Folk Art from Found Objects: Page 2

Industrial Doll Mold with great surface	"Starship Energizer" birdhouse	Home made one-string bass	Postage stamps and watercolor
Large barbed wire wreath	Painted spool whimsey	Wooden horse weathervane with sparkplug weight	Metal chain stand
	Memory jug with Scotty dogs	Carved whimsy with 1904 Indian Head pennies	Cards and pliers bottle whimsey
Four folky trivets made from old keys	Fantastic flowers made from natural burl shapes		Rustic plant stand
Large yard art robot	Peach pit basket pin	Trench art jeep and tank from tin cans, found objects	Folk art wizard
"Age of Aquarius" found object music box
Page 1 of Folk Art from Found Objects     Page 3

This is a very unusual mold for a doll's hands and legs. It has a fabulous surface and color, and is in the original industrial cage including the working mechanisms. This has been mounted on a newer base. The piece can be lifted off to reveal the mechanical portion. The mold assemblage including the cage is about 19" wide by 11 1/2" high and 6 1/2" deep. With the base it is 22 1/2" wide by 14" high and 7 1/2" deep. This piece is in excellent condition and is visually striking. It is very unusual to find these molds with the cages intact and complete with the mechanical portions. It likely was made in the earlier part of the 1900's. This is one of several doll molds available: you can see the others here. The price is $675.00. Inventory Code: THAT.   Doll mold ... From one side ... From the other side ... Close-up of one side ... Close-up of the other side     More Close-up views: -1- ... -2- ... -3-     More overall views: -1- ... -2- ... -3- ... -4- ... -5- ... Side views ... Top view ... Under side 1 ... Under side 2 ... The Bottom.
Larger images:   Doll mold ... From one side ... From the other side ... Close-up of one side ... Close-up of the other side     More Close-up views: -1- ... -2- ... -3-     More overall views: -1- ... -2- ... -3- ... -4- ... -5- ... Side views ... Top view ... Under side 1 ... Under side 2 ... The Bottom.

This is a birdhouse made like the Starship Enterprise. It was done by Eugene Poore probably in the 1970's or '80's. He called it the "Starship Energizer". It is made from found objects, including a pantry or cheese box, wood, tin, dowels, and a banister part. It is painted an old red, white, and blue. The birds' houses are in the main body and both nacelles.

The Energizer is in good condition with typical weathering from outdoor use. Some of the dowels have been replaced, but that doesn't show. It is 42" long, about 17" high", and 38" wide; and was definitely used by birds (possibly from the Klingon home world). The price is $425.00. Inventory Code: PKAT. One side ... Overall ... The other side ... Front ... Close-up, from above ... From behind ... Another angle ... Another side view.

Larger images:   One side ... Overall ... The other side ... Front ... Close-up, from above ... From behind ... Another angle ... Another side view.

A highly unusual home made one string electric bass, with amplifier and speaker. It has a carved wooden handle on top of which the string is attached. When pivoted it changes the tension on the string and therefore the note. The bass is 24" high, 12" wide and 5" deep. It is made of wood, covered by Naugahyde on the sides and part of a chenille spread on the front. The amp/speaker is in an old carrying case 14" wide, 13" high and 7" deep. The price is $150.00. Inventory Code: PRKW. Image.

Here is a very nice little framed postage stamp and watercolor painting. The scene is of the ocean with a large rock made out of stamps, while the rest - shoreline, birds, people, sea, and sky are painted. It is signed F. M. M. and dated 1938. On the back is written, in French, details of where it was made, in Quebec, and apparently at an abbey or monastery. This was probably sold to make some money for it. The condition of the frame and painting are excellent. There is a tear in the backing paper. The frame is 6 1/2" wide by 4 1/2" high. The price is $125.00. Inventory Code: ATAP. Front ... Back.    Larger images:    Front ... Back.

Here is an attractive coil or wreath of old zinc barbed wire. It is about 30" in diameter and 4" thick. The wire is a twisted ribbon with points. This is old and in good condition. It is a very large and decorative piece. The price is $275.00. Inventory Code: TSRO.   Barbed wire wreath ... Another view ... Closeup ... Second closeup ... With yardstick for scale.    Larger images:   Barbed wire wreath ... Another view ... Closeup ... Second closeup ... With yardstick for scale.

