1930s Collectibles and Curiosities

German 1930s three piece toddler / child / doll sized uniform or sailor suit. Made of navy blue wool featuring a coat, vest and pants with white stripe and ...

Art Deco ashtray stand by Demeyere This beautiful and rare Art Deco Ashtray Stand from the 30s/40s is in the streamline modern art deco style. The designer of this extraordinary obj...

Art Deco ashtray stand This beautiful and rare Art Deco Ashtray Stand from the 30s/40s is in the streamline modern art deco style. The designer of this extraordinary object has succ...

Ekco Type RS2 Radio Receiver. Produced in 1932 ca. Fair condition due to the time.

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...

This rare and unique game is in excellent all original condition with it's original, highly lithographed colorful box, This seemingly little used pre-war game is completely intact an...

Nice antique ship model of an American brig. Deck details include cannons on carriages, capstan, anchors, longboat, gratings, etc. The model is rig...

This PH Grand Piano, from around the mid 1930's is an excellent-conditioned vintage instrument. It was in 1930 that this instrument was first designed b...

A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size alw...

A rare Santa figure with a tree in his hand. Very characterful representation and expressive in its appearance. Velvet dust cover as clothing. Was probably a candy container, but the...

A racing flag from the Royal Sailing Yacht Britannia, circa 1936. This large racing flag was made from pieced wool bunting with machine stitched bunting and a canvas sleeve stamped ‘5’. It is of rectangular form with the Prince of Wales feathers enclosed in a ducal coronet and the motto ‘Ich Dien’ on a halved blue and red ground, later framed and glazed. It is accompanied by a black edged letter on Buckingham Palace writing paper dated 10th July 1936 saying ‘Dear Sir, I am commanded by the King and Queen Mary to send you these flags which were flown on board “Britannia” at various times during her career, including one of her racing flags. Their Majesties hope you will like to keep these in your club house as souvenirs of the old yacht. Yours Derek Keppell, Master of the Household, The Commodore, Royal Portsmouth Corinthian Yacht Club.” King George died on 20 January 1936 which explains the black edge to the letter. English, circa 1936. Height: 43in (109cm) Width:60in (152.5cm) Framed height: 57½ in (146 cm) Width: 81½ in (207cm) Provenance: Royal Naval Club & Royal Albert Yacht Club, Portsmouth R.S.Y. Britannia played an important part in preparing challengers for the America’s Cup. She was used as a trial horse for the Shamrocks and later, after conversion, for most of the ‘J’ Class yachts of the 1930s. Britannia was built in 1893 according to the plans of G. L. Watson for His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, a keen and able helmsman. From the beginning, Britannia was a successful racing yacht winning races against Kaiser Wilhelm’s Meteors, among many others. Britannia won over two hundred races in her career — a record that has yet to be surpassed. She was beaten once by Navahoe, one of Herreshoff’s boats, but fared better against another America’s Cup yacht, Vigilant, winning twelve races out of seventeen. When Britannia was converted to race in the ‘J’ Class she was stripped of her bulwarks, given a one-piece mast and a Bermudan mainsail. The transition did not interrupt her run of success, although she performed best in hard weather. She was scuttled off the Isle of Wight at the dying request of George V. A grisaille by Charles Dixon of R S Y Britannia racnig at Cowes. Credit: Wick Antiques

A stainless steel lighter designed by Ronson. Very beautiful desk Rondette lighter, created in New Jersey United States by The Ronson Co. during the art deco period, back in the 1934. This is a very unusual lighter designed with wonderful geometric patterns and crafted in solid steel with a central round body set upon two smaller cylindrical feet. Embellished with black lacquer, creating a great contrast with the base polished steel. Extremely well made and solid construction with very nice care and attention to all details. This surely is a very decorative piece and a great conversation item in gorgeous and exceptional preserved condition. Weight: 104.9 Grams, (67.24 Dwt). Measurements: 66 mm by 21 mm by 82 mm (2.59 x 0.83 x 3.23 Inches). Marks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed, "RONSON US PAT.RE.NO.19023 RONSON RONDETTE ART METAL WKS INC NEWARK NJ US PAT.RE.NO.19023". The Ronson lighter company started as The Art Metal Works in 1897 and was incorporated on July 20, 1898, by Max Hecht, Louis Vincent Aronson and Leopold Herzig, in Newark, New Jersey. Louis V. Aronson was a huge creative driving force for the company; and, with a few business adjustments, including the addition of Alexander...

