Just arrived – a collection of vintage lead WWII era soldiers by Barclay and Manoil. A unique piece is the cameraman, and a rare piece is the scuba diver. We have many more not in the photos.
FROM DECEMBER 1986 The largest and best known of the dime-store soldier firms (…it wasn’t until the 1930s that the United States developed a uniquely American toy soldier. Sold mainly in the five-and-dime stores, especially the F. W. Woolworth chain, they came to be known as dime-store soldiers) was the Barclay Manufacturing Company, named after a street in West Hoboken, New Jersey, where it was founded in 1924. At first producing standard-size (2¼-inch) toy soldiers, complete with movable arms, Barclay brought out in 1934 the first of a line of 3¼-inch hollow-cast lead figures. These early figures are referred to by collectors as “short stride” because the legs of marching soldiers are close together, giving them a rather stiff look. An improved, more realistic version, known as “long stride,” went on sale in 1937.
Barclay’s pre-war figures are easily recognized by their separately cast World War I-style tin helmets and their distinctive half-moon eyelids. They depict American soldiers on the march or in combat. A smaller group of metal figures, representing civilians, included cowboys, ice skaters, railroad passengers, and station personnel. Occasionally the company was influenced by world events: it issued Italian and Ethiopian combatants when Mussolini invaded Ethiopia, and Chinese and Japanese soldiers during the 1937 Manchurian campaign. Barclay’s enormous popularity is indicated by the expansion of its work force from a few dozen in 1934 to four hundred just before the Second World War, when the firm was turning out several million castings a year. … After World War II, Barclay’s headquarters were relocated to Union City, New Jersey. Following the war, Barclay changed the helmets on their soldiers to the M1 Helmet. In about 1951, Barclay conserved metal by eliminating bases on their soldiers, which collectors nicknamed podfoot soldiers because each foot appeared as a flattened rounded blob. These were painted similar to figures in American comic books of the time – olive drab uniforms with green helmets, with “enemy” soldiers in red uniforms with white helmets. With the rising cost of metal, the price of soldiers had increased to 15 cents.
In 1960, the lead soldiers were generally removed from Woolworths and other dimestores and more commonly found for sale in hobby shops. From 1964 the soldiers’ uniforms were painted in green to reflect the modern US Army.
Manoil was a combination of three people: Maurice Manoil, his brother Jack and Walter Baetz (designer-sculptor). Manoil began by producing picture frames, mall containers, souvenirs, lamps, ashtrays and banks in 1927. By 1934 Manoil introduced a line of die-cast cars consisting of two sedans, the coupe and the wrecker. According to the Bakels’ records the production of Manoil’s soldiers began in 1935.The pre-war line of soldiers was both leaner and more realistic group of figures making them the most authentic-looking American combat soldiers ever produced. …
Manoil Manufacturing Co. moved to Waverly, New York in 1940 employing nearly 225 people. With the end of toy soldier production on April 1, 1942, Manoil found itself floundering. Unlike other companies such as Barclay and Auburn, which turned to war production, Manoil was unable to land any defense contracts. It struggled throughout the war. Manoil returned to producing toy soldiers in late 1945, shortly after the end of world war II. Manoil continued manufacturing in lead until 1949 when it also began producing in plastic. Till this day collectors seek out Manoil toy soldiers along with cowboys, Indians and Happy Farm Series.
We also have 1930s cast-iron vehicles by Hubley and a vintage wheelbarrow by Arcade. It’s a fascinating collection.
The Hubley Manufacturing Company was first incorporated in 1894 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania by John Hubley. The first Hubley toys appeared in 1909 and were made of cast-iron, with themes that ranged from horse-drawn vehicles and different breeds of dogs, to tractors, steam shovels and guns. Hubley’s main competition in the early years was Arcade. … A Hubley plane from the 1930s was the Charles Lindberg-style Ford Tri-Motor with pontoons. A double rotor Piasecki Helicopter was also made. Post World War II, nice replicas of the Curtis P-40 Warhawk and the Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighters were made, which averaged eight-to-nine inches long
Arcade Manufacturing Company Toys Arcade Manufacturing Co., incorporated in 1885, originally focused on hardware items like coffee mills and spring hinges. They later became famous for collectible cast iron toys, which often included vehicles, farm equipment (like John Deere or Allis-Chalmers tractors), and model railroad accessories. Some of these cast iron toys did feature integrated or separate small figures, but they were typically cast iron, not the softer lead or lead alloy characteristic of traditional toy soldiers.
