Description

RARE AND HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT FERROTYPE (TINTYPE) IMAGE OF SAMUEL WILSON ('UNCLE SAM') OF TROY, NEW, YORK. Image depicts a white-bearded Sam Wilson in button-up black vest and cost. His cheeks have been tinted pink. This is the only known photographic image in existence of the official progenitor of America's national symbol of 'Uncle Sam'. Samuel Wilson was born on September 13, 1766: in what is now Arlington, Massachusetts previously called Menotomy and West Cambridge, and died on July 31, 1854 in Troy, New York. His meat packing business and the War of 1812 put him into history on a blustery and soggy day of October 1, 1812. There appears to have been a definite incident when one of his employees declared, as a joke, that the letters 'U.S.' on the government meat casks packed at Wilson's establishment actually stood for 'Uncle Sam Wilson'. The story grew that anything marked U.S. was really Uncle Sam's, which laughingly, made Wilson a man of great posessions. The meat casks had the initials 'EA - US' on them. The 'EA' stood for Elbert Anderson, Jr. and the 'US' stood for United States. Anderson was an Army contractor who was buying meat from suppliers in New York and New Jersey, including the Wilson brothers. Army regulations required that the initials of the contractor and of the United States appear on the casks. This story was thoroughly documented by Colonel Edgar T. Noyes of San Antonio, Texas, Alton Ketchum of New York City and Thomas I. Gerson of Schenectady, New York over a period of 25 to 30 years of in depth research and the collecting of definitive documentation. This research being so definitive that Samuel Wilson of Troy, New York was officially declared as the progenitor of America's national symbol of 'Uncle Sam' by the Eighty-Seventh Congress of the United States of America at the First Session on September 15, 1961. This original ferrotype (tintype) of Samuel Wilson was a major part of the Col. Noyes collection of Uncle Sam material that was used as documentation in the process leading to the above mentioned Act of Congress. The portrait photograph was the work of Christopher Schoonmaker, one of Troy's earliest known photographers, located at 282 River Street in Troy, New York, in 1852. It is the focal point of a feature article on 'The Origin and History of Uncle Sam' published in the November 1966 issue of the American Legion Magazine, a copy of which accompanies this lot offering. This article includes a detailed history of this photograph and the complete provenance up to and including it becoming a part of the Noyes collection. After the death of Col. Noyes, James Heller of Longview, Texas acquired the photograph directly from the estate of Col. Noyes. It became a part of his personal collection of patriotic Americana until Gerald E. Czulewicz, Sr. acquired it directly from Mr. Heller in 1999. A notarized letter from Mr. James Heller discussing his acquisition of this photograph from the collection of Col. Noyes and the acquisition of the photograph by Mr. Czulewicz from Mr. Heller accompanies this lot. Ferrotype is in its original gutta-percha 'Union Case', the back plate, verso, is inscribed in relief script "Sam'l Wilson, St. Mary's Str., Troy, 1852. Embossed into the blue velvet liner inside of the case to the left, opposite the photographic image is 'Schoonmaker' 282 River St. Troy, N.Y. SIZE: Ferrotype photograph is 1/4 '' (plate). CONDITION: Generally very good with some minor blemishes in the background. 1-26908 (15,000-20,000)

