1884 and 1898 – DICK’S GAMES OF PATIENCE; OR, SOLITAIRE WITH CARDS — TWO VOLUME SET
A lovely two volumes bound in brown cloth with handsome black and gilt stampings – books measure about 6 inches by 7 1/2 inches. With the same owner’s name in each, this set has always been together. Includes:
1-First Volume – NEW EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED, CONTAINING SIXTY-FOUR GAMES ILLUSTRATED WITH FIFTY EXPLANATORY TABLEAU, edited by William B. Dick, Dick & Fitzgerald Publishers, New York, (1883) (1884), 154 pages, ads.
2-Second Volume – DICK’S GAMES OF PATIENCE OR SOLITAIRE WITH CARDS – SECOND SERIES CONTAINING SEVENTY GAMES ILLUSTRATED WITH SIXTY-SIX EXPLANATORY TABLEAUX– SECOND SERIES, edited by Harris B. Dick, Dick & Fitzgerald Publishers, New York, (1898), 113 pages, ads.
I have had put away for decades some lovely (I think) late 19th, early 20th century Valentines colorfully printed, die cut, articulating fold-outs. Just look at my images. There are some minor flaws hard to see usually – thus “sold with all faults, as is.” Perfect for that special someone, or for your Valentine’s Day decorations. Scroll through and enjoy, and remember it is easy to order from Ray Boas, Bookseller.
1925 – VALENTINE GREETINGS – COUNTRY STORE FOLD-OUT WITH GIFTS FOR YOUR VALENTINE
A fun and (I think) rather unique fold-out Valentine feature two young lovers purchasing their cards and gifts. The base measures about 11 1/4 inches across, and 6 1/2 inches front to back when opened. The store display shelves extend up over 10 inches. When opened the kids are in front of the store counter that has a cash register, and then two rows of shelving in depth behind. For sale are: Love Tokens, Love; Suavity; Happiness; and more. This card has some loss at the extremities to some pieces (hard to tell) and one piece remains separate that may have come off the top of the cash register. I really like this piece, should keep it, but cannot keep everything. Sold AS IS and With all Faults.
$35 plus post(order number VD-16) — SORRY SOLD
circa 1920s – VALENTINE – STAND-UP HONEYCOMB WITH CANOPY
Standing about 10 inches high with a diameter (when opened) of about 7 inches a young boy and girl are seen getting ready to give each other their Valentines. Made in the United States by Beistle, there are no clips to hold it open – I used a small paper clip to hold it open to take these images. Red has faded in the tissue honeycomb. Could be some minor flaws, hard to tell, but sold AS IS and With all Faults. A nice centerpiece for your Valentine’s Day dinner.
Price – $20 (order number VD-15)— SORRY SOLD
1898 – DIE CUT CINDERELLA COACH – VALENTINE AND CALENDAR
Measuring almost 14 inches by about 8 1/4 inches at its highest point, the sash on the horse reads “1898 Cinderella.” A valentine possibly? At one time the gentleman welcoming Cinderella was probably a separate stand up figure, but is now attached to the main card, and blocking the door from opening. Appears to be the case since the door is hinged to open up (note the isinglass window) so Cinderella could be helped out. As with most of the early die-cuts I have owned there are breaks and faults. Coachman’s head has been glued back in place (note repair on back side), and the rear wheel has loss as probably part of the rear of the carriage. THUS SOLD AS IS and With All Faults. But a great display piece with full 1898 calendar on the rear.
This girl standing next to a pedestal that expands out and clips open is LACKING HER RIGHT HAND. There is a card on the honeycomb pedestal, “forget me not…” The figure stands 5 3/8 inches tall, and when opened up the diameter of the base is 4 inches.
Price – $12.50 (order number VD-1)
LARGE VINTAGE VICTORIAN VALENTINE – WHITNEY MADE – WORCESTER, MASS., DIE-CUT, COLORFUL
This large card made by Whitney in Worcester, Massachusetts measures about 7 1/2 inches by about 10 inches. There are some very small folds/separations on the intricate die-cut front panel which if you are careful expands out for a diorama effect. I did not do this to photograph, but it is something you could do. Message on the inside, and the company logo on the rear.
Price – $12.50 (order number VD-4)
AUTO FLOWER FILLED WITH LOVING COUPLE- VINTAGE VICTORIAN VALENTINE – DIE-CUT, COLORFUL
WITH SINCERE LOVE this card proclaims, and measures about 4 1/2 inches across by 5 1/8 inches high. On the rear is the fold-out stand that may never have been used. Great gift for your car loving significant other and/or display and enjoyment.