Add the beautiful McCoy pottery bowls, and we’re sure someone on your gift list will be very pleased. There’s a set of 3 McCoy bowls (14, 12, 10) with pink & blue bands, a brown band McCoy (12), and a plain white McCoy (14). Have a baker in the house? These bowls are perfect gifts!
McCoy is a brand of pottery that was produced in Roseville, Ohio, in the 20th century. It was produced from 1910 until 1990 and remains one of the most widely collected types of pottery in the United States.
In April 1910, Nelson McCoy Sr., with help from his father J.W. McCoy and five stockholders, established the Nelson McCoy Sanitary and Stoneware Company in Roseville, Ohio. The pottery produced utilitarian stoneware and operated successfully until about 1918.
In 1918, the pottery joined with eleven other stoneware potteries to form the American Clay Products Company (ACPC), which was based in Zanesville, Ohio. All member potteries produced stoneware that was marketed by the new company. The ACPC produced sales catalogs of the wares that were produced, which purposely had no trademark, and had salesmen to advertise and take orders. The pottery orders received by the company were shared among the different potteries based on production capability, and revenue was proportionally distributed.
We encourage you to hurry in and take a peek. These new arrivals might be that last-minute gift that’s simply ‘perfect.’ Christmas is just days away. And remember, we’re here, and we’re watchin’ for ya!
We made it. 2025! It’s time to seize the day and create the life you desire. Does that life include a few vintage collectibles? We most certainly have a HUGE selection waiting for you to visit. Here’s a sampling to start your day!
Mini-Pewter Figures
These mini-pewter figures are simply the ‘cutest!’ Stop by and see them in the LION KING case right inside the front door!
Mini-Singer Sewing Machine
At first, it looks like a child’s machine (which, of course, it could be), but it’s a quality Singer like the big ones.
Cast Iron Figures
Our cast iron collection is always a big hit. The variety of subject matter is outstanding from ‘critters of all sorts’ to the Michelin Man, mermaids to mechanical banks, and Black Memorabilia to door hangers and more. To your left when you walk in the door, stop in and take a peek.
Vintage Cameras
There’s something about working with real film in a vintage camera that creates a unique and satisfying experience among photographers. Stop by and check out the collectible cameras we have available.
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – 7 days a week – Fridays and Saturdays til 8 p.m. Yep, you know we’re here … and we’re watchin’ for ya! Stop by and say “hello!”
We’ve posted about our cast iron figures many times. To see other posts, VISIT HERE.
Cast Iron Banks
Several of our cast-iron figures are actually banks. Great way to encourage a little saver to collect those coins found on the sidewalk!
The lion is a cast iron bank. The others are outstanding cast iron paperweights or perfect for a shelf!
Cast iron dog figures. The one on the right is also a bank.
cast iron cow
Closer detail of the fox and the lion cast iron figures
Are these just the cutest cast iron dog figurines!
Here, at Bahoukas Antiques, we have a wonderfully diverse collection of cast iron figures that also include mechanical banks and huge door knockers. Some are vintage and very collectible, while others are reproductions. All of them are beautiful! Stop in soon. Yeppir, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
A selection of cast iron skillets and more at Bahoukas
The History of Cast Iron Cookware
The first known use of cast iron cookware was during the Han Dynasty in China, around 220 A.D. Casting techniques became widespread in Europe by the 16th century, and since then, this versatile equipment has been a staple in households all over the world. In 1707, Abraham Darby patented the sand casting method, which is similar to the way we make cast iron today. Because of Darby’s contribution, the 18th and 19th centuries saw a boom in cast iron cookware. Cast iron pots and pans were so important to daily life that in his book, The Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith says they were worth more than gold. Cast iron cookware saw a decline in the 20th century as other cooking materials like aluminum grew in popularity.
Many pieces that seem too difficult to clean-up may be handled with several soakings in vinegar. That and other suggestions are in the following video.