SOLD $10,350

ONE OF THE RAREST TREASURES OF THE COLLECTION - THE UNCLE SAM SUIT AND TOP HAT worn and used by James Montgomery Flagg to create his most famous image of Uncle Sam. This is without question the most famous suit of clothing in the patriotic history of our country. From the very first 'I WANT YOU' poster in 1917, published by Leslie-Judge for the United States Government, for our entry into WW I, on through WW II and the Korean War, you will see this suit and hat appear complete or in part, in most all of James Montgomery Flagg's illustrations, posters and other applications where he utilized the image of Uncle Sam. Even before WW I, it appeared on the cover of Leslie's Magazine issues of July 6, 1916 and February 15, 1917. These images of Uncle Sam were identical to what was eventually used on the WW I poster of 1917 with the 'I WANT YOU' FOR THE U.S. ARMY - NEAREST RECRUITING STATION message. This is the only known Uncle Sam suit and hat to exist that came directly from James Montgomery Flagg and that was used for his Uncle Sam creations. Mr. Flagg had been known to wear various other top hats that were given to him as gifts and worn by him in passing fancy. However, the top hat that accompanies this suit is the only one he actually used in the creation of his many Uncle Sam illustrations. Mr. Flagg had personally given his Uncle Sam suit and hat to his good friend and fellow artist Everett Raymond Kinstler of New York City. Many years later Mr. Raymond Veloff of Madison, Wisconsin had acquired the Uncle Sam suit and hat directly from Mr. Kinstler along with numerous original illustrations of Uncle Sam created by James Montgomery Flagg. In 1979, Gerald E. Czulewicz, Sr. acquired the Uncle Sam suit and hat as well as all of the original Uncle Sam illustrations by J. M. Flagg directly from Mr. Veloff. They have been a part of Mr. Czulewicz's collection since that time. While on a national tour from 1980 through 1992 this Uncle Sam suit and hat, along with a major cross section of other objects and images from the collection of Mr. Czulewicz have been on exhibit in approximately 27 museums and historical societies throughout the United States. This suit and hat, being the most noted and recognizable components of the most famous patriotic poster ever created in the history of our country are already established as having true museum significance and are probably the rarest objects in existence that represent the history of one of our country's greatest patriotic symbols, that of Uncle Sam. The complete suit and hat are displayed on a mannequin, the head of which has been hand sculpted to the likeness of Uncle Sam by Gerald E. Czulewicz, Sr. in 1980. The suit and hat are circa 1916. Accompanying this lot are a lot of original James Montgomery Flagg photographs which include a grouping of nine original black and white photographs of James Montgomery Flagg with various friends and models all of which directly or indirectly pertain to the creation of his images of Uncle Sam. Each photo is an 8" x 10" image, matted and framed in three separate frames with three images per frame. Condition is very good. (photos are pictured below) SIZE: Mannequin is 6 1/2 ft. CONDITION: Very good, minor repairs to wrist joints. CONDITION: Suit and hat - Generally good to very good, minor soiling, fraying to brim of hat, slight separation to top and bottom portions of hat, some re-stitching. 1-26791 & 1-26808 (offered without estimate)

SOLD $21,850

ORIGINAL WATER COLOR. In half tone. "Come on America. We've Got A Big Job To Do!" Artist: James Montgomery Flagg. C 1918. SIZE: 24" x 20". CONDITION: Very good to fine. 1-26767 (15,000-25,000)

SOLD $16,110

ORIGINAL PEN AND INK -"HOME FROM THE WAR". Artist: James Montgomery Flagg. C 1918. SIZE: 18 1/2" x 131/2". CONDITION: Generally very good. 1" margin tear. Small water stain. 1-26820 (10,000-15,000)

SOLD $8,050

MOST FABULOUS OF ALL RECRUITING POSTERS. "I Want You for the US Army" Nearest recruiting Station. First issued as a poster in 1917 by the Leslie Judge Publishers. James Montgomery Flagg's image for this poster was originally used as a Leslie magazine cover on July 6, 1916. The original caption being "What are You Doing For Preparedness." I Want You with this image was first used on the Leslie cover of February 15, 1917. Artist James Montgomery Flagg. SIZE: 40" x 30". CONDITION: Roll folds, creases, small puncture at upper right but does not detract from image. Overall very good with full borders including copyright information in lower margin. NOTE: This poster was acquired along with James Montgomery Flagg suit and was in fact the personal property of James Montgomery Flagg. 1-26776 (2,500-4,500)

SOLD $3,450

EXTREMELY RARE AND UNIQUE SAM/SANTA CLAUS AUTOMATON. Window display piece for Macys Department Store, New York. Uncle Sam figure is full wood carved, dressed in the original suit consisting of red and white pants, shirt, dark blue button vest and coat with tails. Included with this is a fully wood carved and hand painted Santa Claus head with complete red and white Santa Claus suit with black leatherette, wrap around snap boots. The Santa Claus head and suit completely interchanged with the Uncle Sam head and suit. Robbin and Meyers Company, Springfield, Ohio, USA manufactured the electric mechanism for this automaton. Both wood carved heads are signed "Robert Williams" 1917 Macys New York. The motion or action of the electronic device causes the figure to tap his cane with the right hand while his head turns to the right and his left arm lifts up and points to the right. This mechanism is in perfect running order. C 1917. SIZE: Box is 13 1/2" x 13 1/2" x 6". Figure is 26 1/2" h. Overall 32 1/2" t. CONDITION: Minor nicks and scratched, general wear to wood case. Minor wear and fade to both suits. Indications of mechanism having been converted from mechanical crank to electric in approximately 1917. 1-27299 (6,000-9,000)

