Folk Art Boxes

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This is folky and colorful painted wall box. It has nice size and a very good look. This piece was made of plywood with pine sides. The back is cut in the design of flowers, grass, and a tree. The paints have taken on a nice surface over the years. The box has two holes in the back for hanging, or also sits on a shelf. It was probably made around the 1930's or '40's, and is in very good condition. It is about 16" high by 15 1/2" wide by 5 1/4" deep. The price is $225.00. Inventory Code: TWWS.   Painted folk art shelf ... Closeup ... From above ... Side views ... Back view ... Closeup, one side ... Closeup, other side ... Top view ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Painted folk art shelf ... Closeup ... From above ... Side views ... Back view ... Closeup, one side ... Closeup, other side ... Top view ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

This is a home made wood fuse box with "DANGER" and other carvings. It is put together from thick pine boards and painted an old white which has crackled. The front of the box has a carved "X", other initials including a backward "N", and second "X" made into a stylized person with a head and face. Inside, the box still contains an old porcelain switch with two places for screw fuses - one of which remains. The box has a slant top which indicates it was likely used outside. It also has an old padlock (no key) that secured it. Each of the front doors can be opened, revealing an area suitable for storage. The front of the box is about 17 1/2" to the top by 13 3/4" wide. It is 7 1/2" deep and the top is 13 1/2" high in the back. This unusual piece was probably made around 1940 or earlier. There are no hinges on the left door. This is held on by the lock. It may originally have been constructed so there was only one wide front door hinged on the right, and at one time, long ago, was cut in two in the center. The box has some wear, loss, and soil; but is sturdy, very usable, and a real one-of-a-kind piece. It makes a great small cabinet. The price is $245.00. Inventory Code: TWWH.   Primitive carved fuse box ... Another angle ... Closeup ... A third view ... Side views ... Closeup of the front ... Closeup "Danger" ... Closeup of the face ... Closeup of the lock ... Closeup of the side ... Doors open ... Closeup inside ... Another closeup inside ... Back ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Primitive carved fuse box ... Another angle ... Closeup ... A third view ... Side views ... Closeup of the front ... Closeup "Danger" ... Closeup of the face ... Closeup of the lock ... Closeup of the side ... Doors open ... Closeup inside ... Another closeup inside ... Back ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

This is a rustic and primitive fisherman's holding box. It came from Maine and was apparently used for many years. The catch would be put here and the box put in the water, held to the boat by the long metal chain. Now, as a decorative and unusual storage box, it could hold newspapers, magazines, or general items - inserted through the hinged opening in the back. The box is made from pine, with old iron reinforcing corners and strap hinges. It was painted white, likely over black paint or sealer. The box is in good sturdy condition with no rot or soft spots. Obviously used, the white paint is worn, splotchy, and shows some of black. The surface shows in the photos. This box was likely made between the 1920's and 40's. It is about 23 1/2" high by 12 1/4" wide by 9" deep. The price is $125.00. Inventory Code: TARO.   See a slideshow of several views [402k]
Primitive fishing box ... Two more angles ... Front view ... Back view ... Side views ... Closeup ... Closeup, other side ... Closeup of top ... With lid open ... Closeup of opening ... Another overall view ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Primitive fishing box ... Two more angles ... Front view ... Back view ... Side views ... Closeup ... Closeup, other side ... Closeup of top ... With lid open ... Closeup of opening ... Another overall view ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

This is a very unusual marquetry box in a pyramidal form. We are not sure of the use; however, it has extremely intricate work. This inlay represents bricks, lumber, and other decoration. The top of the box opens - either to remove or insert something. One of the front sections then unfolds. This could be used for storage or is a hidden compartment. This piece is constructed from hardwoods of various shades. It is about 4 3/4" high. The widest parts are about 7" square. These taper to a smaller platform close to the top. This box was probably made in the early 1900's, maybe about the 1920's. It is in very good condition and the mechanism still works. The price is $375.00. Inventory Code: THOK.   Inlaid box ... Front view ... One side ... The other side ... Back view ... From above ... Open ... Open, from above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Inlaid box ... Front view ... One side ... The other side ... Back view ... From above ... Open ... Open, from above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

This is a nice old 6 drawer box decorated primarily in green, red, and blue paints with some touches of old yellow and dark gold. The back is painted in a sort of dark whitish-cream. The box is about 12 1/4" high by 12" deep and 10 1/4" wide. It and the drawers are made from crate wood and pine. The drawer pulls are old turned knobs. One of the drawers has an old fruit label on the side and one has crate markings on the bottom. It is likely that this piece was made about the 1930's or 40's and then possibly repainted one or more times. However, we are unsure of that, and certainly the surface is good and seems not new. Indeed, the knobs, back, and maybe the red border trim appear old while some of the decorative touches may be more recent. We just don't know, though. The box is in very good condition with an age split across the top and a few tiny nicks in the paint. It has an extremely nice look and size. The price is $285.00. Inventory Code: THOC.   Painted chest of drawers ... Another view ... Front view ... One side ... The other side ... From above ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... Closeup from above ... With drawers open ... Another overall view ... Back ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Painted chest of drawers ... Another view ... Front view ... One side ... The other side ... From above ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... Closeup from above ... With drawers open ... Another overall view ... Back ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

