1930s Collectibles and Curiosities

Art deco magic monkey mechanical dispenser box designed by Ronson. An extremely rare and very decorative mechanical desk box, created in the city of Newark, New Jersey United States by The Ronson Metal Works Co. during the art deco period, back in the 1936. This is the mechanical Pik-a-Cig Monkey box...

Brass sextant signed H. Hughes & Son Ltd No. 32890 of the 1930s; instrument complete with optics and housed in its original mahogany wood box of with locking hooks and brass handle,...

One pair of WWII Naval Binoculars with a magnification of 20 x 120. Mounted on a period tripod, these exceptional binoculars display entirely original optics in a distinctly Japanese...

An Octette desk lighter designed by Ronson. This Ronson Touch-Tip Octette table lighter was made between 1935 and 1951 by the Ronson Art Metal Works Inc. located in Newark, New Jers...

This elegantly decorated Florentine album belonged to the young Dorothy Colles, who received it as a present in 1931 when she was 14 years of age. On the cover Colles notes "This boo...

Heading : WMF necklace with Myra glass beads Date : c1930 Period : Interwar Origin : Geislingen-an-der-Steige. Germany Decoration : Iridescent myra glass beads with orignal metal spa...

Falls City, 1930's "My Buddy" metal tool box with handle and stacking trays. In original condition with visible wear consistent with its age and use.

The Savory lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill. This is a rare petrol pocket lighter, created in Switzerland by La Nationale for the Alfred Dunhill Company in Paris, back in the 1936. This semi-automatic full-size lighter is the iconic and popular Savory model, crafted with art deco patterns in solid .925/.999 sterling silver and decorated with engine turned barley patterns. This very early Dunhill lighter is highly collectible. This model was originally marketed with two names, The Savory in France and The Handy in the rest of the world Brand: Dunhill-Paris. Model: Savory Semi-automatic, full size. First Produced: 1936. Material: Solid .925 Sterling silver. Weight: 56.2 Grams, (36.03 Dwt). Measurements: 50 mm by 34 mm by 12 mm (1.97 x 1.34 x 0.47 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark, the mark for the assay of the silver and signed in full as follow, "ALFRED DUNHILL PARIS FAB. SUISSE STERLING MECAN AD SAVORY BREVETTE No-806949". Alfred Dunhill He inherited his father’s London saddlery in 1893. Following the increase in motor car ownership, Alfred developed the business to include motoring accessories, which he called ‘Dunhill’s Motorities’. This included goggles, timepieces, picnic sets, and leather coats, and it wasn’t long before the brand became associated with men’s general motoring attire. They opened two shops in Mayfair and had a catalogue of over 1300 items. Between the 1904 and 1905, Dunhill introduced their ‘Windshield Pipe’, to help drivers combat the effect of wind and travel on their ability to smoke. This marked both the end of the ‘motorities’ focus and their entry into the world of smoking ephemera, and they shortly opened their first tobacconist in 1907 on Duke Street. The proximity to several esteemed Private Members Clubs around the Mayfair, St James’ area ensured that the venture was a success. (From Nicholas Wells With Thanks). Literature: Blei-Bottoni, The Dunhill Petrol Lighter "A Unique Story", Unique SRL 2004 first edition. Figure-500 Pp-256-259 for this model illustrated in several materials and finishes. Note: This pocket lighter is empty of any flammable, gas or butane substances and is ready to be ship by any carrier. This lighter just need a new flint and proper lighter fluid. Was tested and is in working condition. Collateral: This lighter is accompanied by a presentation pouch. Condition: The overall condition of this Alfred Dunhill lighter...

Dureum brass desk Nautica lighter designed by Ronson. This very rare Ronson Nautica Classic Touch-Tip lighter was made in 1938 by the Ronson Art Metal Works Inc. located in Newark, ...

Beautiful old bakelite cherry bead necklace. This is an exceptionally large model with beautiful thick beads. The color is dark red, there i...

Fabulous American vintage all tin wind-up toy with attached key and clockwork mechanism, whereby upon winding it up, the character (Joe Penner) waddles aimlessly across the floor, hat flying in the air with notorious cigar in motion (see attached video with listing). The toy is in wonderful and complete original condition with all original parts and authentic factory paint. It is often found incomplete (cigar or hat missing more often than not); and usually doesn't work properly. My example works great and is in nice bright original paint and lithography, in multiple colors of a black and white checkered suit...