This is a wonderful little painted whimsey made from a wooden thread spool, with an arrow through it. The colors are great: red, yellow, light and dark green, gold, and silver. This piece is only 3 1/2 inches long and less than an inch in diameter. In that space, someone took the spool and carved a cage out, with a ring inside. Then, an arrow, with both ends larger than the opening, was carved and inserted through the cage. In addition, the arrow goes through two more rings, one on each end of the cage. The condition of this whimsey is excellent. It seems to be from about the 1930's or 40's. Inventory Code: TPSW. Ordered. (What this means.)
Painted carved whimsey, several views ... More angles ... From front ... From back.    Larger images:   Painted carved whimsey, several views ... More angles ... From front ... From back.

A nice wooden horse weathervane in weathered gray and black paint on both sides. An old spark plug was added to the front of the arrow to make it balance. It is 44 1/2" long by 16" high. The horse is cut from 1/2" plywood; the arrow is solid wood 1 1/2" thick. There is a metal plate with a hole for the pivot underneath. From Indiana, c. 1940's, it is in very good condition with a few very minor chips. The price is $295.00. Inventory Code: ASHS.   Horse weathervane ... The other side ... Closeup of the horse ... Closeup of the horse, other side ... Closeup of the arrow and sparkplug ... Closeup of the arrow, other side ... From above ... From below.
Larger images:   Horse weathervane ... The other side ... Closeup of the horse ... Closeup of the horse, other side ... Closeup of the arrow and sparkplug ... Closeup of the arrow, other side ... From above ... From below.

This is a folky decorative metal sculpture which can be used as a stand or, by adding a glass top, as a little table. It is a bull made out of heavy chains, concrete strengthening iron rebar, and other found objects. It has a nice old dark green paint (with a little old surface rust in the top for "accent"), and is in excellent condition. The circular base is 13" in diameter, while the bull is 14 1/2" long, and the entire piece is 20 1/4" high. The price is $375.00. Inventory Code: AWRR. Image ... The other side ... From above ... Another view.    Larger images:   Image ... The other side ... From above ... Another view.

This is a very well decorated memory jug topped with a pair of ceramic Scotty dogs. Other decorations include a blue glass vial, springs and gears from a pocket watch, advertising and good luck medallions, chains, hardware, costume jewelry, game pieces, nuts, and much more. They are applied over a brown pottery jug. The size is 13 1/2" high by about 4" in diameter, with the applied pieces sticking out farther than that. The condition is excellent: I could only find two very small pieces missing. It was probably made around the 1960's or earlier. The price is $325.00. Inventory Code: TSOT.   Memory jug ... Closeup ... One side ... Back ... The other side ... Second closeup ... Third closeup ... Fourth closeup ... Fifth closeup ... From below.
Larger images:   Memory jug ... Closeup ... One side ... Back ... The other side ... Second closeup ... Third closeup ... Fourth closeup ... Fifth closeup ... From below.

Here is an interesting whimsey. It is a carved pine penny holder with several links of chain attached. There are two 1904 Indian Head pennies set in to the holder. They were likely put in after the wood was soaked, as they are secure. The holder is about 6" by 2 1/2" and 7/8" thick. It is almost 13" long with the links. The carving has been stained a dark walnut color. There is a little wear to the holder, but otherwise it is in excellent condition. It was likely made in the early 1900's. The price is $125.00. Inventory Code: AKCS.   Image ... Closeup ... The other side ... Closeup, other side ... Side view.    Larger images:   Image ... Closeup ... The other side ... Closeup, other side ... Side view.

This is an unusual bottle whimsey which contains a deck of cards with two bolts through it, and a pair of pliers which had to be reassembled inside the bottle. The bottom flap of the card box is folded under so that you can see all the cards are still in the box. The bottle is about 9" high and 2 3/4" in diameter. It is relatively recent, having been made in a Sobe bottle. Still, it is a very interesting and clever construction. It is in excellent, sturdy condition. The price is $145.00. Inventory Code: TTRS.   Cards and pliers bottle whimsey, front and back ... Two 3/4 views ... Two side views ... Another angle ... From above ... From below.
Larger images:   Cards and pliers bottle whimsey, front and back ... Two 3/4 views ... Two side views ... Another angle ... From above ... From below.

