Folk Art from Found Objects: Page 3

Shelving display from metal Texaco cans	Drawers made from scrap wood, sardine cans	Table Lamp from found objects	Cabinet from cheese boxes
Large red gear	Sock monkey box with instructions	Arrow sign	Metal found object farm chair and stool
Iron valve wheels	Metal Spam sign	Wagon wheel hub	Primitive handmade wheelbarrow
Barbed wire hearts	Bottle cap pitcher	Folk art boat	Political memory bottle
Shell lamp with flamingo	Match stick lamp	Shell memory vases	Memory jug
Page 1 of Folk Art from Found Objects     Page 2

This is a large industrial gear, made of steel and painted red on one side. The many holes create a very decorative effect. The rim with teeth is a separate, thicker piece that was welded to the face. A crescent-shaped piece of steel with more cutouts was welded onto one side. It is 14" in diameter by 1/2" thick, in excellent condition, probably from the mid 20th century. The price is $95.00. Inventory Code: TPKS.   Large red gear ... The other side ... Side view ... Another side view.
Larger images:   Large red gear ... The other side ... Side view ... Another side view.

You likely have seen sock monkeys, as we have, but this is the first time we have come across all the instructions with a sock and a sample miniature monkey. Here is an assemblage of older articles which are contained in a more recent shadow box. Inside are two instruction sheets from the Nelson Printing Co, of Rockford, IL, one of which shows the patent date of 1953. One sheet is original, the other a copy. The shadow box is about 21" by 17" by 2 1/2" deep. The price is $170.00. Inventory Code: THPC.   Sock monkey shadowbox ... Closeup ... From below ... Side view ... Back.
Larger images:   Sock monkey shadowbox ... Closeup ... From below ... Side view ... Back.

This is a very odd directional arrow mounted on a stovepipe elbow. Why? Where? What was it pointing toward??? This hand made assemblage was likely used as a trade sign. The metal is all old galvanized steel. The arrow is made from 3 pieces and it and the flanges are riveted together and to the 6" elbow. The piece is probably from the 1940's. Part of the arrow is painted black. All the rest is the natural oxidized metal. The piece is about 20" by 19" by 6" wide. Use it in any direction, pointing to anything. It is a versatile and decorative item. The price is $235.00. Inventory Code: TPOK.   Folky arrow sign ... The other side ... Another angle ... From above ... Front view ... Back view ... From below.
Larger images:   Folky arrow sign ... The other side ... Another angle ... From above ... Front view ... Back view ... From below.

This is a metal chair made from objects found around the farm. The seat is a large pitchfork, the back is a disk from a cultivator. There are three horseshoes worked in, along with chain and other machine or wagon parts. While it has rockers and does rock, the tendency is to sit still on the rear stops. It has very nice old black and yellow paint. The chair measures 29" high by 21" wide by 28" deep. It is in very good, useable condition with minor paint wear, from the 1930's or 40's. There is a stool below by the same maker. The price is $675.00. Inventory Code: TPHH.   Metal found object chair ... Front view ... One side ... The other side ... Closeup of back and seat ... Closeup of lower front ... Closeup, one side ... Closeup, other side ... Another overall view ... Back view ... From above.
Larger images:   Metal found object chair ... Front view ... One side ... The other side ... Closeup of back and seat ... Closeup of lower front ... Closeup, one side ... Closeup, other side ... Another overall view ... Back view ... From above.

This metal stool made from found objects came from the same maker as the chair above. The seat is a disk from a cultivator, similar to the back of the chair. It stands 18 1/4" high by 17 1/2" wide by 14 3/4" deep. The surface is a worn old green and white paint. It is in very good, useable condition, from the 1930's or 40's. The price is $150.00. Inventory Code: TPHW.   Metal found object stool ... Back view ... Side view ... The other side ... Another overall view ... Closeup of legs ... From above ... From below.
Larger images:   Metal found object stool ... Back view ... Side view ... The other side ... Another overall view ... Closeup of legs ... From above ... From below.