Mechanical cigarette dispenser box. An exceptional and very beautiful desk piece, created in France during the art deco period, back in the 19...

Beautifully illustrated with full colour plates, and in the publisher's original vellum binding, this is a charming limited edition collection of the tales of Hans Christian Andersen...

Bronze Mounted Steinway Model M Baby Grand Piano A Model Of Francois Linke Dimensions : Height 43 in., Length 67 in., Width 56.25 in A Gilt-Bronze Mounted Steinway & Sons Baby G...

Vintage nautical or industrial ship spotlight / search light / lantern by Crouse Hinds. USA, circa 1930. For display purposes only; not tested for us...

A beautiful English Art Deco period sterling silver tobacco cigarette holder case, circa early-20th century, England. Marked 'Sterling' on inside...

A solid 18-karat gold case with geometric Art Deco lines, this cigarette case has lines textured along the exterior and is completed with a complex grid pattern in the center. It has...

Pair of bookends made of steel and depicting a sailboat sailing upwind. English manufacture of the 1950s. Bon état. Measures 11.5x8x15.5 cm - inches4.5x3.2x6.2. The last photo is the...

Antique ship model of the Donald Mc Kay Clipper Ship "Sovereign of the Seas". Awesome scale model by noted early twentieth century model maker Th...

Superb 20th Century pond yacht known as "Sea Mist". This J Class beauty showcases a meticulously crafted planked wood hull, adorned with gaff rigging supporting four sails, alongside...

Willie Kool desk-table electric lighter. This is a beautiful electronic bar or desk lighter, created as a promotional item by the Kool Cigarette Company, back in the 1938. The sculptural and elusive electric lighter has been crafted with the iconic figure of the company Willie Kool, in color plastic with parts in metal and fitted with a long electric cord. The figural penguin is in pretty very good shape, in working condition and should be a gorgeous addition to any collection. This will be a great conversation item. Willie The Penguin Willie the penguin was introduced in 1934 by The Ted Bates Advertising Agency. During the time there were several other cartoonish spokespersons like Kellog’s Snap, Crackle & Pop, Reddy Kilowatt, and the Campbell’s Kids. Willie’s product line included salt and pepper shakers, ash trays, holders for wooden matches, lighters, and when air-conditioning was introduced, a version was created to suggest customers to enter a storefront because it was “Kool” inside. It has also been debated that a picture of Willie wearing a top hat was the inspiration for the Penguin character in Batman. Regardless, Willie appeared in his own comic books after he was licensed by Standard Comics for six issues, with the cigarette brand dropped from the title. By the ’60s, however, the company had shifted advertising focus and opted for wintry outdoor scenes to promote their business. (Miller Fenwood with thanks) Materials: Lacquered and color plastic, metal, electric cord and enamel. Year: 1934-1940. Weight: 1.5 Pounds, (0.68 Kg.). Measurements: 89 mm by 114 mm by 223 mm (3.5 x 4.25 x 8.75 Inches). Marks: "KOOL MILD MENTHOL CIGARETTES". Note: This lighter is empty of any flammable, gas or butane substances and is ready to be ship by any carrier. This lighter just need a new flint and proper lighter fluid. Was tested and is in working condition. Note: This is an electric novelty advertising lighter, is a very old vintage Tobacciana...

The Classic Jumbo desk lighter with bridge scoring by the Clark Brothers. This is a very nice desk-petrol table lighter created in England during the art-deco period, back in 1930. ...

WW2 era 10 x 80 Binoculars by Jos Schneider & Co (Kreuznach, Germany). These Jos Schneider & Co DKL Binoculars were utilised by Luftwaffe Flak Artillery ground crews for spotting and...

Rare 1930s Art Deco Evans Chrome & Enamel Cigarette Case and Matching Trig-A-Lite Lighter Set – Streamline Engine-Turned Design This rare and exceptional 1930s Art Deco Evans cigare...

This European set of two nautical magnifying glass map-readers are quite unusual and rarely found. It is fully encased in it's heavy wooden and metal enforced box. Hailing from betwe...

Recently salvaged from old Downtown Buffalo New York church rectory, lifesize carved wood statue, "Joseph" which once adorned the vestibule, well executed, wonderful detail, great si...

What makes this model so special is that all the hunting devices are still present: spears, harpoons, spear thrower, wood float board, and bladder, paddles and other equipment used for seal hunting. Please note how well these are made in a stunning combination of wood and bone and lashed on deck under bone and sinew spear securers. Despite the kayak frame...

