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Carved cowboy on bucking bronco
Exceptional carving:
cowboy on bucking bronco
Adam and Eve carving
19th c. Adam and Eve carving over 3 feet high
3 carved Western figures
Three carved Western figures
Painting of American IndianPainting of Native American
Two portraits of American Indians
Carved totem
Three folky carved totems
Sketch by Lewis Smith
"Pattie and Dottie" by Lewis Smith
Carved face
Carved face plaque
Carved man, horses, and wagon
Carved man, horses, and wagon
Folk art model Ferris wheel
Folk art model Ferris wheel
Jointed carvings
Jointed limberjack carvings
John Henry whirligig
John Henry railroad whirligig
Carving with two faces
Carving with two faces
Painting by Robert E. Gilbert
Portrait by Robert E. Gilbert
Metal wall art
Welded metal wall art
African-American carving
Exceptional, large,
African-American carving
Stone carving of Abraham Lincoln
Stone carving of Abraham Lincoln
Coal cracker model by Jim Popso
Carved folk art assemblage by PA artist Jim Popso
depicting life and history in coal country
Drummer whirligig
Drummer whirligig
Primitive jointed carving
Very primitive jointed man with felt hat
Uncle Billy whirligig
"Uncle Billy" metal and wood whirligig
Buffalo by Lewis Smith
"Buffalo", two sided drawing by Lewis Smith
Carving by Russell Gillespie
Root and burl carving by Russell Gillespie
Page 2 of People in Folk Art and Antiques         Page 3         Page 4

Drummer whirligigThis is a good looking and colorful whirligig of a uniformed drummer. As the vividly striped blade turns, the drummer's arms alternate up and down, beating the sticks on the drum. The whirligig is made from 1/2" pine, mounted on a metal base. It is 11 1/2" long by 20 1/2" high as mounted. The man is 8 1/2" tall and the blade is 12" across. From the second half of the 20th c., it is in very good, slightly weathered condition. The price is $325.00. Inventory Code: CCWP.   Drummer whirligig ... The other side ... Arms moved ... With the base ... Another angle ... Front view ... The blade ... From above ... With a soda can for scale ... Animation of the motion [1.2 Mb].
Some much larger photos:   Drummer whirligig ... The other side ... Arms moved ... With the base ... Another angle ... Front view ... The blade ... From above ... With a soda can for scale ... Animation of the motion [1.2 Mb].

Carved faceHere is a plaque carved from a single piece of wood, with a smiling face and colored in eyes. It looks like a theater comedy mask, and has lots of personality. The surface is unfinished, natural wood, and it appears to have been made in the mid to late 20th c. It measures 6 1/2" high by 3 3/4" wide by 2" deep. There is a metal hanger on the back. It is in very good condition with slight surface wear. The price is $125.00. Inventory Code: CART.   Carved plaque ... With a soda can for scale ... Larger photos ... Larger, with a soda can for scale.

John Henry whirligigThis is a whirligig of John Henry working on the railroad. It was made by Ed Smith of Conover, NC. The carved, jointed figure goes up and down, hammering on the track as the blades turn. There is a plastic model box car on the track, and the blades are Conover license plates from 1978. The tail is a somewhat battered piece of sheet metal painted white on one side. The whirligig is 45" long by 27" across the blades. The man is 10 1/4" tall. As mounted on the wooden display base, it is about 28" high to the top of his head, or 33" to the top of the blade. It was made c. 1985, and is in very good, weathered condition. The price is $425.00. Inventory Code: CAKH.   John Henry whirligig ... With blades turned ... Closeup of the figure ... The other side ... Front view ... Back view ... Another closeup of the man ... Closeup, one side ... Closeup, other side ... Closeup from behind ... Closeup of blades ... Closeup of the boxcar ... Closeup of the tail ... Other side of the tail ... With a yardstick and soda can for scale ... Video of the action [5.7 Mb].
Some much larger photos:   John Henry whirligig ... With blades turned ... Closeup of the figure ... The other side ... Front view ... Back view ... Another closeup of the man ... Closeup, one side ... Closeup, other side ... Closeup from behind ... Closeup of blades ... Closeup of the boxcar ... Other side of the tail ... With a yardstick and soda can for scale ... Video of the action [5.7 Mb].

Carving with two facesThis is a wood carving that has two faces on opposite sides. They have qualities that resemble the stone heads of Easter Island. The piece is just under 16" high by 3 1/2" wide by 5 1/2" deep. It is done in hardwood, probably walnut, that has been highlighted with darker stain. The carving is in good condition, with very minor age cracks. It likely was done about the 1940's or so. This is part of a small collection by the same unknown artist. You can see some others here. The price is $325.00. Inventory Code: TKPC.   Carving with two faces, with a soda can for scale ... Two more views of this face ... Three views of the other face ... Side views ... From above ... From below.
Some much larger photos:   Carving with two faces, with a soda can for scale ... Two more views of this face ... Three views of the other face ... Side views.

