Folk art, antiques, and outsider art

• This is a folky, old carving of a man. It has a strong feeling of being African American; however, there is no provenance to confirm that. The wood is heavy, probably walnut. While the surface is originally dark, it appears to also have been was finished with highlights of a dark stain. The surface is smooth and has developed a good patina. The carving is fairly detailed and has an unusual aspect with the eyes. The left one seems to have been carved and set in, while the right seem carved into the wood itself. The letters XBD are on the bottom of the foot.

  The condition of this carving is generally very good, although there are some slight age cracks. It was probably done in the 1800's. The man stands 7 inches high and is approximately 1 1/2 inches both in depth and width. The price is $400.00. Inventory Code: AHAP.   Overall view ... Straight on ... The Back ... One Side ... The other Side ...The Bottom.           Larger images: Overall Front view ... Straight on ... The Back ... One Side ... The other Side ...The Bottom.

• Here are two pairs of "sleepy" doll eyes with the weighted mechanism to make them open and close. They have been mounted on black wooden bases so that they are free to rotate. The mechanism gives a weird "face" to the eyes. The eyes appear to be plastic, with synthetic lashes. The mechanism is steel, with heavy copper wire and a lead weight. They are in excellent condition, with light oxidation on the metal parts, and date from the mid 20th century. They are priced at $110.00 each.   Doll eyes ... Another view ... With a soda can for scale.    Larger images:   Doll eyes ... Another view ... With a soda can for scale.

  The brown eyes are 2 1/2" wide by 3 1/4" high by 1 1/2" deep. As mounted, they stand 6 1/4" high by 1 3/4" by 2" at the base. The price is $110.00. Inventory Code: TWSC.   Larger brown eyes ... Side and back views ... Two more views ... From above.    Larger images:   Larger brown eyes ... Side and back views ... Two more views ... From above.
  

  The blue eyes are 1 1/2" wide by 1 7/8" high by 1 1/4" deep. As mounted, they stand 4 1/2" high by 2 1/2" by 2 1/2". The price is $110.00. Inventory Code: TWST.   Blue doll eyes ... Several more views ... From above.    Larger images:   Blue doll eyes ... Several more views ... From above.

• This is a wonderful and really folky tramp art style frame. It has 3 carved heart shaped openings with glass covering a mat underneath. This unusual piece is decorated in old gold, red, and green paints. It has layered hearts, carved elongated pyramids, leaves, and stars, with a few touches of chip carving. The surface has taken on a very good patina over the years. The frame is about 18 1/2" long by 8 1/2" high and 1 1/2" deep. It is in generally very good condition, however each of the decorative bow shaped pieces on the corners has some loss where wood split off. This is visible in the closeups. This frame was likely made in about the 1920's or 30's. The price is $375.00. Inventory Code: THOR.   Painted, layered frame with hearts ... Closeup, one side ... Closeup, center ... Closeup, other side ... From above ... Side view ... Closeup from side ... Closeup from other side ... Back view ... Closeup of back ... With a soda can for scale.
  Larger images:   Painted, layered frame with hearts ... Closeup, one side ... Closeup, center ... Closeup, other side ... From above ... Side view ... Closeup from side ... Closeup from other side ... Back view ... Closeup of back ... With a soda can for scale.

• This is a very folky hand made weathervane arrow. It was made from sheet metal and iron tubing, with wire reinforcement. The tip and tail of the arrow were cut by hand, and the edges folded over to fasten the two halves together. It has a good, dark, oxidized, unpainted surface. The weathervane is from the first half of the 20th century, mounted on a wood and metal base. It measures 20 1/2" long by 10" high; as mounted it is 16 1/2" high by 6" wide. It is in excellent used and weathered condition. The price is $175.00. Inventory Code: TCWR-A.   Folky arrow weathervane ... Closeups ... The other side, overall ... From front and back ... Closeup of the point ... Closeup of the tail ... From above.
  Larger images:   Folky arrow weathervane ... Closeups ... The other side, overall ... From front and back ... Closeup of the point ... Closeup of the tail ... From above.

• This is a turned wood bottle with a painted menu from Chuck's Steak House of Kansas City, KS. This restaurant is no longer in business. The bottle was likely made in the 1960's or '70's. It is solid wood which was then hand painted with the menu in white. The bottle is 12" high by about 5 1/2" in diameter at the widest part. It is in very good condition. The price is $160.00. Inventory Code: THPT.   Menu bottle ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... A different angle ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
  Larger images:   Menu bottle ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... A different angle ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

• This is a painting by Robert E. Gilbert of a woman sitting in the woods by rocks and a stream. It is framed and under glass, so it is difficult to tell the paint, but it looks like acrylics, on artist's board. Gilbert, who is known more for his outer space and science fiction paintings and drawings, also seemed to have some strange attitudes toward women, which reflected in cheesecake paintings and "space bimbos" (for example, this painting). This is dated April 21, 1971. This image is 17 1/2" by 23 1/2", while the wood frame is 23 1/2" by 29 1/2" and about 3" deep. The price is $275. Inventory Code: REG 81.   Painting by Robert E. Gilbert ... Closeup of hand and rocks ... Closeup of signature ... Back, with date.
  Larger images:   Painting by Robert E. Gilbert ... Closeup of hand and rocks ... Closeup of signature ... Back, with date.

