Folk art, antiques, and outsider art

• This is a wonderfully painted old hand fashioned wood blade - likely used on a whirligig at one time. The color and design are both unusual and highly decorative. This piece was probably made around the 1940's, and is now mounted on a new base and stand. It could also be removed and hung on a wall. The blade is about 17" long by 3 5/8" wide by 3/4"thick. On the stand it is 22 1/4" high when vertical. The price is $110.00. Inventory Code: TOKW.   Painted blade ... Closeup ... More views ... Side and back views ... More closeups ... Closeup from back ... With a soda can for scale.
  Larger images:   Painted blade ... Closeup ... More views ... Side and back views ... More closeups ... Closeup from back ... With a soda can for scale.

• This is a folky hooked rug with an abstract center, surrounded by a wide border with four names: Winifred, Thaddeus, Eunice, and Marshall. The girls' names are on the long sides, and the boys' names on the short sides. Both "a"s in Marshall are backwards. The rug was made from wool rags on a burlap back. The main colors are blues and grays, with accents of red, yellow, cream, and brown. It measures 32" by 25", in very good condition, with tiny patches of wear in the corners. The age appears to be 1920's or 30's, but it could be older. The rug has been sewn to fabric and attached to a frame, ready to hang. It looks like it would also be easy to remove from the frame if you wanted to. The price is $475.00. Inventory Code: TOAR.   See a slideshow of several views [573k].
  Hooked rug ... Two more views ... With a yardstick for scale ... Side view ... Detail ... Closeup, one corner ... Closeup, second corner ... Closeup, third corner ... Back.
  Larger images:   Hooked rug ... Two more views ... With a yardstick for scale ... Side view ... Detail ... Closeup, one corner ... Closeup, second corner ... Closeup, third corner ... Back.

• 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 an extremely nice carved and painted swivel desk frame. It is relief carved with stars, a crescent moon, the frame opening, and what appears to be a beach, ocean, and rock. It is further decorated with blue, orange, yellow, black, and gold paints. In addition the front wood has been punched all over to impart more texture, likely using a nail, in a style similar to pointillism in painting. The frame and uprights are a hardwood, probably maple, while the base is likely pine. The paint is still vibrant, but has also taken on a nice tone. This frame and decoration was likely made about the 1940 or 50's. It is in excellent condition and is 8 1/4" high. The width of the frame and uprights is 6 1/4" while the base is 8 3/8" wide by 1 1/4" deep. The opening is 1 5/8" by about 2 3/16". The price is $225.00. Inventory Code: TWPH.   See a slideshow of several views [265k]
  Carved moon and stars frame ... Side views ... Back view ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
  Larger images:   Carved moon and stars frame ... Side views ... Back view ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

• This is an absolutely extraordinary folk art model of what may be a Jewish Temple or tomb. It is very detailed in the construction and decorated all over with a variety of carved wood pieces also found in tramp art. There are also several stone carvings incorporated in the decoration. This piece is dated 1850, which is cut through the back, and seems to be from that time.

  It has a carved plaque with two words in Hebrew. This was translated by a curator in The Jewish Museum in New York who wrote: "I believe this reads "Kever Mashiach," which would mean "grave of the Messiah." However, the first letter of the second word (which would be "Messiah" if I am reading it correctly) is difficult to make out."

  This wonderful piece is highly decorated as you will see through the images. Many of the pieces seem to have been made from cigar boxes. The overall size, excluding the two movable covered benches with metal rails is 17 1/2 inches wide by 10 5/8 inches deep and 13 1/4 inches high. The benches are each 3 1/4 inches high by 3 5/8" by 2". They can be set on top or anywhere else. Since they are movable, we have pictured them in various places.

  This piece has some amazing detail. It includes carved stone masks and water receptacles, a stone carved font (in the rear center, underneath) and much more. Even the inside of the structure has work such as rooms, etc.

  The condition is extremely good, but there have been a few splits which were reglued, and it may have a few missing pieces. We say "may" because while we do not see any, it is so detailed we might have missed one. Showing in a few of the photos are some tiny white specks. Some are dust, some come off with a touch, some with a little rub. I think almost all can be removed very easily.

  Even with all the photos we have provided, this construction is far more impressive in person. It is an exceptional piece of folk art. The price is $2800.00. Inventory Code: THHT.   See a slideshow of several views [895k]
  Folk art temple, moveable pieces on top ... With moveable pieces on upper back ... With moveable pieces to either side ... Closeup from above, showing date ... 3/4 view ... Another overall angle ... Closeup of central arch ... Closeup, lower right ... Lower right, another angle ... Closeup, left side ... Closeup, left from above ... Closeup, lower left ... Closeup, top from left ... Closeup, top from right ... Side views ... From above ... Top view ... Closeup from top ... Back view ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

  Larger images:   Folk art temple, moveable pieces on top ... With moveable pieces on upper back ... With moveable pieces to either side ... Closeup from above, showing date ... 3/4 view ... Another overall angle ... Closeup of central arch ... Closeup, lower right ... Lower right, another angle ... Closeup, left side ... Closeup, left from above ... Closeup, lower left ... Closeup, top from left ... Closeup, top from right ... Side views ... From above ... Top view ... Closeup from top ... Back view ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

• This is a really beautiful and detailed memory ware pedestal. It is covered with a particularly rich variety of shards from very fine china, as well as doll heads, baby figurines, patterned glass, a china frog and rooster's head, a lady's watch, and a doll's cup and pitcher. The spaces between the shards are painted in an old, dark, oxidized gold. In the center top is a heavy hammered copper ashtray that is not attached. It lifts off to reveal a round open space. While probably not original to the stand, this is how we found it, so we are offering it as is.

