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Small Swing-Handle
Woodsplint Basket
In Deep Red Paint...
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.
Perfect
Near-Miniature
Tin Sconce
.....SOLD
Northeast, ca. 1800.
Rolled tinned sheet iron, with crimped top. A superb dry surface. Scarce and delightful very small size of just 5 7/8 inches tall. Slotted candlecup to help remove candlestubs. Clenched joinery underneath. Comes with a tallow candle.
The condition, form, and surface are top-shelf.
SOULFUL
EARLY WOODEN CANDLESTICK
.....SOLD
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.
Bottle-Form
WOODEN 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.