A very informative video re cast iron pans
We have several cast iron cooking/baking pieces that will be great in your home, at the hunting lodge, or to use on your campfire!
Cast iron cookware has been around forever, and it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. If you want to get in on this trend, follow these tips and you’ll be whipping up pan-seared steaks and skillet cornbread in no time.
Mechanical banks were first manufactured in the late 1800s, as the middle class emerged and grew in prosperity during the Industrial Revolution. Hence, the concept of earning and saving money became more and more important, particularly as a value to impart to children. At the same time, Victorian Era tinkerers were experimenting with mechanical technology, including spring-driven and windup devices.
The era also saw a shift in how toys were made. Originally crafted out of wood and cloth, more and more toys were fabricated out of cast-iron and mass-produced in factories, giving their adult creators a chance to express their commentaries on daily life.
At Bahoukas, we have a variety of antique and reproduction cast iron figures and banks. Stop in to see us and add one to your collection. Absolutely, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Doors had replaced hangings to provide better safety and privacy, and upper-class Greeks had slaves whose sole purpose was to answer the door.
It’s a bit like having a butler, but one that was chained to the door to prevent them wandering off. If they didn’t die of boredom, they’d fall asleep, and so to wake them up, visitors rapped the door with a short bar of iron attached to a chain.
It wasn’t long before some Greeks realized the short bar made a good weapon with which to attack the householder. So property owners fought back with new technology.
The knocker evolved into a heavy ring fastened to the door by a plate—dual purpose knocker and handle!
One of the most enduring themes for knockers has been the lion’s head. Traditionally regarded as the king of beasts, the lion’s head symbolizes bravery, nobility, strength, and valor.
Lion’s head knockers were popular in the American colonies up until the revolution when the Eagle took precedence.
A rainy day is a perfect day to spend some time shopping in Havre de Grace. While you’re here, you might want to check out Bahoukas Antique Mall. Today, we’re highlighting a selection of beautiful copper weathervanes and copper figures that hang from cast iron brackets. Choose from a huge Rooster, 3 Flying Pigs, or a Flying Duck. Plus, we have a Seahorse, a Galloping Horse, a Fish, and a Goat that hang from cast-iron brackets. These are stunning pieces.
These pieces are beautiful. Please stop in and see them.
Do you know how to read a weathervane?
Check out this video.
The weathervane has been with us for … oh, 2000 years. Here’s a brief history of why the Rooster was so popular a long time ago.
To understand how the rooster took over as the favorite weathervane topper, it is important to tell the story of St. Peter after the Last Supper. In the biblical passages describing these events, it was said that Peter would deny Jesus three times “before the rooster crowed.” Because of this, the rooster became known to Christians as the symbol of St. Peter.
Sometime between 590 and 604 A.D., Pope Gregory I, took this a step farther, declaring that the rooster, emblem of St. Peter, was the most suitable symbol for Christianity. It is thought that this declaration led to the first roosters appearing on top of weathervanes.
The Rooster Becomes Law In the 9th century, Pope Nicholas made the rooster official. His decree was that all churches must display the rooster on their steeples or domes as a symbol of Peter’s betrayal of Jesus. In accordance with the decree, churches started using weathervanes with the rooster.
As centuries went by, the rule about placing roosters atop churches went by the wayside, but roosters stayed on weathervanes. European settlers brought weathervanes wherever they traveled, including to the New World. Nowadays, you’ll find weathervanes — mostly with roosters, but sometimes with other symbols — topping buildings throughout the United States, Europe and elsewhere.
Here at Bahoukas Antique Mall, we have a delightful selection of nautical decor to decorate your shoreside cottage, condo, or home! From copies of old oyster tins to beautiful cast iron herons, nautical books to unique art, and even several beautiful lamps, we have it all! Check out the gallery for just a few ideas:
There’s lots more to discover and you’ll need to look UP and DOWN to see it all. We have some fine, unique, nautical decor items to add a bit of charm to your cottage.
Stop in today and find your treasures! You know we’re here … and we’re watchin’ for ya!
This beautifully painted rooster sits atop a large dinner bell that needs to be mounted to a wall. It’s an absolutely gorgeous piece.
Cast-Iron Figures for every decor!