This large Valentine is amazing. Please note that one small item on the spinning wheel may not be opening correctly, and I do not want to force. The background appears to be a log, flower entwined gazebo with some light green glassine paper at the top. Doves are sitting on the logs, the spinning wheel and on the ground at the beautiful girl’s feet. This Valentine stands about 9 inches high and is 5 3/4 inches at the widest point of the base. When open and folded out the base extends out about 3 1/4 inches. This Valentine must be opened with care. I have priced it down for that reason.
PLEASE NOTE — THE KNOB ON THE TOP OF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SPINNING WHEEL IS ALMOST DETACHED — NO PROMISES IT WILL REMAIN ON, but it is there at least, and you can carefully fix. Thus, as noted – “sold with all faults” – but this is a unique piece and worthy of your careful repair.
again, below you can see the arm on the left side of the spinning wheel hanging down
This special hanging Valentine has three die-cuts (one heart and two wreaths of flowers with cherubs) and hooked together on a ribbon extend 12 1/2 inches, and to the top of the ribbon the overall length is about 16 inches. The top wreath has a cherub playing what I believe is a mandolin, the center is a heart that when opened up has a message (sorry it does not show well in image below), and the bottom wreath has red heart with an arrow through it and a cupid cherub. The die-cuts measure about 4 inches across. Too much fun – ENJOY
Price – $12.50 (order number VD-9)— SORRY SOLD
THREE (3) – FANCY VINTAGE VICTORIAN VALENTINES WITH DOILY EFFECTS
Offered as a lot are these three Valentines with lovely doilies cutouts enhancing each. Not perfect as each has imperfections – folds, creases, tears as you can see in images, but a nice “as-is” lot for your special day enjoyment and display
This first card measures about 7 inches square and opens up for a message
opened up below, larger than my scanner bed – the back side is blank
this is the smallest of the lot, and barely a flaw – measures about 3 5/8 inches by 4 3/4 inches. I think this is special in its size and presentation.
and the back with the name of the original recepient
and, finally with paper loss, folds and tear, this card, measuring about 5 3/4 inches by about 7 3/4 inches folds open, and is also worthy of saving.
and, opened up this card almost fits on my scanner bed.
c1925 – DREAMLAND – AMUSEMENT PARK CUT-OUT ACTIVITY BOOK – UNCOMMON – CHILDREN’S and “BIG KID” FUN
Drawings and text by Gerta Ries, and published circa 1925 by the Atlantic Book & Art Corporation in New York, printed in Germany. Pictorial boards with much edge wear as shown, this unique activity book measures about 13 1/4 inches by about 11 inches opening up with board pages with slots for the cut-outs.
Seven two page spreads (as all shown below) take you through DREAMLAND, including: Entrance; Merry-Go-Round; One Ring Circus; Photo and Food Booths; Scenic Railway; Roller Coaster; and the Boardwalk. There is no bibliographic information I can find telling how many cut-outs were published. Since I have some (see last image) that are not cut or punched out my guess is that the cut-outs came on separated thin boards laid in with the publication. I have about 34 cut-outs of various sizes, but there are some empty slots. Following the story line at the bottom you can assume what cutouts go where, but you can also use your imagination, of course.
I purchased my DREAMLAND on eBay in September 1998, for my Amusement Park collection, but having enjoyed it for 24 years, it is time to share with someone else, and at much less than I paid for it originally. Currently there is a copy for sale in Germany and one other in the US.
PRICE – $370 – (Order Number eb1863) Shipping – $7.95 packed in cardboard and with tracking. Shipped with Signature Required for your protection. Ordering Information
MAP OF CHESHIRE CO. NEW HAMPSHIRE FROM ACTUAL SURVEY BY L. FAGAN 1858 with an historical sketch by David R. Proper. Published by Old Maps, West Chesterfield, NH, 1981. The is a complete reproduction of the 1858 Map of Cheshire County, N.H. The original is a large wall hanging scroll that measures 25 feet. I have seen a few originals, and they are usually in tatters. That large wall map is reproduced here on 34 single sheet pages in a box.
Boxed, each sheet measures 14 by 17 inches. List of what each sheet represents is below.
Below I have reproduced the contents page so you know what is on each sheet. The illustrations that are on the original hanging map are reproduced on the last few sheets.
Price for the Boxed Set – $70 plus $6.95 post – Order Number: 71471
I have a second set that lacks David Proper’s introduction page, and sheet 22 which is the map of Walpole and Westmoreland. If you wish to purchase this set, price $55 (plus $6.95 post), and I can provide jpg. photo images of the two lacking sheets.
