"Allah" The Easterners Prayer Antique Buzza Print This is a hard to find 1924 Buzza motto titled "The Easterners Prayer". Colorful print depicting an Easterner praying with his camel by his side amongst palm trees. Fancy, easy to read lettering. Beautiful gold highlights. Bottom of print reads "Copyright 1924, A Buzza Motto, MPSL., U.S.A.". Nice original decorative wood frame with age appropriate wear - (see photo). Original Buzza, metal, cloverleaf hanger and old glass. Excellent original condition except for missing paper backing. Circa 1924.
Circa: 1924
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
Size: Height – 11" Width – 8"
Manufacturer: A Buzza Motto, MPSL., U.S.A.  

Pair of Wonderful Antique Embroideries - Religious Mottos / Biblical Quotes & Enchanted Scenes of Boy & Animals This is a pair of beautifully detailed embroideries with religious quotes. They are similar to each other, but there are a couple of differences. The same boy appears in both of the embroideries with different animals, sheep and deer. Both pictures have palm trees, greenery, and a top border design. The wood frames are different and the background colors are slightly different. They are both done with very nice detailed stitching. They are colorful and bright. There is no thread loss and no stains. Paper backings are missing. One wire hanger has been replaced. Circa 1920’s.
Circa: 1920's
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
Size: My Light And Salvation : Height – 16 ¾" Width – 12 ¾" / Lord Is My Shepherd: Height – 17" Width – 12 ½"
 

"No Cross No Crown" Fancy Antique Victorian Punch Paper Motto Sampler This is a fancy antique Victorian punch paper motto sampler titled, "No Cross No Crown". The lettering is fancy and colorful with fancy designs throughout. The frame is walnut with gold leaf inner molding and fancy leaf designs adorning the 4 corners. Original old glass, wood back, and wire hanger. This is a wonderful Victorian punch paper motto in excellent original condition. Circa 1880’s.
Circa: 1880's
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
Size: Height – 13 1/4" Width – 25 3/4"
 

Antique Victorian Religious Lithograph Motto 'Look Unto Me, and Be Ye Saved' This is a rare, antique Victorian, religious motto titled, "Look Unto Me, and Be Ye Saved. Isa. 45.22." Bright fancy lettering with gold highlights. Softly aged background color. Delicate blooming flowers. Fancy gold-leaf gesso framing the picture, applied to a wood frame – painted green with black trim. This original frame is very complimentary to the piece, bringing out the green and gold colors. Old glass. Original cut nails and rope hanger with rings. Excellent original condition except for paper back missing, Very Small piece of black molded edge missing, and 2 Very Minor chips of gesso missing in the 2 bottom corners – (see photo). Circa 1880’s.
Height – 11 1/2" Width – 21 1/2"
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
 

"The Lord Will Provide" Beautiful Decorative Antique Victorian Punch Paper This is an exceptional, fancy antique Victorian punch paper motto titled, "The Lord Will Provide". Beautiful, fancy lettering in shades of pink, rose, green, and white. The lettering is very pleasing and easy to read. There is no thread loss or damage. Original applied leaves, flowers, and a sweet bluebird add a whimsical touch to this stunning piece of Victorian handwork. The silver foil behind the background shines through the sampler beautifully, creating a glistening effect and giving it a magical and enchanting appearance. Complimentary wood frame with a decorative marbleized finish to the face of the frame. Black edge and black pencil line next to the gold colored molding. Old, original wavy glass. The back is wood with old wire hanger. This captivating punch paper motto is in excellent original condition. This is an outstanding example of antique Victorian Punch Paper with a highly desirable motto. Circa 1880's.
Circa: 1880's
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
Size: Height – 10 1/4" Width – 22 1/2"
 

