promote Christian evangelization. The works that emerge from this period are great historic treasures and tell us much about this time in history. Icons were important in this conversion process. Here is an Imagene that was likely employed in a church from the 17th century. It features 5 elaborately carved faces and figures depicting angels and saints. This piece is magnificent for many reasons, but the most important reason is that this piece illustrates the bridge between the Spanish and Aztec art schools. The Aztecs had developed the most splendid feather art in the world. Feather mosaics (arte plumario in Spanish, amantecayotl in Nahuatl), were created by specially trained and talented Aztec nobles. The blue green iridescent color of hummingbird feathers had made them a regular form of tribute to Aztec rulers and art that featured these feathers were incomparable. The Spanish art instructors adopted feathers into traditional Catholic imagery and this piece shows the result of such hybrid. Here feathers are prominently sculpted into the background and were polychromed with sensational hues to reflect the native love and cultural appreciation for feather art. Few feather mosaics survive because of their temporal frailty, but the wood worked feathers in this piece give scholars and collectors a lasting indication of how Aztecs stylistically used the feathers in their pieces. Aztec religious leaders wore headdresses and garments made of feathers - and here these saints appear to be wearing feather headdresses! Even after centuries, the colors of this piece are incredibly compelling. Fragments of the rich blue green pigment that was applied to mimic the hummingbird feathers are still present. The golds, yellows and browns display spectacular understanding of complementary colors. What's more this piece also shows Aztec sun imagery incorporated into the design! On the reverse side of the Saints' faces we see a vivid blue sun burst type design which clearly was an Aztec motif of the period and has no comparable counterpart in Catholic holy treasures...
Category

17th Century Spanish Colonial Antique North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Wood

"Ordeal of Woodrow Wilson" Signed by Herbert Hoover, Sixth Printing, 1958
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Hoover, Herbert. The Ordeal of Woodrow Wilson. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1958. Signed and inscribed by Herbert Hoover. Sixth printing. Original dust jacket...
Category

1950s Vintage North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Paper

Vintage US Post Office Mail Carrier Bag, Leather
Located in San Francisco, CA
As they say, "if that bag could talk!" Vintage USPO Mail Carrier Bag in tan, distressed leather. Well worn and appreciated, this original satchel has many...
Category

20th Century North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Brass

Set of Three Vintage Leather Medicine Balls, circa 1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
Set of three vintage leather medicine balls, circa 1940 Great collection of old school medicine balls. Hippocrates is said to have stuffed animal skins for patients to toss for...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Leather

Multi-Figure Tlingit Totem
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Native American North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Cedar

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 Brothers in Denver, CO and mea...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Steel

Post War 1953 Very Unusual Trencher Art Bookends In Bronze And Aluminum
Located in Miami, FL
Bookends with 1953 US Navy AER-53 Dummy Artillery Rounds Elusive and historical pair of bookends, created during the post WWII period and the Korean war, back in the 1953-1955. They...
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Bronze, Aluminum

Judith Leiber Duck Minaudiere
By Judith Leiber
Located in Stamford, CT
Judith Leiber miniature duck form purse with mirror, comb and change purse. Signed. Mid 1990's
Category

1990s Art Deco North 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 North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

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 North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Paper

Glazed Dark Bronze Finish Dinosaur Skull with Base
Located in Dallas, TX
An intriguing bronze finish cast of a dinosaur skull mounted on a steel rod and base. Made from cast resin. Highly detailed reproduction with realistic skeletal texture. No obvious...
Category

20th Century North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Resin

'Camp Fire Girls' Cotton Flag, 1950s USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage cotton flag for the "Camp Fire Girls", the sister organization to the Boy Scouts of America. Camp Fire was the first nonsectarian, multirac...
Category

1950s Vintage North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Cotton, Plexiglass, Wood

American 44 Star Flag, circa 1891
Located in Nantucket, MA
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 ...
Category

1890s Federal Antique North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Muslin

Antique Rotary Telephone c1920s Good Condition
By Edison
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Antique Rotary Telephone c1920s Good Condition
Category

20th Century North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Brass

Antique Keystone 8 M.M. Film Projector, Model R-8, USA
By Keystone Camera Company
Located in San Francisco, CA
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...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

1932 Summer Olympics Los Angeles License Plate Fob
Located in Fulton, CA
Original 1932 Los Angeles Summer Olympics license plate fob.
Category

1930s Vintage North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Aluminum

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 North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Brass

1960s Santa Boots Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand Rare
Located in Atlanta, GA
Very rare item. Vintage cast iron Christmas tree stand shaped like Santa Boots. The internal diameter of the hole holding the tree stump is ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Rustic North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

Original J Mack Moore Photo of Virginia Memorial in Vicksburg, MISS
Located in Dallas, TX
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...
Category

Early 20th Century American Craftsman North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Paper

Fringed Cotton Beacon Blanket, circa 1920
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
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...
Category

1920s Vintage North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Cotton

Vintage Remington Rand Typewriter, 1947
By Remington Rand
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
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...
Category

