Early 20th Century Historical Memorabilia

King Edward VII coronation, June 1902 framed scarf / flag. This scarf is an original antique piece of British history and patriotic memorabilia. ...

This large and substantial pair of cast and cold-painted locomotive identification plaques show no foundry marks, but are presumed to have been cast in South Africa in circa 1910. Th...

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...

This is an elegant looking gavel made of rosewood with the wonderful color, grain and super hardness of the wood. It is nicely carved with the traditional shape of a gavel and is in...

OHIO STATE FLAG WITH CIVIL WAR VETERANS' OVERPRINT FROM THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC POST IN COLUMBUS, MADE IN MOURNING OF THE 1925 PASSING OF NATIONAL G.A.R. COMMANDER IN CHIEF DANIEL M. HALL, WHO ALSO SERVED AS COMMANDER OF THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF THE G.A.R., AS WELL AS THE LOCAL CHAPTER Flag of the State of Ohio, printed on oilcloth-like cotton, affixed to its original wooden staff. Made for Civil War veteran's use, the flag bears a stamped overprint in the striped field that consists of an open wreath of laurel branches, inside which is the following text: “GAR [Grand Army of the Republic] Post, Dan Hall, Columbus, OH”. Born on October 20th, 1842, Daniel M. Hall enlisted with the Union Army as a Private at the age of 18 on August 25th, 1861. On October 8th of that year he mustered into the Co. H of the 2nd Ohio Cavalry. Discharged for disability on June 28th, 1862, he reenlisted approximately 17 months later, on November 11th, 1863, and mustered into Co. F of the 12th Ohio Cavalry at Camp Cleveland. He was at some point promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and, on February 21st, 1864, to the rank of Corporal. He mustered out at Nashville on November 14th, 1865. Hall mustered into the Hamlin Post of the Ohio G.A.R. on May 23rd, 1883. He would go on to serve not only as Commander of the Dept. of Ohio for the organization, but as National Commander of the entire Grand Army of the Republic. The Grand Army of the Republic was the primary veterans association for Union Civil War soldiers. Founded in 1866, its members dressed up in Civil War uniforms, attended parades and reunions, and the organization was somewhat more fraternal in nature than today’s VFW or American Foreign Legion. Flags overprinted for the purpose of advertising are a specialized form in American flag collecting. A flag with a basic G.A.R. overprint is the most common type. This might be accompanied by a post number and a date. More elaborate the overprints are more highly desired, such as this one, which is the only variation I know of that honors a particular person who was not the namesake of the chapter itself. It is of interest to note that a sister variety of 48 star parade flag is known, printed on the same fabric, that bears the same overprint, accompanied by the words: “We Mourn Our Comrade." From the additional text on the 48 star variety, one can extrapolate that the flags were made to mourn the passing of this important leader of Civil War veterans on October 19th, 1925, just one day before his 83rd birthday. The State Flag of Ohio was designed in 1901 by Cleveland architect John Eisenmann, who designed the Ohio building for the state's exhibition at the Pan American Exposition World's Fair in Buffalo, New York. It was officially adopted by the Ohio legislature on May 19th, 1902. It's elements are centered on a red disc, set against a circular white ground that forms a letter "O." This simultaneously represents a buckeye, the fruit of the state tree and an iconic Ohio symbol. The flag's 5 stripes are said to represent the state's waterways and roads, while the triangular shape of the union is said to illustrate hills and valleys. The presentation of 13 stars along the hoist end, arranged in a semi-circular medallion with two off-set stars above and below, reflects the original 13 colonies. The diamond of stars, towards the fly end. bring the overall count to 17 to reflect Ohio's admission. When the design was adopted by the state legislature, the position of these stars was changed slightly, moving them further around the circle to form a wreath. Flag expert Whitney Smith, who coined the term Vexillology in the late 1950's (the accepted term for the study of flags), pointed out that the format of the flag itself was reminiscent of Civil War cavalry guidons, carried by Ohio regiments throughout the state. These were of swallowtail form, though with 13 stripes, all horizontal and 90 degrees to the hoist. Most often these had circular star patterns around an open center, which makes them even more similar to the Ohio flag...

Blue silk grosgrain military sash. Italian blue silk grosgrain with tassels. Italy, early 20th century. Dimensions: 38" L overa x 3.5" w l; 25" Long to knot.  