We have an eclectic assortment of cast-iron figures (old and new), bottle openers, door knockers, and cast-iron mechanical banks.
These are just a few samplings. From lobsters to ladybugs, mermaids to Michelin men, flying pigs to turtles, well, you’ll just have to come and see for yourself. We’re sure you’ll find the perfect addition to your collection or for your decorating idea. Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
These cast iron kettles are a size 4 and 8. The larger is a Jos Bell & Co.
Heat On? Fireplaces Working?
It’s the season where we begin to crank up the heat. Along with the warm and cozy fireplaces and pellet stoves or even just the welcome heat from your furnace, dry air starts to affect our comfort. Many folks love to put a kettle of water on the stove and let it add a bit of humidity to create a more comfortable – and healthy – home!
These two kettles are definitely up to the task. Come see them for yourself. We also have a number of other cast iron items waiting for you to consider.
Might You Be A Hunter?
Electric Wellsaw model 400 for cutting meat – from the 1950s
Along with cooler temps, it’s also hunting season. This 1950 Wellsaw model 400 electric saw is for cutting meat. It does work.
You know, here at Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum, you just never know what our ‘collector of collections’ might have in the shop. So hurry in and enjoy a look back while considering how you might use these very collections to make your life forward a bit easier or more fun.
Yep, we’re here – ready to help you find the most unique of holiday gifts. And we’re watchin’ for ya!
This set of cobbler’s shoe repair stands would make a very interesting display in the right setting.
Sausage Press/Juice Press
This press has been painted, but it’s really beautiful!
This press isn’t exactly the one we have, but you get the idea. It’s also been powder-coated for durability and looks amazing!
A unique cigar press
A small cast iron cigar press.
How’s it Done? Creating cigars, as you may know, is a process that takes months and even years. After our sweet tobacco leaves are primed from the fields, they are sorted, cured, fermented, sorted again, and bunched. It is here that we differ from the regular cigar and get into box-press. Once ‘bunched’, the filler is rolled in its binder; a standard cigar will be pressed into shape in a mold and this will be its final shape. The molds are stacked sometimes 25 high for an allotted time. The stacking allows for pressure to be distributed evenly. From here the cigar is trimmed and paired with its wrapper. Where box-pressing differs is the compression methods used to make the iconic square shape. Box-pressing is only ever done on a stronger leaf; a broadleaf wrapper is far too delicate to withstand the pressing process.
Standard Box-Pressing This method is very similar to pressing your regular cigar. Once the screaming newborn stogie has its wrapper, it’s snugly placed in its box, while multiple boxes are stacked and placed on a manually controlled press with just enough pressure to form a tight seal and avoid breakage.
So as you see, here at Bahoukas Antique Mall, you just never know what you’ll find. Stop by soon and see these unique vintage tools for yourself. Great collectibles, unique items, and definitely conversation starters! Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
We have some wonderful critters to decorate your home or even your office! This piggy bank is cast iron and probably at least a foot long. What a great way to keep that door open and let the cool breeze in while having a great place to put all that loose change!
Mary had a little lamb… and so did Bahoukas!
Lifesize kitty cat … don’t you just love it!
The lamb, geese, and cat are ceramic. But oh, so cute! Surely there’s a special little space that one or two would work perfectly!
The dog is cast iron. We have a wide variety of cast iron pieces for shelf or floor, as well as some doorstoppers.
The cast iron heron is perfecting for our area. But, then again, anyone who loves herons will find the perfect spot for it. Have a water view from your home? This would be a wonderful addition to your decor. Wish you had a water view? This wonderful statue could help remind you of the joy you feel when you’re near the water.
Just a sampling of the fun items you’ll find at Bahoukas Antique Mall & Beer MuZeum in Havre de Grace, MD. Stop in and discover a perfect collectible from the ‘Collector of Collections.’ Yep, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
You’ve heard that, right? It’s called an adynation!
The phrase “when pigs fly” (alternatively, “pigs might fly”) is an adynaton—a figure of speech so hyperbolic that it describes an impossibility. The implication of such a phrase is that the circumstances in question (the adynaton, and the circumstances to which the adynaton is being applied) will never occur. from Wikipedia
We have a fairly large variety of vintage and reproduction cast iron pieces, including our “FLYING PIG!”