"God Bless Our Home" Antique Victorian Punch Paper Motto Sampler This is a very special antique Victorian punch paper motto with the sweet sentiment of, "God Bless Our Home". The fine lettering and fancywork are very pleasing. The colors are bright and there are no stains. There is a little thread loss in the letter D in God and in the H and O in Home. The wood frame is in original black color with a decorative gold leaf inner frame. Old, original glass. The back is the original wood with cut nails and wire hanger. The number 171 is stamped on the frame. This is a fine example of Victorian handiwork with a wonderful sentiment, in excellent original condition. Circa 1880’s.
Circa: 1880's
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
Size: Height – 10 1/4" Width – 22 3/4"
 

Rare Antique Religious Priest Motto Blessing “To Be A Priest” All Hand-Done / Artist: Rev. Timothy Shannon, T.O.R. This is a rare and very unique antique religious motto titled, "To be a Priest". This is not a print. Both the illustrations on the matting and the motto are all hand-done by artist and Father Reverend Timothy Shannon, T.O.R. (1909-1985). I believe Shannon lived and was active in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. The words in this sentiment are beautifully written and would certainly ring true for most Priests. The Reverend signed his name, along with initials, near the top of the matting in fancy Old English lettering. An interesting detail is that the artist emphasized certain profound words in bold print throughout this motto, such as the words, ‘Priest’, ‘blest’, ‘Christ’, ‘God’, Divine’, ‘Prayer’, ‘seek’, and ‘apart’. The artist / Reverend created a nice arbor-type border framing the motto with grapevines and grapes adorning the arbor. This is a most unusual mixed media motto done with pen and ink and watercolors. Shimmery, gold highlights throughout. Above the artist’s name at the top is a picture of a Holy Chalice with the letters, "IHS", written within. The motto and matting are in excellent original condition, with the very slightest bit of waviness to it. Original, gold-painted molded wood frame. The frame is also in excellent original condition with minimal age-appropriate wear to the gold finish. Original glass, paper backing, and old wire hanger. The original framer’s label, "Charles M. Heritage; Correct Picture Framing; 407 Broadway; Camden, N.J.", remains intact on the paper backing. This wonderful, divine, and special motto would truly make a great gift for that blessed Priest in your life! Circa 1920’s.

*** I’ve included, below, some interesting information about THE MEANING BEHIND A CHALICE, as well as THE MEANING OF THE INITIALS, ‘IHS’:

A chalice is a standing cup, a drinking vessel, used to hold sacramental wine during Holy Communion or The Lord’s Supper. The symbol of the Holy Chalice is open to interpretations, as there are many.

‘IHS’ is a symbolic monogram of Christ used by the Roman Catholic Church. The initials, ‘IHS’ stand for the shortened name of Jesus Christ in Latin. IHS is an ancient monogram (or letter symbol) for Jesus that dates back to the first century. The letter I means: Iesus and is Latin for the English word: JESUS. The letter H means: Hominum and is Latin for the English word: OF MEN. The letter S means: Salvator and is Latin for the English word: SAVIOR. So in conclusion, the initials, ‘IHS’ stand for the words ‘Jesus Savior of Men’. The symbol originated in Rome with the early Christians, and was popularized in the fifteenth century by Franciscan disciple Bernardine of Sienna, who promoted it as a symbol of peace. There is, however, good evidence that the initials were used to represent Bacchus, the god of wine, who early Christians identified with Jesus.
- These articles are cited from: Wikipedia.com and
AltReligion.About.com/Library/Glossary

Circa: 1920's
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
Size: Height - 9 ¼” Width - 6 ¾”
 

“Rock of Ages” Large Antique Victorian Punch Paper Motto Sampler This is a wonderful antique Victorian Punch Paper Motto Sampler of the famous "Rock of Ages". The lettering is very fancy and well done in 3 lovely shades of red. The rocks, the cross, and the water are all very nicely stitched with beautiful shades of brown and blue, creating depth and texture. There are no stains and no thread loss. This motto is very decorative, yet easy to read. The glass is original. The deep walnut frame is also original to the motto and retains a very nice original finish with gold inset. The punch paper, motto, and frame are all in excellent original condition. Original wood backing and eye hooks. Replaced wire hanger. Circa 1890’s.
Circa: 1890's
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
Size: Frame Measurements: Height - 11 ¾” Width - 25”
 