Early 20th century polychrome painted Papier-mache Halloween Candy Box, with painted Black Cat on lid. Overall W 14.25 x D 8 x H 19 in Box W 10.25 x D 7.5 x H 5.75 in

Vintage Style ski photography, framed alpine ski photograph, descent in powder. 'Virgin Powder', a modern framed and mounted black and w...

Stevenson, Robert Louis. Kidnapped: The Adventures of David Balfour. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1933. Illustrated by N.C. Wyeth. In publisher's original black boards with ful...

Men Too Wear Clothes by Dorothy Stote Hardcover with original dust jacket. Frederick A. Stokes Company. 1st edition with introduction by Lucius Beebe and Drawings by Nina Granada.

A Columbia production dirigible cigarette desk box. This is a rare desk box of a Dirigible Cigarette Pack Holder created in America during the art deco period. This is a novelty ite...

This Item is not mounted. Vintage Ski photography, antique Alpine Ski photograph. 'A COURAGEOUS JUMP', a new mounted black and white photograph...

The 1935 Art Deco smoker's set includes a chrome tray with chrome and black lacquered handles and a faux tortoise finish inlay cover, a desk box, and an Octette touch tip lighter by ...

Mechanical cigarettes case set designed by Deykin & Harrison. This is a very interesting mechanical case, created in Birmingham England during the art deco period at the silversmith...

Set of four vintage golf woods, circa 1930-1940's. The clubs are each unique and have been used well throughout the years, giving them a wonderful color and use pattern. The shafts...

Antique German tin toy - climbing/friction monkey, 1930's. Manufactory: Lehmann Materials: Lithographic tin Model: TOM 385. Markinga: Made i...

Set of two hand painted traditional plaster crying baby figures. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Spain, circa 1930. In original condition, with minor wear consistent wit...

A beautiful dog candy container. Made of paper mache, covered with mohair and has glass eyes. Nice addition to your Christmas or new years collection or decoration. It is from the 19...

Vintage tricycle in good condition model sky-king airflow.

A rare Christmas ornament set from Germany or Austria. Each is made from mouth blown glass, these would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size always given for ...

Metal Sauceboat, Circa 1930. by unknown manufacturer, France. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials: Me...

An art deco tall desk-lighter designed by Cartier. This is a beautiful and very rare desk-club petrol lighter, created in Paris France by the atelier-Frontin for the jewelry house o...

A Berlin Kindl (Child) Beer advertising cigar cutter. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of lithographed sheet metal and a shaving blade. This item was a giveawa...

AUTHOR: LAWRENCE, T. E. TITLE: Seven Pillars Of Wisdom. A Triumph. PUBLISHER: London: Jonathan Cape, 1935. DESCRIPTION: FIRST TRADE EDITION. 1 vol., 4to., 10" x 8", Illustrated throughout with a photogravure portrait frontispiece of Lawrence from the plaster bust, 47 plates, 4 folding maps, and several in-text line drawings; the majority by Eric Kennington...

This is a vintage cased monocular. A French, enamelled brass and leather viewing scope, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930. Delightful field monocular, with 8 x 30 magnificat...

Mid-late 1930s “Kookbox” hollow wood surfboard. Features wood panels joined by metal fasteners and cork water-plug. Patented interior ‘Skin and Frame’ construction method, inspired by the design of airplane wings. This breakthrough surfboard building method was invented in the early 1930s by the legendary Tom Blake...

First edition of this iconic, definite text on cocktails features highly decorative pictorial endpapers. The book is illustrated throughout in Art Deco manner by Gilbert Rumbold. On ...

One-volume survey of "Austrian Applied Arts", primarily Secession, with an introduction by Josef Hoffmann. Published in 1930 by Heinz & Co. Organized by t...

A decorative building sculpture as a souvenir. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is due to age. Made of metal. This item was purchased as a souvenir at a Grand Tour in Europe an...

Original US studio photograph for the 1930's This piece is framed in a Sapele wood frame with acid free card mounts and UV plexiglass. The size given is before framing. This piece ...

- 1930s - Maker: UP Závody - Good original condition - 31 Pages jr.  

This original vintage friction activated toy sedan" Fire Chief" Car by The Marx Toy Company, circa 1930, is a difficult toy to find, especially in this variation, which I have not se...

Leather and brass barometer by Dirk Muller, 1930's. In good, working, original condition with visible wear consistent with its age and use.

