Tramp Art Boxes and Frames

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Frames:

This is a large and impressive tramp art frame with sculptural form. It is built up in four to nine layers, with a bold diamond and square border. The back is made from crate wood, including a piece labeled "Certified Pure Gold". The front is cigar box wood, with an old, dry, dark lacquer finish. There is an old wedding photo in the frame, which could easily be replaced. The frame measures 20 1/4" wide by 24 1/4" high, with an opening 6 1/2" by 10 1/4". It was made c. 1900 or a bit older, and is in excellent, near mint condition. One small piece has been replaced. The price is $1175.00. Inventory Code: TRSP.

See a slideshow of several views [364k].
Tramp art frame ... Side view ... Closeup, upper left ... Upper right ... Lower right ... Lower left ... Back view ... With a soda can for scale.

Larger images: Tramp art frame ... Side view ... Closeup, upper left ... Upper right ... Lower right ... Lower left ... Back view ... With a soda can for scale.

This is a tramp art frame done in a layered style without chip-carving. It is built in up to eight layers. The base layer is decorated with spoon carved scalloping. The frame has good form and age. It was likely made in the early 1900's, and was painted gold. This has oxidized on the front to a dark muted tone while the back and sides retain the brighter surface. The frame is very good condition with a few little spots of wear and a little loss, mainly the tip of one point on a corner. It is 15 1/4" by 11 1/4" on the outside, with an opening of 7 5/8" by 4 5/8". The price is $375.00. Inventory Code: TORC.

See a slideshow of several views [341k].
Tramp art frame ... Side view ... From above ... Closeup, lower right ... Lower left ... Upper right ... Upper left ... Closeup one side ... Back view ... Another back view ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images: Tramp art frame ... Side view ... From above ... Closeup, lower right ... Lower left ... Upper right ... Upper left ... Closeup one side ... Back view ... Another back view ... With a soda can for scale.

This is a nice, good sized tramp art frame made from cigar boxes over a crate wood base. The exterior is about 23 1/4" by 18 1/2", while the opening is around 14 1/2" by 9 3/4". It is built in up to 5 layers, and is about 1 1/2" deep including the base. The chip carved corners each have crescent moons applied. The outside of the frame is decorated with many carved pieces that were set in under the long pyramids. The inside of the frame is also decorated with some nice larger notching. There are a variety of shades of woods making up this piece. These all seem to be original, their differences coming from using a variety of cigar boxes. Some of the labels are visible on the back, including a NJ tax stamp. The entire frame has a lacquer surface. This piece is in extremely good condition with a few small chips and perhaps the loss of a tiny bit of the tip of one moon. It was likely made in the early 1900's. The price is $475.00. Inventory Code: TWHR.

See a slideshow of several views [408k].
Tramp art frame with moons ... Closeup, upper right ... Closeup, upper left ... Closeup, lower left ... Closeup, lower right ... Side view ... Closeup from side ... Back view ... Back, closeup lower right ... Back, closeup upper right ... Back, closeup upper left ... Back, closeup lower left ... Closeup from back, side view ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images: Tramp art frame with moons ... Closeup, upper right ... Closeup, upper left ... Closeup, lower left ... Closeup, lower right ... Side view ... Closeup from side ... Back view ... Back, closeup lower right ... Back, closeup upper right ... Back, closeup upper left ... Back, closeup lower left ... Closeup from back, side view ... With a soda can for scale.

This is one of the oddest tramp art frames we have seen. It is constructed from an old wood frame with a single layer of notched cardboard cigar boxes. These all are old and have some very nice graphics and printing. In total there are 19 sections nailed to the wood frame. This piece is in good condition with some slight wear to the surface and edges. The frame is 28" by 16" with an opening of 23 1/2" by 11 1/4". There is a signature on the back which is hard to discern. It was not recently made, but the age is not known. The price is $110.00. Inventory Code: TOKS. Cigar box frame ... Closeup ... Second closeup ... Third closeup ... Fourth closeup ... Back view ... Closeup of the signature ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images: Cigar box frame ... Closeup ... Second closeup ... Third closeup ... Fourth closeup ... Back view ... Closeup of the signature ... With a soda can for scale.