Early 20th century Smiths Astral [Great Britain] shipboard brass clock, circa 1930. A brass case with inset beveled glass panel that reveals a silvertone...

Six spoke ships wheel by Simpson Lawrence of England. Varnished wood frame with inlaid brass trim rings and brass hub cap. Cap has Simpson Lawrence and their company logo on the hub....

This is the “New Census Edition” of Clason’s United States Green Guide. It features two large maps of the United States on a single sheet. The recto map shows the complete road net...

A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Clown Head is approx. 3 1/4" high and 1 3/4" at the widest point, think it is approx. 1940s or older. Lantern is approx. 2 5/8" high (1910s) and the little Santa...

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...

A stainless steel lighter designed by Ronson. Very beautiful Rondette desk lighter, created in New Jersey United States by The Ronson Co. during the art deco period, back in the 193...

Netherlands Black and red bakelite speaker by Louis Kalff for Philips, 1930s Round iconic bakelite tabletop audio speaker painted black with red spots. The triangular base of the spe...

A Savory lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill. This is a very scarce petrol pocket lighter, created in Switzerland by La Nationale for the Alfred Dunhill Company in Paris, back in the 1935. This semi-automatic full-size lighter is the iconic and popular Savory model, crafted with art deco patterns in solid silver-plate with high polished finish. This very early Dunhill lighter is highly collectible, is decorated with linear patterns and is accompanied by the Dunhill's fitted box. This model was 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: Plated .925 Sterling silver over brass. Weight: 48.95 Grams, (31.40 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 and signed in full as follow, "ALFRED DUNHILL PARIS FAB. SUISSE MECAN AD SAVORY PATENT". 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-52 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 the designer's presentation fitted box Condition: The overall condition of this Alfred Dunhill lighter...

Bronze Vienes miniature living room set Miniature with enamel Origin France Circa 1930 Materials Bronze and enamel in perfect condition Rococo style 7 pi...

Two delightful English Art Deco pottery novelty dog figures with glass eyes made by Fielding’s and Crown Devon and dating from the 1930’s. The small figures portray two small puppy d...

Author: Woolf, Virginia. Title: The Years. Publisher: London: The Hogarth Press, 1937. Description: First Edition. 1 vol., 7-3/16" x 4-15/16", boun...

Vintage Art deco Peugeot Freres Coffee Grinder This Vintage Peugeot Freres Bakelite manual coffee grinder an art deco classic from Peugeot brand. The hand crank mechanism perfect f...

Yachting trophy from the Cohasset Yacht Club in 1931. Trophy is engraved "Saturday Series, Cape Cod Knockbouts, 1931, 3rd Prize". A badge with the club burgee is applied to the cup. ...

Early 20th century scratch-built clockwork boat A brilliant example of an early 20th century scratch-built clockwork tugboat. Hand crafted from found o...

Colonial Ironwork in Old Philadelphia: The Craftsmanship of the Early Days of the Republic by Philip B. Wallace. Architectural Book Publishing Company, 1930. First Edition hardcover with dust jacket. "147 pages of detailed drawings and magnificent photographs show the craftsmanship of the early days of the Republic in the studies of gates, railings, lamps, locks, hinges, weathervanes, and all the beautiful things that were made by our forefathers." This illustrated tribute to Philadelphia's many well-preserved examples of colonial ironwork has 182 clear and fantastic, large B&W photographs and 41 measured drawings. These rendered ironworks appear in the railings and gates of churchyards, on the marble steps...

