email: [email protected]
phone: 585-385-9002
SOULFUL
EARLY WOODEN CANDLESTICK
New England, ca. 18th century, perhaps early in the century.
Deeply turned from what appears to be maple. Original never-varnished natural patina. Fashioned from “green” unseasoned wood, as the large crack opened as it dried. The crack contributes considerably to its character.
Surviving candlesticks in wood are rarely found from this period. Included is a period tallow candlestick.
The delightful form and character would make it a standout in an early lighting or treen/Americana collection. It stands tall and straight. Just 5 inches. Private Northeast collections.
Pair Red Painted
Tin Candle Sconces
.....sale pending
Northeast, ca. mid 19th century.
Tinsmith made, tall and slender, retaining old red paint applied early in their period of use. The red paint glows beautifully when candle-lit.
Half-round wells holding cylindrical candle cups, the cups slotted to ease removal of candle stubs. Molded backplates with rolled edges topped by rounded crimped hoods.
They may be hung or rested on a chest, table, or shelf. About 13 inches tall x 4 3/8 wide x 3 deep. .
Bottle-Form
Treen Box
American or English, ca. mid-19th century.
Turned hardwood with original black paint and varnish surface.
Cleverly made in the form of a wine or spirits bottle, the upper section lifting free as the lid to reveal a hollow interior. Possibly analogous to “book boxes” which were often made to conceal contents, this bottle-box would have hidden amongst glass bottles. Or perhaps it was just a fun whimsy yet with practical use.
Beautifully proportioned with untouched surface and traces of a red faux wax seal to the shoulder. The little faux seal further transforms the box into something playful and deceptive.
About 7 ¾ inches tall.
Signed and Dated!
Skewer Set
“I. Iones” 1766
....SOLD
Probably New England, blacksmithed iron, dated 1766 and signed “I. Iones” (likely J. Jones as the letter ‘I’ was often used in place of ‘J’ in this period).
A great rarity. I don’t recall ever seeing a signed and dated example, let alone one so early!
The skewer arm terminates in beautiful curls which are not only decorative yet also keep the skewers from slipping off.
Outstanding condition and surface.
About 13 inches high from the top to the end of the longest skewer, by 6 inches wide. An essential implement in the 18th-century kitchen, skewers were used to secure meat, poultry, or fish while roasting over an open fire.
Provenance includes Hollis Brodrick; private NH collection. .
Extremely Rare
Bust of Napoleon
Hitching Post Finial
.....SOLD
American, likley Mid-Atlantic to Northeast, ca. mid 19th century.
Superbly cast iron retaining weathered black paint.
Remarkably sensitive radiating personality, this casting reflects America’s then fascination with Napoleon and the desire to have a distinctive tether for horses or carriage as visitors arrived.
The bust has finely detailed facial features and Neoclassical hair. His shoulders cleverly hold hitching rings just below his uniform epaulets.
Most hitching posts feature horse heads, jockeys, or fists. Castings of Napoleon are extremely rare.
About 8 inches tall. Superb condition reflecting real outdoor use, with light surface oxidation and no losses, cracks, or repairs. A treasure.
Small
Steeple-Top Mirror
Blue Paint
.....SOLD
Probably New England or Mid-Atlantic, ca. 2nd half 19th century.
Original dry blue paint, in a hue of blue often referred to as “soldier” or “cadet”.
The pine frame shows much wear from handling and re-hanging, possibly suggesting use while traveling.
Retains its original mirror glass with atmospheric loss of silvering, again suggesting possible travel and exposure to marked variations in heat and humidity. Sturdy condition with a shrinkage crack lower right and a hairline at the hanging hole. Mirror glass held in the interior, about the perimeter, by white chalk “gesso”, which peaks through the blue in a few areas.
About 10 7/8 inches tall x 5 3/8 wide x 3/4 thick. A delightful 19th century survivor, notable for its small size, complex surface, strong folk character, and scarce blue paint.
Choice Little
Indigo-Blue Salt
.....SOLD
Northeast, ca. late 18th/early 19th century, appears to be maple.
Best little salt cellar I have had in a long time.
Salt wasn’t always the inexpensive, free-flowing table staple it is today. Clean, dry salt in this period was relatively expensive, so large amounts were kept covered in crocks, and only a small amount brought out for meals, often in little salt cellars, to protect the main supply and to keep it as dry as possible.
This unlikely survivor has a delightful form with stepped base and tiny column supporting a broadly flaring bowl. Skillfully turned on a slow-lathe. Superb condition retaining complex surface of indigo blue paint and black (which may be variably oxidized blue). Interior shows darkening from contact of salt with wood, just what one should see in a salt.
Just 1 3/4 inches tall x 2 1/8 diameter. For a collector that loves early American painted treen.