Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 16

Early 1900s Salesman Sample Miniature Vanity

$1,400
£1,064.64
€1,228.01
CA$1,961.14
A$2,194.91
CHF 1,146.08
MX$26,778
NOK 14,548.04
SEK 13,805.19
DKK 9,170.19
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Some history on salesman samples- An aggressive form of direct marketing by companies pushing their specific products, these miniature goods, known as salesman samples, were easily transportable by traveling salespeople. They allowed dealers to showcase a variety of items that could then be ordered directly from a manufacturer. Once a salesman snagged a buyer, he secured a deposit and placed the order. When the item was made and shipped, the buyer would complete the transaction. Commonly used in the 19th and 20th centuries, salesman samples were exact duplicates of the larger pieces, showing extensive and important details. They fall into two categories: those that work and those that do not. Working samples, more common prior to 1920, can help date a piece. It is easy for a collector to confuse a true salesman sample from a child’s toy. Look for great detail and specific aspects of the product — not what you would find on a small-scale toy. This is a beautiful piece. Fully functional. Great detail. Mirror swivels
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 38 in (96.52 cm)Width: 22 in (55.88 cm)Depth: 10 in (25.4 cm)
  • Style:
    Art Deco (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
    1910-1919
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1900s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Waxahachie, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU8997245942812

More From This Seller

View All
1900s English Mahogany Canterbury/ Magazine Rack/Record Holder
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Antique English Mahogany Canterbury magazine rack. Four spacious divisions over a good sized single dove tail drawer with original brass pu...
Category

Early 20th Century English British Colonial Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Brass

Taschens Alex Steinweiss From the Estate of Christian Audigier
By Angelika Taschen
Located in Waxahachie, TX
From the estate of Christian Audigier 21 May 1958 – 9 July 2015 He was a French fashion designer known for the Ed Hardy and Von Dutch clothing lines. Chris...
Category

2010s German Post-Modern Books

Materials

Paper

Pair of Taschens Berlin and Paris Books From the Estate of Christian Audigier
By Angelika Taschen
Located in Waxahachie, TX
From the estate of Christian Audigier 21 May 1958 – 9 July 2015 He was a French fashion designer known for the Ed Hardy and Von Dutch clothing lines. Chris...
Category

Early 2000s German Post-Modern Books

Materials

Paper

Thomasville Sculptural 'Acrhed' 6 Drawer Tall Dresser Walnut & Olive Burl
By Thomasville
Located in Waxahachie, TX
In the classic and timeless style of T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings, the 'Arched' series by Thomasville is made in the US, circa 1960s, and is of heirloom quality. The finest hardwoods of walnut and olive ash burl, create a sculptural rhythm that evokes ancient and classical Roman or Greek architecture. Exceptional styling and scale + superior materials and construction = a Mid Century Modern masterwork that fits well in any quality setting. Solid, heavy wood. Clean construction. This large 6 drawer tall...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Art Deco Dressers

Materials

Wood, Burl

1920s Art Deco Bookmatched Rosewood and Marble Sideboard
Located in Waxahachie, TX
This Art Deco sideboard has bookmatched lacquered rosewood, a maple interior and French green marble. Two drawers, one in each door. Original hardware and key. New key for center co...
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Sideboards

Materials

Granite

Camille Tharaud For Limoges Porcelain Vase
By Tharaud Limoges, Camille Tharaud
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Camille Tharaud (French, 1878-1956) For Limoges Porcelain Vase DESCRIPTION: Limoges blue and white porcelain vase by Camille Tharaud porcelain featuring ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Vases

Materials

Porcelain

You May Also Like

Miniature Salesman's Sample of Neoclassical Inlaid Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Miniature salesman's sample of cabinet with two doors and four drawers. Beautifully made with inlaid banding details. Would make a sweet little Jewelry box for keepsakes.
Category

Antique 19th Century English Neoclassical Models and Miniatures

Materials

Mahogany

9" Emeco 1006 Miniature Salesman Sample Aluminum Chair Scultpure
By Emeco
Located in Van Nuys, CA
The Miniature Emeco model 1006 aluminum miniature chair sculpture salesmen sample is a detailed and compact replica of the iconic Emeco Navy Chair, originally designed in 1944 for us...
Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures

Materials

Aluminum

Scale Model Dropleaf Table Salesman Sample c. 1900
Located in Fraser, MI
Representational scale model drop-leaf table. Plank construction on hinges, turned legs. with plywood crossmembers, in cherrywood finish. One plywood crossmember is missing.
Category

Antique Early 1900s Models and Miniatures

Materials

Cherry

Miniature Salesman's Sample Victorian Bureau Chest, American, circa 1890
Located in Incline Village, NV
This late 19th century miniature 3-drawer dresser with original mirror mounted above, was likely used as a salesman's sample by an itinerant sales person who traveled the countryside promoting his articles, usually by seeking out merchants to take orders based on this scaled down miniature bureau, or by leaving it on display in a merchant's establishment to take orders from that merchant's customers. This American bureau...
Category

Antique 1890s American Victorian Toys

Materials

Oak

Miniature Antique English Apprentice Model Salesman Sample Drop-Front Bureau
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and handsome English Arts & Crafts period miniature oak bureau from the early 20th century with nicely aged patina. Exquisitely hand-crafted in England over a century ago, e...
Category

Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Brass

Paul Frankl Style Salesman Sample Miniature Rattan Livingroom Set, 1950
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Living set of Paul Frankl-style miniature rattan Salesman sample dollhouse furniture from 1950. These were designed to help salesman sell furniture to potential buyers both at home and in the boardroom. This set includes a 3-seat section sofa with two side...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Toys and Dolls

Materials

Rattan