This is a very ornate and highly decorated tramp art sewing box. It is fairly large, being about 11 1/2" long by 9 1/2" wide by 6" high including the pin cushion. The box is well made and includes many types of layered design. They include hearts, triangular, round, semi-circular, and elongated pyramids, as well as some more free-form and scalloped shapes. The top of the box is carved with a flowing roundish taper. It has an old lock, but no key. The open box reveals an inner storage area lined in dark red velvet. There is also an oval mirror in the top. This is set inside an oval chip carved frame. The box is in very good condition. It has no obvious loss of pieces and only some slight wear and loss to a little of the finish. It was likely made in the late 1800's, and the surface has taken on a nice rich dark patina. The price is $525.00. Inventory Code: THKO.   See a slideshow of several views [787k]
Tramp art sewing box ... Front view ... Another angle ... Top view ... One side ... The other side ... Back view ... Closeup of front ... Lid open ... Closeup of back ... Another overall view ... A different angle ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Tramp art sewing box ... Front view ... Another angle ... Top view ... One side ... The other side ... Back view ... Closeup of front ... Lid open ... Closeup of back ... Another overall view ... A different angle ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

This is a Southwestern style wooden box with folky paint in shades of green, red, black, and gold. It is also decorated with several kinds of brass tacks. It is 9 1/4" wide by 4 1/2" deep by 4" high. There seems to be an inscription inside the lid, but it's too faint to make out. The condition is good with minor wear and paint loss. Age is probably from the 1970's or older. The price is $120.00. Inventory Code: THWP.   Painted box ... Another angle ... Side views ... Back view ... From above ... Closeup of front ... Closeup of back ... Lid open ... From below ... Closeup of bottom ... Another overall view.
Larger images:   Painted box ... Another angle ... Side views ... Back view ... From above ... Closeup of front ... Closeup of back ... Lid open ... From below ... Closeup of bottom ... Another overall view.

This is a highly decorated and colorful Memory Box - with a Transistor Radio! It is covered all over with beads, costume jewelry, coins, metallic leaves, and two gold colored fleur-de-lis. The box has nice brass feet and the top is opened by lifting a plastic beagle - perhaps a rendition of "Snoopy". Opening the box reveals a radio and a storage area. The radio and box are both probably from the 1960's. On the bottom of the box is a little door to add a battery and have access to the radio, which is not working now, but perhaps with a little tinkering can be. We have not tried. The box is is excellent condition with loss only of two little strips of decoration on the bottoms of the two ends. It is 9 1/2" long by 4 1/4" deep and 6" high including the dog. The price is $295.00. Inventory Code: THOH.   Memory radio ... Another angle ... From above ... Side views ... Lid open ... Closeup of radio ... Back ... From below ... From below, battery door open ... Closeup of battery compartment ... Another overall view.
Larger images:   Memory radio ... Another angle ... From above ... Side views ... Lid open ... Closeup of radio ... Back ... From below ... From below, battery door open ... Closeup of battery compartment ... Another overall view.

This hand made metal box is a welder's whimsey. The box appears to be made from leftover sheet iron scraps. It has welded decoration on four sides, including a large stylized tree, two smaller pine trees, and the name "Travis". The bottom has welded initials that are less clear, possibly "KR 75". The silhouette of a prancing horse is attached standing up from the lid. There is worn black paint that looks like it was on the scraps before the box was put together; the horse and the welded decorations are unpainted. The bottom of the inside is lined with red felt. It is 13" long by 6 1/4" wide by 12" high. The price is $295.00. Inventory Code: TTHP.   Welder's whimsey ... Another view ... One end ... The other end ... Side view ... The other side ... From above ... From below ... Lid open ... Inside of box ... Underside of lid ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Welder's whimsey ... Another view ... One end ... The other end ... Side view ... The other side ... From above ... From below ... Lid open ... Inside of box ... Underside of lid ... With a soda can for scale.

This is a small primitive cabinet made from scrap wood, with nine drawers made from wooden cheese boxes. One drawer is divided into several smaller compartments. It was made in the 1930's, and was painted a muted green. The labels of the Kraft-Phenix Cheese Company are still visible on the sides of the drawers when they are removed. The cabinet is 10 3/4" high by 11 1/4" wide by 12" deep. The condition is very good with very minor paint wear, a few spots of lighter paint, and a few small cracks. The price is $275.00. Inventory Code: TAHK.   Cheese box cabinet ... Another angle ... A third view ... Closeup ... With two drawers removed ... Side view ... The other side ... Second closeup ... Third closeup ... Fourth closeup ... Closeup of two drawers ... Another drawer ... Back view ... From above ... From below.
Larger images:   Cheese box cabinet ... Another angle ... A third view ... Closeup ... With two drawers removed ... Side view ... The other side ... Second closeup ... Third closeup ... Fourth closeup ... Closeup of two drawers ... Another drawer ... Back view ... From above ... From below.