  There is a fair amount of loss around the lower edges of the top, with a lesser amount on the edges of the base. This is not at all obvious or intrusive to us, we had to look closely to see some of it. Take a look at the many closeup images to see the great detail for yourself, and if you have any questions, give us a call. This wonderful stand was made in the early 1900's. Some of the decoration appears to be much older. It measures 28" high by about 9" by 9". The price is $775.00. Inventory Code: THHA.   Memory ware pedestal stand ... The other sides ... Closeup of the top ... Closeup of the base ... Closeup of the middle ... From above ... From above, ashtray removed ... Another overall view from above ... Closeup of top, 2nd side ... Closeup of top, 3rd side ... Closeup of top, 4th side ... Closeup of base, 2nd side ... Closeup of base, 3rd side ... Closeup of base, 4th side ... Top, from below ... Another closeup of top, ashtray removed ... Final closeup of top ... Another closeup of base, from above ... Extreme closeup of base.

  Larger images:   Memory ware pedestal stand ... The other sides ... Closeup of the top ... Closeup of the base ... Closeup of the middle ... From above ... From above, ashtray removed ... Another overall view from above ... Closeup of top, 2nd side ... Closeup of top, 3rd side ... Closeup of top, 4th side ... Closeup of base, 2nd side ... Closeup of base, 3rd side ... Closeup of base, 4th side ... Top, from below ... Another closeup of top, ashtray removed ... Final closeup of top ... Another closeup of base, from above ... Extreme closeup of base.

• Here is an extraordinary, large, carved, expanding whimsey done in a tramp art, notch carved style from a single piece of wood. About 19 inches long, by 2 inches square when closed; it opens up and keeps expanding and expanding with various pliers, legs, and more. It really is exceptional. This is very difficult to describe, so we urge you to look at all of the photos. Each shows a different view. This piece has a natural medium dark unfinished surface. It came from Canada, and was probably made around the 1920's or 30's. It is in excellent condition. The price is $1100.00. Inventory Code: APTC.   See a slideshow of several views [258k]
  Large, intricate carved whimsey ... Closed ... Three views partly unfolded ... Two more views partly opened ... Two more views ... From below ... End view, closed ... From above ... With a soda can for scale.
  Larger images:   Large, intricate carved whimsey ... Closed ... Three views partly unfolded ... Two more views partly opened ... Two more views ... From below ... End view, closed ... From above ... With a soda can for scale.

• Here is an unusual and nicely done crown of thorns doll bed. Also called puzzle work, each piece is individually carved and then fitted together to lock in place without any nails or glue. This bed was made from light and dark colored woods - probably cedar, and finished with a clear varnish. It is in excellent condition, and measures 16 1/2" long by 9" wide by 9 1/2" high. The age is unknown. It is not new, but not especially old. The price is $275.00. Inventory Code: TCPT.   Crown of thorns tramp art doll bed ... Closeup ... Side view ... The other side ... End view ... The other end ... From above ... From below.
  Larger images:   Crown of thorns tramp art doll bed ... Closeup ... Side view ... The other side ... End view ... The other end ... From above ... From below.

• This is a group of three old cast iron star tie-ins from the 1800's. They are mounted on a new metal tree-shaped base. The stars are in excellent old condition. Two are very unusual with slits rather than holes in the center. One star is painted red, a second has remnants of blue paint, while the third is naturally aged and unpainted, with a few flecks of white. The stars are each about 7" to 7 1/2" across. The base alone is 16" by 12" by 6". With the stars, the assemblage is 18" by 18" by 6". The price is $175.00. Inventory Code: TAAA.   Star tree ... Another view ... Side view ... The other side ... Back view ... From above ... The stars, off the base ... Back of the stars ... The base alone.
  Larger images:   Star tree ... Another view ... Side view ... The other side ... Back view ... From above ... The stars, off the base ... Back of the stars ... The base alone.

• This is an old, wrought iron utilitarian item from about 1900. We are not sure if it was used as a boot scraper or in a fireplace as a spoon rest. Either way, it is a very decorative, folky, and interesting piece. This was constructed of several pieces which were cut, bent, and welded together. It is 8" by 8" by 8" and in sturdy, oxidized condition. The price is $175.00. Inventory Code: TAHW.   Wrought iron ... Another view ... One end ... The other end ... Side view ... The other side ... From above ... From below ... Another overall view.
  Larger images:   Wrought iron ... Another view ... One end ... The other end ... Side view ... The other side ... From above ... From below ... Another overall view.

