Uncle Sam Memorabilia Collectible Treasures : Episode COL-802 -- More Projects »
Besides the American flag, Uncle Sam is probably one of the most recognized symbols of the United States. But where did he come from? The story goes that during the war of 1812, a meat packer named Sam Wilson supplied food goods to the military. His crates of supplies were marked "U.S.," and soon the grateful recipients of the food began to call him Uncle Sam. Soon, artists and marketers began to turn Uncle Sam into the icon that he is today. See the collection Jerry Czulewicz, a man who has collected more than 4,000 pieces of Uncle Sam memorabilia. His collection is so grand that it spent 14 years on a nationwide tour. The first printed image of Uncle Sam dates back to 1838 when he appeared in this political broadside, a one-page advertisement declaring the financial woes of Texas statehood. Over the next century and a half, many artists produced countless posters, magazines and cartoons featureing their versions of Uncle Sam, and more than 1,000 companies used his images to promote their products.
Jerry Czulewicz's collection boasts more than 4,000 pieces that tell the story of America's patriotic uncle. His collection soon grew as his interest in Uncle Sam flourished. "I've always looked at Uncle Sam as the American Flag taking on a life and an image, walking his way through history, acting as a guide and an educator of patriotic responsibility" he says.
  This 1906 arcade strength testing machine can recognize a "cold fish," a "socialite" and even a "tax cheat" from a mere handshake. It has been totally restored externally and mechanically. At the time of its creation, a handshake cost only one cent, and at the time of restoration was worth 25 cents. |
______________________________________________ Collector: Gerald Czulewicz Location: Private Residence Details: early political advertisement, Uncle Sam teapot, Uncle Sam mailbox holder, Uncle Sam sand mill toy, 1916 James Montgomery Flag poster ("I want you!"), Uncle Sam model and wool gabardine costume used for flag poster valued at $1 million, 1886 Shepherd mechanical bank valued at $5,000 to $9,000, Uncle Sam American Flyer stringtoy valued at $700 to $900, clap toy worth $4,000 to $5,000, hand-carved automaton worth $6,000 to $12,000, strength-testing machine
Resources The Foremost Guide to Uncle Sam Collectibles
by Gerald E., Sr. Czulewicz (ISBN: 0891456503)
Click here to order this title.
Schroeder Publishing / Collector Books
Website: www.collectorbooks.com
Guests Gerald Czulewicz
Uncle Sam collectibles expert
25699 Highway 65 NE
Isanti, MN 55040
Phone: 763-444-9216
Fax: 763-444-9218
Email: charliezebra@msn.com
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