Jointed carvingsHere is an exceptional pair of jointed limberjack carvings - a man and a woman. They have strong, primitive faces with carved ears and metal tacks for eyes. The hands are inset metal tabs which are free to turn around the iron mounting bar. These carvings are from the late 1800's or early 1900's, with well oxidized surfaces and good patina. They are in excellent condition. Each person measures approximately 10" high by 2" wide by 1 1/2" deep; total width including the bar is 19 3/4". The price for the pair is $675.00. Inventory Code: ARPP.   Pair of jointed limberjack carvings ... Another view ... Closeup of both ... Closeup of the woman ... Closeup of the man ... Sitting ... One side ... The other side ... With arms down ... Another view, arms down ... From above ... Side/back ... Back view ... From below.

Painting by Robert E. GilbertHere is a painting by the late Robert E. Gilbert (REG) of Jonesboro, TN. This very vivid and detailed portrait of a woman with a wild background is painted in gouache or watercolor on heavy paper. It is signed "REG 1971", measures 18" by 24", and is in excellent condition with very faint foxing visible only on the back. In the 1950's through the 70's REG was a prolific producer and contributor of art to science fiction fan magazines. You can see much more of REG's work here. The price is $350.00. Inventory Code: REG 104.   Painting by Robert E. Gilbert ... Back ... With a 12" ruler for scale.
Some much larger photos:   Painting by Robert E. Gilbert ... Back ... With a 12" ruler for scale.

Metal wall art"Ground Floor Man" by Tommy Richards is welded metal art. It is mounted on a wooden frame with hand cut metal reinforcement on the back corners. The back is spray-painted "T 87" and has masking tape labels with the title and "T-87". There is also a label from a previous owner with the title and the artist. It is 19 3/4" high by 30" wide by about 1" deep, in excellent condition. The price is $325.00. Inventory Code: CRWH.   Metal wall art ... Closeup, lower left ... Upper right ... Lower right ... Upper left ... Side view ... The other side ... Back view ... Closeup of back ... With a soda can for scale.

Large African-American carvingThis is a very large, powerful African-American carving of a man and lion. The mane of the lion makes up the man's hair. It stands almost 3 feet high - 33" by 13" by 22", and is hand carved from ancient swamp-submerged cypress with a varnish finish. This is one of three known carvings by the same anonymous artist found in Florida. We are told that one of them was found in a black neighborhood in Jacksonville, FL. This one has been in a private collection for about the last 30 years, and was probably made around the 1940's. We have a second one available here. Overall the condition is very good, and it is very sturdy. There is an old crack on one of the lion's teeth, a very old drying crack around and underneath the lion's chin (which is still very strong), and a few scuffs in the finish. The price is $3400.00. Inventory Code: AAHW.   Overall image ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... Third closeup ... Another overall view ... Side view ... Back view ... The lion side ... Another view of the lion ... The lion, from above ... From above ... Another view from above ... A different angle from above ... With a yardstick for scale.
With the other carving by the same maker:   Both carvings together ... Another angle ... A third view ... From above.

Some much larger photos:   Overall image ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... Third closeup ... Another overall view ... With a yardstick for scale.
With the other carving by the same maker:   Both carvings together ... Another angle ... A third view ... From above.

Primitive jointed carvingNext is a jointed carving of a very primitive man wearing a felt hat, with tacks for eyes. He has no arms, and apparently never did as there is nowhere they could have been attached. There are small pieces of cloth attached which seem to be remnants of clothing. He is mounted on a custom made metal base. The carving itself is about 14" high by 2 1/4" by 2". As mounted, he is 16 1/2" by 3 1/4" by 3". It was probably made about the 1920's or 30's. The price is $450.00. Inventory Code: CTHK.   Three views of the carving ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... Side views ... Back view ... Closeup of back ... From above ... Legs and feet, from above ... With a soda can for scale.
Some much larger photos:   Three views of the carving ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... Side views ... Back view ... Closeup of back ... From above ... Legs and feet, from above ... With a soda can for scale.

Carved man, horses, and wagonThis is a detailed carved assemblage of a man driving two horses and a wagon. The man has jointed arms and legs, a separately carved hat, and round-headed pins for eyes. He is holding the reins in one hand and a whip in the other. The horses are carved, with what looks like plaster or some sort of composition material for manes, and plastic eyes. They have intricate harness made from wood, wire, chain, and vinyl or plastic straps, with decorative pins. The wagon has articulated steering, and the wheels would turn if they were not wired to the base.

