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Striking Blue Painted
SALT Box
Probably New England, ca. mid 19th century. Original dry blue and black paints on what appears to be basswood top and bottom, probably ash side walls, with swing-handle. Bold visual impact from the color-contrast of the blue ground and large graphic lettering. Look closely to see how skillfully and precisely painted the lettering is.
While salt wall-boxes are plentiful, finding one in pantry-box form is rare, particular one with this level of charm.
Expected paint wear and imperfections; the bottom board cracked. Slightly oval from correct shrinkage across the grain.
Attention getting size of about 8 7/8 inch diameter x 5 1/4 tall.
Painted labeled 19th century boxes like this are hard to find as they are always In demand.
Three Pieces
Painted Treen
Sold Separately or Together
Probably New England, ca. 19th century.
All original paint and excellent structural condition.
Oxblood-Red Bulbous “Flask”
Dramatically turned form. Old or original cork. Likely held spirits or oils.
About 5 inches tall......sale pending
Black Two-Piece Bottle Box
Perhaps made as a secret box. The lower half fits into the upper.
About 6 1/2 inches tall.....still available
Red Salt or Pepper Caster
Cool little piece. Rarely found from this period in wood. Skillfully made.
About 3 inches tall.........sale pending
Beautiful
Faux-Burl
PAINTED Bowl
....SOLD
New England, ca. 1800 to early 19th century.
Original paint on maple, with a pronounced rim and raised foot. Of an early form often seen, yet elevated into scarcity by its skillfully painted surface that convincingly emulates highly figured burl. The maker clearly had talent in rendering painted surfaces. Note the widely spaced lathe tool marks, particularly visible in the interior, indicative of a slowly turning lathe as used in this period.
Superb condition, minor expected paint wear, no cracks. Diameter about 8 3/8 inches x 8 ¾ (shrinkage across the grain) x 2 ¾ tall. .
Small Swing-Handle
Woodsplint Basket
In Deep Red Paint
.....sale pending
Probably New England, ca. mid-19th century.
Bone-dry highly patinated untouched painted surface on tightly-woven ash splint. The oxblood-red color and strong patina give it an ancient aesthetic.
The finely shaped swing handle is attached with carved lapped ears, reinforced with tiny iron straps (the straps a feature I don’t recall seeing before). Carefully wrapped rim. The interior bottom woven into a “high kick”, probably to add structural strength.
In excellent condition with a tiny trivial loss.
Just 6 1/2 to 7 inches diameter at the slightly oval rim x 3 ½ inches tall to the rim, plus another 4 ½ inches if the handle is upright.
25 years in a fine collection of early New England antiques.
Uniquely Carved
“Wine Themed”
Inn or Tavern Box
.....sale pending
New England, signed W*G and dated 1808.
An extraordinary carved wooden box, boldly signed "W*G" and dated 1808. Hollowed/hewn from a solid of yellow birch, the front and lid are grandly ornamented with deeply carved pinwheels, a prominent heart, and chip carved edges. Most noteworthy are the carved representations of a wine decanter, wine glass, and beaker or tumble, a “wine” theme I have never encountered on an early American box and strongly suggestive of use in a tavern or inn. Perhaps intended for the storage or protection of bottles or spirits, the box possesses an unmistakable presence and individuality.
In a high-degree of originality, including its surface and iron hinges. The domed lid doesn’t rest fully flush at the opening; an ancient crack on one end. Remnants of an early newspaper lining.
Few surviving examples of early American woodenware display such ambitious carved decoration, and fewer still incorporate imagery directly associated with the serving of wine or spirits. In decades of handling American antiques and folk art, I have never encountered a piece remotely comparable.
This remarkable box would be equally at home in the finest collection of New England woodenware or in a distinctive period interior.
24 inches long x 8 inches high x 8¾ inches deep.
Provenance includes: Elliot and Grace Snyder; Don Olson, fine private Midwest collection.
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.