This is a really intricate, puzzle work style, tramp art whimsey. It is so well done that the end can't be found. This interlocking piece is very sturdy and can be easily used as a frame. It is similar to those made in a crown of thorns style. The frame or whimsey has a nice natural surface. It is about 6 1/4" in outside diameter, and is about 1" deep. The opening is about 4" in diameter. This piece was likely made about the 1950's (give or take) and is in excellent condition. The price is $175.00. Inventory Code: TTOH. Puzzle whimsey ... The other side ... Another view ... Closeup ... Side views ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images: Puzzle whimsey ... The other side ... Another view ... Closeup ... Side views ... With a soda can for scale.

This is a very nice tramp art frame with unusual cross-hatch carving highlighting the carved spears around the outside. Seven layers of cigar box carved decoration are built upon a simpler pine frame. The corners each have a splay of heart and petals, on top of which are two circular pieces. The surface is of dark lacquer and has taken on an extremely nice patina with some crazing. This frame is about 12" high by 10 1/2" wide, and 2 1/4" deep. The opening for the mirror is about 6 1/4 by 4 1/4. It can easily be removed and replaced with a photo or painting. Overall the frame, from the early 1900's, is in very good condition with only some minor wear on a few edges and corners. The price is $285.00. Inventory Code: THKH. Tramp art frame with hearts ... Another view ... Side view ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... Back view ... Closeup of back ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images: Tramp art frame with hearts ... Another view ... Side view ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... Back view ... Closeup of back ... With a soda can for scale.

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 tramp art frame has an unusual pieced edge of separate, individually carved "petals". It is built up on top of these in four chip carved layers, with another row of diamond shapes on top. The corners are carved into heart shapes. It is made from cigar box wood with a medium dark, oxidized surface, and measures 10" by 12 1/2". The opening is 3 7/8" by 6". It is from the early 1900's, and is in very good condition, missing half of one corner piece. The price is $350.00. Inventory Code: AORR. Front ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... Back. Larger images: Front ... Closeup ... Back.

This is an extremely nice old tramp art frame, with very good form and design. The frame is 30 1/2" high by 22" wide, with a depth of over 3 inches. There is an inner recessed flat frame surrounding the 19 1/2" by 13 1/8" opening. From there, the frame is built out in up to 13 layers. The pyramids are each topped with an old oxidized brass tack. The double sides of the frame are each 5 layers deep and have black velvet between them. This frame came from Germany, was made in the late 1800's, and is in very good to excellent condition. It has only a tiny bit of wear, a little loss to the dark lacquer surface, and a slight chip to the glass in one corner. It includes a matted print. The back can be removed for the replacement of your choice or removal of the glass. The price is $750.00. Inventory Code: AOOA.
Image (as is) ... Same without print ... Close-up of top ... Close-up of bottom ... Back ... Close-up of back.
Larger more detailed images:
Image ... Close-up of top ... Close-up of bottom ... Back ... Close-up of back.

This is a nice tramp art frame with a double border. It is 12 1/2" high by 10" wide and 1 1/4" deep. It is done in two zig-zag layers, is in very good condition with just a little end loss on a couple pieces. It has a darkish variegated varnish finish. The price is $145.00. Inventory Code: ACTK. Image ... Closeup ... Back. Larger images: Image ... Closeup ... Back.

This tramp art frame has crossed corners. It is built up in three layers, from medium-light oxidized wood with a very light coating of clear varnish or lacquer. It is 8 1/2" by 10 1/2", with an opening 3 1/2" by 5 1/4". C. 1920's, it is in very good condition. The price is $90.00. Inventory Code: ACTH. Image ... Closeup ... Back. Larger images: Image ... Closeup ... Back.

Here is a tramp art frame with crossed corners, 5 layers deep, in a medium-dark lacquer finish. The size is 10 1/4" by 12 1/4", the opening is 4" by 6", and it was made in the early 1900's. It is in very good condition: two small pyramid tips are missing plus a few tiny chips/scuffs. The price is $125.00. Inventory Code: ACTW. Image ... Back. Larger images: Image ... Back.

