Here is a CDV and two pinback buttons from my collection of Eli Bowen "The Legless Acrobaot", born in 1844 with feet but no legs. He was 24 inches high and 140 pounds. He could climb a 13 foot pole and balance on one hand at the top of the pole. He could also grip the pole and hold his torso straight, parallel to the ground, and spin around the pole! He had phenomenal strength and was apparently considered one of the most handsome men in show business. He started at age 13 then later toured in Europe with the Barnum and Bailey Circus as an adult.

Here is a pocket mirror likely from around 1900 showing a real photo captioned “Troubandore Mandolin Club Arbor Pennsylvania”. In the late 1800’s, mandolin playing became very popular. Glee clubs and banjo clubs already existed in schools and colleges at that time, but mandolin clubs started taking over. The mandolin had an advantage over other instruments like the banjo and guitar because the mandolin was cheap, small, romantic, and easy to play. In 1902, the Sears and Roebuck catalog offered six different models of mandolins!

Issued by the Philadelphia Badge Co in the 1920's, here is a "Snookums" pin. Sunny McKeen, known as Snookums was born in 1924 and became a Hollywood child movie star in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s. He starred in 39 "Newlyweds and Their Baby" silent movie shorts that lasted from 1926 to 1929. Sunny was very popular at the time with his adorable face and pointed cowlick and most of these movie shorts revolved around him. There were other titles like Snookums’ Tooth, Fishing Snookums, Snookums’ Buggy Ride and Snookums Disappears. Unfortunately, many of his films were not cared for.

In 1905, Al Dougherty of Logan Kansas was the proud owner of a Cherokee Steer known as “San Antonio Pete”.  Mr. Dougherty claimed that his steer was the only trotting steer in the world trained for speed in a harness.  San Antonio Pete was reported to have a coat that was soft and glossy, fierce horns of remarkable grace and beauty, and weighed 1350 pounds.  Cherokees closely resemble Spanish bulls that are bred solely for fighting purposes.  Born in San Antonio, Mr.

This beautiful pocket mirror was issued in the early 1900’s during the golden days of Revere Beach Massachusetts. This beach is located about 5 miles north of Boston. In 1896, the Metropolitan Park Commission wanted to turn a very popular and beautiful area of beach known as Crescent Beach into a major amusement park and ocean-side destination.

This pocket mirror is a real favorite of mine being one of the most colorful and well-designed celluloid items in my collection. 

This 7/8" button appears to have been issued during tough times - like the Great Depression.  The message is to share with others who are needy.    It is an open pin back and has a paper maker's label in the back that reads: "The Whitehead & Hoag Co.  Buttons, Badges, Novelties, and Signs.  Newark, N.J.'

 

I have this button that is made by whitehead & hoag ,that I am looking for information on.On the back of the button it has the mfg.`s name and a date of april 14 1896,but no clues to the meaning of the initials on the front of the button.I have added 2 links to get a close up view.I would be very appreciative if you have any information.

Thanks

This Santa button is made by the St. Louis Button Co. Date unknown, if you know anything, we'd love to hear!