Thank you for visiting our antique page which is new to AdamVintage. The main reason why we are slowly starting to curate only authentic antiques, is because we are opening a storefront located at 145 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow Mass. 01028 in June 2018. In the spirit of everything vintage that we love, we will carry most of the items on our site along with other vintage and antique items of interest and importance. We hope you find our selection interesting and fun.
Our first items for sale is one of my favorite fish stories. And it's such a great story that collectors have been gobbling up these items for years, making the authentic items more expensive, but still affordable. So here's the story...According to the state’s Motor Vehicles Department, a plate marking the state’s fishing industry had some fishermen upset about the design: a green background with the year, a small fish and an abbreviation of the state’s name along the bottom in white, under the white plate number. According to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles website, the fishermen thought the fish, which was supposed to represent a cod, was too small and looked more like a guppy. It also appeared to be swimming away from the word “MASS.”
“After suffering one of the worst years in fishing history, the fishermen blamed the R.M.V. for representing the cod swimming away from the word ‘Massachusetts,’ which was printed on the plates,” the website says. After this terrible 1928 fishing season, this is the only year in which this plate was produced. Please be aware there are reproductions on the market.
Our first items for sale is one of my favorite fish stories. And it's such a great story that collectors have been gobbling up these items for years, making the authentic items more expensive, but still affordable. So here's the story...According to the state’s Motor Vehicles Department, a plate marking the state’s fishing industry had some fishermen upset about the design: a green background with the year, a small fish and an abbreviation of the state’s name along the bottom in white, under the white plate number. According to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles website, the fishermen thought the fish, which was supposed to represent a cod, was too small and looked more like a guppy. It also appeared to be swimming away from the word “MASS.”
“After suffering one of the worst years in fishing history, the fishermen blamed the R.M.V. for representing the cod swimming away from the word ‘Massachusetts,’ which was printed on the plates,” the website says. After this terrible 1928 fishing season, this is the only year in which this plate was produced. Please be aware there are reproductions on the market.
1928 Massachusetts Authentic License Plate Cod Fish Swimming Away
$125.00
An original and authentic, infamous 1928 Massachusetts License Plate with the COD fish swimming away from MASS. The fish story is our headliner for this page. Please read it to understand why these are so special, collectable and scarce. This plate is considered in great condition for its age.
SOLD - 1928 Massachusetts Authentic License Plate Cod Fish Swimming Away
$145.00
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An original and authentic, infamous 1928 Massachusetts License Plate with the COD fish swimming away from MASS. The fish story is our headliner for this page. Please read it to understand why these are so special, collectable and scarce. This plate is considered in excellent condition for its age.
1930's Hubley Black Sedan Very Cool Looking Car All Intact
$165.00
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oh man, this car is a cool sedan, I would totally drive this and these wheels are awesome. Well cared for with less than moderate paint loss, this is a toy for adult no doubt. Makes great desk art, or conversation piece for display at work or home.
1928 MASSACHUSETTS AUTHENTIC LICENSE PLATE COD FISH SWIMMING AWAY
$145.00
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An original and authentic, infamous 1928 Massachusetts License Plate with the COD fish swimming away from MASS. The fish story is our headliner for this page. Please read it to understand why these are so special, collectable and scarce. This plate is considered in excellent condition for its age.
EARLY PLATE NUMBER 1928 MASSACHUSETTS AUTHENTIC LICENSE PLATE COD FISH
$150.00
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An original and authentic, infamous 1928 Massachusetts License Plate with the COD fish swimming away from MASS. The fish story is our headliner for this page. Please read it to understand why these are so special, collectable and scarce. This plate is considered in excellent condition for its age.
1928 MASSACHUSETTS AUTHENTIC LICENSE PLATE COD FISH SWIMMING AWAY
$145.00
An original and authentic, infamous 1928 Massachusetts License Plate with the COD fish swimming away from MASS. The fish story is our headliner for this page. Please read it to understand why these are so special, collectable and scarce. This plate is considered in excellent condition for its age.
1928 MASSACHUSETTS AUTHENTIC LICENSE PLATE COD FISH SWIMMING AWAY
$145.00
Sold out
An original and authentic, infamous 1928 Massachusetts License Plate with the COD fish swimming away from MASS. The fish story is our headliner for this page. Please read it to understand why these are so special, collectable and scarce. This plate is considered in excellent condition for its age.
Vintage Desert Storm Era Field Military Army Phone TAP-77
$85.00
From what I understand the Tapp-77 has been around for quite a while and was developed in the USSR. It has been documented that both Iraqi and some US allied forced used this TAP-77 model phone during desert storm. The box is dated in 1987. Everything is original, it's in near mint condition and the case is an awesome heavy duty bakelite material. I have not powered the device so that has not been tested, but it's in near perfect condition and would be useless to power up anyhow. Great conversation piece for the house and a great gift for any one that was in this war.
