Mid-20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Large Cenedese Italian Sommerso Murano glass ashtray. Italy 1960´s Utilizing the Sommerso technique this large, heavy piece of glass features an unusual design. It looks like a secci...

Japan Air Lines / Singapore. 1960s. Color photo-offset poster depicting Singapore River and Raffles Place. 39 x 24 ½”. Linen backed. Excellent condition.

Vintage industrial tuna reel from Simplex Foundry and Machine Works LTD., Victoria British Columbia. With three reels, two rigged with wire. Quite a piece of gear. This has been meti...

1930s English hand painted wooden toy fort. Made as a toy fort for lead soldiers, the fort included a working draw bridge and moveable ramp. The towers are also removable to assist w...

Oak cased pigeon timer with clock face that is marked made in Germany. 7 jewel clock by Benzing. Keu is present. Varnished oak dove tailed box. Everyone...

A signed, first edition of this iconic and definitive cocktail recipe book. Signed by the author to Arthur Strange with a presentation inscription wishing them 'all the best'. His signature to page 6 with the phrase "Here's How". With the errata slip to page 25 as called for. A first edition, first impression, with the pagination to the preliminary leaves. The Savoy Cocktail...

Hallmarked in Sheffield in 1936 by Mappin Webb, this striking, Sterling Silver Trophy Cup Cover, is in the Art Deco taste, and features models of rampant lions holding sh...

A smartly bound, first edition copy of Anthony Burgess' celebrated novel, his jeu d'espirit, 'A Clockwork Orange'. With a signed letter from the author loo...

Vintage light blue metal tool box with handle and stacking trays. Label reads 'VEB Starkstromamlagenhau Cottbus', presumably a construction plant in Germany. In original condition wi...

A vintage Oxford churchwarden-style smoking pipe, notable for its elongated stem that offers a cool, smooth smoking experience. The bowl is crafted in briarwood with a warm walnut pa...

Italian Rustic Neoclassical Hanging Rifle Cabinet in Fruitwood and Brass, circa 1950s A distinctive Italian rustic revival hanging rifle cabinet, crafted in fruitwood with brass fit...

An Interesting Wooden American Belle Bass Synagogue Memorial Sign, made in 1945 in the United States. The sign is made of wood, stained in a rich, dark color, and smoothly finished, with each letter of the text nailed into the wood. The size of the sign is large enough to be prominently displayed in the Synagogue where the dedication was made. A Star of David is nailed to the top of the dedication followed by " The Belle Bass Memorial" in large, bold letters. The dedication Continues; The privilege of burning the mortgage was accorded to 'Jacob Bass...

Ships winch by REX, model 110. This is extremely heavy, 220 pounds. The huge brass drum has a shaft that runs through the winch connecting to a chain sprocket. Also fitted with an ir...

Duck-Shaped Bakelite Clothes Brush with Holder, Mid-20th Century. Charming novelty clothes brush crafted in the form of a standing duck. The green-painted body detaches to reveal a f...

Early African Drum,, Hand made,,Modernist iron stand,, Functional,,amazing sound as well as beautiful sculpture.

Native American Cochiti painted drum with painted ends, turquoise painted sides made of Hereford hide. Period: mid 20th century Origin: Southwest, Cochiti Size: 11"D x 15"H Fami...

This is the cutest West German handblown snowman Christmas Tree ornament with a purple scarf. It is so round and jolly and ready for a party with its present under its arm. I have ...

A small gilt bronze brooch named "Chateau en Espagne" by French Parisian art jewelry and sculpture Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1950s. It depicts ...

Classic early twentieth century boat compass by American Maker. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrument is fitted to its or...

This mid-century modern tobacco jar features an eye-catching porcelain base adorned with multilingual typography spelling out "Tobacco" in various scripts and designs. The wooden lid...

Plank on frame yacht model with long cabin. Built to a Basset Lowke plan. Removeable cabin. No engine. Weight is 10 lbs 12" H x 11" W x 50" L.

A beautifully preserved example of early 20th-century industrial design, this Remington Portable typewriter from the 1930s combines form and function with enduring charm. Featuring a...

Pair of Thai gilt bronze Buddhist gatekeeper male and female Teppanom kneeling sacred angels. With wonderful verdigris patina and gilt ceremonial costumes and jewellery. Teppanom ar...

