1940s Collectibles and Curiosities

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

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

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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

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

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

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

This exceptional vintage 1949 double-deck card set showcases the gorgeous mid-century artwork of Freeman Elliott, one of the most prominent names from the golden age of American pin-...

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...

1940s Art Deco Partner Wind-Up Musical Lighter, Red & Black with Polished Chrome A striking example of 1940s novelty Art Deco design, this Partner musical lighter combines elegance,...

Natural butterflies specimens in a convex glass frame.

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

WWII era Morse Mark V Mod-1 United States Navy 12 bolt diving helmet. Dated: July 1944 Brailes, Bonnet, and corselet marked with serial number: 5281 Badge to corselet marked: UNI...

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....

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...

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 ...

Large antique sea shell collection in original box.

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...

Natural Coral set on a custom wood base.

Antique Black Forest style deer antlers on handcarved wood board.

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...

Antique Hayward Lumber & Inv Co of Los Angeles nautical maritime military ship spyglass / telescope / scope. Quartermaster, Mark II, 16 Power, Chemical & MFG Division. This telescop...

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...

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

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 ...

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

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...

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. ...

Interesting vintage plaster anatomical skull model. This great plaster skull bust model is in very good condition and dates to the 1940s. Perfect in an ...

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 ...

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

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...

Very heavy and loud ship engine room telegraph. With brass faceplate displaying ships commands including ahead and astern, full, half and slow, standby and...

Tobacco pipe design Aldo TURA for MACABO. Ottone e pergamena. Italy, 1940s/50s ORIGIN Italy PERIOD 40s/50s DESIGNER Aldo TURA (1909-1963) for MACABO MODEL Pipe-shaped tobacco hol...

Printed in stunning stone lithography, this extremely rare Argentinian one-sheet poster for quintessential film noir 'Gilda' features similar show-stopping artwork to the coveted US ...

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...

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

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 ...

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

Huge Red Coral Necklace Huge polished red coral beads complete this fascinating 67cm long necklace. The largest red coral bead is: 35 x 34 mm .436 grams in weight

Vintage bakelite necklance realized in 1940s. Good condition.

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...

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 large-format, June 1942 issue of Fortune Magazine, a publication known for its powerful graphic design elements, especially cover designs, as well as for its reportage and featur...

1940s Vornado vintage antique electric fan powerful and silent. Art Deco era electric table desk top fan with modern industrial design. Has one ...

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 ...

Traditional religious wood Sculpture of a virgin. Made in Catalonia Spain, circa 1940. It's a beautiful piece of religious wood with glass eyes. In original condition, with ...

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...

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...

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...

The Charles petrol lighter designed by Meyer Maximilian Levene An exceptional and rare silver-plated 'The Charles' petrol pocket lighter stamped 'The Charles Lighter', made in London England, back in the 1947. It was rafted with slim rectangular form, decorated with engine-turned casing, double entry hinged lids with innovative internal mechanical features, including a revolving flint tube to provide even wear to the flint, and a rear barrel containing spare flint chambers so that semi-automatic loading of the spare flint can be undertaken. The Charles Lighter has an extremely complicated mechanism. The flint rotates while grinded by the friction wheel. Also interesting is the revolving magazine for spare flints. A fine example of complete over-engineering. This was made only for a very short period and was patented by Meyer Maximilian Levene in 1949. Weight: 70.50 Grams, (45.19 Dwt). Measurements: 48 mm by 43 mm by 12 mm (1.89 x 1.69 x 0.77 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed in full, "THE CHARLES LIGHTER MADE IN ENGLAND BRITISH & DOMINION & FOREIGN PAT GRANTED.". Literature: Stuart Schneider and Ira Pilossof, The Handbook of Vintage Cigarette Lighters...