Mated Pair Bald Eagles Original Work

“Bald Eagle ‘Meghan’ and ‘Harry’ (listed separately) are a mated pair of American Bald Eagles that have nested along Little Rock Creek northwest of Hinckley Illinois for at least five years. Over the last three years they have successfully raised eight Eaglettes to fledge. These photos were taken January 2025 as they were preparing the nest for this years brood…” T.S

Introducing a new collaboration between myself and Tom Schrader, a naturalist and photographer that has been actively documenting wildlife in the Illinois area and nationally.

The image is printed off a large photo negative on an archival 100% cotton rag watercolor paper. The paper is hand coated with the cyanotype photographic solution then exposed / developed, washed and dried. The process of developing the work with UV light creates the unique deep indigo color permanently on the paper and also captures high detail. This is an original photo of the work and each is unique due to the hand coating and washing process.


Posted on July 4, 2025 .

Two Complete Examples of 1930's and 1940's Operay Multibeam

I was fortunate enough to finally track down two complete examples of the Operay Multi Beam. The earlier model from the 1930’s came from an O.R room in Green Bay Wisconsin, and the explosion proof model came from a hospital in Southern Mississippi. Both these lights are complete with original wiring. It is quite unique and rare to get both of these hard to find historical surgical lamps. We have another 1930’s Operay listed along with our 1940’s explosion proof. Check out the additional photos on each piece.

Vajen Bader Smoke Helmet C. 1900

vajen bader historical helmet 09.jpg

The Vajen Bader is a desirable mask in any collection. An inspiring mask that transcends its original use as a fire safety helmet. The leather protective mask is lined in a protective wool layer along with mica lenses used as eye and ear shields— one would enter a burning building with this. The innovation was the air tank that provided a life line of  compressed air for a short time. This helmet has had real field use more than once (many notable areas on the mask). The leather is well worn and delicate in areas. There is noticeable soot on the wool liner that is present only in the bottom section as most has come off. The tank and helmet are an original pair and comes engraved with the owners name on the air tank. The tank is the rare larger model as some of these are half the size . Piece dates from 1900 and comes on a custom stand that supports the weight of the tank.

Despite the wear on this piece it has true working character which I have not seen.

Posted on October 17, 2019 .

NASA PRODUCED ATLANTIS SPACE SHUTTLE MODEL

rare nasa atlantis shuttle 08.jpg

A very important and rare NASA produced model. Three models were made with a white central booster tank and given to three major news networks (ABC, NBC, and CBS ) for display during shuttle launch programs. Three additional, with orange booster tanks were retained by NASA for internal use. This is only one of of two in private hands. Acquired by an engineer in spring of 1997 in auction it remained in his personal collection until his passing. Auction catalog provenance listing of model is provided. In great overall condition. A few nicks and chips are noted in photos but not distracting. Booster cones have chipping on the back of rocket—the non display side. Very large scale 1/48 measuring 20” x 50” x 10” and mounted on a heavy oak base with engraved placard.

Posted on October 12, 2019 .

Last look at Vajen Bader Smoke Aparatus

The Vajen Bader breathing apparatus is off to a private collection. We had it at Agent Gallery for a few days. Here’s a last look of the construction and design. Mica membranes in the eyes and ears for protection . Interesting to hear and see through a mineral—this piece was ahead of its time.

Posted on March 25, 2018 .

Iconic AP Eddie Adams Photo recently acquired

There are a handful of images that become so powerful that they become part of our historical timeline. This photo was taken by Eddie Adams in Saigon:

'The General killed the Viet Cong; I killed the general with my camera. Still photographs are the most powerful weapon in the world. People believe them; but photographs do lie, even without manipulation. They are only half-truths. What the photograph didn’t say was, “What would you do if you were the General at that time and place on that hot day, and you caught the so-called bad guy after he blew away one, two or three American soldiers? ' Eddie Adams

 

 

 

 

Dentiscope Surgical Lamp by Pittsburgh Electric Specialties Co.

Very rare Dentiscope surgical lamp by Pittsburgh Electric Specialties Co. This was the first electrified medical lamp to replace gas lamps. Probably only the fancy dental offices in 1915 had them since it cost a half years salary acquire. We're in process of mounting this on a stand. More pictures to follow.

Crash Test Manikin Head

crash_test_manikin_01.jpg

I was out hunting for these and I found a few great pieces. The fella that I got these from said he had a mad dash to get a few final pieces from a factory that produced these manikins. He assured me that what he got was usable and the rest was 'trash'--I dunno I hope he was right. I managed to get a robotic leg (sold it in about 30 minutes) and a head. I am surprised that I still have that. I guess if you knew how hard it is to score a crash test dummy you would probably buy this head.

Posted on May 24, 2017 .

Dental Phantoms Currently Listed in 'Objects' Section

It gets harder to find the older phantoms --anything pre 1950's. I can find the new ones all day long and I have several good leads to get a bunch but I have waited it out. The long cheek plate one is a nice old manikin. Along with this I was fortunate enough to find a good set of very old articulating aluminum clamps. These are all listed on the site in our objects section.

New Additions

We have steadily added a very nice selection of unique and original cyanotypes that I have not gotten a change to promote them. Eventually it will be its own category due to the amount of these pieces. Currently you can see them all in our 'Wall Pieces' section. Here is just one of my favorites.

Posted on May 23, 2017 .