Antique Kokeshi – Japan

Schwinn Bike Thrills Golden Age Comic Book – Late 1950’s

The Brooklyn Bicycle – 1962 Dunelt English 3 Speed

I purchased this 1962 Dunelt English 3 Speed back in April after a trip to Amsterdam. I’ve been meaning to post about it for months now. So here she is!

Awesome old Wright's saddle - this company was purchased by Brooks a few years later.

Sturmey Archer rear hub with the '62 date

Sturmey Archer 3 speed shifter

Made in England

Strato Rocket Bank – 1950’s

This awesome bank was given away as a promotional item by banks in the 1950’s. There is a spring loaded mechanism that launches the coin from the spaceship into the moon.

Buddy Lee – Selling Lee Denim from the 1920’s – Present Day

Buddy Lee was an advertising character developed in the 1920’s by Lee Jeans to promote their products. Check out early 1940’s railroad Buddy below, along with some rare promotional Buddys from the 1930’s and 1940’s. Railroad buddy is part of my Mother’s doll collection.

Some rare Buddy Lee dolls below:

An extremely rare football Buddy Lee doll - 1940's

Ultra rare Dr. Pepper Buddy Lee - 1940's

Rare Coca-Cola Buddy Lee - 1940's

Speedy Swimsuit Tag – 1940’s

I love the old JC Penney sticker!

Buriki: Japanese Tin Toys from the Golden Age of the American Automobile – The Yoku Tanaka Collection

I had the pleasure of checking out the Buriki: Japanese Tin Toys from the Golden Age of American Automobile exhibit at the Japan Society this past weekend. The exhibit was a celebration of Japan’s achievements in tin toy design in the first two decades following World War II. The detail and construction of these is amazing. Some of them even have working lights, doors, horns, and automatic retractable convertible tops. Below are some highlights from the exhibit. All images are from the Japan Society website.

The Lincoln Futura concept car (This was the inspiration for the Batmobile)

This one had a working horn, lights, and retractable top!

Ambassador Magma is driving this sweet 1962 Cadillac

Vintage European Matchbox Labels – 1950’s – 1960’s

I found an amazing Flickr group with tons of old European matchbox labels from the 1950’s – 1960’s. The fonts and graphics are incredible! Below are some of my favorites.

Antique Beau Brummel Necktie 21-Feature Matchbook – 1940’s

I tried to do this as a marketing initiative for David Hart & Co. for Fall, but I couldn’t find a matchbook company that could do it for us. Gone are the days of great American made products like this 21 Feature Matchbook by the Lion Match Co. circa 1940’s

19th Century Baseball Players

I love these!  More baseball players should have handlebar mustaches and it’d be great to see some female players!

Look at these lovely ladies

These ladies too!

Baseball players with ties!

"Casey at the Bat" - Ernest Thayer - First published in the "San Fransico Examiner" June 3rd, 1888

Awesome history of baseball hats