1940s Collectibles and Curiosities

Nice and very traditional work for the Los Ballesteros taller / studio in Taxco, marked and number style in back

This is a fine quality German tin clockwork toy made by the well known toy maker The Karl Arnold Toy Company established in Nuremburg, Germany in 1906. This toy was made immediately ...

A group of 1940s chemistry books. on shelf: 11 inches wide by 6 ½ inches deep by 9 ½ inches tall

This WWII Japanese Anti-Aircraft Calculator is not only a rare collector's piece, it is an incredible object in itself with visual interest and a sense of great intrigue. It Is housed in a military green case, with writing to the top, and locks to the side, that can be opened or closed to display the calculator inside. Housed in a dense and heavy metal briefcase, the Japanese Anti-Aircraft calculator is fitted with distance and angle discs and several scales, as well as table of complex calculations. Together these were used to determine where an aircraft would be to establish a lead-point for aim. The metal case bears several markings in different locations, including a serial number 290. With one distance disc and one angle disc and several scales under the lid. This metal cased calculator would be an incredible piece to have displayed on a mid-century open shelving unit, or atop a dark wood...

For your consideration, vintage Mexican sterling silver earrings designed by Matilde Poulat, known for her "MATL" signature.  Hand...

Rare find and highly sought after vintage western wear cowboy, three piece "Ranger Buckle" and leather belt set; made by the iconic and most famous 20th century luxury belt maker, Edward H. Bohlin (marked) of Hollywood, California during the heyday and "Golden Age of Western Wear" mid century production period, and "made for the stars" during the 1940's; when such articles were made for cowboy screen actors like Tom Mix, John Wayne, and Roy Rodgers et al. The "Bohlin" logo (see images) used on all three pieces is the shield image utilized by the company from 1930 --1950's, so this is one of the earlier and more desirable Bohlin western wear collectibles. The company was founded in California in 1920 by Edward H. Bolin who sought to capitalize on the "cowboy" interest and fashion phenomenon taking over the west, by making fine quality western wear luxury goods for the wealthy. He quickly became recognized for his fine silversmithing (referred to as the "silversmith to the stars") and a known expert in applying gold filigree overlays, as is evident on the 14k gold rope edges designed on this belt. This high end belt is replete with fine quality .925 sterling silver and 14k gold accents to the etched and perimeter twisted rope edge design of the buckle which is hand engraved scroll work pattern in a floral motif "Western Rose" pattern . The set is complete with the original buckle, the keeper, and tail piece which are similarly and elaborately decorated; in addition to a hand made 1 1/4" wide tool and dyed black leather belt in a classic basket weave pattern pattern; which tapers down to a 1" billet to accommodate the tail and entry through the keeper hardware assembly. The three piece set was catalogued as Model 1173E "Parade Series and was Bohlin's finest quality. The condition is excellent and all original; the silver is intact and fine looking, the sparkling 14k gold highlights and the belt show very little wear; in fact, there is no apparent single "wear line" where one owner might have worn the belt for an extended period of time. If you are looking for the best, you need look no further. The belt comfortably fits a size 34" through 38" waist line. It measures 46 1/2" long; the first prong hole where the tongue passes through is 39" from the end of the buckle and there are five holes after that each spaced 1" apart. The rest of the measurements are: buckle= 2" deep x 1 3/4" high keeper= 3/4" wide x 7/8" high tail (billet)= 1/1/4" long Provenance: From my own personal collection of Western cowboy...

Extremely Rare 1940s Early EPPY Novelty Miniature Cigarette Pack Smoking Charm Bracelet, Complete Set of 8 Charms An exceptionally rare and highly collectible 1940s early EPPY Nove...

1947 First Edition hardcover Mona Lisa’s Mustache by T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings. Hardcover with as found Mylar covering.

White Pillars: Early Life & Architecture Of The Lower Mississippi Valley Written by and Illustrated by J. Frazer Smith. New York: William Helburn, 1941. 2...

AUTHOR: CHURCHILL, Winston. TITLE: The Second World War. (The Gathering Storm - Their Finest Hour - The Grand Alliance - The Hinge Of Fate - Closing The Ring - Triumph and Tragedy)...

This 1940s Hammer Brand pocket knife is a distinguished example of mid-century American craftsmanship, featuring a three-blade design housed in striking pale yellow celluloid scales....

Original US film poster for the 1948 drama directed Max Ophuls and starred Joan Fontaine, Louis Jordan. The poster was printed in 2 sheets and designed to be pasted up on bill board...

This is a wonderful and RARE large coral sponge necklace in varying gradations of pink hues with a hand-carved jade clasp. Truly a whimsical and elegant piece for wearing in high-fa...

