1941 Washington DC road map Esso pictorial Measuring 8 1/4 inch by 4 inch folded, this 1941 Washington DC and Vicinity road map is in the pictorial format and was put out by the Esso company in 1941. On the front it has the Esso logo and says Washington, D.C., with pictorial guide 1941. The middle shows a black and white photo of the United States Supreme Court Building. It has the caption: Outstanding among Washington's newer government buildings is the magnificent home of the United States Supreme Court. The bottom shows the words Standard Oil Company of New Jersey.

On the back of the folded map, it features information on Esso Marketers' Nation-Wide Credit Card Plan and shows by symobls the identification signs displayed at service stations and dealers of the various companies who will honor your Esso Credit Card: Standard Oil Company of New Jersey, Standard Oil Company of Louisiana, Standard Oil Company of Pennsylvania, Colonial Beacon Oil Company, Kesbec, Inc. The bottom sums up the whole purpose of this map: For YOUR greater convenience when you travel.

When unfolded, the map is 34 inches long x 23 3/4 inches wide. On the one side, it features a regular map with an insert of Historic Landmarks Of Alexandria. The outside features a map of Washington and vicinity with an insert titled Division of Washington - How to Drive in Washington. It also features what I think is the most interesting feature of the map: A Pictorial Guide to Points of Interest in Washington and Vicinity. 21 major tourist attractions are listed, with 2 listing having a colored picture. Of course, this is a map from 1941 so some attractions may not exist today while others still exist and are going strong. Here are highlights of the attractions shown:

Adams Memorial, Dept. of Agriculture, Fairfax Court House, Fall Church, Fort Stevens, Franciscan Monastery, Great Falls (with picture), Greenbelt, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Mount Vernon, National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Pierce Mill, Pohick Church, and Washington Natl. Airport.

Under the title Alexandrai one finds: Alexandrai-Washington Lodge of Masons, Carlyle House, Christ Church, Gadsby's Tavern, George Washington Masonic Natl. Monument, Presbyterian Meeting House, and Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary

On the side with the details of Washington one finds a ver interesting index across the whole bottom of this side of the map. The title is: Visitor's Guide to Washington. The following are listed and described and cross-referenced to this map:

American Pharmaceutical Institute, American Red Cross, Aquarium, Archives Building, Arlington (with illustration), Army Medical Museum, Botanic Gardens, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Capitol, Cherry Trees, Cocoran Art Gallery, Embassies and Legations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Reserve Building (with illustration), Folger Shakespeare Library, Ford's Theater, Freer Art Gallery, Goverment Printing Office, Interior Department Building, Library of Congress, Lincoln Memorial, Memorial Continental Hall, National Academy of Sciences, National Gallery of Art, National Geographic Society, Pan American Union, Phillips Mem. Gallery, Post Office Department, Smithsonian Group (with illustration), Supreme Court, Washington Cathedral, Washington Chapel (Mormon), Washington Monument, White House, and Zoological Park.

There is also a Supplementary Index with another 75+ listings.

Best of all, this map is what is considered in the trade as "old new stock", which means that is was never distributed or circulated. It was found in an old trucking company's warehouse which has been out of business many years. So, condition wise, there is no damage dues to tears, rips etc. There is some minor discoloration to the original white paper, but since the map is now 66 years old, that is to be expected.

Buy now and use it as a reference and a piece of Washington D.C , American and Esso history.
Manufacturer: Esso Company  

1941 New England road map Esso oil pictorial Measuring 8 1/4 inch by 4 inch folded, this 1941 New England road map is in the pictorial format and was put out by the Esso company in 1941. On the front it has the Esso logo and says New England with pictorial guide 1941. The middle shows a black and white photo of a moutain stream with birch trees along it. It has the caption: In the heart of the White Mountains boulder-strewn Peabody River threads its way through Pinkham Notch to join the Androscoggin. The bottom shows the words Colonial Beacon Oil Company.

On the back of the folded map, it features information on Esso Marketers' Nation-Wide Credit Card Plan and shows by symobls the identification signs displayed at service stations and dealers of the various companies who will honor your Esso Credit Card: Standard Oil Company of New Jersey, Standard Oil Company of Louisiana, Standard Oil Company of Pennsylvania, Colonial Beacon Oil Company, Kesbec, Inc. The bottom sums up the whole purpose of this map: For YOUR greater convenience when you travel.

When unfolded, the map is 34 inches long x 23 3/4 inches wide. On the one side, it features a regular map with an insert of Boston. The outside features a map of Maine with inserts of Providence RI and New Haven CT. It also features what I think is the most interesting feature of the map: A Pictorial Guide to New England. Each of the New England states' major tourist attractions are shown with a colored picture. Of course, this is a map from 1941 so some attractions may not exist today while others still exist and are going strong. Here are highlights of the attractions shown:

Vermont: Mount Mansfield, Mount Philo, Gathering sap, Smugglers Notch, Fort Ethan Allen, Brookfield Floating Bridge, Old Stone Museum (Orleans), Brunswick Mineral Springs, Mape Sugar Center (St. Johnsbury), State House (Montpelier), Joseph Smith Memorial, Constitution House (Windsor), Bennington Battle Monument, Marble Exhibit (Proctor), Sandbar State Park, Groton State Forest, Barre Granite.