1887 – SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN ARCHITECTS & BUILDERS 11 COLOR PLATES
Bound together are five issues (detailed below) as the SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN ARCHITECTURE AND BUILDERS EDITION. Front cover detached, rear cover torn in two (both parts present) and tears to some black and white pages – mainly in the June issue. Overall measurements are about 11 by 16 inches. BUT WHAT IS IMPORTANT HERE are the two full page chromolith (color) plates in each month’s issue depicting the elevation of a home or store and the floor plans. The article and B&W illustrations are great, but the color plates would be perfect to be framed in an architect’s office, or museum display. I have recently seen these color pages for sale at $50 and $75 each. Here are 11 COLOR PLATES – the frontis is a advertisement with the “President’s Cottage” and then there are two plates per month. Any tears/flaws on the color plates should be easily matted out. There is value here to the right person. Enjoy.
June 1887 – pages 123-146 – tears through center of many pages due to improper opening July 1887 – pages 1-26 August 1887 – Pages 27-52 September 1887 – pages 53-78 October 1887 – pages 79-100
the other portion of the rear cover is tucked under what shows.
Price — $275 (which is less than $35 for each color plate) Shipping on this oversize item with insurance – $10 Ordering Information
1902 – L. FRANK BAUM – THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF SANTA CLAUS – FIRST EDITION, FIRST STATE
Published by The Bowen-Merrill Company, Indianapolis, IN. Good, decorated red cloth, 206 pages, endpapers tad cracked (paper only not the hinges), book block tad loose. I had two copies of this First Edition, First State. This copy with the brightest cloth I had in my own collection. In January, 2021, I sold a similar, but not as bright a copy, on my website for more than I am now offering this copy for, realizing I cannot keep everything. I enjoy placing my treasures in new homes, thus am now offering my personal copy of this classic at a reduced price.
This copy is the FIRST EDITION, FIRST STATE with chapter headings reading Book First, Book Second, Book Third. Illustrated with 6 full color plates (which includes the title page) and 14 two-color plates by MARY COWLES CLARK — I have page checked this copy several times, all plates are present.
For comparison information the SECOND STATE – has 12 tipped in color plates, which includes the frontis. & title-page. Also, with the second state the section headings are now labeled “Youth,” “Manhood,” and “Old Age.” This second state includes many textual illustrations and decorations, mainly in the margins, not present in the first state
FOUR (4) VINTAGE CHRISTMAS BOOKLETS FUN TO DECORATE WITH AND READ
Offered as a lot are these four softcover Christmas holiday booklets, the largest of which measures about 5 inches by 7 1/8 inches.
Included are (left to right, top to bottom): A CHRISTMAS SONG – by John H. Finley, David C. Cook Publishing Co., Elgin, IL – printed in Germany, no date but 19th century – a poem and some great color lithos – 12 pages
THE TWINS CHRISTMAS PRESENTED BY SANTA CLAUS at Strawbridge * Clothier’s, Philadelphia. By Esther M. Watson, Illustrated by Edith F. Ebey, 1921, 24 pages, B&W illustrations – 24 pages
A VISIT FROM SAINT NICHOLAS by Clement C. Moore. Re-creation of the 1849 Illustrated Edition of which only two copies are known to exist. This copy reproduced from the copy in the Rare Book Division of the New York Public Library. – 16 pages
SANTA’S BOOK – THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS – “Lion Store Toyland”, Toledo – great color covers, 16 pages of the poem, all with black and red and black illustrations – again some loose pages.
and sample interior pages of each – note one binding is loose
Price for these four booklets together as a lot – $25
1944 — CHRISTMAS A-B-C by Rev. LOUIS A. GALES — UNCOMMON
Published by The Guild Associates, Saint Paul, Minnesota, illustrations by Gladys Allie. Softcover booklet measuring about 5 inches by 7 7/8 inches with 32 pages with full color illustrations. Recites the birth of Christ followed by four poems: How Happy Were the Little Lambs; The Christmas Tree; The Friendly Beasts; and, Of A Christmas Toy Shop.
Nice cross-over collectible for a children’s book collection, ABC collection, Christmas collection, or a religious collection
c1910 – BOYS AND GIRLS CHRISTMAS BOOK PERFECT HOLIDAY DECORATION PIECE
“Bright and Cheerful Stories for the Young People” – The Fireside Series published by Hurst & Company, New York. No date, unpaginated, and I did not count the pages since the pages are brittle.. Hardcover book measures about 7 3/4 inches by about 10 3/8 inches. IMPORTANT NOTE — This book was printed on acidic and extremely brittle paper – in fact the first few pages are detached, and others exhibit tears and wear. Not really something to sit and read without further degradation. The redeeming value (and the collectibility of this book) is the cheerful illustration on the front board, and the colorful frontispiece. Internal illustrations are Black and White. Wear to the boards, but for display in your holiday decorations, or under you tree, this is a nice addition, and any title in this Hurst series is extremely uncommon – thus the price (still a bargain).