The piece is 26" long by 6 1/2" wide by 12" high. It is most likely from the mid-20th century. The condition is very good, with minor loss to the horses' manes. The wire attaching the horses and wagon to the base appears to have been replaced. The price is $595.00. Inventory Code: CWAP.   Carved man, horses, and wagon ... Side view ... The other side ... Closeup ... Two front views ... Back view ... Another back view ... Another closeup of man ... Closeup of horses ... From above ... Closeup from above ... With a soda can for scale.
Some much larger photos:   Carved man, horses, and wagon ... Side view ... The other side ... Closeup ... Two front views ... Back view ... Another back view ... Another closeup of man ... Closeup of horses ... From above ... Closeup from above ... With a soda can for scale.

Carved cowboy on bucking broncoThis is an exceptional carving of a cowboy riding a bucking bronco. It is very lifelike and detailed, with a strong sense of motion. The surface is a finely alligatored dark varnish or lacquer. The carving is mounted on a slightly larger slab of wood as a base. It stands 21 1/2" high by 8" wide by 13" deep. There are a number of old repairs where the carving was broken at one time. These include two of the horse's feet, the tail, and one arm and neck of the cowboy. They are tight and not very noticeable, but we have tried to include closeup photos of all of them. Contact us if you want more details. The age is probably from the early 1900's, but it could be older. It is a spectacular piece. The price is $2000.00. Inventory Code: COWH.   Carved cowboy on bucking bronco ... Closeup of cowboy ... One side ... The other side ... Fourth view ... From back ... Another back view ... Another closeup of cowboy ... Closeup of horse ... Closeup of head and arm repairs ... Closeup one side ... Closeup other side ... Another closeup of horse ... Closeup of repair on rear leg ... Closeup from back of cowboy ... Repair on tail ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

Adam and Eve carvingThis is a large, exceptional old wood carving depicting Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden together with the Snake and Apple Tree. It is done in great detail in full, deep relief around the entire hard pine log. It has a wonderful old surface and patina. In a very unusual manner, this is actually two full scenes carved on opposite sides. One depicts Eve reaching for the apple with the serpent overhead, while the other shows the Angel ordering them away. Before, Adam and Eve are naked, after they are wearing fig leaves. Inscribed on the base of the "after" side is the word "Banishment". This carving is most likely from the late 1800's and is in excellent condition with very slight bark loss on the base. The piece is about 38" high by 12" by 12". The price is $4500.00. Inventory Code: CCPA.   Adam and Eve carving, "Banishment" ... The other side, in the Garden ... Another angle ... Fourth view ... One side view ... Sixth view ... Seventh view ... Eight view ... The other side view ... Closeup in the Garden with serpent, apple ... Another closeup ... Their feet ... Fourth closeup ... Closeup of the Angel banishing ... Adam and Eve ... Their faces ... Their feet, title ... Another view of the angel ... Closeup from side ... From above ... From below ... With a yardstick and soda can for scale.
Some much larger photos:   Adam and Eve carving, "Banishment" ... The other side, in the Garden ... Another angle ... Fourth view ... One side view ... Sixth view ... Seventh view ... Eight view ... The other side view ... Closeup in the Garden with serpent, apple ... Another closeup ... Their feet ... Fourth closeup ... Closeup of the Angel banishing ... Adam and Eve ... Their faces ... Their feet, title ... Another view of the angel ... Closeup from side ... From above ... From below ... With a yardstick and soda can for scale.

Coal cracker model by Jim PopsoHere is a folk art assemblage by Pennsylvania artist James (Jim) Popso (1922 - 1998). The son of a coal miner, his wonderfully detailed work depicts life in the mines and mine towns with a real sense of history. You can read about Popso and his art here. This piece is a model of a coal cracker that breaks up the larger chunks into more manageable sizes. There is a carved operator sitting on the front with his shovel, his mallet is behind him. When you turn the crank on the side you can see the crushing mechanism in the top move. There are two rubber flaps covering the chutes where the crushed coal would exit. Flat surfaces on the front and sides are covered with tiny, detailed scenes of the town of Eckley, PA. It is signed "By J. Popso, son of a coal miner, Hazleton, PA". One of the things Popso did in his work as a welder was to build these coal crackers.

