Vintage Gifts from a Special Reader Part I

Hi there! I want to start out first by saying thank you sweet friends for keeping me in your prayers these past few weeks. We received some very good news on Friday in direct answer to those prayers, and we are feeling very blessed. We’ve had a reprieve, and we are going to rest in the Lord and trust him for the future.

Today I want to thank one sweet friend in particular, Debbi, a reader who passed on a large quantity of vintage gifts to me last year. Since then I’ve included a few of these items in some past vintage finds posts, but today, I’d like to show off several of the books and pieces of ephemera that she so kindly gave to me.

Let’s start with the books: Queer Pets at Marcy’s (1880), Little Men by Louisa May Alcott (1943), and Editha’s Burglar by Frances Hodgson Burnett (1888). Value: $5-10.00 each.

Young Folks Golden Treasury of History (1890) published by D. Lothrop & Co. Such a pretty cover! Value: $10.00.

In the Child’s World (1893) filled with wonderful illustrations (below) and published by Milton Bradley Company. Value: $5.00.

A bookplate from In the Child’s World.

And another.

This one has to be my favorite, Willson’s Larger Speller, simply for the cover since the writing inside is so small, I can barely read it(!). I think it dates to the mid-1800’s. Value: $8-10.00.

Second favorite, Spelling Book, also mid-1800s. Value $8.00.

This set, published for the NYC School District in the 1930’s is just lovely. Filled with stories, science, and poetry, along with lovely illustrations, they vary by grade. Value: $6-10.00 each.

An example of one of the book plates in a 6th year volume that typically has less illustrations than an earlier years.

An example of an illustration from a 1st year volume.

I have a personal fondness for autograph books, so finding this in one of the boxes was a lovely surprise. Value: $15-20.00.

“Your words must be not only clever, But fit to adorn this book forever.” Not too much pressure!

This simple typography makes me think of barbed wire; I like it.

“When the glorious sun is sinking, And your mind from care is free, When of others you are thinking, Won’t you think of me?” Love her name, “Yetta.”

“A little lady rare and fine, A friend of mine.”

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and the shadows will fall behind you.”

I’ve bought and sold a number of issues of St. Nicholas in the past. I always enjoy flipping through them for their great illustrations and fascinating ads. Though in pretty rough shape, I still enjoyed reading this one from 1906.

Some beautiful Art Nouveau illustrations.

Interesting advertisements.

And homey ones too.

Debbi included a tin filled with post cards as part of her gift to me. This set of linen-type cards features Washington, DC, as does the set below.

On eBay, they seem to be going for $10-20.00 for a set like this.

These post card packets open up to reveal accordion-style postcards printed on paper rather than card stock. They sell on eBay but for not a lot. Value: $2-4.00

A piece of uncomfortable Black Americana, depicting the “cake walk” a type of dance done in minstrel shows. Value: $2-3.00 due to poor condition.

A couple of steam ship post cards from the 1940’s. Values: $2-4.00 each

Vintage Eastern Airline (1958)  and Hilton Cafe, 1964-65 World’s Fair cards. Values: $3-4.00 each.

Final Fabulous “Find”: This photo post card of Parliment has a special feature. See the white “tab” in the center?

When you lift it open, it reveals an accordion of mini, black and white post cards of various London sites. I’ve never seen one quite like it. Value: $8-10.00.

I have been blessed in so many ways by so many readers over the years, and Debbi you are among the most generous! I had so much fun pawing through all of the vintage goodness you passed onto me–thank you, thank you, thank you!

I’ll be completing Part II of Debbi’s vintage gifts ASAP. Meantime, take a look at the pottery she gave me, which has already sold, and a beautiful table I made over, which is for sale currently in my booth at the Gristmill Antique Center in Troy (NY).

Thanks so much for stopping by–
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Bye for now,

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