“Look to This Day” From the Sanskrit, Inspirational Antique Motto Print From the Hindu / Indian Culture / Illustrator: Lee Mero This is an inspirational antique motto print titled, "Look To This Day", from the Sanskrit. The words are inspiring and positive and the letting is fancy. Pictured above the motto is a delightful, colorful scene, featuring a man overlooking a beautiful city. The famous listed artist, Lee Mero, is the illustrator of this lovely, inspiring picture. His name is signed at the bottom right of the picture, "Lee Mero". There are beautiful, shimmery gold highlights throughout the picture and motto. The print is in excellent original condition, except for some slight scraping to the finish of the print found on the doves and the person’s shirt. This is extremely unnoticeable, as the scraping happens to blend very well with the picture. The natural molded wood frame has a pretty decorative pattern and is original to the print. The frame is in excellent original condition. Original glass & old metal hanger. Missing paper backing. Circa 1920’s.

*** I’ve included some interesting information, below, about the famous well-known listed artist / illustrator, LEE MERO:

"There is one man in Minneapolis who has to think in terms of Christmas all year round. Such a man was Lee Mero, a successful commercial artist and illustrator of Christmas greeting cards, who frequently visited Morrison County and became well known in the Little Falls area. Born May 30, 1885, in Ortonville, MN, Lee V. Mero was a younger brother of Dr. Frank H. Mero, a prominent Little Falls dentist around the turn of the century. The Little Falls Daily Transcript followed the accomplishments and exploits of Lee Mero, and through those newspaper articles the story of a talented artist unfolds.

Lee Mero studied art and illustration at the Minneapolis School of Art and later at the Chase School of Art in New York City - both schools which famous Little Falls artist George W. Harting also attended. During the summer of 1908, Lee worked as purser on the steamboat Hopkins on Lake Minnetonka, and made headlines when he saved the life of a seven year old girl who fell overboard and rescued by Mero in a feat of bravery - considering Lee could not swim! His artistic talents also made news as the Transcript in December 1910 reported that large lithographic reproductions of his drawings were on sale locally and were "attracting considerable attention." Quoting from the Minneapolis Tribune, the Transcript in March 1913 carried a lengthy article regarding an exhibition of the Attic Club, a show which included two controversial works by Lee Mero. Done in the Cubist style, his A Gentleman Eating Noodle Soup led the Tribune to muse, "It is expected that this painting will create a furor," when exhibited along with his other painting, The Loss of the 29,000 Hairpins. Furor or not, the Tribune in August 1913 admired Mero as "the artist who painted the Minneapolis scenes reproduced in the charming booklet issued by the Civic and Commerce association for the use of visitors."

In February 1917, Mero spent a month in New York City and made the headlines again when he was arrested for drawing the Brooklyn Bridge! The Transcript, again quoting the Tribune, had a field day explaining how this "prominent member of the Minneapolis art circle" and "respected and admired member of the Attic Club" had so innocently set out to draw the Brooklyn Bridge only to be arrested as a spy. The arresting officer applied the cuffs to innocent Lee, who was unaware that such an act was any violation during the height of World War One. Soon released by a police captain with a stern warning, Mero stayed in New York City long enough to attend a reunion of 21 alumni of the Minneapolis School of Art who resided in the Gotham area and gathered at the famous studio loft of George W. Harting. The following year, Lee won both first and third prizes at the 1918 Minnesota State Fair art exhibit.

Married to Kathryn Rice of Fargo in 1920, Lee briefly moved to Chicago, working for the Chas. D. Frey Advertising Co. where he designed ads for Coca-Cola. Returning to Minneapolis, he became head of the art department of the George Buzza Company (later Buzza-Cardoza Co.), working on poem cards and posters. Around this time he began to concentrate on Christmas greeting cards, and the Transcript via the Tribune reported in December 1921 that Mero labored to create Christmas cards year around: "He sits in his office all his working hours, planning ways to say 'Merry Christmas' in new ways that still have the charm of the old." Neither spring, summer or fall were "allowed to come between him and his all-year Christmas meditations." His cards were noted for their human quality, and his hobby was stated as photographing "crowds at a fire where everyone is straining to see the spectacle; it is from these photographed figures that he gets his inspirations for his Christmas card people. Besides Christmas scenes, Mero painted figures, human activity, and Westerns, including Indian and Native American pictures. He also illustrated a number of book and was a regular contributor to the magazine, ‘Christmas Annuals’ from approx. 1938 to 1980.