Authentic Ship Wreck Coin Certified by NGC with Information Booklet | Great Gift
$75.00
On January 25, 1809, the Admiral Gardner set sail through the English Channel, headed for India. Not long into the voyage, a sudden and violent storm hit the Channel just off Dover. Captain Eastfield and his crew tried desperately to ride out the storm, but to no avail as the ship succumbed to the wind and ocean. The ship ran aground on the Godwin Sands and, by the next morning, the ship was submerged by the unrelenting ocean. The shipwreck carried with it a precious cargo of copper coins and claimed the lives of one crew member. It would be nearly two centuries later before the treasure could be recovered.
Learn More Here: Gardner Ship Wreck Coin
Learn More Here: Gardner Ship Wreck Coin
WWII Cold War IFF USAAF B-17 B-24 Radio Destroy / Destruct Switch Box BC-765
$55.00
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New military surplus old stock genuine made for U.S. military emergency special radio destroy switch box used in WWII B-17 B-24 B-25 and possibly other Cold War era warplanes.In the original box - unopened since manufactured in the 40's! If you don't have a warbird to put it in, it makes a great conversation or display piece, unique gift or paperweight! Can also be used as a Rat Rod Starter or horn button momentary switch.
American Trade Dollar 1877-S PCGS Certified F12
$425.00
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This is a great highly chop marked trade dollar with no "details" like cleaning which is so prevalent today. This is a nice original example with lots of cool chop marks which demand high prices and are appreciating in value.
Fantastic ca. 1920's Art Deco Small Cast Iron "Office" Sign - Really cool design
$85.00
$75.00
Fantastic sign for a door, probably a small door, it is likely this came from a train, as many like them did. This piece is in wonderful shape, the black background is very nicely preserved. The sign measures about 5 5/16" x 2 1/4". A must have for a home office or small business owners. This may also make a thoughtful gift for almost anyone that has an office.
Amazing railroad luxury travel case ca.1800's (mid) Tramp Art Super Rare
$500.00
$475.00
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Here we have a stunning travel companion (sort of like a carry-on today) however, the primarily means of travel was railway service and/or horse and buggy for shorter trips. Typically, one would use a travel box like this for longer trips. Don't forget the stories of the Orient Express from the late 1800's, this is a type of box you would may find in the most expensive rooms. This particular example of a small personal travel box is really amazing, I think it may be one of the most dramatic examples of Tramp Art boxes we've seen This artform is extinct today, in fact most people do not know the history behind this artform and most have never seen it. The box is in excellent condition and fully intact. The tramp artwork is in near new condition, you don't see chunks missing, cracks, restoration and common problems like that. The exterior and interior has inlay red velvet, that has turned to a deep red orange color likely from age or sun exposure; nevertheless, it looks amazing and again, excellent condition. The box has its original hardware, which is extremely well executed from a size and design standpoint. The interior features original black paint, original lock and key and an original mirror on the inside top. The hinges are nice and tight as if it was new; the estate this came from treasured this box, so it is very well preserved. Overall, this is a fantastic original example of Tramp Art, American Folk Art and railroad memorabilia; dramatic design and hardware. Measures approx. 12" wide x 9" deep x 8 1/2" high. Please take the time to view our photos for additional item specifics and condition details. Price is firm.Thank you.
Antique Spruce Gum Box ca. late 1800's Early American Folk Art from Maine
$1,495.00
This is a handsome antique wooden spruce gum box in the traditional book shape with a sliding lid on each end. The wood is very light in color with no grain and I am unsure what type it is. It has chip carved triangles with an inlaid heart, diamonds, a spade and crosses. Each piece of inlay is of a different type of wood. It measures 4" by 2 1/2" by 1 1/2" wide.
Often associated with logging and lumbering activities, spruce gum boxes, also known as gum books, were the work of the Maine lumberman, made deep in the woods for a loved one. They were usually made from a solid piece of wood, often with a sliding top and bottom. Most gum boxes date from 1850-1920, after which improved transportation allowed lumbermen to return home more frequently and thereby ended this distinctive Maine folk art.
Traditionally spruce gum was harvested by woodsmen: lumbermen, trappers, and even professional “gummers.” Spruce gum comes from sap that is hardened into resin. While it can be collected from any species of spruce, it mostly comes from red and black spruce. It takes about two to four years to cure before it can be chewed, depending on the size.
In the 1800s, an entire industry developed around spruce gum. Maine was the largest and probably first producer of gum in the Northeast with nearly two dozen companies emerging between 1848-1910.
Often associated with logging and lumbering activities, spruce gum boxes, also known as gum books, were the work of the Maine lumberman, made deep in the woods for a loved one. They were usually made from a solid piece of wood, often with a sliding top and bottom. Most gum boxes date from 1850-1920, after which improved transportation allowed lumbermen to return home more frequently and thereby ended this distinctive Maine folk art.