1940s Mid-Century Modern Vintage North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Scrap Book and Photograph pertaining to Ogden College, Bowling Green, KY
Located in Dallas, TX
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...
Category

Late 19th Century American Classical Antique North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Paper

Ambrotype Of A Civil War Wife 1860
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category

1860s High Victorian Antique North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Brass, Gold Plate, Metal

Pharmaceutical Presentation Gavel Dated 1941 1942
Located in Fulton, CA
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Wood

Original 1960s Hand Painted Hippie Hardhat Bay Area Artifact
Located in Oakland, CA
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...
Category

1960s Folk Art Vintage North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Steel

Vintage Civil War Era Field Glasses by Queen & Co.
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
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...
Category

1860s Antique North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Brass

Vintage Centennial Medallion, American, Bronze, J Walter Thompson, Anniversary
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
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...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Silver and Mother-of-Pearl Handled Walking Stick
Located in Miami, FL
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 ...
Category

1930s Art Deco Vintage North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Silver

A History of the American People, Signed by Woodrow Wilson, Alumni Edition #29 o
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Woodrow Wilson. A History of the American People. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1902. Alumni Edition #29 of 350 copies. Volume I signed by Woodrow Wilson...
Category

Early 1900s Antique North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Paper

Dawes Black Horse Brewery Large Cast Advertising Horse Sculptural Lamp Base
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large horse sculpture was done by Ross Butler to advertise and prooste Black Horse brand beer for Dawes Brewery of Montreal Canada. The det...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Plaster

1950s Gates Vulco Belts Vintage Painted Tin Sign or Sales Display Ratrod Garage
Located in Hyattsville, MD
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...
Category

1950s Industrial Vintage North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Steel

RARE Newspapers July 2018 San Francisco Examiner WW. I, Women's Suffrage, B.Ruth
Located in Incline Village, NV
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...
Category

1910s Other Vintage North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Paper

Rare Singer Model 24 Chain Stitch Small Sewing Machine
By Singer
Located in Guaynabo, PR
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 ...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

"Three Chiefs, Blackfoot, Montana" by Edward S. Curtis, Platinum Print, 1900
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
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...
Category

Early 1900s Antique North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Paper

19th Century Noble Gilt wooden Family photo Frame, American History
Located in Delft, NL
19th Century Noble Gilt wooden Family photo Frame, American History A gilded wooden family portrait frame with the Calhoun/Colquhoun family coat of arms. This portrait frame probably ended up in the Netherlands through the marriage of the American Julia Johnson Calhoun (1884-1970) in 1914 to Mr. Justinus Egbertus Hendericus baron van Nagell (1882-1963). The list contains three portrait photos of presumably members of the Calhoun family. The American statesman John Caldwell Calhoun (1782-1850) descended from a Scottish noble family with the name Colquhoun, who settled in the United States in the 18th century and achieved great prestige there. He started his career as a lawyer, married the daughter of an influential senator and was elected to the House of Representatives. After serving as Secretary of War, he became Vice President under President John Quincy Adams from 1825-1829 and then served a second term under President Andrew Jackson. This makes him one of only two American vice presidents to have served under two different presidents. His grandson, John Caldwell Calhoun (1843-1918), was a successful American businessman, landowner and managing director of the Baltimore Coal Mining and Railway Company. He married Linnie Adams, second cousin of US Vice President Richard Johnson. Their only daughter, Julia Johnson Calhoun (1884-1970), made her debut in New York and met mr. Justinus Egbertus Hendericus baron van Nagell (1882-1963), who was attached to the Dutch legation in Washington in diplomatic service. He descended from an old noble family from Westphalia, whose ancestor was first mentioned in 1385. In the 16th century, an ancestor settled in the Netherlands and in 1814 the family was included in the Dutch nobility with the title of baron. He grew up at Schaffelaar Castle in Barneveld and his father was mayor in this castle and he was also Grand Commander of the Knightly German Order. At the end of the 19th century, a real boom in marriages of wealthy American heirs to European nobility started. It was the 'Gilded Age', described in e.g., the books of Edith Wharton, in which millions of dollars crossed the Atlantic as a dowry. New money and European nobility bonded. One of the most famous marriages was that of Consuelo Vanderbilt to the English Duke of Marlborough. The Vanderbilt millions repaired the roof of Blenheim Palace and the gardens here were recreated in the French style. It prompted a visitor to remark: “American money has its use after all.” The Van Nagell-Calhoun wedding became a real social event in the winter of 1914 at the start of the nightlife season – one newspaper ran the headline GAYETIES OF WINTER SOCIAL SEASON BEGIN THIS WEEK – and newspapers detailed all the details. The bridal staff included the Dutch Count Van Rechteren Limpurg and as witness for the groom was Jonkheer De Beaufort, who was secretary of the Dutch legation in Washington. Baron Van Nagell had a glorious career in the diplomatic service, which over the years took him from Beijing to Washington and St Petersburg. Here he experienced the Russian Revolution in Saint Petersburg in 1917 up close. One evening he was sitting with company at a table in a restaurant. A waiter brought the bill to a group of Russian communists next to them. The bill did not like this, whereupon the waiter was shot dead. After Saint Petersburg, London, Bucharest, and Stockholm followed, where he finally became envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary. The couple had three children: one daughter was born stillless and the only son and heir died in 1944 as a res. -2nd lieutenant pilot in the Royal Air Force over France. A second daughter married a jonkheer Clifford Kocq van Breugel...
Category