Becoming a highly successful creator of Christmas cards, led Mero to work as a freelance artist in 1937, and he was a longtime contributor to the Augsburg Publishing House's famous annual Christmas publication. Lee continued to find success freelancing in design, decorative illustration, creating mottos and greeting cards, until his retirement around 1971. Lee Mero passed away in 1977 at the age of 92, but his art work laden with Christmas themes are timeless in the joy they bring to us all - as if to say - ‘And to all a Merry Christmas!’"

- This above Article was Written By: Bruce Mellor, Copyright 1993
- This above Article is Credited to: The Morrison County Historical Society, MorrisonCountyHistory.org
Circa: 1920's
Condition: Great Original Condition
Size: Frame Measurements: Height - 7 ½” Width - 6 ½”
 

“Happy Souls Never Die” X-Lg & Extremely Unique, Inspirational Wall Hanging Antique Wooden Motto This is such a unique piece. I’ve never seen anything like it. This is a very inspirational antique wall hanging wood motto. It’s extra large in size. The words read, "Happy Souls Never Die". What a splendid saying! The entire piece is made of wood, framed by a molded edge. It is in excellent original condition and it retains the original finish. This wonderful wooden antique motto retains the original eye hooks for possible door display and old cord for wall display. This would certainly be a great focal point in any room. Circa 1920’s.

***I've included below A THOUGHT-PROVOKING COMMENT in regards to the motto, HAPPY SOULS NEVER DIE:

"In my own experience having many out of body experiences, I know that it is only the body that dies, but the soul never dies. It passes on to the next realm which is more suitable for us according to the karma which we have created for ourselves.

In reality (from my own experience) there is no such place as hell. The universe is divided into various planes of existence. Some place, we can find good souls inhabiting, some place there are bad souls… meaning souls which has not realized itself to be soul.

Believe it or not, we all have some kind of guardians guiding us. If we could only become aware, we can communicate with them and find out what really happens in the life hereafter. In fact the prime purpose of life is to realize our own immortality, that we do survive beyond this thing we know as death. In order to do that, we learn the science of leaving the body and prove to our self the existence of life after death and our own immortality.

All souls are beautiful. There is no doubts about this. The difference is some souls knows its own identity, some does not. We are all in the process of learning that we are soul. It takes many lifetimes to get to the understanding of the true nature of our "self" but we always have a choice in all these life we take, to learn about our self. It’s really about whether we want to learn or not.

Souls never dies. Souls only translates from one plane of existence into another. Life persist. Life continues. Life really never end. What ends is only a transformation of something into another. When we see something transformed, the old thing disappear and something new appear." So be happy knowing that when a loved one dies, they never really died. They're just choosing to take the next step in their own spiritual growth.

God Bless!

~ This was cited from the following website as a response to a question/comment: WiseLifeAdvice.com
Circa: 1920's
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
Size: The Molded Edge Frame Measures: Height - 26” Width - 36 ½”
 

“A House Blessing” Floral & Decorative Antique Motto Print This is a decorative antique motto print titled, "A House Blessing". The picture has a lovely floral arch surrounding the Blessing motto. The prints colors are bright and vivid and the words are written in a very fancy calligraphy-type manner. The print is in excellent original condition. The original molded wood frame retains the nice original gold finish and is also in excellent original condition. Old original glass, paper backing, and old string hanger. Circa 1920’s.
Circa: 1920's
Condition: Excellent Original Condition
Size: Frame Measurements: Height - 13” Width - 11”