Traditionally spruce gum was harvested by woodsmen: lumbermen, trappers, and even professional “gummers.” Spruce gum comes from sap that is hardened into resin. While it can be collected from any species of spruce, it mostly comes from red and black spruce. It takes about two to four years to cure before it can be chewed, depending on the size.
In the 1800s, an entire industry developed around spruce gum. Maine was the largest and probably first producer of gum in the Northeast with nearly two dozen companies emerging between 1848-1910.
WWII Soldier's Carry Case Official Issue made by Sears and dated 1943
$85.00
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These sears cases made of thick quality leather, were commonly used by soldiers or field military personnel. They are not scarce, but they are also not too easy to find. This particular example is in the best condition I've seen, and is why I curated it. The leather, stitching, close clasp, etc are all near perfectly aged and well preserved. There are two tiny holes on the sides, this means the soldier threaded string through it for carrying. A nice touch to a great WWII relic, when you see small details like that, you know the case saw war. Original WWII Ari Defense Helmet not included. 5" long x 2" wide.
Vintage 1950's Full Grain Sheepskin Red Franklin Boxing Gloves with Original Box
$75.00
If you're into boxing, these are an excellent example of an early Franklin rare adult full size professional boxing gloves in full grain sheepskin. Franklin was a big regional sports equipment retailer, mostly private label and also credited with making the best baseball glove and they were adopted by the MBL and Franklin a prestigious manufacturer. With this early focus on MBL orderers, Franklin's other high quality products made for professional use, were also of excellent quality and many professionals used and promoted the brand in the early years. It appears that Franklin didn't make their gloves in-house, these are marked made in Pakistan. That is very unusual for a glove from a US company. Pakistan has a rock solid pedigree for the bast sheepskin and leather work. At least they are at this time in history. These are really top notch, with little to no wear and includes the original box. The leather is still nice and soft, the only flaw is that it looks like there are some tiny holes in the inner linen liner, to be excepted due to age.
Vintage Cast Iron Hubley Army Bomber 15-P-7 Original Hand Done Paint Excellent Condition
$95.00
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Here is a fantastic Army Bomber in cast iron by Hubley, great for the desk due to its nice compact size with a wingspan of about 5 1/2". This model was made in the 1940's, likely during the war, but before we were heavily involved, it appears production stopped on this model and many others of this era. The government had asked many companies to cease their normal operations and make things like, in Hubley's case, Ammo instead. These great American companies were not just companies like today. These people were all patriots and sacrificed a lot. What a wonderful piece of history.
Very Early WWII RH-PAL-35 MK1 United States Navy Fighting Knife with Original USN Sheath
$275.00
When I first examined this knife I swore it was from WWI and not WWII; reason being is that the estate that it came from was an estate of a WWI vet and the craftsmanship and materials used look like WWI era. However, I guess I stand corrected and have been told this is WWII and happens to be a fairly rare variation due to its hardwood leather wrapped handle. The wood has a tight grain and looks like oak. From what my research has told me, very few of these were made, like these were a first batch. Many others you'll see on the market have a large metal butt and were constructed slightly different. It also appears that this knife's leather wrap is completely original with no repairs. The blade has seen better days; however, it's all just clean-up surface issues, there is no significant pitting or damage to the blade. I was told by the estate, this knife has been sitting in the same place for nearly 50 years and no one ever touched it. The piece also has very nice balance. I took several pictures so enjoy!
Vintage ca. 1915 Train Conductor's and General Mechanical Tally Counter
$35.00
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This is a hard to find hand held mechanical / manual tally counter by Veeder Root Inc from Hartford, CT. This came out of an estate where there were both military and rail conductor occupations; both of which could have used this devise. It works as it should and you can see the rust on one side in particular. I believe this was used to tally people by a train conductor.
Letterpress Printer's Block from The Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen
$39.95
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This antique letterpress printing block features an emblem of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.
The block is metal mounted on wood. It is a little dull from wear. Size: 11/16" x 9/16" x 15/16" - could by made into a necklace pendant. It's tough to find pieces of history of this Brotherhood. The Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen (BRT) was a labor organization for railroad employees founded in 1883. Originally called the Brotherhood of Railroad Brakemen, its purpose was to negotiate contracts with railroad management and to provide insurance for members. If you're into trains, this is for you!
American Indian Spear and Weapon Heads
$15.00
$12.00
The beautiful pieces of American history, shows the stunning work that American Indians were capable of. These Indian spear and/or weapon head are 100% genuine. All have been finds of mine either in New England or in Arkansas where the Kadohadacho and the Quapaw; and later the Cherokee and the Choctaw tribes resided. From New England were the Connecticut Valley Wampanoags.