Mid-Century Modern blue & gold hand blown murano Art Glass Ashtray Jewelry Dish / Vide-Poche by Alfredo Barbini. Alfredo Barbini Art Glass ash...

This is a vintage taper maker. An English, brass shipwright's woodworking tool, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950. Midcentury crafting to...

Automaton Singing birds Automaton singing birds housed in a gilded case standing on a stepped gilded base. Three articulated singing bird...

Classic early twentieth century boat compass. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrument is fitted to its original hardwood bo...

Rare Schuco Mohair Mascot Dog with Complete Felt Outfit, Germany, 1950s A rare and charming Schuco Mascot Dog, crafted in Germany circa 1950s, featuring a mohair-covered body with a...

Sculptural vintage necklace by Pentti Sarpaneva, from Finland circa 1965. This distinct piece is iconic of the designer and is called Punos, kaulakoru, a899. Scandinavian modernism ...

Instructional, anatomical, plaster, heart model on 7" diameter wood base, circa 1940s.

Original French film poster for The Unholy Wife 1957. This film noir was directed and produced by John Farrow, and stars Diana Dors, Rod Steiger, Tom Tryon and Beulah Bondi. Dors pla...

Fine carved wood half model of the 1934 Americas Cup Yacht Rainbow. Planked deck with brass fittings. Mahogany skylights with brass bars. Ships whee...

New York Que J'aime (New York I love), a French book by Robert F. Wagner (New York Mayor). Text by Joyce Peterson, and Photographs by Peter Fink. New York is undoubtedly the most dyn...

Apprentice cabinet makers would make models of furniture as a part of their training. A lovely addition for a collector of miniature chairs and a generally appealing decorative acces...

Solid copper ships lantern with Fresnel glass lens. No burner. With vented top, carry handle, and hinged door on rear. Note the flake to the lens....

Fantastic wood US Army propeller and in fabulous condition. Laminated ash and with its aerodynamic curve isaaviation marvel. Most likely used on drones in training. 44inches in leng...

Discover Botany's Finest: Original Brendel Botanic Models from the 1950s Unveil the beauty of botany with our exquisite collection of original Brendel botanic models: Spike, Raceme,...

Original US film poster from the 1940 Mickey Mouse short animation. This poster would have been used outside the cinema at the films release. This poster was created for the 7 minute...

Siegel Paris, small mannequin in composite material on its metal base, original wig, circa 1950-1960.

Old Brass British Military Issue Brass Handbell A Great Piece, Second World War, dated 1942, marked A.S.1942, and with the broad arrow insignia denotin...

For your consideration, a djembe drum, a rope-tuned, skin-covered goblet drum originally from West Africa. It is traditionally carved from a single log of...