A unique and unparalleled pair of strategic documents — key to the success of the D-Day landings and among the rarest surviving items from World War II. Both are from The famous Beck...

This vintage 32mm Rolex Oyster “Elegante” wristwatch showcases timeless sophistication with its classic gold-plated case and matching oyster rivet bracelet. Also known as a "Bubbleba...

Carl Zeiss blc Flak 12 x 60 binoculars. A beautiful set of WW2 binoculars in excellent condition made in Germany during World War 2. These were designed to be used in conjunction wi...

‘this one-of-a-kind collection tells the story of a captain and his boat on the most important day of the 20th century. Alongside the original shrapnel-scarred flag, the archive cont...

1949 Ronson “Spartan” Streamline Table Lighter in Chrome & Black Enamel Designed and made in the USA in 1949, this Ronson “Spartan” table lighter is a sleek slice of postwar style. ...

Art Deco style chrome propeller airplane table butane lighter by Hamilton, when the propeller is turned the black lighter lid pops up and the fire is started . Stamped- "Flint Fuel ...

This 1940's "Drummer Boy" brightly colored lithographed tin wind-up toy capitalizes on the popularity of marching bands, spawned from World War II and the preponderance of patriotism...

Antique WWII Swiss Army MO-05 Military Bicycle with Leather Frame Pack. Item featuredis being offered as pictured. Bicycle does seem to function nicely and the tires are holding air....

Natural butterflies specimens in a convex glass frame.

Mobili di Ulrich by G. Morrazoni Milano, Luigi Alfieri, 1945. Excellent red cloth hardback with embossed gold title. 26 pages of text and 78 pages containing 133 photographs and 24 ...

Architectural A frame house model, American, circa 1940s. Retains warm original patina.

Brass, copper and lead graphometer complete with the original wooden box signed CAIM Genova Via S. Sabina two of the 1940s. Measures of box 28 x 29 cm H 24. CAIM Genoa was company ac...

Large antique sea shell collection in original box.

Traditional textile and metal lantern. By unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1940. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beauti...

Large size Vornado vintage antique electric fan powerful performance Art Deco era electric table desk top fan with modern industrial design. One speed operation. 18.75 H x 16 W x 8...

Vintage fishing book, golden days by Romilly Fedden A good 1949 (2nd edition) angling book by Romilly Fedden entitled 'Golden Days' and printed in Grea...

American Modernist Sterling Spiral Brooch Attributed to Artisan - Ed Wiener c.1948 2.5 x 2 .5" measured diagonally

Large Icon of Our Lady of Kazan, Patron Saint of Russia, 1940s According to tradition, the original icon was discovered in 1579 in Kazan by a little girl, after the Virgin Mary appea...

A compendium lighter cigarette case made in England. This is a very rare compendium cigarettes and lighter case, created in Dublin England during the post-war back in 1947. The enti...

Hemingway, Ernest. For Whom the Bell Tolls. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1940. First edition, first printing. Octavo. Publisher’s beige cloth boards, first issue dust jacket. P...

Binocular Aircraft Target on tripod, with adjustable height. An exceptional and unique pair of WWII 25 x 105 binoculars by Jos. Schneider & Co, Optische Werke KG, Göttingen. circa...

Nautical cigar cutter with a hole and cutting blade in the column. When the wheel is turned, the blade is engaged to cut the tip off the cigar. This cutter has been meticulously poli...

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...

1940s Annin Nautical Yacht Flag with Eagle Finial on Cast Iron Tripod Stand A remarkable example of American maritime history, this 1930-40s Annin & Co. nautical yacht flag and stan...

This is a beautiful Bulova ladies watch with a 14k rose gold fill over sterling silver case. The watch comes with a 10k gold filled multi-size stre...

Ships wheel with eight turned spokes, mahogany frame, holly inlay and polished brass hub. Weight: 40 LBS Overall Dimensions: 43" Diameter Made: America Material: Wood / Brass ...

Underwood ” Vintage manual typewriter The Underwood Typewriter Company was a manufacturer of typewriters headquartered in New Yor...

