Article: Antiques Sold in Winter, 2024
Antiques Sold in Winter, 2024
Over the last few months we have had to say goodbye to so many fascinating pieces around the store, so we've compiled a collection of some of our favorite finds! Featured below are those that were toughest to see go, along with some additional information on each piece.
Vintage "The Pony Express" Hermès Scarf by Kermit Oliver
$4,250
Designed by Kermit Oliver, the only American to have designed for the famed fashion house, this scarf features a classic facet of American history - the Pony Express. First issued in 1993, this design has elements hinting towards the Indigenous cultures encountered in the Southwest amongst the imagery of the Pony Express rider. Even including a postmarked letter to President Lincoln, the details of this design could not disappoint.
Vintage U.S. Navy Cased Gimballed Compass, Circa 1943
$1,450
Manufactured for the use on ships, this lovely gimballed compass was utilized by the U.S. Navy during the World War II period. It features a custom-fitted wooden box that allows for a full range of motion while remaining level. Fabricated by BECK-LEE corporation out of Chicago, IL, this compass is a fascinating glimpse into the technology used during the mid-twentieth century.
Interwar Period Italian Blue Silk Handkerchief With Airplanes, circa 1930s
$1,250
A rarity in our shop, this interwar period handkerchief centers around a theme of Italian aviation. The vast majority of these patriotic silks were hand-made by members of the public as gifts for their sweethearts, loved ones, etc. It features four various Italian aircrafts with a fasces in each corner, hinting towards the impending period of Fascism within Italy. A truly ephemeral piece, this silk handkerchief provides a unique look into the period between World War I and World War II.
"Southwestern Dude Ranches" Santa Fe Railroad Travel Poster, Circa 1949
$1,750
Highlighting the classic American experience, this Santa Fe Railroad poster depicts a young traveling woman encountering a cowboy straight off the dude ranch. Published in 1949 and illustrated by famed Western artist Hernando Gonzalo Villa (link our other posters by him), this piece is just as vibrant as it was when printed. Created so the Easterners could experience Southwestern life, dude ranches became a popular excursion for travelers to live “rough”. The Santa Fe Railroad had an extensive transcontinental railway, and these Southwestern experiences would only drive more business towards the railroad company.
Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong Signature Collage
$8,500
Featuring a Sea of Tranquility photograph signed by Buzz Aldrin and a cut autograph of Neil Armstrong’s, this collage was truly a show stopper. This piece commemorates July 20, 1969, when Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong became the first two men on the moon. Framed with two photographs and an Apollo XI patch in the center, we were especially excited to have this piece in time for the Broadmoor’s Space Symposium.
"If You Want to Fight! Join the Marines" Vintage WWI Poster by Howard Chandler Christy, 1915
$4,250
The earliest and one of the rarest “Christy Girl” recruitment posters, this 1915 piece was a favorite in the shop. Featuring a beautiful depiction of a woman in a Marines uniform, it calls for the recruitment of both men and women into the service during the advent of World War I. Women were able to join the Marines in more clerical positions, so the choice of placing this “Christy Girl” in a combat uniform is quite unique.
Centennial Celebration "1776-1876" American Flag Banner
$45,000
Another incredibly unique piece, this flag was created during the Centennial Celebration of America and features a rare canton pattern. The stars are arranged into numbers, with a star count of 81 (quite fair off from the accurate 38). Bringing with it a true sense of nostalgia, this piece even has the original brass grommets used to hoist the flag during the celebration’s parade. It was fabricated using linen fabric and both a print and dye construction, pieced together with a sewing machine.
1876 "The Day We Celebrate" Hand-Colored Engraving by John C. McRae after Frederick Augustus Chapman
$3,250
Also celebrating America’s Centennial, this engraving by John C. McRae illustrates an outdoor gathering celebrating the newly-gained Independence. During this time in history Americans were producing works that centered around themes of patriotism, as seen in the incredibly joyous celebration depicted and the minute details included in the illustration. The sweeping landscapes, happy crowd, and even the inclusion of a glimpse of the railroads in the background create a nostalgic feeling when viewing this engraving.
If you are interested in acquiring a piece similar to those displayed above, please feel free to reach out to us at any point!