Desk cigarettes humidor box with lighter designed by Ronson. This is an amazing desk cigarettes box & touch-tip lighter, created in New Jersey United States by The Ronson Lighter Co. during the art deco period, back in the 1937. This is a rare near mint box with a single lid with a five-barrels hinge and an integrated touch tip striker lighter. It was designed with strong geometric patterns and crafted in solid chromed steel. Embellished with black lacquer, creating a great color contrast and the interiors are lined up with natural cedar wood. Extremely well made and solid construction with great care and attention to details. This surely is a very decorative piece and should be a great conversation item. Model: 16268. Country: New Jersey, United States. Period: Art Deco, 1937. Materials: Chromed steel, cedar wood, black lacquer. Weight: 897.5 Grams, (1.96 Pounds). Measurements: 203 mm by 102 mm by 89 mm (8.0 x 4.0 x 3.5 Inches). Marks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed, "FASHIONED BY RONSON NEWARK NJ US PATS BRITISH PAT IN CANADA 1935 NEWARK NJ-USA-ART METAL WORKS INC. RONSON-TOUCH-TIP ". The Ronson Lighter Company The 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 Harris (1910–11) as Business Manager, the company soon became World Famous. In the 1910s The Art Metal Works were producing very good quality Hood Ornaments and gained a reputation as a dependable supplier of same. All accounts state that Louis Aronson was a gifted man, who at 16 years old set up a money-making shop in his parent's home - before receiving a U.S. patent for a commercially valuable metal-plating process he developed when he was 24 years old, and he sold half the rights while retaining the Right to Use. "His experiments, which he has been conducting since his early youth, resulted in 1893 in the discovery of a process for electrically producing tinplate. Much money was expended upon improving the process... and has been of great practical value to the whole industry. Retaining its rights, he sold half the patent rights, and later used part of the proceeds to open the Art Metal Works in Newark, N.J. Soon the company was producing a variety of high-quality Lamps, Book ends, Art Statues and other decorative items, prized today for their detail in the collector marketplace. Louis Vincent Aronson Louis Vincent Aronson was an American inventor, industrialist and philanthropist who is best remembered as the inventor of Ronson lighters. "He was a son of Simon and Jennie Aronson, who were natives of Prussia. He was born December 25, 1869, in New York City, and there his boyhood was spent. Aronson was an exceptionally gifted young man who graduated from public school at the age of 12 before entering a New York Technical School specializing in metallurgy, practical metal working and mechanical drawing. At the same time, he set up a laboratory in the basement of his parents' home where he experimented with plating processes and turned-out money-making items while he devised ways of metalizing common items, in a durable finish of matte gold, including flowers, butterflies, animal claws and baby shoes. Aronson natural ability for designing was honed at the technical school and served him well throughout his life. He excelled and completed the School four year academic program in three years. When he graduated in 1886, at the age of 16, he was qualified as an Expert Metallurgist, Draftsman and Designer, he also had a high-level knowledge of Chemistry. He returned to the school five years later as an instructor in metallurgy for several years before devoting all his time to his own company. When he was 24 years old, he sold the rights to a commercially valuable metal plating process according to Urban Cummings book Ronson, The World’s Greatest Lighters, Wick Lighters 1913–2000. He gained public recognition when he won an award in 1893 from the Belgian government for the creation of the first non-toxic match, and young businessman Aronson received 50,000 Francs, equaling $10,000 in U.S. dollars. In 1897 he received a U.S. patent (592,227) for a match design (called the Wind-match) that would light in windy conditions or when wet. He continued working on his match designs including inventing the “Birds Eye” or “Kitchen” match that had a dual-tip design in 1903; this was an important safety improvement because friction matches of the day would sometimes light accidentally especially when stepped on or while in one’s pocket. He realized that placing a small friction ignition chemical on the tip instead of the entire match-head greatly limited accidental ignition. This style of match is still in use today. Literature: Urban K. Cummings, Ronson, the World's Greatest Lighter: Wick Lighters 1913-1966 Bird Dog Books, California. 1992. Pp-168 Figure-187 for this box illustrated. Note: This piece and the touch-tip lighter are empty of any flammable, gas or butane substances and is ready to be ship by any carrier, Condition: The overall condition of this Ronson cigarettes...

Piet Hein 'Solitaire' rare teak board game for Skjode, Denmark, 1960s. A solid teak Solitaire game designed by Piet Hein (1905-1996) in the 1950s. Manufact...

Vintage 1950's "The Country Belle" Tube AM Wall Mounting Radio Receiver by Guild. This is an AM Radio Only (in the shape of an early 20th century wall phone). Circa Mid 20th Century....

Set of five French language books with brown leather spines, the names are the following: La Nature Humane La Comedie Les Philosophes Crateurs Sacres Preludes & Grand Siecle Memoire...

Vintage two-seat tricycle with leather seats and a spare tire mounted on the back. The turquoise tricycle has a round mirror on the handle bar. Tricycle is from Belgium and dates back to the 1940s. For decorative use only. Plaque reads: Brights Mastermakers of Kid Rides.

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...

Four-strand malachite necklace with Venetian millefiori cylindrical beads. The necklace is made of malachite beads set in four strands of progressive length, enriched with a sequence...

An enamel Cloisonné match box case and ashtray set, circa early-20th century, Asia. Set includes 1 matchbox holder, and 1 ashtray/dish/plate (for used matche...

Charming vintage children's fairground carousel decorated with a pig figure dressed as a mine worker pushing a children's double-decker car. The vehicle features two seats equipped w...