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...

Sterling silver cigarette case with decorative enamel face. Art Deco design. The case is beautifully enameled in a blue and black geometric pattern with a silver finish. The interior of the cigarette case is marked "Alfred Dunhill Paris...

Antique English Choir Trophy Award Plaque Copper Repousse c1938 Lyre Harp. Direct from England, just arrived in our most recent container, we have several of these one-of-a-kind Eng...

Educational model of the Lamium purpureum L. (false purple nettle) flower made of painted papier mâché with a Bakelite base from the 1930s, German ma...

Fantastic Monogram Art Deco desk tabletop telephone with metal accents in excellent antique condition with minimal wear. Restored with new cords. See all pics

Silver plated figure / sculpture of a boxer signed Bertin, France, circa 1930. Mounted over a marble base. Perfect for a box, sports wrestling fan. We have specialized in the sale...

A wooden toy zebra made from Danish beech and hand painted white and black. It was designed by Kay Bojesen in 1936. This particular example was manufactured in the 1950s. It has bee...

A splendid pair of 'lorgnettes' (long-handled opera, or theatre, glasses). Lorgnettes, eye glasses held in place by long handles rather than resting on the bridge of one's nose, were...

Rare and charming set of wooden dolls by Kay Bojensen from his own workshop. The dolls were designed in the 1930s and was named Lise (female) and Ole (male) as these were the most co...

Architectural Art Deco stylized money bank and thermometer fashioned out of bronze. It depicts the entrance of the Danish insurance company Baltica. This item was designed and patent...

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, ...

Early twentieth century ships deck bucket with heavy carry and bale handles. Painted black with later decoration that reads "Yacht Reliace 1903, NYYC, Designer N.G. Herreshoff". Ther...

A model of a Dockyard built teak and brass field cannon, with a brass barrel set on a brass-bound carriage with large wheels and a brass-bound bucket, swa...

A handmade wooden Artist mannequin hand model - all joints move as they should. Found on an Estate sale in Vienna, Austria. Shows some minor wear - but looks beautiful on display! So...

Chinoiserie decorated circular barometer, circa 1930s. Black background with gold decoration,  Depicting, houses, temple, figures, trees & foliage, Brass face, Badge on back, re...

Willie Kool desk-table petrol lighter. This is a beautiful bar or desk petrol lighter, created as a promotional item by the Kool Cigarette Company, back in the 1938. The sculptural and elusive lighter has been crafted with the iconic figure of the company Willie Kool, in solid steel and decorated with green, black and white paint. 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 Kellogg’s Snap, Crackle & Pop, Reddy Kilowatt, and the Campbell’s Kids. Willie’s product line included salt and pepper shakers, ash trays...

This elaborate map of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania served as a historical tribute to the city's first volunteer fire departments. It was drawn by J...

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

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 in Paris, France and was pro...

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...

The Decadence of Early Haute Couture released by the hands of Elsa Schiaparelli. Early 1930’s -1940’s House of Schiaparelli Studio in France. A Parure Set with Matching Necklace, Br...

This seemingly simple wooden vase is a design object of infinite beauty and elegance that can be placed in either an antique or a modern or contemporary setting. They are Indian arte...

This PH Grand Piano, serial number 4600, was manufactured between 1935 and 1938. It is an excellent-conditioned vintage instrument that has been careful...

AUTHOR: PARKER, Joseph W. TITLE: Doctor Crosby's Strange Experience. PUBLISHER: Kansas City, MO, The Peerage Press, 1935. DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION. 1 vol., 7-11/16" x 5-1/4", 9...