Here is a group of seven old iron industrial valves. We have not seen them before other than in use. They probably are from the 1940's or earlier, and are in four sizes. The diameters are 7 1/2 inches, 8 inches, 9 inches, 14 inches. They range from 1 inch to 1 3/4 inches thick. Prices for them are $75.00 each for the smaller ones, $95.00 each for the 9" ones, and $110.00 for the largest. Price for the group is $575.00 Inventory Code: TCWK.   Iron valve wheels ... Another view, with a ruler for scale ... The other side of all ... Side view ... The largest valve ... Closeup of one medium and one smaller valve ... The smallest valve.
Larger images:   Iron valve wheels ... Another view, with a ruler for scale ... The other side of all ... Side view ... The largest valve ... Closeup of one medium and one smaller valve ... The smallest valve.

Here is a sheet of the original printed metal Spam cans before they were cut out and formed. There are 30 cans on which are printed six delicious recipes, including "Polynesian Spam". A slight printing defect in one can is probably why this sheet was never used. The sheet is mounted in a metal frame which is about 34 1/4" high by 33 3/4" wide. There are some slight surface scratches and a minor denting in one area. It is old; we are not sure of the exact age, but are sure that this is a wonderful visual piece. The price is $525.00. Inventory Code: TCOR.   "Spam" art ... Closeup, upper left ... Closeup, upper right ... Closeup, lower right ... Closeup, lower left ... Extreme closeup ... Another very close view ... Third very close view ... Closeup of printing flaw ... Side view ... The other side ... Back.
Larger images:   "Spam" art ... Closeup, upper left ... Closeup, upper right ... Closeup, lower right ... Closeup, lower left ... Extreme closeup ... Another very close view ... Third very close view ... Closeup of printing flaw ... Side view ... The other side ... Back.

Here is an old, decorative and primitive, wagon wheel hub with beautiful look and form. It came from Ohio and likely is from the 1800's. It is heavy and solid, made of hard wood with metal bands. The piece is 8 1/2" in diameter by 12" high and is in excellent, weathered and used condition. The price is $185.00. Inventory Code: TCHR.   Wagon wheel hub ... Two different angles ... Two more views ... Three views from another angle ... One end ... The other end.
Larger images:   Wagon wheel hub ... Two different angles ... Two more views ... Three views from another angle ... One end ... The other end.

This primitive, hand made, folding wheelbarrow is painted in layers of yellow and orange. This cool, funky piece has a lot of character, and would look great in the garden, standing in a corner, or folded and hung on a wall. The date "1960" is carved into the handle. One of the folding uprights was replaced a long time ago with an unpainted piece that appears to be part of an axe handle. It is 44" long by 17 1/2" wide across the handles. When unfolded, it stands about 2 feet high. It is in very good, used and weathered condition. The price is $125.00. Inventory Code: TARR.   Primitive wheelbarrow ... Another view ... Closeup of the wheel ... Closeup of the handle, with date ... One side ... The other side ... From above.
Larger images:   Primitive wheelbarrow ... Another view ... Closeup of the wheel ... Closeup of the handle, with date ... One side ... The other side ... From above.

This row of hearts is a nice example of old barbed wire art. It was made from twisted barbed wire, probably in the early to mid 20th century, to decorate a barn, gate, or garden. It is 9" high by 31 1/4" wide, 1/2" to 3/4" thick. It has a dark oxidized surface with minor rusting, in very good condition. The price is $150.00. Inventory Code: TACP.   Barbed wire art hearts ... The other side ... Closeup of one end ... Closeup of middle ... Closeup of other end ... Side view.
Larger images:   Barbed wire hearts ... The other side ... Closeup of one end ... Closeup of middle ... Closeup of other end ... Side view.