• This is a decorative, sculptural mounting of 3 industrial steel burnishing tools. They were used to smooth metal objects. The tools resemble barbells, but each end is a different size. They vary from 3/8" to 1 1/4" in diameter and from 6 1/2" to 8" in length. They are mounted on a new black metal base which is 9" by 2" and 8" high. The tools are in good condition with some slight wear and loss of the plating. The price is $95.00. Inventory Code: TAOS.   Burnishing tools ... Another view ... Side view ... From above.
  Larger images:   Burnishing tools ... Another view ... Side view ... From above.

• This is an odd, decorative and sculptural, mechanical contraption of some sort. Apparently it was used to turn something on belts or lines. The larger wheel was turned by a wide belt and in turn drove 3 smaller belts. Then the motion is converted and stepped down by the use of gears to another long shaft on which are several other wheels that drove smaller belts. They then also turn. What it was connected to is a mystery. Now it is an interesting workshop piece - hand made for some particular use - all mounted on a tongue and groove board. The dark green paint is strong with normal wear. It probably was made in the 1930's or 40's. This assemblage is about 43" long by 6" deep and 7" high to the top of the larger wheel. The price is $125.00. Inventory Code: TTPC.   Several views ... 3/4 angle ... End view ... From above ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... Closeup from above ... Another overall view.
  Larger images:   Several views ... 3/4 angle ... End view ... From above ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... Closeup from above ... Another overall view.

• This is a "Tax Collector" sign. It is painted onto an arrow-shaped pine board in bright orange on off-white paint. There are two metal loops on top for hangers. The board was probably left over from some other use: there is a groove cut part way down the bottom, and a couple of round indentations. A small piece has broken off at one end of the groove, visible in the photos. Otherwise the condition is good, with minor paint weathering from outdoor use. The size is 30" long by 4 1/2" high by 3/4" thick. It is not super old, but not new either - probably up to 30 years old. The price is $95.00. Inventory Code: TPKP.   Tax Collector sign ... The other side ... Closeup ... Second closeup ... Third closeup ... Closeup, other side ... From above ... From below.
  Larger images:   Tax Collector sign ... The other side ... Closeup ... Second closeup ... Third closeup ... Closeup, other side ... From above ... From below.

• This is a two-sided country store sign, painted on a metal Pepsi advertising sign. The blank side was lettered "Jug Milk 36¢ 1/2 Gal." in cream paint. The other side reads "Have a Pepsi", with a blank space in the middle filled in with "Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix 10¢" in whitish paint that is very crazed and crackled. The sign is 30" high by 19 1/2" wide, from about the 1950's. It has normal wear, with some rust and nail holes, overall in strong condition good for display. The price is $275.00. Inventory Code: TPKC.   Hand painted country store sign ... Closeup of top ... Closeup of bottom ... The other side, with Pepsi and Jiffy Mix ... Closeup of top ... Closeup of bottom ... Side view.
  Larger images:   Hand painted country store sign ... Closeup of top ... Closeup of bottom ... The other side, with Pepsi and Jiffy Mix ... Closeup of top ... Closeup of bottom ... Side view.

• These are the decorative potions of a pair of wrought iron andirons. They seem to have been hand made, as they are not quite the same size. They are from the 1800's. They have a wonderful sculptural look and can be hung, mounted on a base, or used as "accents" in a variety of settings. If desired, the parts which held the wood could easily be replaced so they could also be used in a fireplace again. The andirons were painted black originally and retain some of the paint, while also having a well patinated and desirable old surface. There is a old welding repair on the leg of one. The pieces are about 16" high, 8 3/4" wide, and 2" deep. The price for the pair is $175.00. Inventory Code: TTTA.   Decorative wrought iron ... Side view ... Reverse ... Another side view ... From above ... Another view from above ... From below.
  Larger images:   Decorative wrought iron ... Side view ... Reverse ... Another side view ... From above ... Another view from above ... From below.

• This popsicle stick bowl has colored gravel, like aquarium gravel glued down to line the bottom. The sticks are finished with a light stain or varnish. There are some darker areas inside, visible in the top view. It appears to be roughly 30 years old and is in excellent condition. The price is $25.00. Inventory Code: POKH. Image ... Another view ... From above ... Side view.    Larger images:   Image ... Another view ... From above ... Side view.

• A construction paper COLLAGE of ship at night; it was made by Virginia Love in the 1940's. The price is $125.00. Inventory Code: VL9. Image ... Larger image.

• 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.