Use these hefty fellows as a doorstop, by your fireplace, or just a fun decoration and conversation piece. Here are a couple more pics:
Along with these great reproduction cast iron pieces, you’ll find a number of vintage and collectible cast iron items.
It couldn’t be any more fun than this! So drop by Bahoukas Antique Mall and choose your favorite from our vintage and reproduction collections of cast iron figures. Yessiree, we’ll be watchin’ for ya!
Cast iron farm animals may be truly vintage and collectible – or reproductions. Above is a ‘flying pig’, a boy milking a cow, a pig, rooster, buffalo and a horse. We have many other collectible/vintage/and reproduction cast iron pieces from beautiful mermaids to Black Americana pieces, huge lighthouse doorstop to mechanical banks.
So for the collector on your gift list, or a unique gift for the farm-loving child, we have some very intriguing cast iron figures. Stop by Bahoukas Antique Mall to browse our 9,000 sq ft overflowing with unique ideas for gift giving! We’ll be watchin’ for ya!
This weekend, July 12-13, 2025, is Christmas-in-July in historic downtown Havre de Grace. Of course, BAHOUKAS ANTIQUE MALL has a huge variety of gift ideas and more, and our Christmas Collections continue to grow.
Our featured image is a 5-record series of GREMLIN stories. These are children’s stories on 33 RPM recordings with the storybooks read by the Gremlins – all in pristine condition. These are a real find!
Above is a 45 RPM recording of The Unicorn plus What’s in an Elephant’s Trunk, Tippy the Tiger, and Lenny the Leopard. This is part of the Peter Pan recordings.
In a different direction, we just received the 6-piece AVON Mini-Duck Collection. They are painted cast iron – quite beautiful.
Need we say more? We invite you to check us out for our storewide Christmas-in-July Sale and receive 20% off. Just remind us when you check out at the counter.
In the meantime, you know we’re here – and we’re watchin’ for ya.
Today, we highlight the many ‘critters’ you’ll find throughout the store. They include kitties, dogs, and even piggies. Some are ceramic, others plastic, cast iron, and even wood carvings.
These photos are just a sampling. Stop in soon.
Special 50% off Shelves
You’ll definitely want to peek at the shelves that offer 50% off. You just never know what you might find! Teapots, dishware, pitchers, and more are available for 50% off!
Bundle up and get yourself to our shop. There are treasures to be found. And yessiree, we’re here and we’re watchin’ for ya!
We work hard to find perfect items to add to our “Collection of Collections.” So that you might find the special treasure for yourself or to gift. Do come and browse!
For the Sports Collector
There’s a wonderful selection of sports memorabilia for the sports lover on your list. Come browse and find a treasure!
Wonderful Metal and Plastic Vehicles
Have you been in lately to check the huge variety of metal and plastic cars, trucks, and more in our ‘collection of collections?’ Check out this photo gallery:
Beautiful Glassware to Functional Cast Iron
This glassware is perfect for the holidays – whether on your table or as a gift. Or maybe you know someone who would love a beautiful and functional cast iron skillet!
Let’s Not Forget the Kids – after all, it’s about SANTA!
From hundreds of dolls and accessories to stuffed toys, and more…
Our 20% OFF STOREWIDE SALE thru Christmas Eve may be just the boost you need to purchase that last-minute gift you’ve been considering. And we’re here and we’re watchin’ for ya. We’ll help you find what you’re looking for!
Sharing some of the ‘finds’ received from a private home this week offers a perfect example of the variety of gift ideas available for your Holiday! From cast iron to beer signs, pottery jugs to glass pigs, musical instruments to Tonka Toys, and more, you must take some time to stop and browse our shop. Unique or useful, we have so many choices at BAHOUKAS!
The following items are perfect home decor ideas as well as for gift-giving. CLICK on the IMAGE to view larger size.
Below are a variety of unique items: uranium glass marbles, musical instruments, Tonka Trucks, glass canning jars with glass tops, and much more – all waiting for you here at BAHOUKAS ANTIQUE MALL and BEER MUZEUM.
Hopefully this one sampling from items acquired this week will motivate you to walk in our shop and find the ‘treasure’ you’re looking for. Remember, we’re here … and we’re watchin’ for ya!