SOLD $8,625

Description

RARE PORCELAIN KOCHS SALESMAN SAMPLE BARBER CHAIR. This leather, nickel and porcelain salesman sample for a Theo A. Koch's barber chair is one of the most desirable of all salesman samples. These samples were made in wonderful detail and includes ornate nickeled footrest with raised relief filigree and marked "Theo A Kochs Company Chicago. The mechanism is set up with a hydraulic pump in the pedestal as the full-sized one would be. When filled with oil, it can be operated with the handle on the side. It features an adjustable spring loaded headrest. SIZE: 16 1/4"h to top of headrest and 9"w at widest point. CONDITION: The leather upholstery appears to be all original and in place except for on the headrest. The porcelain is in near excellent condition with three small repaired chips on the base. There are milk glass augmentations atop the porcelain armrests, not guaranteed original to the piece, one of which is cracked and repaired. A great piece! 1-27539 (27,500-37,500)

SOLD $26,450

BISQUE JUMEAU SOCKET HEAD DOLL. BJCB. Gauntlet arms, blue paperweight eyes, closed mouth, pierced ears, incised "E1J Depose" Artist initialed, cork pate glued on, repaired old blonde human hair wig. body Blue stamped "Jumeau Medaille d'Or Paris". Beautiful shoes. Probably original dress. SIZE: 9" tall. CONDITION: Very good. 1-27200 (4,000-4,800)

SOLD $11,500

C.I. EAGLE AND EAGLETS MECH. BANK. 1883. SIZE: 6 1/2" base. CONDITION: Best example we have handled. All original bank with very good+ paint. Nice color throughout with all mechanics working. Original glass eyes. 1-27145 (1,200-1,800)

SOLD $1,380

RARE J.D. LILAS BISQUE SOCKET HEAD DOLL. BJCB. Closed mouth, paperweight eyes, pierced ears, cork pate, marked "J.D. Lilas" in shield "10", slight orange cast to pink cheeks, redressed appropriately. Formerly from the Gladys Hilsdrof Collection. SIZE: 28" tall. CONDITION: Slight chipping right ear hole, left little finger broken, left middle finger reglued, chipping and repaint to body, especially to right calf. Some repair to old blonde human hair wig. 1-27161 (10,000-12,000)

SOLD $9,775

BEAUIFUL BISQUE JUMEAU SOCKET HEAD DOLL. BJCB. Closed mouth pierced ears, brown paperweight eyes, replaced brown human hair wig, cork pate, marked "E12J DEPOSE" (check mark), gauntlet wrist, redressed appropriately. SIZE: 26" tall. CONDITION: Body repainted, minute chipping to right ear hole, otherwise very good. 1-27199 (5,500-6,500)

SOLD $6,612

RARE JAZZBO JIM ELECTRIFIED STORE DISPLAY. Believed to be one of a kind, this fabulous large animated store display is based upon the classic all tin litho, windup Jazzbo Jim "jigger" toy by Unique Art (1921). Nearly three times the size of the original toy, the cabin is constructed with tin lithographed sheets over wooden frame. As in original toy, side of cabin shows the same striking highly graphic images of Black Mammy and child. Front side shows Banjo Playing gentleman, kids with harmonica, hambones and a wide-eyed Pickanninie dancer. All caricatures surrounding cabin have exaggerated Negro facial features. Period electric motor and mechanism in cabin activate large Dancing Black Doll on rooftop. Movement is of an up, down and turning motion. Hand painted composition Doll also has appropriate facial features and is redressed correctly to match original toy. Skillfully executed, this impressive animated display touches upon many areas of collecting including Black Memorabilia, Automatons, Unique Art windup toys and Store display advertising. All of this makes for a rare chance to own a most desirable and extraordinary store display. SIZE: Figure 23" tall, overall 33" tall. CONDITION: Tin lithography on cabin is very good. Rooftop has some wear in areas of attachment. Dancing figure is redressed. Doll body and face retain good original paint. All electrified mechanisms working properly. 1-27661 (4,000-6,000)

SOLD $3,737

FABULOUS OLD LITHOGRAPH DIORAMA AND AUTOMATON OF ANIMATED BLACK BARN DANCE. This fabulous late 19th early 20th Century diorama, was distributed by the Parisian Importing Co. Features lithographed animated black figures doing a barn dance. Women and men dance in the doorway, musicians on either side play their instruments, a mammy in the foreground with a child sings and a horse in the stables moves with the music. Titled within the lithography in the barn rafters "Great Racket". There is some great old lithography here. SIZE: Approx. 32 1/2" w x 24" h incl. frame. CONDITION: Lithograph figures appear to be in generally good condition. The mammy with the baby has a crease which may have been a split at one time and there is a separation along the scene of the lithography in the barn.. The mechanism is enclosed with a backboard and was supposedly working but at this point in time is not. Otherwise it appears very good. 1-26833 (9,000-11,000)