• Here is a tramp art box with a dome top and leaf decoration. The hinges are hand made from cut and folded sheet metal, probably a can. An inscription in pencil on the bottom reads "Lake City, Fla. Jan 1941 Thursday, From Uncle Frans to Ruth". The natural surface is nicely oxidized. There is one crack in the top layer of the lid, where it was bent around the curve, otherwise very good condition with no loss. It is 4" high by 5 1/2" wide by 4 1/4" deep. The price is $185.00. Inventory Code: AWPA. Image ... Front ... Top ... Back ... Bottom ... Open    Larger images:   Image ... Front ... Top ... Back ... Bottom ... Open

• A small round pillow covered with a crocheted cover made from bread bags. It is 12" in diameter and in perfect condition. This interesting, colorful, and unique item does have some age to it. The price is $45.00. Inventory Code: AWOH. Side view ... Top view.    Larger images:   Side view ... Top view.

• A nice, oval rug crocheted from bread bag wrappers. The rug is about 31" by 20". It is more recent than the pillow cover and is also in excellent condition. The price is $65.00. Inventory Code: AWOW. Image ... Another view.    Larger images:   Image ... Another view.

• This is an exceptionally nice, old, metal plant stand, with a sort of deco look. It has an inner section with a flat metal spiral which both supports and creates a sense of motion. The stand is 39" high with the center tube 4" in diameter. The 5 arms which hold the plants can both swing and be moved to various levels. If fully extended, they could be as much as 2 feet apart. The base is a tripod, tipped with balls, and is 23" on each side. The stand was probably made about the 1920's or 30's and is in excellent condition. The price is $350.00. Inventory Code: AHPH. Image ... From above ... A second overall view ... 3rd angle ... 4th view ... Without the planter loops.    Larger images:   Image ... From above ... A second overall view ... 3rd angle ... 4th view ... Without the planter loops.
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• This is a folky and historical relief carved trophy made from coal. It is 4" wide, 3 3/4" high, and 2" deep. The highly polished surface has the writing "First Aid Contest Kingston, Pa." and the date 1942. The symbols include the keystone for Pennsylvania, the V for victory, and the cross for the Red Cross. It is in excellent condition. The price is $95.00. Inventory Code: ACTP. Overall view ... Back view ... Bottom view.    Larger images:   Overall view ... Back view
  

• This is a very well made inlaid frame with a long base. It pivots on two upright posts, each 8" high. The base is 23" long, 3 1/2" deep and 1" high. Inlaid into it are darker 1/2" squares. The frame itself is 6 1/2" by 8 1/2" on the outside and 4 1/2" by 6 1/2" inside. Made around 1930 with an old varnish and in very good condition. The price is $275.00. Image.

• This is a pair of folky tramp art style frames. They are made from tongue depressors, with extremely nice and detailed carved and applied decoration. This second layer has elongated diamonds with small squares in the corners. Each of the pieces was then incised with a cross or "x". The frames have a nice, very worn, crusty dark reddish-brown paint. Much of this is lost, so the effect is a sort of two-tone, the other being an old oxidized wood. These frames were probably made about the 1940's. They are in very good condition, although one is missing a single carved diamond. They each measure 5 1/2" by 7", with openings 2 1/4" by 3 1/2". The price is $95.00. Inventory Code: PROK.   Pair of frames ... Side view ... One frame ... The other frame ... Closeup of one ... Second closeup ... Closeup of the other ... Second closeup ... Back view ... With a soda can for scale.
  Larger images:   Pair of frames ... Side view ... One frame ... The other frame ... Closeup of one ... Second closeup ... Closeup of the other ... Second closeup ... Back view ... With a soda can for scale.

• This very graceful, carved woman with jointed arms is carved from a light-colored wood, sanded very smooth, with faint traces of gold paint. She has a bald head, primitively carved face and hands, and her legs merge into the roughly carved base with no feet. C. 1920's or 30's, she is 5" H by 1 1/4" W by 3/4" D, in excellent condition. The price is $275.00. Inventory Code: PRAO. Image ... Another view ... A third angle ... From the side ... From behind ... Another back view.    Larger images:   Image ... Another view ... A third angle ... From the side ... From behind ... Another back view.

• "First Flight", by Robert E. Gilbert (REG) of Jonesboro, TN. In the 1950's through the 70's REG was a prolific producer and contributor of art to science fiction fan magazines (fanzines); in addition to publishing at least one story in a SF pulp. The work for the fanzines were pen and ink, but he also did a large number of sci-fi and outer space paintings in oil, pastels, and water color. In addition, from the 1940's through the 80's he experimented and painted in many other more traditional and non-traditional styles. He died in 1993. We have acquired the full remaining body of his work, over 400 pieces, from his estate. You can see more on his web site. This watercolor illustrates some of his ongoing themes. It is 10 1/4" x 13 1/2", in a matt 18" x 24", watercolor and pencil. The price is $500.00. Image.

• Here is a stylized carved man with jointed arms. He resembles a so-called "Dancing Dan" with a sort of "Art Deco" look but without the jointed legs. He is painted black, with silver, white and red detail. His bow tie is carved in, and his feet are painted on the base. He stands 29 1/4" high by 8 1/4" wide by 1 1/2" deep; the base is 11" wide by 6 1/2" deep. From about the 1930's, he is in excellent condition with very minor paint wear. The price is $375.00. Inventory Code: ATOT.   Image ... Closeup of head ... Closeup of feet ... Side view ... Back view.    Larger images: Image ... Closeup of head ... Side view ... Back view.

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