1909 Rare Antique School of Taxidermy Diploma License

Just fantastic, I’ve never seen one before – for all of you collecting antique taxidermy, here’s a killer companion piece. Diplmoma issued Dec 10, 1909 in Omaha Nebraska.  In the far left corner is a gold seal that reads “The Northwestern School / Corporate Seal of Taxidermy” and a 1″ tall photo of the graduate attached to the diploma.  Buck engraving at the center with “School of Taxidermy: Taxidermy Taught in all its Branches” motto atop. Incredible condition, largely clean and without flakes/cracks/or loss – just a few small stains, see photo.  Frame is in perfect shape, never taken apart (the backing paper has been taped – nothing else).  Measures 15.5 x 18.5″.  Even without a taxidermy collection, this is perfect Victorian goth or steampunk decor – scarce.

 

c1940s Earl Moran Pin Up Blotter Yard Long Collage

Twenty three pin up blotters, matchbook covers and greeting card fronts – all but one by Earl Moran, collaged together in a yard long frame sometime contemporary to the pieces themselves.  Just a killer piece, you never see these.  Original back has been secured with a few modern nails at one corner, untouched otherwise.  Measures 8×39″.

Professional framing (with acid free photo corner secured) of eight different Withers pin up blotters from the early 60s. Red mat, modern black frame – sleek and attractive. Measures 17×33″.

I love doing these “yardlongs” of pin up girlies from the 50s/60s…they hang in many a den, tattoo shop and vintage clothing store.  Great graphic and splash of color for not much output – but until recently (when I bought one from the 40s) I had no idea this was a vintage concept, just makes it cooler.  Professional framing (with acid free photo corner secured)  of eight different Withers pin up blotters from the early 60s.  Red mat, modern black frame – sleek and attractive.  Measures 17×33″.

 

Object Art – Tokio Cigarette Native American Indian Silks

Framed Object Art of fifteen Tokio Cigarette Silks (circa 1920) American Indians.  Each measures approximately 2 1/4″ x 3″ and the fifteen are matted into forest green acid free mat and framed in a dark gold Victorian moulding.  Overall size is approx. 19″ x 31″ – the colors are stunning, with just a touch of unraveling at the edges (typical, they were never bound at the edges).  Perfect for a cabin or the like.

1801-4 Nicolas Marechal / Simon Miger La Menagerie du Museum National d’ Histoire Naturelle Viverra Civetta (African Civet) Engraving

c1800 (1801-04 La Menagerie du Museum National d’ Histoire Naturelle publications, compiled by Bernard-Germain-Étienne de La Ville-sur-Illon) of Nicolas Marechal (artist) / Simon Miger (engraver) Viverra Civetta – African Civet.  Large folio, overall sheet size is approx 15″ x 20″ – framed in oatmeal colored 8 ply rag mat (archival, museum quality) with thick Walnut Burl/gold detailing frame.  Sight size as matted is approx 11 1/2″ x 15 1/2″, overall the piece now measures 22″ x 25″.  Print is original, beautiful cotton rag paper.  Rare print from a famous volume in French Naturalism.  The condition is shown in the photos, there is a pervasive water stain at the bottom right (roughly 5″ in diamter) and a smaller waterstain in the top right margin (1 1/2″ round perhaps).  Slight crease approx 2/3 down the print and across.  The framing is archival and ready to hang (some slight imperfections in the frame – that’s why I was able to afford to use it, hugely expensive Burl moulding.)

19thc Napoleon III Eugenie Ivory Miniatures – Amazing Brass Figural Frames

Exquisite miniatures.  I believe they are both on ivory, at least the Napoleon surely is – the girl may be another material, porcelain maybe.  Each measures approximately 1 1/2″ wide and 2 1/2″ tall, brass frames (heavily embossed and decorated with traditional flowers, easel backs and ribbons/flowers – and Napoleon exhibits the French eagle atop his frame.)  Neither appears to have ever been opened.  Eugenie is in beautiful condition with only light crazing (I’m sorry, it was hard to keep the flash off of these) and Napoleon of course has damage – his face is almost indistinguishable and the background is awash, but the jacket and medals are completely crisp – as is the hair.  The features can be made out and in painting should certainly be possible.

Sold – but please check with me, I keep all manner of Napoleon and Louis Napoleon things in stock – a favorite subject o’ mine;)

c1800 Framed Geisha Woodblock by Toyokuni

Utagawa Toyokuni I (1769-1825, Edo). Reffered to as the “I” to distinguish from the school of followers who adopted his name.  Toyokuni was well known for his woodblocks on washi paper of geishas and kabuki actors.  This geisha measures the typical 9 3/4″ x 14 3/4″, and is matted with 8-ply wheat rag mat and framed in a gold leaf lily composition frame to approximately 21″ x 25″.  Gorgeous piece, signed in kanji on the right.  Please see photos.

Signed/Numbered Dennis Simon Automotive Print Set

Simon is a thirty year veteran of commissioned automotive art, his work is distinctive and highly prized.  His illustrations have been featured in Road & Track, Sports Car International, Vintage Motorsport Magazines and he has done private work for Michelin, Porsche, Volvo and Viper.  Most impressive perhaps is his history of rally, Le Mans and even the Daytona 500 race program covers and posters.  Set of four mid 1980s prints published for by the McCallaugh Automotive Group by Simon, each is framed to approx 15″ x 18″ and is signed and numbered by Simon in pencil in the margins.  ‘57 Thunderbird, ‘65 Mustang, ‘49 DeVille, ‘50 Woody. Framed in stark white mats and cove black moulding, will match any office or workshop.