This is a hard to find pre war vintage, Made in America wind up tin toy by The Lindstrom Toy Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut, circa 1928-1932. The action is fabulous; when wound ...

Extremely Rare Antique / Vintage Disney Mickey Mouse beautiful porcelain figurine by the famous Rosenthal Germany , circa 1930s This is #551 in the series w/incised number under base...

French Modernist Art Deco piano and bench by Pierre-Paul Montagnac, a variant of the model used in one of the luxe apartments, the Caen, on the great French oceanliner Normandie in 1935. Created in rosewood and sycamore, and carefully and correctly restored, including the fine Erard (#127208) instrument. 56” wide x 60” deep. Documented in numerous sources, including the July 1935 issue of Art et Decoration. Pierre-Paul Montagnac (1883-1961) Born in Saint-Denis, France on 9 May 1883, Pierre-Paul Montagnac was equally talented as a fine artist and a decorative artist. He was educated in both disciplines, studying with Eugene Carriére as well as at the Académie de la Grande Chaumiére, both in Paris. His inaugural exhibition was at the 1912 Salons – and at the 1920 Salon d’Automne he received a traveling scholarship. In 1918 he began working in the firm of André Mare and from 1922 collaborated with Maurice Dufrene at La Maîtrise, the famous design studio of Galeries Lafayette. From 1921 he exhibited at the Salons of la Société des Artistes Décorateurs, Salon des Architectes Modernes, and internationally, in Barcelona and Leipzig. He designed suites on the grand French oceanliners, l’Atlantique, Normandie and Pasteur. At the 1925 Paris International Exposition his work was in a standout class. At the 1937 Exhibition he organized the pavillion of the Artistes Decorateurs and personally won a Grand Prix. For the New York Exhibition in 1938, he was a member of the international jury, organized the group of Decorators, and, as architect, organized the exhibitions of jewelry and perfumes. He became a member of the Society of Modern Architects and executed important and numerous architecture and decorating projects including the luxury apartments on the great French oceanliners l’Atlantique, Pasteur, and Normandie. Vice President and then President of the Societe des Artistes Decorateurs from 1930-1938, he was also President of the Salon d’Automne and Vice President of the Committee of the Exhibition of Arts and Embellishments of Life; member of the steering committee of C.T.I. and Artistic Property, member of the Board of Directors of the Central Union of Decorative Arts. He was also an Officer of the Legion of Honor and received the Cross of War. MONTAGNAC was the son of an engineer and he had a taste for geometry and science that predisposed him to the rigors of architectural laws. Multi-talented, he worked independently as a painter – who had paintings acquired by the French government – while also working in the related fields of architecture and decoration. His work included homes, apartments, galleries, luxury shops, banks and the aforesaid oceanliners. As a designer/decorater, Montagnac had the taste for quality, luxurious furniture, using precious woods, bronze extensions, ivory inlays, mother-of-pearl, metal and coral. He advocated for a resolutely modern style and, free of all pastiches, focused on beautiful cabinetry, the challenges of furniture design, particularly from 1940 to 1945, captured all his attention. The tireless activity of Montagnac, whose varied works are represented in official museums and residences, was also recognized from a professional and social point of view. He was a remarkable organizer, devoted to the cause of art, to the defense of the trade and his colleagues. It was Montagnac who, in 1939, with Anatole de Monzie, took the initiative to found the ENTRAIDE to Artists (which provides support to talented young French artists). MOBILIER ET DECORATION, September/October 1953 ERARD An illustrious piano manufacturer, Sebastien Erard began building superior harpsichords in Paris in the mid-1700s, produced pianos for the French Court, and received a multitude of patents, many of which are still in use in piano manufacturing. Erard pianos were marketed as the finest pianos in the world and were owned by Queen Victoria, Franz Liszt, Chopin, Verdi, Ravel, and Felix Mendelssohn among many others. They continued to enjoy international success well into the 20th century. They were known for their unique sound quality, similar to the American square grand piano...

Desk buffalo touch tip Striker designed by Ronson. The striker lighters made by Ronson are famous under collectors. This extremely rare desk Striker L...

Two seats aircraft Forain Art Collector's item, metal and painted wood. Year 1930. Exceptional and unique piece. Available now.

An elegant and simple beaded bracelet I 830s. Un-indentified European/Scandinavian maker circa 1920-40. A 'new' lock has been mounted. Measurements: L: 18,5 cm in total, pearl diam...