c1920 Palmistry Mel – Roy Broadside Quack Medicine

Mel-Roy PsD, MsD “Apostle of Mental Science” was a traveling lecturer on the science of dreams and palmistry, and other paranormal during the teens and twenties in the US.  I have come across the books that he sold his patrons, but I have never seen this poster – unclear whether the poster itself was sold for the purchase price at the bottom or if it advertised a book on palmistry.  The reverse is advertising for gazing crystals (crystal balls), $4.00 each and for his famous “Book of Dreams”.  Measures 10×17″ with four folds and minimal wear otherwise.  Would look remarkable framed for any collector of the metaphysical / snake oil quack medicine.

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″.

 

1920s-50s Sunshine Biscuits Loose Wiles Salesmans Archive

Sunshine Biscuits / Loose Wiles / Pittsburgh Bakery Salesmans kit, dates from 1923 to 1951 that I can see – with most of it concentrated in the 1940s.  Approximately 75+ pieces of ephemera including two to three dozen photos (half a dozen or better 8×10 store display photos and half a dozen store display snapshots.)  Products include Krispy Saltines, Hydrox Cookies, Hi Ho and many other brand names.  Please take a look at the photographs, they archive almost every type of paper included in this case (first photo is of the entire lot packed up in the salesman’s box) – receipt books, spiff catalogs, propaganda, photos, letterhead and personal notes – just an amazing archive of a 40 year sales career for a well loved company.  Salesman served Pittsburgh to Johnstown PA, it appears.  Condition is very nice in general, occasional dog-ear.

 

1950s Salesman Sample Butcher Meat Cuts

All these ever make me thing of are the shocking red and white meat cuts that Mark Ryden likes to juxtapose with Lincoln’s image.  I adore these butchers’ props/salesman samples.  Obviously from the 1950s, they are made of plaster and then painted (looks like airbrushed) with a million shades of white/cream/red paint.  T Bone and an Eye of Round I’d guess.  Round is 6″ x 7″ x 3″H and T Bone is 3 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ x 6 1/2″H.  Great condition, one or two tiny flakes to the paint – nothing more.

1880 Victorian Hypnotist Trade Card Occult Spiritualism

Found in a new old stock cache in a SWPA barn, this card is new old stock from the 1880s/90s.  I assume that the Professional Hypnotist card / artwork is a blank and the name and town would be printed in – Bert F. Ober, Stahlstown PA.  Measures 2 3/4″ x 4 1/2″, very nice condition.

1960’s King Tempo Cleveland – Seeburg Adv Banner

Silk banner on rod, most likely 1960s – advertising for King Tempo Cleveland and advertisement for H.N. White / Seeburg Musical Instruments.  Color builds from gold to pink at the bottom and there is a trombone / trumpet / saxophone / and about a dozen other horns in gold along the bottom.  Measures 21″ tall x 28″ wide, 32″ at rod.  Light, occasional staining to the fabric.