I wanted to share a an exceptional reference book for those of you collecting Black Americana, Cats, Mermaids and Niagara Falls salt and pepper shakers and it is titled “Salt and Pepper over 1001 Shakers” by Larry Carey and Sylvia Tompkins. Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. – Salt and Pepper Shakers (Books) 112 pages.

I came upon this particular book while at an antique mall and although I don’t usually look for books, the booth I was in had several antique and collectible books and they were displayed really well so I started to look over them and came upon this one and knew immediately I had to have it even though it was over 10 years old.

The book is compiled by Larry Carey who has over 6,000 shakers and Sylvia Tompkins who has over 7,000 shakers. Larry is the founder and former President of the Novelty Salt & Pepper Shakers Club and Sylvia served as President, Vice President, and newsletter editor of the club. Together, Larry and Sylvia compiled one of the best resources for shakers with a special focus on Black Memorabilia salt and pepper shakers (the first 90 pages is all Black Americana and Natives shakers) as even though I consider myself an expert in Black Americana kitchen items, this book has shakers I have not seen first hand and the book over all has a price guide and 1,500+ photos. A variety of sizes, colors, dates, country of manufacture and price guide included. You will see photos and learn information about shakers made by Miyao, Miyao Japan, Made In Japan, Pre-WWII era shakers, Enesco shakers, Van Tellingen shakers, Fitz and Floyd, Made in Germany shakers, Goebel salt and pepper shakers, American Bisque shakers, Aunt Jemima salt and pepper shakers, Uncle Mose salt and pepper shakers, Luzianne Coffee Salt and Pepper shakers, F&F Mold Dayton Ohio shakers, Ceramic Arts Studio rare salt and pepper shakers, Nodders, Napco salt and pepper shakers, National Potteries shakers and so much more! If you can get your hands on a copy do so as it is a MUST for any collector.

Vintage Black Pie Bird Vent Funnel Made In England

Vintage Josef Originals APRIL Girl Lady Figurine Early California

Vintage 1950s Lefton Pixieware Anthropomorphic Apple Head Jam & Jelly Jar

Mary Engelbreit Christmas Scottie Dog Pitcher

Vintage PY Japan Miyao Scottish Kids Salt & Pepper Shakers

Vintage 1940s Black Americana Kids Boy Salt and Pepper Shakers

We get questions from time to time on “What is Black Americana” to “What items are collectible” so we decided to write up this little guide to hopefully answer these questions as we feel there just might be some other folks out there with these questions too. We are always learning and seeking information as this collecting niche is vast and there is still so much to learn.

What Exactly is Black Americana?

Black Americana is also referred to as Black Memorabilia, Afro-Americana, and Black Face Collectibles and these are all terms that refer to collectibles having an African- American theme.

As far back as the 1700s Black Americana porcelain figurines and dolls were being manufactured in Germany, Japan, England, France, Austria, and the United States. The majority of Black Americana items were produced between the late 1800s and the 1950′s. Souvenirs were the biggest market and included novelty items, salt and pepper shakers and bisque children sitting on cotton bales. In the late 1950’s-1960’s these items began to disappear from the market and were no longer being mass-produced.

Undoubtedly, these items are often offensive, but they do represent a historical record of our countries’ past and we then remember how our country over-came those days of so long ago. Many collectors say that they seek out these items today to show their children how races were viewed and how times and things have changed.

We at Crazy4me are crazy about Black Americana kitchen items, specifically Salt & Pepper Shakers, Tea Towels, and Tablecloths. These items can brighten your home so instantly with their jovial themes and bright colors and we truly enjoy them!

The Below Black Americana Kitchen Items Are Very Collectible Today:

• Luzianne Mammy (offered by Luzianne Coffee Co. in the 1950s) we have a rare pair of Luzianne Mammy shakers in our eBay store
• Mammy Cookie Jars
• Mammy Recipe Box (Fosta Products USA plastic red, yellow, green)
• Salt and Pepper shakers (Mammy, Chefs, Butlers, Kids, Natives)
• Spice Sets
• Pie Birds
• Wall pockets
• Teapots
• Jelly & Jam Jars
• Tablecloths & Tea Towels (Embroidered and Printed)
• Aunt Jemima

& So much more!

Interest in collecting Black Americana has seen a huge spike in recent years. It seems folks just can’t get enough of these rare quirky collectibles. Celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Bill Cosby, Spike Lee, and Whoopi Goldberg are avid collectors. Because the demand for Black Americana is so high with little inventory in the market place, new and fist-time collectors are finding it difficult to purchase more than one item at a time. But, there are still some bargains out there to be had as collectors and dealers who have multiples of items will occasionally part with them.
You can find Black Americana collectibles at specific shows across the country that specialize in this with many dealers booths setup to showcase and sell their items. Many antique malls and shops sometimes have these items in stock too. There are also many online Internet antique malls and stores as well as eBay. There are some insane deals to be had right on eBay!

Reproductions & Fakes

No discussion on Black Americana collectibles would be complete without mentioning reproductions and fake items. Several of the cookie jars and salt and pepper shakers are being made out of the old molds today. It can be very difficult to tell the difference between the old and new especially when they bear a maker’s mark. Usually the new item is a tiny bit smaller. Best rule is to know your merchandise and know your dealer. The Internet is a great resource for researching reproductions and there are several good books in the market that not only discuss fakes but list values too.

I am so excited to share of my latest treasures with you. I am most excited about this precious Black Americana ashtray! This ashtray is circa 1930s-1940s and made in Japan. It is very rare to come across an ashtray of this type as the cigarette is placed inside the mouth and smoke comes out from the nose that also happens to have a fly sitting on top. These types of vintage ashtrays are extremely rare and fragile so they do not tend to survive over 60 years!

Another two items we are delighted with is this group of 1950s Retro Fish wall plaques with momma and babies and the coloring is phenomenal in pinks, aqua and gold. Also, this magnificent set of rare 1940s pink Black Americana Mammy and Chef salt and pepper shakers with their labels that tell us they are “22 Carat Gold Craft, USA.” If you are interested in these items or would like to more please check here for details.

We had to share our very latest AMAZING finds with you all. These are truly INCREDIBLE Black Americana Memorabilia items from a bygone era. It is not often one comes across these kitchen linens that still retain their original tags! These items are so special and so rare – we have not seen these before and do not know when we might find another again. Please visit our other web sites for additional details or our products pages for these vintage black americana kitchen towels and tea towels.

Black Memorabilia Black Doll Show & Sale from Johnson Shows

The Mall at Prince Georges
3500 East West Highway
Hyattsville, MD 20782
“Located In The Greater Washington, DC Area”

“Celebrating Black History Month”

–Many vendors with Black Dolls, Doll Accessories, Doll Furniture, and Doll-related items for sale
–Meet the African American Doll Artists and Doll Makers
–Dorothy Dandridge Authentic Memorabilia Exhibit
–An Educational Experience For The Whole Family

Details here!

Mark your calendars for the Black Memorabilia & Collectibles Show on April 17, 2010 in the greater Washing, D.C. area Gaithersburg, Maryland.

FEATURING AT THIS WORLD FAMOUS LOCATION:

Vendors with Black Memorabilia and Black Americana Collectibles for sale including historical artifacts and documents, books, figurals, art, autographs, stamps, advertisements, toys, prints, paintings, textiles, dolls, political and civil rights memorabilia, kitchen collectibles, jewelry, postcards, cookie jars, sports memorabilia, photographic items, posters, coins, entertainment memorabilia and much more. Details here.