48 star flag is made from a vintage oil cloth sewn on vintage linen. The frame is a custom made frame on each. Each Measures 14 x 17.5. If anyone would li...

Such vintage sweetness!! I don't know if this is an early Peter Rabbit or Easter Bunny or just a Christmas ornament in the shape of a bunny but it is adorable!1 The ornament has been from clear glass into the bunny shape and is overpainted with the white & light brown fur, fun pink vest...

Signed document signed by Calvin Coolidge with an attached president seal. There is a photo of Calvin Coolidge on top of the document. The second signature is by Frank Kellogg. The w...

English Barrister's Bench Wig in Original Tole Box by Ravenscroft Law This interesting piece comes in its original Toleware wig box, which holds the Bench Wig, the box is in black j...

A very unusual Jewelry and watchmakers tool, makes for a great curiosity item for the shelf!

This original WWI poster was issued as part of the Second Liberty Loan run and dates to 1917. The poster depicts a young soldier holding an American flag in one hand and his uniformed hat in the other. Next to him, a sailor holds a leaflet outstretched toward the viewer. The leaflet is printed with an emblem of the Statue of Liberty and says “We Depend On You.” At the top of the poster is a quote by Secretary of the Treasury McAdoo, “Shall we be more tender with our dollars than we are with the lives of our sons?” The quote is printed in white block letters on a red field. Below, the poster encourages viewers to “Buy A United States Government Bond of the 2nd Liberty Loan of 1917” in white block letters on a blue field. The poster was printed for the U.S. Treasury by Edwards & Deutsch Litho. Co. in Chicago. The poster encourages Americans to help with the war effort by purchasing bonds to finance the war. Each of the four Liberty Loan campaigns (two in 1917, two in 1918) and the Victory Loan campaign of early 1919 aimed for rapid subscription in the loan and bond programs, to generate quick funding of the war effort. Subscribing to the bonds became a symbol of patriotic duty in the United States and introduced the idea of financial securities to many citizens for the first time. Working Americans could buy bonds...

PRESENTING A FABULOUS Original hand-written Letter from Theodore Dreiser dated 19 Dec 1916 to Eliza Calvert Hall. The letter is entirely hand written with pen and signed by the re...

This WWI poster features a US sailor after disembarking from a ship and ready for battle. In the background are powerful warships setting the scene. Below th...

Antique Hand Colored Photograph of Nantucket Street Scene by Marshall Gardiner (1884-1942), circa 1910, a period hand tinted photograph entitled "Nantucket Shearing Cart and Quakers" showing classic grey shingled houses on a cobblestone paved street, with a couple in horse drawn cart riding away from the viewer, and four women on doorstep and sidewalk, all dressed in period Quaker attire. It is interesting to note that the couple in cart are seated on antique Nantucket Bow Back Windsor chairs. The photograph was titled and hand signed in pencil across the bottom of the old acid foxed mat; the photograph is now mounted in new archival acid free matting, and a photocopy of the original pencil inscription has been preserved on the reverse. The photograph itself remains in excellent condition. H. Marshall Gardiner (1884-1942) was born on September 18, 1884 in Windsor, Ontario, and immigrated to the United States circa 1890, where his father W.H. Gardiner opened two photographic studios, one in Detroit during the winter months and a second at Mackinac Island during the more tourist-oriented summer months. Recognizing the potential of Florida's rapidly growing tourist trade, around 1894-95 he moved with his family from Detroit to Daytona, Florida which proved much more accommodating to the family's photographic business during the colder winter months. Marshall learned many of his photographic techniques from his father prior to going out on his own at a relatively early age. Whereas his father generally used wet collodian negatives, technology had advanced to where he was able to use gelatin dry plates in his earlier years, and later the less expensive and much more convenient roll film. Another very important lesson learned from his father was strategy of setting up shop in a tourist resort. Early in his career he traveled to Bermuda where he shot a series of beautiful Bermuda scenes that he hand-colored and successfully sold over a number of years to the local tourist trade. Around 1910, at the age of around 24, he first traveled to the island of Nantucket. The year-round population of Nantucket was then just over 2500, not nearly enough to sustain a photographic business for the entire year, so he opened a joint Photography and Art Supplies Store. Working as Nantucket's exclusive agent for Eastman Kodak, his business expanded to include the island's only photo-finishing service. However, with such a small year-round population, even the addition of a Gift Shop to compliment the hand-painted photographs, general portrait...