Here are four very folky trivets made from felt which has been covered with old keys sewn on. The keys range in age from very old (1800's) to 1960's or 70's styles, which is probably when these were made. They are in good condition with no missing keys, although a bit grungy and with loose threads from the crude stitching. Two are 5" in diameter. The red one is 4 1/2" by 4 3/4", and the oval green one is 4 3/4" by 5 3/4". Three are priced at $45.00 each; the oval green one (bottom left in the group photo) is $55.00. Inventory Code: ATHR.   All four ... The backs ... One ... Second ... Third ... Fourth.   Larger images: All four ... Backs.

This is an incredible and very unusual bouquet of "flowers" made from natural burl shapes. These have fantastic forms and detail, and have been mounted with branch stems on a wooden base. They vary slightly in color, and have been finished with a light clear varnish. From NC, the bouquet measures 20 1/4" high by approximately 18" wide and 13" deep. It is in excellent condition, with very minor wear on the leaf shape, and is old. While the exact age is unknown, it appears to be about 60 to 70 years old. Even the two close-ups don't show the intricacy of these. The price is $1100.00. Inventory Code: ATWR. Image ... Closeup of 1 flower ... Closeup 2 flowers ... From above ... Side view ... The other side ... Back view ... Another view ... A third closeup, from above ... A fourth closeup ... Back view of the top half ... Back view of the bottom half ... View of the top half.
Larger images:   Image ... Closeup of 1 flower ... Closeup 2 flowers ... From above ... Side view ... The other side ... Back view ... Another view ... A third closeup, from above ... A fourth closeup ... Back view of the top half ... Back view of the bottom half ... View of the top half.

This is a rustic plant stand made from chip-carved twigs. It is painted dark green, and has an upper plant holder and a lower shelf. The size is 34 1/2" high by 15" by 14". It is in very good condition, with minor paint loss, and one missing twig, about 3" long, on the base. This stand is no more recent than the 1930's or 40's. The price is $245.00. Inventory Code: AKRP. Rustic twig plant stand ... Closeup of top ... Another angle ... Closeup of middle ... Another closeup of the middle ... From above ... Second side ... Third side ... Fourth side.
Larger images:   Rustic twig plant stand ... Closeup of top ... Another angle ... Closeup of middle ... Another closeup of the middle ... From above ... Second side ... Third side ... Fourth side.

These two large and funky yard art people have great character. One also doubles as a birdhouse. They have log torsos with hinged wood arms and legs, plywood feet, and faces highlighted with paint and found objects. They are both in excellent, weathered condition, and could be as old as the 1950's or 60's or might be a little bit more recent, but nicely weathered and not new. They were made in Minnesota. They are priced separately, with a discount for the pair.   Both yard art log people ... Front view ... The other side ... In the yard.    Larger images:   Both yard art log people ... Front view ... The other side ... In the yard. Following are individual details and photos.

The first one has a robot face made from found objects, with a plywood cap topped by a red light bulb in a ceramic socket. His expression seems dismayed. He has a blue hat, brown feet, and blue and yellow paint on his face. He measures 46" high when stretched out. Seated, as he is in the photos, he is 37" high from his feet to the top of his light bulb. He is about 12" wide, and 11" deep (21" deep when seated). The price is $750.00. Inventory Code: TPST.   Man with light bulb hat ... Closeup ... Front view ... The other side ... Second closeup of face ... Closeup of face from front ... Closeup of upper body and head ... Closeup from side ... Closeup of body ... From above ... Another view from above ... With Matt, for scale.
Larger images:   Man with light bulb hat ... Closeup ... Front view ... The other side ... Second closeup of face ... Closeup of face from front ... Closeup of upper body and head ... Closeup from side ... Closeup of body ... From above ... Another view from above ... With Matt, for scale.