The model is mostly wood, with pieces of coal, and some cardboard underneath. It measures 21 1/2" long by 7" wide by 13" high, and is in very good condition. It was featured in the article in the Spring, 1995 issue of Pennsylvania Folklife linked above. The price is $1150.00. Inventory Code: CAKO.   Coal cracker model by Jim Popso ... One side ... The other side ... Another angle ... Front view ... Back view ... Another back view ... Closeup of man and painted dial ... Second closeup of dial, turned ... Small painting on side ... From above ... Closeup from above ... One rubber flap open ... With a soda can for scale.
Some much larger photos:   Coal cracker model by Jim Popso ... One side ... The other side ... Another angle ... Front view ... Back view ... Another back view ... Closeup of man and painted dial ... Second closeup of dial, turned ... Small painting on side ... From above ... Closeup from above ... One rubber flap open ... With a soda can for scale.

Uncle Billy whirligigThis is a very folky wood and metal whirligig of a man driving a horse and buggy, followed by a dog. It has "Uncle Billy" painted on both sides. The colors are rich, deep, red, pumpkin, yellow, brown, and silver. Some of the paint is finely crazed. The figures are sheet metal, except for the man's arm, which is wood. The propeller is wood with metal vanes. It is mounted on a turned wooden finial. It is in very good, used and weathered condition, with minor paint wear, some bends in the propeller blades, and a chip off the base of the finial. Age is from the first half of the 20th century, likely 1930's or 40's. It stands 18" high by 17" long. The propeller is 13" across. The price is $895.00. Inventory Code: CWWC.   "Uncle Billy whirligig" ... The other side ... Another angle ... A fourth view ... Closeup ... Closeup, figures moved ... Closeup other side ... Front view ... Back view ... From above ... With a soda can for scale ... Video of the action.
Some much larger photos:   "Uncle Billy whirligig" ... The other side ... Another angle ... A fourth view ... Closeup ... Closeup, figures moved ... Closeup other side ... Front view ... Back view ... From above ... With a soda can for scale ... Video of the action.

3 carved Western figuresThis is a group of three western figures carved by the same maker. Each has the same stylized pose. They are carved from a dark, fine-grained wood with painted details, mounted on pine bases. The age is unknown, but they are old, probably from the middle of the 20th c. They are in excellent condition.

The largest carving is 15" high by about 5" wide by 6" deep. He has a badge that says "Wild Bill" drawn on his chest in pencil. His pants are dark green, hair and base are black. The hair has some carved texture.

The middle figure is 5 1/4" high by 2 1/2" wide by 2 3/4" deep. He has a black hat, hair, and base. "Virginia" is written on the bottom in pencil.

The smallest figure stands 3 3/4" high by 1 1/2" wide by 2" deep. His hat, boots, and base are green and his hair is gray with carved texture. The price for all three is $425.00. Inventory Code: COWA.   Three carved western figures ... The largest carving ... Closeup ... Second closeup ... Side and back views ... From above and below ... Closeup of the two smaller carvings ... Another angle ... Third view ... Fourth view ... Fifth view ... One side ... The other side ... Back view ... From above ... From below ... Inscription on the middle carving ... All three, with a soda can for scale.

Painting of American IndianThis is a portrait of an American Indian holding a gun. It is drawn in pastels and ink on heavy chipboard, with fine detail, unsigned. It is mounted under glass in a beautiful frame with deeply textured gesso in a pattern of bark, vines, and leaves, painted an old, oxidized gold. There is some very slight loss to the surface of the frame, visible in the closeup photos. The overall size of the frame is 26 1/2" high by 22 1/2" wide by 2 1/2" deep. The visible opening for the drawing is 19 1/2" by 15 1/2". The age appears to be from the first half of the 20th c., and the frame may be older. The price is $425.00. Inventory Code: COKO.   Painting of American Indian ... Closeup, top half ... Closeup, lower half ... Side view ... The other side ... Two more side views ... From above and below ... Closeup of frame ... Another closeup of frame ... Back view ... With a 12" ruler for scale.

Painting of Native AmericanThis is a portrait of a Native American man painted in oil or acrylic on heavy chipboard. There is a signature we cannot make out. The condition is excellent. It is mounted in a frame under glass. The overall size is 21 1/2" high by 17 1/2" wide by 3/4" deep, with a visible opening of 19 1/2" by 15 1/2". It is from the first half of the 20th c. The price is $325.00. Inventory Code: COKR.   Painting of Native American ... Closeup, upper half ... Closeup, lower half ... Side view ... Back view ... With a soda can for scale

Folk art model Ferris wheelThis is a Mexican folk art Ferris wheel model that spins when the crank is turned. It was probably made in Oaxaca as a souvenir. The figures have painted faces and jointed arms and legs that can be positioned up or down. The wheel and figures are about 18" high, and the base is 9 3/4" by 13 1/2". It is in good, weathered condition with some minor warping and loss to the old plywood. The age is unknown, but it is old, likely about the mid-20th c. or a little older. The price is $275.00. Inventory Code: CWKP.   Folk art model Ferris wheel ... Another angle ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... Third closeup ... Front view ... Side view ... The other side ... Back view ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale ... Video of the action.
Some much larger photos:   Folk art model Ferris wheel ... Another angle ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... Third closeup ... Front view ... Side view ... The other side ... Back view ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale ... Video of the action.