An original, battle -scarred, 48 -star US flag from the minesweeper USS YMS -381, one of the first boats to start Operation Neptune. This flag is one of the rarest items from D -Day to ever surface. As the earliest flag from D -Day, it would have been one of the very first the Germans saw on that momentous day, signalling the impending invasion. Uniquely, this flag comes with provenance that directly links it back to the Normandy Beaches, supported by a customs slip and an address label to New York City. What makes this flag even more extraordinary is its completeness - many D -Day flags have been found in tatters, yet this one remains intact, representing the start of D -Day in its entirety. No flag earlier in the mission is likely to surface, making this one of the most historic flags to emerge from this pivotal moment in history and the earliest flag from D-Day a collector could have. More than just a symbol, this flag embodies the courage and sacrifice of the D-Day mission - an irreplaceable artifact of history Flown on USS-YMS-381, one of the first vessels to enter the assault channels at Utah Beach on D-Day, this battle-worn, 48-star U.S. flag is a rare and significant piece of military history. Its provenance sets it apart: it is the earliest known American flag from D-Day to ever surface, and uniquely, it is the only flag flown from a minesweeper vessel to ever surface for sale. This makes it an artifact unlike any other, with historical weight far beyond its fabric. The flag comes with customs documentation that traces its origin directly to the Normandy beaches, where Captain William Beckham sent it home in September 1944. This direct link to the events of June 6, 1944—when the flag was among the first to be seen by German forces—is confirmed through careful research and verification. As one of the first flags to fly on the French coast during the D-Day landings, it was part of the early waves of vessels involved in Operation Neptune, the maritime portion of the broader Operation Overlord. In addition to its extraordinary provenance, this flag is in remarkable condition for its age and use. With metal grommets and a 30-inch masthead, the flag bears the faintly visible stamp “US Ensign,” further confirming its military authenticity. It was mailed back to a recipient in Tarrytown, NY, in September 1944, accompanied by its original signed U.S. Customs Declaration...

Early to mid 20th century Marbles Gladstone fixed blade hunting / camping / combat knife. 4.5" blade with ridged thumb rest; aluminum pommel, leather wrapped grip. Includes leather s...

Pair of Deer Antler Trophies on Folk Art Black Forest Carved Wooden Plaques, Austria A striking pair of finely preserved deer antler trophies mounted on wooden plaques, exemplifying...

Unusual and highly decorative cigar cutter designed in the form of a traditional guillotine, dating from the 1940s. Crafted from a combination of wood and brass, this charming object combines functionality, mechanical ingenuity, and the whimsical character often found in luxury smoking accessories of the period. The miniature guillotine...

Original 1949 Emerson Model 581 Plaskon AM Tube Radio. This radio was crafted using plaskon plastic, an enduring precursor to contemporary polycarbonate and styrene-based plastics. Manufactured by Emerson in 1949, this AM tabletop tube clock...

Vintage bakelite necklance realized in 1940s. Good condition.

VINTAGE Optometrist Eye Chart Light Box Cabinet, eye exam .. Tested and working, could use re-wiring..

A fine Mid-Century English silver dollhouse miniature tea set. In sterling silver. By Barker Brothers Silver Ltd. of Birmingham, England. Comprising a tea pot, coffee pot, creamer...

1940’s English Cigarette Disposal Vending Machine. Superb fully original cigarette dispensing machine from the forties. We haven’t tested the mechanism and the machine is sold as a ...

Wonderful well made fine quality clockwork wind up toy made by Georg Kohler in Nuremberg, Germany right after World War II in U.S Zone occupied Germany circa 1947. All the markings in back on blue jacket (see image). It works perfectly; use the wind up key provided to wind up; release on the floor and "Circus Monkey...

The Vulcano Aluminum "Démarreur" Lighter Made in Eritrea, Africa is a rare collectible from Wartime WWII production. It is crafted from machined aluminum with tortoiseshell cataline ...

Royal Navy compass binnacle with highly polished and lacquered finish with brass badge engraved Pattern 0919, Compass No. 2308, HS. Fitted with a gimballe...

A vintage croquet set. USA, circa 1920-1940. Includes wooden mallets, wood balls, and metal wickets in a wheeled white painted stand. Original paint.

Antique Salter Family Scales  No 50 A well loved and used Family Scales, made by Salter, the cast iron body is in Dark green with Gold highlights, it has...

Lovely Alexandre Noll cigar ashtray / bowl / Dish. Carved in ebony wood. Alexandre Noll hand carved Cigar Ashtray. Mid-century. France, c. 1950 Hand carved signature to underside 'A...

A very rare World War II 1/5 scale wind tunnel development model of a Douglas "Destroyer" XSB2D-1 torpedo and dive bomber, circa 1942. The model was made ...

Art Deco period penny scale by Mills Novelty co. Period green porcelain pedestal with cream colored foot hold.

For your consideration, vintage "Perfect Handle" screwdrivers, featuring distinct wooden scales riveted to a metal handle core. Different brands stamp on them. They are characterize...

Original photographic production still for the American comedy Go West directed by Edward Buzzell and starring Groucho Marx, Chico Marx and Harpo Marx. Thi...

Small format catalog of Ladislav Sutnar’s first one-man exhibition in the United States, held from January 10-February 28, 1947 at New York City’s A-D Gallery. Sponsored by The Compo...