This is an inlaid dresser box with two frames which swivel. It is decorated with 10 carved and applied hearts. The box is made from pine and a hardwood (seems like oak) which have been stained in four different tones. The surface has been lightly varnished. The inside of the drawer is plywood. This decorative piece is in generally very good condition. There are 3 slight and tight splits one either side of the drawer and in the little blocks in front of the supports. The piece is about 13" wide, 12 5/8" high, and 6" deep. The openings in the frame are 3" by 4 1/2". This attractive box was made about 1950 or a bit later. The price is $195.00. Inventory Code: AKHP. Miniature dresser with hearts ... Another view ... Closeup ... Second closeup ... Side view ... With drawer open ... 3/4 view ... From above ... Back ... From below.

Larger images:   Miniature dresser with hearts ... Another view ... Closeup ... Second closeup ... Side view ... With drawer open ... 3/4 view ... From above ... Back ... From below.

This is a unique jewelry box, carved from a single piece of pine. It has an organic, somewhat modernistic form. The drawers are lined with brown felt, and the back is covered with paper. The surface is stained with varying shades of medium brown. It stands 10 1/4" high by 5 1/4" wide by 3" deep. The condition is excellent: the one chip on the lower corner was apparently done when the piece was originally made. It made in the latter half of the 20th century. The price is $145.00. Inventory Code: TSOS.   Carved jewelry box ... Another view ... Front view ... One side ... The other side ... With drawers open ... With drawers removed ... From above ... Back.
Larger images:   Carved jewelry box ... Another view ... Front view ... One side ... The other side ... With drawers open ... With drawers removed ... From above ... Back.

This is an extremely nice hand carved pine box. It includes deep relief carving of a sun with rays, clouds, hills, a fence, birds, a flower (with a bit of green paint), and the word "Tips". It has a slot through which the tips could be dropped. The box is in excellent old condition, with a nice natural patina. It is 8 1/2" square and 5" high. It was made around the 1960's, and has all the original hardware. The price is $140.00. Inventory Code: AAOA.    Top view ... Front view ... Rear view ... Larger more detailed views of the: Top ... Front, and Back.

Here is a nice box with dovetailed joints and applied handles. The lid is hinged. It has a very light matte varnish finish, and is 12 3/4" long by 3 5/8" high by 6" deep, in excellent condition. This box came from in Florida, and was made in the 1940's or 50's. We also have several small carvings by the same maker. The price is $85.00. Inventory Code: AARC. Image ... Larger Image.

Here is a nice folky wall box made from scrap wood, decorated with large tacks that are painted green and cream with traces of red over them. The box itself may have been a cheese box or simply odds and ends of crate wood. It is simple yet elegant. This piece is painted in a red enamel. It is 7 1/2" high by 9 1/4" wide by 3 1/2" deep, was made about the 1940's, and is in excellent condition. The price is $140.00. Inventory Code: PROT.   Painted wall box ... Another angle ... Side views ... Back view ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Painted wall box ... Another angle ... Side views ... Back view ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

This is a very unusual, folk art box done in a layered, tramp art style. It is made from cigar box wood, and decorated with shaped, built-up layers and tacks. It has a dark lacquer finish and small handles on each side. The finish, which varies in shades, is darkest on the top and also has reddish tones which show more on all the sides. Inside are one large and four small compartments. The box is 18 1/2" side, 5 1/2" deep, and 4" high. The legs are actually applied on the the outside. The condition is fairly good; however it does have a few cracks and chips. There is also some loss to the back left corner of the top and the bottom outer portions of the legs on the left side. This box was likely made in the late 1800's or to as recently as around 1900. The price is $285.00. Inventory Code: PWHP.   Layered box ... Top view ... Front view ... Closeup (shows surface, color best) ... Another overall view ... 3/4 view ... Back view ... One end ... The other end ... End view, from above ... Open, showing compartments inside.

Larger images:   Layered box ... Top view ... Front view ... Closeup (shows surface, color best) ... Another overall view ... 3/4 view ... Back view ... One end ... The other end ... End view, from above ... Open, showing compartments inside.

This is a star-shaped tramp art box in mustard paint. It is made in two pieces that pivot through one point so that the box can swivel open to reveal a small compartment in the center. This box was found in Texas, and appears to be from the early to mid 20th century. However, we have learned that similar pieces were being made in New York more recently. It is in very good condition, with some paint wear, a good surface, and no visible breaks or missing pieces. It measures 4 1/2" across, (either from point to point or "standing up" as a star) by 1 1/4" high. The price is $210.00. Inventory Code: TCKT.   Star-shaped tramp art box ... Partially open ... Halfway open ... Completely open, with a nickel for scale ... From above ... From below ... Open, from below ... Open, from the side ... Back view.
Larger images:   Star-shaped tramp art box ... Partially open ... Halfway open ... Completely open, with a nickel for scale ... From above ... From below ... Open, from below ... Open, from the side ... Back view ... A short video of the motion (1.5 Mb).

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