Offered as a lot are eight FURNITURE CATALOGS from the 1870s (there is one duplicate – seven different). I have had these in storage for a long time, and do not remember when or where I obtained them, but time to get to the next conservator and collection. Offered, and listed as illustrated in the top image from left to right, top to bottom are:
1 – REEVES & EASTBURN CABINET FURNITURE, Turning, Moulding and Scroll Sawing, Philadelphia, April 1st, 1874 — 12 pages, no illustrations 2 – TRADE PRICE-LIST OF J. P. REIFSNEIDER’S LOUNGE AND SOFA MANUFACTORY, Philadelphia, not dated – 8 pages, 2 illustrations inside – TWO Copies 3 – SWAN, CLARK & CO. — COTTAGE CHAMBER FURNITURE, Philadelphia, March, 1876, 8 pages, no illustration — then flip over, and the back half (another 8 pages) is SWAN, CLARK & CO. — BLACK WALNUT FURNITURE, again no illustrations. 4 – PRICE LIST OF THE WALTER HEYWOOD CHAIR CO’S CHAIRS – New York, May 1st, 1873, 15 pages, 2 illustrations inside 5 – ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE OF JAMESTOWN BEDSTEAD WORKS – JAMESTOWN, NY, not dated, price sheet laid in, 22 pages — 18 PAGES LIST and ILLUSTRATE One Bed Each – great illustrations 6 – PRICE LIST OF DEUTSCH, TSCHACHTLI & CO. WHOLESALE MANUFACTURES OF CABINET FURNITURE, not dated, rough fold-out to 3 panels representing 6 pages 7 – PRICE LIST OF FURNITURE MANUFACTURED BY C. J. HAYDEN & CO., Rochester, NY, 1870, 35 pages, no illustrations
Each booklet exhibits some wear and light soiling from handling. The largest (SWAN, CLARK & CO.) measures about 5 3/4 inches by about 9 1/8 inches.
UNCOMMON L. Frank Baum title published in 1914 by The Reilly & Britton Co., Chicago, Illinois. First edition, first printing with semi-glossy text pages (second printing has rough/coarse paper stock), and a book one inch thick as a result (additional first printing point). This copy has been lovingly read, Printed book plate has name and date of 1915. Cover wear and soiling lightly, and some old gutter regluing to retain integrity.
Contents include six stories, including: THE COWARDLY LION AND THE HUNGRY TIGER; LITTLE DOROTHY AND TOTO; TIKTOK AND THE NOME KING; OZMA AND THE LITTLE WIZARD; JACK PUMPKINHEAD AND THE SAWHORSE; and, THE SCARECROW AND THE TIN WOODMAN. Illustrated by John R. Neill with 6 double page color plates (two pages) and 36 single page plates.
About 23 years ago I purchased a one owner WIZARD OF OZ book collection, and have added to it over the years – over 30 books by L. Frank Baum,. Not wanting to break a one owner collection, or run, I have not before made these books available for sale, but now is the time. Do watch my auctions for additions as I have the time to illustrate and catalogue. But, I will start with this book, and my personal copy of Baum’s THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF SANTA CLAUS.
Price – SORRY SOLD February 2023 for $450 – BUT visit again as I have over 20 OZ Titles to offer you from a one owner collection Ordering Information
c1920-30s – HUNTLEY & PALMERS BOOK SHAPED BISCUIT TIN
As an out-of-print bookseller I have collected many items that resemble books, but are not books. Over the past over 25 years I have been able to add to my collection every tin that Huntley & Palmers made in the shape of a book, sets or books, and the revolving stand with books. Moving some items around in another display area in my home I found I had this duplicate. No real need to have two (although I often do have multiples) I thought someone could add this red book tin to their collection. Overall measurements are about 7 by 9 3/4 inches.
Made to look like tooled red leather with raised bands on the spine, the edges of the book block are gilt with the simulation of pages. The Huntley Palmers varieties of book shaped tins are pictured on pages 30-31of DECORATIVE PRINTED TINS by David Griffith. The caption states the red leather book tin appeared in 1920. A scarce 1996 Christie’s auction catalog of Huntley and Palmers Biscuit tins dates the red book tin as 1930.
