FINE TAB (LUG) HANDLED
CARVED ASH BURL BOWL
.....SALE PENDING
NATIVE AMERICAN. PUBLISHED.
Eastern New York State to Southern New England/Connecticut, ca. 1800. Finely hand-carved with silky feel and subtle contours of the tooling. The tab handles carved to conform to the shape of the bowl and chamfered to ease the edges. The outer rim also chamfered. The elevated foot is enclosed within an incised ring. Very dry patina, never varnished. Warm reddish hue and thousands of knife marks, which reflect how it was used. Appealing medium size of about 15 ¾ inches long x 12 3/8 wide x 6 ¾ high. Superb condition. Pictured in NORTH AMERICAN BURL TREEN, Powers, page 136.
High-Back
Windsor Armchair
Philadelphiaca. 1755-1780.
Original paint history of early 19th century red over first 18th century black. Beautiful sophisticated form with bold crest rail terminating in deeply carved volutes. The carved arms and broad seat fronted by baluster-turned spindles, all supported by flared baluster-turned legs and stretchers. Elegant and sculptural. Yet not just visually compelling, it is very solid to sit in even with a person of substantial size. Excellent condition with no restoration, just expected wear on a Revolutionary War period survivor. Seat width about 24 inches, seat height about 17 1/2, overall height 44 ¾. For closely related examples see American Windsor Chairs, Nancy Goyne Evans, chapter 3 . Private Northeast collection.
Stern Fines for Racing your Horse or Wagon Across this Bridge!
Bridge Sign, American, ca. 1840-1890. Original paint on pine ground, with picture frame molding joined by large square nails. The bridge must have been fragile, and to protect it horses and wagons had to be made to pass over it slowly. If we assume the center of the dating range, say 1870, then $5 to $50 then would translate to $105 to $1050 in 2021! Imagine the sounds of the horses hoofs and wagon wheels creaking across the planks. The sign retains its white paint in strong lettering, while the ground, unprotected from paint, has worn so deeply that the lettering now stands proud. Nice small size at about 33 ½ inches long x 15 ¼ tall. Ready and easy to hang.
Heart, Home, and Tree of Life Family Record
-Two Century Folk Art
The Essex/Gloucester/Rockport area of Massachusetts, dated 1823. Watercolor and ink on paper, in what may be the original frame (frame size about 16 ¼ inches x 12). Originally found in an attic in Rockport, MA, this graphic family register is elevated dramatically by the stylized tree, with fruits and inverted hearts as placeholders for important family events, and the spectacular Federal house which is likely the family home. Faintly inscribed at the very bottom: "Drawn by Levi Sanborn February 24th, 1823”. Levi, a stone cutter from Rockport, was the grandson of Jeremiah Sanborn, the founder of Sanborton, NH and owner of Sanborn's Mill. As drawn on the register, Levi Sanborn and Lucy Tarr, of Gloucester, were married on Christmas Day, 1828. Their two children were also named Levi and Lucy. Research indicates that their daughter Lucy Jane was also married on Christmas Day. The 1850 Rockport census reports that the entire family lived near one another other in Rockport. Condition is good with expected toning and foxing. The paper has a loss in the extreme upper left corner, and a repair at the bottom-center. See THE ART OF THE FAMILY, Simons and Benes, for an extensive discussion and illustrations of Heart and Tree of Life Family Records. Impactful from across the room. A terrific combination of art and history. Bear in mind this work of art was made for a purpose, not a “craft”. It had real meaning and family importance.
Child's Country Ladderback
High Chair.....SOLD
New England, ca 1800. Appears to be original natural surface on maple, with splint-ash seat. Turned finials with three arched slats; double box stretcher on base. The form and posture is enhanced by canting inward bottom to top and front to back. The frame is excellent condition, the seat with losses as shown. About 37 inches tall. Provenance: Peter Eaton; New England collection.