You're purchase will include one of these fine pieces of history of our choice. I you have any special requests, such as stone type or location found, please place that in the notes at checkout. Each piece will be well defined, well preserved and may have been used as a spearhead or other type of weapon type. Shapes, color and stone will vary; these are all hand made and may have imperfections. Read ahead for some interesting history regarding the Connecticut Valley Wampanoags.
Stunning Hardwood (Appears to be Black Walnut) Hand Crafted Candle Stick Holder Early American
$275.00
This is a fantastic handmade candle stick holder that is wide in the back and tapers smaller toward the front; in order to accommodate different lengths of candle sticks. This is made of a hard wood, it doesn't appear to be oak, it looks more like black walnut, which was a widely used wood at the time. This must have been a very difficult piece to make dur to the tapering toward the front and the angle created. Likely made by a master, the dovetail work is almost perfect. The lid is hinged; which gives away its approximate age to pre-civil war, as seen, there is decorative cut out work on the back, front and both sides. A very rare find.
Early English Beer Bottle Made of Stoneware Townsends's Salford Stone Brewed Ginger Beer
$55.00
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I love these old beer bottles from the 1700-1800's; especially the English ones. This one has a nice deep cream patina, your typical small chips and hairline cracks near the spout are present. The rest of the bottle is in almost perfect shape and is also hallmarked "Price Bristo" if I made it our correctly, it's quite small. Anyhow, this is a great deal as they are selling elsewhere closer to $100 so get it while you can.
Hubley Green Cast Iron U.S.Mail Bank Box Circa 1920's
$65.00
Hubley green cast Iron U.S.Mail Bank Box (Size: 3.75"H) Circa 1920's . Great for the desk or a conversation piece. These can be very expensive, but this one is missing the swing open lid, so we are able to sell it at a huge discount - most people wouldn't have any idea there was a lid, frankly it can serve better as a piggy bank now. Nevertheless, this is a cool piece.
American Folk Art - Very Early late 1700's early 1800's Heart Box made of of one piece of wood.
$90.00
$75.00
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This is a small heart shaped box, artistic work, born out of the very first Americans. Yes, this is what they call Americana, or American Folk art. These are objects typically made out of wood, have a strong collector community and can take the form of just about anything that was handmade and made prior to the industrial age. This heart was probably a gift from a loved one. Men of New England, in particular, were prone to hand-making this type of small wooden art, like spruce gum boxes and other mostly carved wooden symbols of love. It was also common, but more difficult for the artistic to make an items our of one piece of wood. This amazing little heart is made of a hardwood and measures about 1.5"x1.5" at its largest sides. To find something this amazing, this small and well preserved, is just about a miracle since pieces often were separated or simply never found again.
Rare Railroad Memorabilia Early Iteration of this Turn of the Century N.Y.C. R.R. Large Key Vanderbilt Years
$90.00
$78.00
Wow, this is a super nice key. It has nice weight and is likely made of a silver nickel alloy. This key type is accessible; however, what makes this piece rare is the early serial numbered key, the way the RR and numbers are both on the same side and the material and weight of the key all point to a much earlier key type. Also, this would be prior to New York Central Station; when it was still New York Railroad. The shape of the key body dubbed this key, the oiler, because of the shape of the body of the key; mechanics were able to easily drop a little oil in the key hole. The entire key is 3" long. The key would make an awesome Men's large charm for the heavy chain. It's also a great piece to add to any important key collection and they make very thoughtful gifts for the right person.
Antique Railroad Keys Brass F-S Fraim Slaymaker Hollow Barrel Railroad Lock Keys Matched Pair - Commitment Jewelry
$110.00 - $175.00
Early turn of the century matching railroad keys, these marked "PS", which is the standard abbreviation for Pittsburg & Shawmut RR; I do not see too many keys for this rail on the market, I would say they are fairly scarce. The key maker is early and also very scarce to see; furthermore the shape of the bow is fantastic art deco style while most are plain round. This pair is sold as a pair only, we will not break them up due to the rarity of the keys.
A pair of historical keys make an excellent collectors item, gift and especially commitment or friendship jewelry. Each key symbolizing the key to one's heart; him and/or her will look like a trend setting hipster while always holding the other matching key holds. Each key is an authentic railroad key in vintage or antique condition. Each single or more rare, pair of keys, are carefully selected and curated for any reason you may want them. We do focus on trying acquire pairs when possible. They are available as is, or ready to go on a Sterling Silver 1.5mm Foxtail Franco Link Chain Necklace Italy purity .925.
Vintage 1920's Military Man on Horseback Great Colors
$40.00
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This guy looks like he's been riding for a very long time, so we decided to give him a break and put him on an easel. This is a double sided military man on horseback, a cast iron toy from a long time, now your next cool thing to put in the office or on the mantle makes for conversation. Original paint, does not stand by itself so it will ship with a premium grade acrylic easel.