The second person has a mechanism to make his tongue go in and out, and his eyes pop out and back. It works by turning the knob on the side of his face. His head is also a birdhouse, with a hole in the back. He has a painted plywood face, and blue hat and feet. He measures about 46" high overall, 39" high when seated. He is 13" wide, and 11" deep (22" deep seated). The price is $750.00. Inventory Code: TPSC.   Birdhouse man ... Closeup, tongue out, eyes in ... Closeup, tongue in, eyes out ... Front view ... The other side ... Another closeup ... Closeup of body ... Back ... Closeup of back ... Closeup from front ... Animation of action.
Larger images:   Birdhouse man ... Closeup, tongue out, eyes in ... Closeup, tongue in, eyes out ... Front view ... The other side ... Another closeup ... Closeup of body ... Back ... Closeup of back ... Closeup from front ... Animation of action.

This whimsey pin is a carved leaf with three dangling baskets carved from peach pits. The baskets are attached with hand made copper wire loops. The leaf is 3 1/2" wide, each basket is about 1" high, and the overall height is 2 1/4". A safety pin is attached to the back for wearing. It is from the early 1900's, has a nice surface and patina, and is in very good condition. The price is: $95.00. Inventory Code: ATCS. Overall view ... Back ... Another overall view.

A very unusual "trench art" (actually attributed as P.O.W.) jeep and tank. These are models made from tin cans, and found objects. From W.W.II, they are intricate, detailed replicas with moving parts: wheels and steering wheel on the jeep, and the gun, treads, and pulleys on the tank. They are both in very good condition, with an old oxidized surface. The jeep is 5" long by 2 3/4" wide and high. The tank is 6" long, 3 3/4" wide and 4 1/2" high. The price is $200.00 each, or $375.00 for both. Inventory Code: AHSP.   Image ... Another view ... From above.

A large, wild and wonderfully folky wizard, likely from a carnival, side show, or amusement park. He is made from hand carved and assembled wood pieces covered with inner tubes and painted in an assortment of strong colors. He is sitting on a section of log. There is a good aged surface to the paint. This is a striking piece, measuring about 39" high by 20" wide by 24" deep. While he has lost his right hand, everything else is in very good old condition. This person was probably made in the 1950's. The price is $1400.00. Inventory Code: TPOW.   See a slideshow of several views [643k]
Folk art carving ... Another view ... 3/4 view ... Side view ... The other side ... Another side angle ... Back view ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... Closeup of hands ... Closeup of feet ... Closeup from behind ... Another closeup from the back ... Another closeup from the front ... Closeup of the body ... Another overall view.
Larger images:   Folk art carving ... Another view ... 3/4 view ... Side view ... The other side ... Another side angle ... Back view ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... Closeup of hands ... Closeup of feet ... Closeup from behind ... Another closeup from the back ... Another closeup from the front ... Closeup of the body ... Another overall view.

This folky metal drummer assemblage is actually a wind up music box. The drummer is constructed of springs, heavy wires, and light metal. The drums and stage are also all metal. The music box mechanism is mounted on a piece of wood under the base. It is pretty intricate. The size is about 7 1/2" high by 6 1/2" wide by 6" deep. It was likely made in the 1960's or 1970's and is in fairly good used condition. There are normal scratches and oxidation to the metal. The pièce de résistance comes when you wind the key and then listen to an extremely "sick" rendition of the opening bars of "The Age of Aquarius". The price is $110.00. Inventory Code: TWKA.   Metal drummer music box ... Front view ... Side views ... Back view ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Metal drummer music box ... Front view ... Side views ... Back view ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale ... Hear the music in this video (10.4Mb).

Register to receive updates when we add new items. Your information is confidential. We never release it to others. Privacy policy. Required Fields Email Confirm your email address Your Name General Updates When we add any antiques or folk art to the site. This will include pieces made from Found Objects, Memory, Shard, Bottle caps, or Match sticks. Only Found Objects and "Make Do" pieces Only Bottle cap pieces Only Memory and Shard pieces Only Popsicle Stick or Match Stick pieces       Get Other Individual Category Updates If there is any problem with registering, please

Home Page | Site Guide | Top of page | Inventory | Ordering | Contents | Search
What's New | Using the Site | Resources | Featured Sale | Contact Us