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Folk Art
High-Wheel Bicycle
Trade Sign
.....sale pending
American, ca. late 19th century. Original paint on heavy sheet tin with hand-punched detailing.
The figure is riding a penny-farthing (aka high wheel, high wheeler) an early bicycle with a large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel. This design dates back to the 1870s–1880s.
The figure is not generic, rather whimsical, stylized, and dressed in a somewhat fancifully version of period attire: a suit jacket and bow tie, red knickers or stockings, and a red cap or hair. Trade signs often used exaggerated or caricatured figures to draw attention, or to communicate friendliness or expertise. It could have hung outside a bicycle store or repair shop, or possibly even a circus or amusement venue.
About 30 inches tall x 27 wide. From a southern collection, bought in 1997 from Greg Kramer who had acquired it in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
SURFACE! Outstanding Ash Burl Trencher
Northeast, ca. 18th century.
A true ash burl "trencher” (deeper, and with broader rim, than a flat plate). Crisply delineated foot.
This trencher is a top-shelf find for early American woodenware/treen collectors, distinguished by a superlative historic surface on a selection of burl with intense figuring. Part of its early history is the chunk out of the rim.
About 7 ½ inches diameter x 1 1/8 deep.
Provenance includes Steve Powers; Adrian Morris Antiques; fine Southern collection. .
Rare Little
Ash Burl Cup
.....sale pending
Northeastern America, ca. 1800.
Hand-carved from a single block of ash burl, the tool marks still readily visible. Faceted with 8-sides, the facets slightly tapered inward. The cup has a superior dark bone-dry patina (never varnished).
Of a handful of known examples, identical and almost surely by the same hand as that pictured on page 49 NORTH AMERICAN BURL TREEN Colonial and Native American, Powers.
About 2 5/8 inches tall x 2 1/8 diameter bowl x 3 wide including the handle. From a long-time southern collection..
Salmon Painted Sconces
.....SOLD
New England, ca. mid 19th century.
Tinsmith made, elevated considerably by authentic period dry salmon paint applied at the time of making or very shortly thereafter.
The tinsmith created D-shaped wells, fitted with slotted candle cups (the slots for removing stubs) rising to tall narrow back plates with rolled edges and rounded crimped tops. One a bit more used than the other showing a more darkened candle-cup and more soot/wax buildup.
19th century tinsmiths were challenged to meet demand, yet still managed to create objects in which the form was useful and made their purchasers proud to use. This pair of sconces was then made distinctive by the beautiful salmon paint.
About 16 inches tall. They may be hung or rested on a chest, table, or shelf. From a northeast collection, purchased in 2014 from Chuck White at the NHADA Show.
RARE FORM
“SCALLOPED”
BLUE BOX
New England 1820–1840
Visually compelling.
A striking large round box in thick-walled ash with pine top and bottom. Original dry paint in contrasting shades of blue, in a charming scalloped or swag design that I have not seen before. The whimsical motif wraps gracefully around the sides and is echoed on the lid.
Its bold scale—approximately 13 inches in diameter by 5½ tall—amplifies its visual impact.
While the painted surface shows wear from age and use, it doesn’t diminish the box’s charm.
This is a powerful example of early American folk art, with a form and decoration that may well be a unique survivor.
RALPH CAHOON
Oceanside
Family Outing
Featuring his
Hallmark Mermaids!
Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Signed lower right: R. Cahoon, 1979. Oil on Masonite.
Commissioned by the J.S. Harmon Family.
Ralph Cahoon (1910-1982) is celebrated as one of America's most beloved folk art painters, renowned for his vibrant and whimsical depictions of life in nineteenth-century coastal New England settings. His iconic artworks are highly coveted by both antique and contemporary collectors alike.
In this enchanting family scene, a majestic whale.....
Fine DaLee
Portrait Miniature
Likely Massachusetts, Connecticut or New York State, ca. 1840.
Watercolor, graphite, ink, and gum arabic on wove paper. Precisely painted showing a pleasant looking, smartly attired, husky young gentleman seated in half-length.
The portrait has the distinctive look of itinerant artist Justus DaLee and his family, painted by Justus-or possibly by his oldest son Amon-who accompanied Justus on his travels. In the research paper by Joan Brownstein and Elle Shushan, Magazine Antiques: “Side Painters-Differentiating the DaLee Family Artists”, a documented Amon DaLee portrait has the subject sitting in an identical chair as in this portrait.
Excellent condition with just minor abrasions at the bottom. Presented in a beautiful molded gilt frame that is probably original. The “package” of the frame and portrait is unusually appealing. Frame size about 5 inches x 4 ½. .
Sensational
Parcheesi Gameboard
with Soft Palette
.....SOLD
Ohio, ca. 1870-1880.
High visual impact from a bold yet quiet presence from a harmonious blend of eight colors.
The inventive design is distinguished by large, balloon-like circles in each corner, separated by delightful salmon-colored ladders. At the center, a bright blue field creates a compelling contrast against the salmon. The board's oyster-white base provides backdrop for the vibrant hues, which include a reddish-black frame, orange, dark blue, green, mustard yellow, and a bright light blue. The deep frame appears to be square nailed with a few later tightening nails.
About 24 x 20 inches. Has been in a private collection since 2011. A stunning forward-looking piece of American folk art. .
MINIATURE
Red-Painted
Blanket Chest
New England, ca. 1769
.....SOLD
Authentic early miniature pine six-board blanket chest in original dry crusty patinated deep-red paint, just the way collectors of early Americana love it.
It opens to twin lidded tills (unusual for a chest this small to have two), carved 6 and 9, almost surely for the date 1769.
Applied reeded moldings decorate the front, with tall feet and bootjack ends. Retains the original lock and snipe hinges (one of the hinges a bit loose). Without cracks or repairs; a gouge out of the wood on the left sidewall happened long ago as evidenced by the dark patina within. Note how pure underneath.
About 14 1/8 inches long x 5 7/8 deep x 7 ¾ tall. This little chest likely held important family documents, money, and valuables. Given the period, it is fun to imagine what those contents were. From a fine Midwest collection.
Brilliant Folk Art
Hooked Rug
Probably Northeast,
Civil War period
ca. 1860-1870.
.....sale pending
Wools and cottons.
Clearly the maker loved flowers. Fortunately for us she also had the vision and the skill to transform that love into art. Not formulaic like so many, but unique, from her own imagination. She used fragments of repurposed materials, likely scraps from worn-out clothing or discarded by weaving mills. The result is a folk art triumph with timeless elegance that also fits a simple modern aesthetic, making it a perfect fit for both historic or contemporary homes.
I can’t adequately describe what she created better than your own eyes can see, so I will not try.
Professionally mounted and ready to hang. About 53 inches tall x 32 wide. This authentic antique folk art thriller will transform your room , as it did mine, with boldness, color, and a soft texture. .