This is a pitcher made from bottle caps, with a large can lid for the bottom. It has very good form, and is painted a dark, oxidized gold. This is an older piece, made from cork-lined caps. You can just make out that one or two of the caps are from Coca-Cola. The pitcher is in very good condition with minor paint wear. It stands 7 1/4" high by 11" long by 7" wide. The price is $275.00. Inventory Code: TCHC.   Bottle cap pitcher ... Side view ... The other side ... From above ... Two front views ... Back view ... From below ... Closeup from above ... Closeup from below.
Larger images:   Bottle cap pitcher ... Side view ... The other side ... From above ... Two front views ... Back view ... From below ... Closeup from above ... Closeup from below.

This is a folk art hand made model boat. It has good form and old red, white, and black paint. It is further decorated with bottle caps and jar lids. The boat likely was made in the 50's or slightly later and is about 11" long by 5" wide and 4 1/2" high. The price is $95.00. Inventory Code: TCCO.   Folk art boat ... Side view ... The other side ... Front view ... Back view ... From above ... From below.
Larger images:   Folk art boat ... Side view ... The other side ... Front view ... Back view ... From above ... From below.

Remember the 70's? This political memory bottle is covered with Republican campaign buttons, flags, plastic marching band figures, bullets, a soldier, "Official U.S. Taxpayer G.O.P" buttons, and little plastic critters, some with wiggly eyes. From the late 70's, it is in excellent condition, 12" tall by 4 1/4" by 3". The price is $225.00. Inventory Code: POCT. Image.

From Florida comes this tacky souvenir lamp. It has all the qualities one would want in such a piece: A plastic flamingo and palm tree, colored coral, small decorative shells, and the large shell backdrop. This is from the 1950's or 60's, and is in excellent working condition. It is 9" wide, 9"high, and 6" deep. The price is $75.00. Inventory Code: ATKS. Overall Image ... Side view ... Back.    Larger images:   Overall Image ... Side view ... Back.

This is a very elaborate matchstick table lamp. It is decorated with crosses in colored stone and glitter and a "fireplace" lined in red glitter with wire andirons. It also has a lift-off shade with a moon-shaped cutout in top, lined with foil to reflect the light out. The base is covered with naugahyde. The age is unknown, but it is probably about 20 to 30 years old. Including the shade it is 21 1/2" high by 13 1/4" wide by 7 1/2" deep. It is in very good condition with a few matchsticks missing around the edges of the shade. The light works. The price is $165.00. Inventory Code: AHSW. Image ... One side ... The other side ... Back ... With the shade removed.    Larger images: Image ... One side ... The other side ... Back ... With the shade removed.

This is a matching pair of very well-decorated shell memory vases. The vases are cement, and are entirely covered with even rows of small shells, enhanced with floral and swirling patterns. Some of the shells are painted with red, green, blue, pink, and white. Each vase stands 7" high by 3 3/4" wide by 3 1/4" deep. They are in excellent condition, with just a few broken shells. These vases were most likely made in the 1920's or 30's. The price is $225.00. Inventory Code: TCCH.   Shell memory vases ... Side view ... The other side ... Back view ... Closeup of one vase ... Closeup of the other ... From above ... From below.
Larger images:   Shell memory vases ... Side view ... The other side ... Back view ... Closeup of one vase ... Closeup of the other ... From above ... From below.

This is an old, intricately decorated and encrusted memory jug. Built on a molasses jug, it is covered with an extraordinary assemblage including old buttons, an onyx mourning cross, shells, marbles, keys, a belt buckle, broach, stones, English coins, bottles, ceramic people, metallic objects,screws, chains, jewelry, a wishbone, and more. It is topped with a glass finial. It has a pencil eraser holder with a date of 1886 on it. The three coins are all Victorian.

It was said that this jug had been given to a maid in the 1920's by an English family who had immigrated to the US. It is 10 inches high, 8 inches in diameter and weighs over 7 pounds. While there has been some very slight loss over the years, it is almost complete; with the items now held very securely with old putty. This is one of the very best memory jugs we have seen. It is signed in red on the bottom twice what looks likes "Mandelere". The price is $600.00. Inventory Code: AOHA.