• This is simply a wonderful, old, decorative star made from tin cans by Leon Gibson, an African-American man who lived in south city St. Louis, MO. This was done in the 1940's. The workmanship involved in cutting, bending, and shaping the many pieces is amazing. This piece is approximately 16" across the arms - of which there are 11. It is in very good condition (with a little rust), and colorful, oxidized paint. It was very difficult to get photos which accurately conveyed how nice this is. We are sure, however, that whoever gets it will be very pleased. Take your time looking through the many images to get a better feel. The price is $395.00. Inventory Code: AWKS. Image ... Closeup ... Second view ... Third view ... Fourth view ... Fifth view ... Sixth view ... Seventh view ... Closeup of hanger detail ... Closeup of arms ... Another closeup of arms ... Second closeup of center ... Third closeup of center ... Fourth closeup of center ... Fifth closeup of center.

  Larger images:   Image ... Second view ... Third view ... Fourth view ... Fifth view ... Sixth view ... Seventh view

• 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 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.

• "Pumpkin Vine Hill", by Lewis Smith. Crayon, ballpoint, marker, and pencil on white paper, 11" by 17". The price is $875.00. Inventory Code: LS116. Image ... Closeup.

  We have a whole new page of drawings which include animals by the late Lewis Smith.

• This is a nice memory bottle covered with beads, charms, costume jewelry, and a small assortment of little gimgaws. The semi-rectangular bottle is 10 1/2" high, 6" wide, and 4 3/4" deep. It is in excellent condition with no loss, and was made about 1980. The price is $95.00. Inventory Code: AWHT. Overall image ... Other side ... One end ... Other end ... From above ... From below.   Larger, more detailed images: Overall image ... Other side ... One end ... Other end ... From above ... From below.

• Here is a very interesting pottery bowl. It is covered with incised figures of people, animals, and designs. It has a dark brown glaze both inside and in the incisings. It was hand formed, not turned, but probably made from the coil method. It came from the NC mountains; is signed Daniel Ray Owen; and most likely was done within the last 30 years, but not recently. It is 7" high by approximately 8 1/2" in diameter, in perfect condition. The price is $275.00. Inventory Code: POHW.   See a slideshow of several views [731k]
  Pottery bowl ... Second view ... Third view ... Fourth view ... Fifth view ... Sixth view ... Seventh view ... Closeup ... From above ... From above, lid off ... Top and bottom of the lid ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
  Larger images:   Pottery bowl ... Second view ... Third view ... Fourth view ... Fifth view ... Sixth view ... Seventh view ... Closeup ... From above ... From above, lid off ... Top and bottom of the lid ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

• 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.
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• This is a primitive doll made from black cloth, stuffed with straw, with a painted face. The arms and legs are movable: they were made separately and attached with wire joints. The feet are oversized for the rest of the body. It is 8" tall by 4" by 1 3/4", from the 1920's - 30's. The condition is very good, with one small frayed spot on the head. The price is $110.00. Inventory Code: PPKK. Image ... Second view ... Back.

• This is a very strange redware skull. It is shaped like a primitive fossil skull rather than a modern human one, and glazed white. It has been broken and reglued (no missing pieces), strengthening the impression that it is a fossil. It is fairly detailed, with heavy teeth and sockets where two teeth would be missing if it were a real skull. (They are not really missing, it was made this way.) It has no lower jaw. There is a signature on the bottom that is not quite legible; it looks like B. Volken. The size is 5 1/2" high by 5" wide by 7" deep. The price is $210.00. Inventory Code: PAHH. Image.

  This group of military birdhouses were made during the Persian Gulf war by Eugene Poore, from wood and found objects, with interesting detailing. There is a tank, helicopter, and Patriot missile.
  

• The helicopter is painted green, brown, and black camouflage and has openings for two birds on the sides. The rotors turn (will spin in the wind). It is 26 1/2" long by 13" wide by 11 1/2" high. The price is $250.00. Inventory code: PCHW. Image.

• The tank is also painted camouflage, and has rubber tracks and a moveable metal gun. It is 15 1/2" long, 9" wide, and 8 3/4" high with spaces for two birds.The price is $250.00. Inventory code: PCHH. Image.

• The Patriot missile is painted red, white and blue with the words "PATRIOT" and "USA". It has two openings for birds, and is 28" high by 4 1/2" in diameter.The price is $195.00. Inventory code: PCHC. Image.

• These are three handmade dolls with dried apple heads. Their bodies are made from wire, wood, and cloth, with hand made clothes, and decorated with beads, buttons, etc. There is a man standing; a man in a seated posture, wearing glasses and holding a piece of newspaper; and a woman sitting in a chair made from thin, curled strips of metal. One is labeled by the maker, from North Carolina. They were probably made around the 1970's. They range in size from 7" to 10" high and are in very good condition. The price is $75.00. Inventory Code: PCWW. Image.

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