Each of the New England states features detailed references and cross-referenced locations such as Connecticut's Judson House, Maine's Ruggles House, Massachusetts' Faneuil Hall, New Hampshire's Saint-Gaudens Studio, Rhode Island's Gilbert Stuart birthplace, Vermont's Calvin Coolidge birthplace.

Connecticut (12), Maine 13), Massachusetts (22), New Hampshire (19, Rhode Island (4), Vermont (9).

What an interesting way to present history to today's students or just start up a nostalgic talk with some grandparents on the trips of their youth!

Best of all, this map is what is considered in the trade as "old new stock", which means that is was never distributed or circulated. It was found in an old trucking company's warehouse which has been out of business many years. So, condition wise, there is no damage dues to tears, rips etc. There is some minor discoloration to the original white paper, but since the map is now 66 years old, that is to be expected.

Buy now and use it as a reference and a piece of New England and Esso history.
Manufacturer: Esso Company  

Made in Japan 12 Booby Traps box This paper item comes out of a Vermont country auction. Most of the items were from the 1930s or 1940s, so I imagine this fireworks collectible item is of the same vintage, but a true collector would know for sure. This little box has great graphics and is in great condition with no tears or stains.

It measures 2 1/4 inches long x 1 1/4 inch wide and held 12 Booby Traps explosives. What I love about it are the graphics. One one side is a smiling child who has just scared the dickens out of his father who is arriving home! The side panels feature an exploding booby trap. The top panel says I.C.C. Class-C Common Fireworks. A great display piece for a collector! Add it to your ephemera Made In Japan collection today.
 

Wild 1970s plastic toothpick dispenser Right from the Brady Bunch kitchen counter comes this 1970s plastic push individual toothpick holder dispenser! Funky! The thing which caught my eye was the retro mushroom motif done in red on the back and front. What's wild is this is also a salesman sample, carrying the words "Pick Us For New Advertising Ideas" Newton MFG CO. Newton, Iowa #NPL-7" on the top of the piece. Just a cute little fun retro piece ready for the summer corn on the cob meal when you need to reach for a toothpick!
 

Snickers Cyber Crunch promotional bar This unopened plastic package contains a 2 sided card and a small Snickers Cruncher Fun Size bar. Produced by the Mars company in 2001, this is a good example of contemporary advertising with an Internet tie-in. The back of the card promotes the www.snickers.com website where you can play the Cyber Crunch game and enter a sweepstakes. A fun bit of candy promotional advertising in mint condition. Add it to your collection today.
 

Sunny set of 6 Sunfish coasters Made by the Gessner Products Co from Ambler PA, this funky set of coasters was advertised as (unique decorative and practical -- just right for every occasion. Never opened and in the original packaging. Great abstract funky psychelic flower blossom motif in the middle of each coaster. Three yellow, three orange. Price is for the set.
 

Irwinware Chrome #2420 Sugar Creamer set If you like Art Deco chrome pieces and have an appreciation for quality, you will like this unused Irwinware Chromeware Sugar and Creamer set with Tray.

The tray is 9 inches long, mint condition and carried the Irwiin mark on its base. The sugar and creamer have never been unwrapped ( see photo). It's a great little service set which would complement one of those tall Art Deco chrome coffee services.

Buy with confidence.
 

marble mounted brass Deco perpetual calendar This desk item from the 1950s-1960s is called a perpetual calendar, I guess. At least that's the name I have found it described by. It's a fun and funky way to 'interact with time' on a daily basis as it is necessary to turn it over to reveal the next day's date. Who knows how many times this little guy was flipped over as time fly by back then! This one features a scene taken from an old world map showing Asia on one side and America on the other and most likely was a presentation gift to some long ago executive.

Nice useful little item, measures over 3' high, and made of brass.Day, Date and month are changed by turning top over. It is mounted on a 3/8' tall 3 1/2' square piece of marble which has a green felt bottom to protect the surface on which it sits. In excellent condition though the turning mechanism seems to be stuck, but is all there.

Know a jet setting executive who would like a funky retro desk item? Buy it now!
Manufacturer: unknown  

Black Mexican 6 1/4" 3 legged bowl or pl Black mexican 6 1/4 inch diameter 3 legged bowl,with circular design inside bowl.Shows age and wear. Great for outside decoration. Fill it with your favorite flowers or herbs and have fun!
 

Boonton White covered div. bowl. This Boonton White Melmac covered divided bowl is 10 inches wide from handle to handle. The bowl itself measures 8 inches wide. It stands 2 1/2 inches tall without the cover and 4 inches tall with the cover on

It is in very good shape. There is a light knife mark on one side of the inside. There are no chips or dings to the plastic.

The bottom is signed Boonton, Made in U.S.A. and the number 605. The lid is signed underneath with the same mark and the number 603. It would look great full of salad, or used as a a fruit bowl on a Midcentury Eames era buffet or dining table. Add it to your collection today.