Stone carving of Abraham LincolnThis is a very well done bust of Abraham Lincoln carved from dense stone. It is flat on the bottom and back and will sit on a shelf, against a wall, or possibly as a bookend. The size is 8 3/4" high by 5 1/4" wide by 2" deep. It is in very good condition with some scratches on the back. The price is $395.00. Inventory Code: CHRS.   Stone carving of Abraham Lincoln ... Another angle ... Side views ... The other side ... From above ... From below ... Back view ... With a soda can for scale.
Some much larger photos:   Stone carving of Abraham Lincoln ... Another angle ... Side views ... The other side ... From above ... From below ... Back view ... With a soda can for scale.

Here are three folky carved totems by the same maker. One is initialled "LB". The age is unknown, but they are old enough that the natural surfaces have darkened and oxidized. They are described and priced separately below.   All three totems below ... Side view ... The other side ... Back view ... All four, with a soda can for scale.

Carved totemThis largest totem was carved from a curved branch. Some of the bark was left on as hair and clothing of the figures. The men on top and bottom are wearing a top hats. The man in the middle has painted eyes, and an arm that was carved separately and attached. The other arm is missing. It is mounted on a separate piece of wood with "LB" burned into it. It stands 21" high. The base is 3 1/4" by 2 1/2". The condition is good with the exception of the missing arm and a few old chips in the hat brims. The price is $285.00. Inventory Code: CRST.   Carved totem, several views ... Closeups, one side ... Closeups, the other side ... With a soda can for scale.

Carved totemThis next carving is a man in a top hat standing over a pig or dog, over a turtle. It is 13" tall by 1" by 1", in very good condition. The price is $275.00. Inventory Code: CRSC.   Carved totem, several views ... Several closeups ... With a soda can for scale.

Carved totemThis totem has a man's bust on top with beads for eyes, over a giraffe, over a turtle. It was carved from something like a furniture leg or bannister rail, and parts of the darker finished surface were left on as accents. It is 12 1/4" tall by 1 1/4" wide by 1 1/2" deep, in very good condition. The price is $275.00. Inventory Code: CRSH.   Carved totem, several views ... Several closeups ... With a soda can for scale.

Buffalo by Lewis Smith"Buffalo", a two sided drawing of women wrestlers by Lewis Smith (1907 - 1998). It is drawn in crayon and ballpoint on both sides of a panel cut from a brown paper grocery bag. It measures 12" by 17", and is in excellent condition. The price is $1100.00. Inventory Code: LS236.   "Buffalo" by Lewis Smith ... The other side ... Closeup ... Closeup, other side ... With a 12" ruler for scale.

Lewis Smith's Home Page     More Art on Brown Bags by Lewis Smith


Sketch by Lewis Smith"Pattie and Dottie", a framed sketch by Lewis Smith. It is done in ballpoint ink on paper from a sketch pad. The paper has yellowed somewhat with age. The sketch pad was pierced through, so there is a small hole on the left edge, and also a faint crease in the lower right. It is mounted in a green wooden frame. The sketch itself measures 11 3/4" wide by 8 3/4" high, and the frame is 14 3/4" by 11 3/4". It is from the last quarter of the 20th c. The price is $250.00. Inventory Code: LS226.   Sketch by Lewis Smith ... In the frame ... With a soda can for scale.

Carving by Russell GillespieThis is an assemblage of carved figures by Russell Gillespie. There is a person, a bird, a turtle, and two possums. They are carved from burls, branches, and wood, mounted on a large root base with dried moss. It measures about 28 1/2" wide by 14" high by 10" deep. There is some loss to the smaller branches that form "trees" between the figures. The bird is loose on the base, and the turtle has broken off the base and just sits in place. The price is $1150.00. Inventory Code: CKOW.   Carving by Russell Gillespie ... Another angle ... Third view ... Closeup ... Second closeup ... Third closeup ... Side view ... The other side ... Back view ... The turtle ... Another view of the turtle ... The bird ... The man ... Closeup from the side ... Closeup from the back ... Second view from the back ... Third view from the back ... The turtle, from below ... With a soda can for scale.

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