Made by J. Chein & Company Circa 1935 in New York City; originally inventoried as #258 (same number as similar looking Popeye toy dated 1932) and was named "Mechanical Clown Barrel Walker". The name of the maker "Chein" is stamped as a logo to the rear of the barrel (see image). This is one of the earlier toys that Chein made. The lithography and hand paint are in gorgeous original condition with bright colors of red and gold to the barrel, flesh tones to the clown, who sports a multi colorful smiling face. The toy works great; simply wind the attached key wind in the back 1/2 revolution; place on the hard surface----the clown waddles across the floor, back and forth, while shaking his head to and fro (see accompanying video with this listing to see it work) In addition to being quite a scarce toy it is even more difficult to find in this fine condition. Often times the head is lacking or replaced from rough usage and surface rarely maintains this beautiful finish. This particular example is completely original with no restorations, repairs, or touch up paint of any kind. There is a small 5/8" superficial indentation to the front top of barrel (see image). This would make a proud addition to any collection of vintage toys or Americana. Dimensions: 7 1/2" high x 3 1/4" wide x 4" deep See my other listings of vintage toys. Provenance: From a recently acquired West Coast collection of fine quality tin toys. Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and children's playthings; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace. My toys operate properly and are as stated and accurately described. it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage...

AUTHOR: PULLEN, Mrs. Harriet S. TITLE: Soapy Smith Bandit Of Skagway How He Lived; How He Died. PUBLISHER: Juneau: Stroller's Weekly / Skagway Tourist House n.d., (c1933). DESCRI...

Pair of Unopened Congress Art Deco Playing Card Decks in Original Box – Sealed with 10-Cent Tax Stamp This pair of unopened Congress Playing Card decks is a rare find, preserved in its original Art Deco box. The exterior of the box showcases an elegant floral block print design in black and gold on a deep red paper, exuding classic 1920s-1930s sophistication. The interior is lined in gold paper and features two compartments, each containing an unopened deck of cards wrapped in original wax paper and sealed with the U.S. Playing Card seal and a 10-cent playing card tax stamp, a mark of authenticity and a nod to its historical significance. The two decks exhibit stunning Art Deco motifs, one featuring an intricate symmetrical pattern, while the other presents a bold geometric portrait of a man, titled "Serge" at the bottom. A sample card with a cut corner is included in each compartment, allowing a glimpse of the designs without breaking the seals. Despite its age, the cards remain in excellent antique condition, with only minor creasing and a tear/minor loss on the wax paper wrapping. First introduced by The U.S. Playing Card Company in 1881, Congress Playing Cards were known for their luxurious quality and artistic designs, often featuring elaborate backs that reflected the era’s artistic trends. By the early 20th century, Congress decks became a status symbol, frequently gifted and collected for their refined craftsmanship and decorative appeal. The 10-cent tax stamp on each deck dates back to the Revenue Act of 1894, when the U.S. government required playing card manufacturers to affix a tax stamp as proof of payment. These stamps remained in use until 1940, making them a valuable feature for collectors of vintage playing cards and historical ephemera. Condition & Collectability Cards: Pristine, sealed in original wax paper with only minor creasing; one tear in the wax paper. Interior Box: Clean and well-preserved. Exterior Box: Shows signs of wear with paper loss, dented and torn corners, water damage, and an affixed white sticker—evidence of its long history and original use. This sealed pair of Congress Art Deco playing cards...

Art Deco era Etched zigzag steel cylinder Lighter named "The Executive" By AR. Circa 1930, Measures: 3.5" tall X 2" diameter.

Antique ship model of the American schooner yacht Wanderer. The masts are rigged with deadeyes, pulleys, and standing and running rigging. The varnished deck carries two built up cab...

Model in enlarged section of a Moraceae syconium (fig for example is a syconium). The model is made of painted plaster and almost certainly made by Paravia in the thirties. Measures ...

Made of pressed steel and in excellent all original condition, this wind-up toy has just about all of it's original strong paint with zero touch-up and no restoration (see images). It works great (video available upon request), and is quite substantial and sturdy in stature and size at 14 1/2" long; almost has the feel of a keystone or buddy L piece. Girard made an almost identical vehicle, so it is my feeling that Marx bought the patent from them and manufactured under their own name. There are no scratches or dents and the original gold stenciled writing to the doors and engine hood states "Fire Dept...