Great antique sign originally from the world renown design, art school Pratt Institute in NYC. The sign is constructed of solid wood, having a black ba...

Early 20th century London News advertising figure We share what we love, and we love this rare example of a first quarter English London News advertising figure in the form of a beefeater. Produced by Pytram Limited of New Malden Surrey England. This figure is made of composite form and would have sat on the shop counter. A rare example in this condition and size. unusual fully articulated Edwardian prosthetic leg...

Horse German Blown-Glass Ornament Holder on back for ornament hook.

This large and heavy office sign is made of solid cast bronze and shows no foundry or maker's mark, but is presumed to have been made in the 1920s in the Art Deco style somewhere in ...

Carved Wooden Folding Easel, North African or Middle Eastern Folk Art, Early 20th Century Hand-carved hardwood. A finely carved folding easel distinguished by its elaborate geometri...

An assembled collection of art deco patterned cardboard boxes along with a decoupaged glass vase. The boxes in an assortment of sizes. Most notabl...

Historic photograph of the first mayor of San Francisco, California after the 1906 earthquake. Edward Robeson Taylor (September 24, 1838 – July 5,...

This antique framed photograph features an iconic image of Pancho Villa, one of the most renowned leaders of the Mexican Revolution. The sepia-toned vintage print is printed on canva...

Devotional medal or medallion featuring Virgin Mary holding the Infant Jesus. It is designed as a framed relief portrait, made silver-plated metal, with delicate floral motifs aroun...

One Bronze Medallion circa 1916 - The Heroes of Verdun Signed by sculptor Charles Pillet 2.75" x 2.75 x .63 2nd piece, Bronze Plaque 1912 "Die Kunst O Mensh" Commemorating inaugu...

AMBIANIC presents Antique Small Leather Money Purse Wallet Coin Pouch Change Purse Belt Accessory Distressed Aged Leather Small Wallet with Buckle Closure....

One Medal EXPOSITION DE BRUXELLES, 1921 Provenance: Private Melbourne Collection. Dimension: Height: 0.2 cm Diameter: 7 cm.

Mounted Sculpture Bust Bronze on Marble Base Bibelot Decorative Center Art Piece . Excellent colors and details decorative hand finished On a Desk as garniture on a mantle fireplace,...

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...

Antique collectible circa 1900s Justrite Carbide Coal Miners Lamp, designed to be worn on a helmet, with a Coal Oil Can and a Tin Funnel. Hand Crafted by the renowned Justrite Manufa...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V sterling silver gilt medallion; an addition to our ornamental presentation collection. This exceptional antique George V cast sterling silver medallion has a circular form. The anterior surface of this antique silver medallion...

Rare early 20th century opticians English enamel trade sign A rare example of an early 20th century opticians English enamel trade sign. With highly decorative graphics, stating ...

Crane German Blown-Glass Ornament Holder on back on neck for ornament hook.

Railway Signal Bell or Quirky Countertop Courtesy Bell Dating from the late 19th century this is a Railway Brass Signal Bell. This lovely period railway item is well made, and woul...

This poster was made by the Baynard Press of London, England in approximately 1920 and issued by the Government of Cyprus to promote travel to Cyprus in the period Art Deco style. Th...

A miniature brass cannon in a presentation case, the 5-stage cannon and carriage in a rectangular, glazed presentation case, raised upon tiers of reeded, ...

Very large roll-up movie screen in a box. Overall W 75 x D 12.5 x H 57.5 in. Screen W 68 x H 53 in.

This antique brass automobile lantern was made by the Jos. Lucas Company of Birmingham England in approximately 1900 in the period Edwardian style. This ...

Vintage Silver Carafe realized in the early 20th Century. Marks on base. Very good condition.

A historical piece of nostalgic journal art dated 1912, Carnival or Carnaval de Nice, France from Le Petit Journal. Two years prior to the First World...

Two rare French grand railway lamps with B.B.T makers stamp 59265 on each of them from Paris station. Made and used since 1920 one of them still with orig...