SOLD $8,625

WONDERFUL EARLY ANIMATED BLACK BABY SHELF SITTER. The black baby with clock mechanism in the back of its head, shifts its eyes to and fro when the mechanism is activated. The composition figure with animated black features and molded hands will sit on the shelf and keep its eyes on you all day long. SIZE: Approx. 12 1/2" h. CONDITION: Some chipping and repairing on the hands, some of the paint worn on the face. The clock mechanism appears to have been replaced but does still work. A really super black item. 1-26834 (6,000-8,000)

SOLD $5,500

COCA-COLA BAIRD CLOCK. This version of the Coca-Cola figure eight Baird clock carries the caption "Relieves Exhaustion --- Delicious Refreshing." Manufactured between 1893-1896. This clock retains the original interior paper label. SIZE: 16 w x 26 1/4 h. CONDITION: Both papier-mache advertising bezels have been completely restored. Clock face shows some typical discoloration. Includes pendulum. 1-27169 (7,000-9,000)

SOLD $6,325

RARE FRAMED BULL DURHAM CONVEX SIGN. This large tin disc "Genuine Bull Durham Smoking Tobacco, Prize Winners" depicts the pretty Victorian Gibson type girl with the Bull Durham modeled bull in the center. The litho tin is decorated with a panoramic farm scene is mounted in the original frame and black wood shadow box. The discs appear from time to time but it is very rare that you find the advertising disc in its original gilt frame and wood box. SIZE: Approx. 36" sq. CONDITION: Litho tin has some scattered small rust spots and the lithography has slight overall fading, other wise generally good. The gessoed frame, with the exception of a few minor imperfections is generally very good. 1-27111 (4,000-6,000)

SOLD $3,565

SHARPLES SEPARATOR TIN SIGN. Simulated wood grain self-framed sign features wonderful illustration of angelic mother and child demonstrating the ease of which this manufacturer's cream separator can be operated. Bottom of sign marked "The Sharples Separator Co., Westchester, PA." Patent Sept. 3, 1907. SIZE: 28"w x 38 3/4" tall. CONDITION: Near excellent with only a few areas of minor paint chips and wear to embossed perimeter edge and simulated frame. Needs cleaning. 1-27221 (2,000-3,000)

SOLD $2,242

LOT OF TWO APOTHECARY FLOOR DISPLAY SHOW GLOBES. Impressive 15" tall show globes displayed within elaborate brass plated cast iron holders, supported on pedestal type bases. Very seldom seen early apothecary fixtures. SIZE: 45" tall. CONDITION: Light efflorescence to inside of glass globes; light surface rust to a few relief portions of the cast iron holders, otherwise good condition. 1-26940, 1-26941 (4,000-7,000)

SOLD $6,600

FANCY APOTHECARY CLUSTER SHOW GLOBES. Rare illuminated cluster globe apothecary symbol. Hanging from wall mounted filigreed brass bracket are five globes. The globes are filled with colored liquid; blue, red, yellow, and green. Brass collars to the globes are figural oak leaves. The show globe cluster was originally available in either an electric or a gas version. This example is electric. The unit was advertised in the 1899 Fuller & Fuller catalog, 1900 Lord Owens & Co. catalog, and the 1900 Peter Van Schaach catalog. SIZE: 18-1/2" high. CONDITION: Metal work appears clear coated; one globe has been repaired, otherwise very good condition. This is only known example.1-26942 (3,000-4,000)

SOLD $3,450

ZONOPHONE OAK FLAT TOP DISC RECORD PLAYER WITH OAK HORN. Has remnants of its original decal. SIZE: Dia. of the opening of the morning glory horn is 21" with size of the player is 15" square. CONDITION: Case appears to have been refinished sometime ago. Mechanism works and case is in generally good condition. 1-26876 (2,000-2,500)

SOLD $2,400

OLD VICTOR TYPE VI0V RECORD PLAYER. Oak flat top disc playing record player with exterior horn. The oak case with squared columns on all four sides has a large oak morning glory horn with a Victor decal. SIZE: Dia. of horn is 21" with the case 16" square. CONDITION: Mechanism works but start and stop needs adjusting. Case and horn appear to have been refinished at one point in time. Otherwise, generally good. 1-26877 (2,000-2,500)

SOLD $2,650