19th Century Antique North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Fruitwood

Roy Rogers Cowboy Boots
Located in Darnestown, MD
On offer are two pairs of cowboy boots that belonged to Roy Rogers, "King of the Cowboys". They were sold by Christies at their 2010 sale of Roy and Dale's belongings. Authentication...
Category

Mid-20th Century Country North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Leather

Delco R-1150 Art Deco 1939 Tube Radio With Swirled Catalin Blue Colors
Located in Miami, FL
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...
Category

1930s Art Deco Vintage North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Bakelite

1940s Vornado Antique Electric Powerful Metal Desk Table Fan
By Vornado
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1940s Vornado vintage antique electric fan powerful and silent. Art Deco era electric table desk top fan with modern industrial design. Has one ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Pair of Antique Hardwood Juggling Pins
Located in San Diego, CA
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...
Category

Early 20th Century North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Hardwood

Original Program for Nantucket Stage Production Dracula, Signed by Edward Gorey
Located in Nantucket, MA
Original program for the Nantucket Stage Company Production of "Dracula", signed by Edward Gorey, 1973. The Nantucket Stage Company (which became the Stra...
Category

1970s Post-Modern Vintage North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Paper

Rudi Gernreich Girls Knit Monokini Bandeau Top Bathing Suit, circa 1964
Located in Philadelphia, PA
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 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Fabric

Mid Century Massachusetts Institute of Technology Collectibles
Located in Riverdale, NY
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...
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Porcelain, Wood, Paper

Collection of 1800s Fire Fighters Badges
Located in Peekskill, NY
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...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

Three 18th Century American Engravings George Washington Thomas Jefferson
Located in Rochester, NY
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.
Category

18th Century Antique North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Paper

Little Bighorn Survivors Photograph by Bill Groethe American Indians
Located in Atlanta, GA
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 ...
Category

1940s Native American Vintage North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Glass, Wood, Oak, Paper

President William McKinley as Napoleon ' Small' Toby Mug, by Morris & Willmore
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
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...
Category

Late 19th Century Late Victorian Antique North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Pottery

John F. Kennedy Typed Presidential Campaign Letter, October, 1960
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a typed letter from John F. Kennedy on official stationary from his presidential campaign. The letter is addressed to Mrs. Pearl Zel...
Category

1960s Vintage North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Paper

Brooke Cadwallader Carnival Mid-Century Era Silk Scarf, 1947-1950
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brooke Cadwallader Silk Scarf, The Carnival Print – 1947-1950 Brooke Cadwallader was a well-known printed textile designer of the mid-20th century...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Silk

Rare Bronze Portrait Plaque for The US Copper Cent by Victor Brenner, Dated 1907
By Victor David Brenner
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A rare copper-patinated bronze bas-relief portrait plaque of Abraham Lincoln by Lithuanian / American sculptor Victor David Brenner. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Other North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Bronze

President William McKinley as Napoleon Large Toby Mug, by Morris & Willmore
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
President William McKinley as Napoleon Large Toby Mug, by Morris & Willmore Made by Columbian Art Pottery / Morris and Willmore of Trenton, New Jersey This ...
Category

Late 19th Century Late Victorian Antique North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Pottery

Important Silver Plate Champagne Bucket or Ice Bucket from Jack E. Leonard 1971
By F.B. Rogers Silver Co.
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
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...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique Vintage Kodak Wooden Trimming Board by Eastman
By Eastman Kodak
Located in San Diego, CA
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...
Category

1940s Industrial Vintage North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

American Silver Medal of Military Valor
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Rare American medal of Military Valor - silver US Army - ARMY SERVICE CORP - United States Army Corps of Engineers. news: Army Service Corps, a compon...
Category

Early 20th Century Other North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Bronze

1980 Post Modern Ashtray Illinois Land of President Lincoln Round Ceramic Dish
Located in North Hollywood, CA
1980 Post Modern Ashtray Illinois Round Ceramic with Colorful Architecture Design. Vintage collectible Illinois ashtray souvenir with landmark circular ashtray with green, red black ...
Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Ceramic

Batman
Located in London, GB
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...
Category

1960s Vintage North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Paper

Antique Canadian Country Primitive Wooden Colonial Spinning Wheel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Canadian Country Primitive Wooden Colonial Spinning Wheel. Item features 22" diameter spinning wheel, working foot pedal, signed "made in Canada" to underside, great patina s...
Category

Early 20th Century Primitive North American Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Wood

Recently Viewed

View All