View 1. ... View 2. ... View 3. ... View 4. ... View 5. ... View 6. ... Top ... Bottom.
Larger, more detailed images:
View 1. ... View 2. ... View 3. ... View 4. ... View 5. ... View 6. ... Top ... Bottom.

Here is a folky "Make Do" metal shelving display unit made from one gallon metal Texaco cans riveted together. Each can was cut on an angle, and the edges folded in. It was probably made for tools and parts in a shop. There is a pair of long metal straps on the back which make it easy to hang. It will also stand on its own. The cans probably are from about the 1970's. There is some scratching and very minor rust on this unusual piece, but it is still very sturdy and decorative. It would be great for displaying or storing small items and is just the right size for your CDs. The height is 41", while it is 16 1/2" wide by 5 3/4" deep. Each bin is 3 7/8" wide by 6 1/2" high. The price is $225.00. Inventory Code: THPK.   See a Slideshow of several views. [398K]
Metal can shelving unit ... One side ... The other side ... Front view ... With CDs and small carvings ... Closeups of one side ... Closeups of other side ... Extreme closeup of the bins ... Closeup from above ... From below ... Back view.
Larger images:   Metal can shelving unit ... One side ... The other side ... Front view ... With CDs and small carvings ... Closeups of one side ... Closeups of other side ... Extreme closeup of the bins ... Closeup from above ... From below ... Back view.

This is an amazing assemblage of scraps of wood, sardine cans, roofing nails, and some fasteners. Put them all together with plenty of imagination, give it a couple coats of paint, and out comes a very folky and original "what-not" chest of drawers. This little hand-made apothecary (loosely termed) has a sardine can as the bottom of each drawer to hold items. Actually, the can fits so well into the lap jointed wood that the lip of the can supports it. This creative piece also has 3 small cubby holes for additional storage. It came from rural Iowa and was likely made around the 1940's. It is painted an old gray and white. The drawer pulls are old roofing nails. It is constructed from pine; is in very good usable condition and could easily be hung. This piece is 22 1/4" long by 9 1/2" high and 7" deep including the pulls. You can be sure it is truly one-of-a-kind. The price is $235.00. Inventory Code: THAO.   See a Slideshow of several views. [489K]
Funky chest of drawers ... Another view ... With drawers removed ... One side ... The other side ... Closeup of a drawer ... From above ... From above, with drawers open ... Another view ... A different angle ... Top ... Back ... Back, with drawers removed ... From below.
Larger images:   Funky chest of drawers ... Another view ... With drawers removed ... One side ... The other side ... Closeup of a drawer ... From above ... From above, with drawers open ... Another view ... A different angle ... Top ... Back ... Back, with drawers removed ... From below.

This is a rustic table lamp made from found objects. The base of the lamp is made from two round wooden pieces in dark lacquer, and is decorated with stones and nuts. It was found in WI, is in excellent condition, and is probably from the 1930's - 40's. It measures 18" by 8" by 31" high. The price is $75.00. Inventory Code: KSOX.   Rustic found objects lamp ... Closeup of base ... Side views ... Back view ... From above ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Rustic found objects lamp ... Closeup of base ... Side views ... Back view ... From above ... With a soda can for scale.

Here is wearable folk art. This is a vest constructed from interlinking aluminum soda or beer can pop top pulls. These are the old-fashioned pop tops that pulled completely off the can. Probably from the 1970's or earlier, it is well done and in very good condition with a few broken tabs. When flat, the vest is about 18" wide by 24" long. This fits a variety of "average" size people. A folded tab on the front can hook over the other side to loosely fasten it closed. It is a nice, decorative and unusual piece. Inventory Code: TCKP.   Ordered. (What this means.)
See a Slideshow of several views. [428K]
Poptop art vest ... Two more views ... Side views ... Back view ... Closeup of front ... Closeup of back.
Larger images:   Poptop art vest ... Two more views ... Side views ... Back view ... Closeup of front ... Closeup of back.

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.

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