This vintage Argentine knife from the 20th century is a remarkable piece that embodies the craftsmanship and functionality characteristic of traditional Argentine blades. With a sleek design and a substantial blade, this knife is not only a practical tool but also a collectible item for enthusiasts of fine cutlery and Argentine culture. Key Features: Authentic Argentine Craftsmanship: This knife showcases the rich heritage of Argentine knife-making, known for its quality and durability. It reflects the traditional styles and techniques used by artisans in the region. Quality Construction: Made from silver-colored metal, this knife is both visually appealing and sturdy. The materials used ensure longevity and functionality, making it suitable for both display and practical use. Functional Design: The total dimensions of the knife are 33 cm x 7 cm x 2 cm, with the blade measuring 20 cm. This size provides a comfortable grip and excellent balance, making it ideal for various cutting tasks. Good Condition: This knife is in good condition, showing minimal wear that adds to its character. It is a perfect addition for collectors or anyone interested in Argentine history and craftsmanship. Dimensions: Total Size: 33 cm x 7 cm x 2 cm (approximately 13" x 2.8" x 0.8") Blade Length: 20 cm (approximately 7.9") Why Choose This Vintage Argentine Knife? This antique Argentine...

Small gimballed boat compass by Wilcox Crittenden of Connecticut. Flush mounted into a custom wood box. Overall dimensions: Weight is 2 pounds. 3" H x 5" L x 5" Deep.

A gilt bronze brooch in sculptural form called Le Char de la lune (The Chariot of the Moon) circa 1945-1955 by French Art Jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997). A long pin on the back and...

A fascinating collection of one-hundred and forty-four postcards of military uniforms, a number of which depict 1930s Germany. A total of one-hundred and forty-four twentieth century postcards, the majority depicting military uniform in England, France and Europe. A number of post cards, intriguingly, depict 1930s Munich and Potsdam. Sixteen envelopes holding images and postcards, and a further ten loosely inserted postcards. Housed in a signed morocco box with gilt detailing by W & J Milne of Princes St. Edinburgh. One envelope has the handwritten title ‘Postcards from Munich 1932’, and houses eleven postcards. Two of these present headshots of popular German actors Heinz Ruhmann and Gustav Frohlich, both of whom are dressed in military costume, and remained neutral in the Second World War. The remaining nine postcards depict images of a funeral procession of Prince Regent Leopold of Bavaria in October 1930 in Munich. Leopold was commander of the German and Austro-Hungarian forces during World War I. Further images depict Prince Rupprecht, Crown Prince of Bavaria, surrounded by military figures. The next envelope includes fifteen photographic postcards depicting Potsdam in the 1930s, and is captioned in ink to the front of the envelope with ‘Potsdam. September 1936’, and ‘Frederick William I’s Giant Guards’. Each post card is undated, but captioned. Three post cards depict military parades in Potsdam, and predate the Nazi regime, seven depict memorials the First World War, and one of the remaining postcards depict Prince August Wilhelm of Prussia. A further collection is ten colour post cards in the publisher’s original paper wraps, titled ‘Potsdams Stolzen Tagen’, or ‘Potsdam’s Proud Days’. It features ten colour illustrated postcards by artist Paul Pietsch, depicting the uniforms of Potsdam military positions between the late seventeenth and late nineteenth centuries. Collated, complete. Loosely inserted are ten colour illustrated post cards depicting the military uniform of the various regiments of the German army, illustrated by Carl Henckel, and covering the period of the First World War. Present here are depictions of the garb of the Gardes du Corps...

We offer this original Mexican ex voto of San Lazaro saint. Guanajuato México 1958. Damos gracias a San Lazaro por el alivio de mis piernas. Esperanza Rodriguez y Jesus Amezquita. ...

An exceptional piece of comic book history, this original cover art for Firearm #4 is signed by the legendary artist Howard Chaykin. Known for his innovative storytelling and distinc...

Designed by Finn Juhl for France & Son and imported by John Stuart, this handsome set of chairs features generous and comfortable seats that float within teak frames. They are uphols...

Infuse your space with the tranquil beauty of the sea with this Vintage Coastal Monumental Tridacna Gigas Clam Shell. Perfect for American-style interiors, this grand shell features ...

Air Flight machine age hassock fan manufactured by W. W. Welch Company. This fan has a Bakelite top and bottom with clear plastic louvers in between. The f...

Vintage bakelite ashtray called "Velos Ash Barrel by Nonsmoker". Varrel-shaped design and is made of Bakelite (an early plastic) with a faux woodgrain exterior and a green mottled i...