A large primitive pine butter churn. Features a removable lid and braided wicker accents. A neat addition to any farmhouse setting. Dimensions: 31" x 22" x 18"

The telegraph apparatus made in early 20th century and equipped with electric motor (Københavns Elektromotor Fabrik) perhaps later ca 1925. The brass and steel instrument is state of the art creation by legendary Danish engineers. Very good, minimal age n usage wear, original state, very well preserved and likely functioning. Please study high-res pictures for cosmetic condition! Register serial 70868. app. 14,5 cm high (6”) 27 cm deep (11”) and 22 cm wide (9”). App. 6,2 kg weight it is going to measure some 9 kg packed for shipment. Wheatstone type transmitter was produced by The Great Northern Telegraph Company (Det Store Nordiske Telegrafselskab A / S) that was founded in Denmark in June 1869. It was set up as a merger of three recently established telegraph companies initiated by Danish industrial mogul Carl Frederik Tietgen. The aim of the firm was to create a worldwide telegraph company. The former headquarters of the GNTC on The Bund, Shanghai. The starting point of The Great Northern Telegraph Company (now GN Store Nord) was a concession agreement, which C.F. Tietgen made with the Russian Tzar...

20th Century Gold Plated Rattan Walking Stick, Shell Handle and Bamboo Stick Offered for sale is an early 20th-century rattan or bamboo walking stick with gold-plated accent trim ...

This early 20th century French educational game is presented in its original decorative box, titled Atlas Géographique. Printed in Paris by Imprimerie Dufrénoy and dated 5–03 (May 19...

An extremely rare early linocut poster for the first Swedish release of Charlie Chaplin's 1915 comedy short 'Burlesque on Carmen,’ his thirteenth film for Essanay Studios. A parody of Cecil B. DeMille’s 1915 ‘Carmen’ starring Geraldine Farrar and the near simultaneous release of William Fox’s ‘Carmen’ starring Theda Bara...

Five original New York City subway straphangers mounted on the original pole. The cast iron and porcelain 'straphanger' or pivoting grab handle was made by the Rico manufacturing com...

Rare original cartoon illustration by listed American cartoonist Fred Lundy. Fred Ralph Lundy (1902-1989) studied art at the University of Oregon before moving to California in 1924. Following further study at the CCAC, he was an artist with the Oakland Tribune from 1935-1935 and an editorial cartoonist for the San Francisco Examiner from 1935 until retirement in 1976. His cartoons appeared in Saturday Evening Post, Colliers, Esquire, New Yorker, and other national magazines. He died in Daly City...

Walton Family Genealogy antique handmade book Walton Family Genealogy "Ancestors of Adelaide Bereman Walton", Los Angeles circa 1908 This is really a fascinating book. A labor ...

This antique German cut crystal and .800 silver lidded pitcher was made by a Julius Merz in circa 1900 in the period Edwardian style. The collar and...

Along with paper, ink, and inkstone, the brush was part of the four treasures found in a scholar’s studio. Arguably the most important tool, the brush served as a direct link to the ...

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...

Discover the charm of times gone by with this authentic Berger's Germania-Cacao storage tin. A unique piece of history, dating from the period 1900-1930, that is not only a beautifu...

Golden Elephant with Blue Ears and White Tusk German Blown-Glass Ornament Holder on trunk for ornament hook

This set of cast and patinated bookends are signed by an unknown maker, but presumed to be early examples made by COPR of the United States during the 1920's in the period Art Deco style. The bookends show a relief depicting Charles Lindbergh with an American Eagle on one bottom corner and the Spirit of St. Louis on the adjacent corner. The base has the title "The Aviator...

Kjøbenhavns Telefon Aktieselskab (KTAS) wall phone. Scandinavia, late 19th-early 20th century. Wall phone from the company Kjøbenhavns Telefon (later known...

Antique English spring balance scale made by "Salter Co." on custom made stand, 100 years old. (Shown at center in group photo) ...

Very interesting lot. From the Aquitania cruise liner. In very good original condition. Aquitania was the third in Cunard Line's grand trio of express liners, preceded by RMS...

Charles Betout was the principal costume designer for the Comedie-Francaise in Paris for twenty years until his death in 1939. This is costume was designed for the 1926 production of...

Matched pair of Plateau parfleche packets with diamonds and stylized flowers and brain tanned ties. Difficult to find a pair. Very nice, rare design. The term parfleche was first co...