This is a good, fluid looking tramp art, double sided standing frame with a swivel mirror, and an old print of some deer opposite. The frame is constructed of pine and plywood. The curved pieces are carved pine which has been chip carved. The flat pieces are plywood - a construction we like since it gives an additional layering effect. The sides are 6 layers plus the curve, while the base and top are 5 layers each. There are additional carved wooden balls as decorative spacers. The surface is an old varnish with crazing. Overall it is in excellent condition, with a tiny chip in one corner and slight silver loss to the mirror. The size is 13 1/4" wide, 14" high, and 3 1/2" deep. It was made around the 1920's. The price is $425.00. Inventory Code: ATOS. Overall Image ... Reverse side overall ... Side and back ... Close up. Larger images: Overall Image ... Reverse side overall ... Side and back ... Close up.

Here is a tramp art frame in alternating layers of black, brown, and silver. It is 6 layers deep and is 13 3/4" by 20 3/4", with an opening of 8 1/4" by 15". There is a little bit of wear and two of the top tiny pyramids are missing. Otherwise it is in excellent shape, most likely from the 1920's or 30's. The price is $225.00. Inventory Code: AWCH. Image ... Closeup of an upper corner ... Closeup of a lower corner ... Back. Larger images: Image ... Closeup of an upper corner ... Closeup of a lower corner ... Back.

This is a nice round tramp art frame on a base. It could be used for a mirror, as a dresser piece, or for display. The frame is four layers deep and is constructed from pine, while the base is oak. The entire piece has been varnished. This frame is 10" high including the base, and has an opening of 5 1/4" in diameter. The layers and some of the chipping and decorative carving are highlighted in black paint. There is a small area of red velvet on top surrounding an upper triangle. The frame is in excellent condition, although there is a tiny chip on the bottom front. The base is 5" by 2 1/4", and the outside of the frame is 7" in diameter. It was probably made about the 1940's to 50's. The price is $160.00. Inventory Code: AORP.
Image ... One side ... Other side ... Close-up ... Back.
Larger more detailed images:
Image ... One side ... Other side ... Back.

This tramp art frame has very nice color and a style and chipping that is a little different than most. The frame was painted blue, then varnished, which gives a medium green color. The blue is still visible on the back. It is three layers deep plus an extra (fourth) pyramid on the corners. It is in excellent condition, with no breaks or loss, and appears to have been made about the 1930's. The size is 8 3/4" by 10 3/4", with an opening of 3 3/4" by 5 3/4". The price is $145.00. Inventory Code: AWCC. Image ... Back. Larger images: Image ... Back.

This tramp art frame is painted dark blue. It has crossed corners, and is built up in three layers. It was made about the 1920's or 30's. The size is 10 1/4" by 12 3/4", with an opening 4 3/4" by 7 1/4". The condition is very good with minor paint wear and some very tiny chips. The price is $175.00. Inventory Code: ACKO. Note: the color shows up best in the closeup photo. Image ... Closeup ... Back. Larger images: Image ... Closeup ... Back.

This is a tramp art frame with enlarged rectangular corners. It is built in 4 and 5 layers, with a medium-dark lacquer finish, from the early 1900's. The size is 4 3/4" by 6 1/2", with an opening 2 1/4" by 3 1/2". The condition is very good, with a few tiny chips missing. The price is $95.00. Inventory Code: ACKA. Image ... Back. Larger images: Image ... Back.

This folky frame with applied, carved decoration, is painted an old, oxidized gold. It measures 16 1/2" by 22", with an opening 13 1/2" by 19 1/4". It is in good condition with some peeling paint, and would set off a primitive painting nicely. It was made around the 1930's. The price is $95.00. Inventory Code: ATTH. Overall view ... Another overall view ... Closeup ... Larger version of first photo.

A tramp art frame with three openings and "spires" rising up from all corners. From the early 1900's, probably from Quebec. 10 1/2" wide by 13" high, with openings 2 1/4" by 3 3/4", in excellent condition. The price is $275.00. Inventory Code: APOR. Image ... Large image ... Closeup image ... Back ... Back Large.

This is a 2-sided, free-standing tramp art frame. It has two turned uprights which are pegged into the four-layer, chip carved base. The frame itself swivels between the uprights. It has three crosses at the top and bottom, with four layers of chip carving on the front and three on the back. Two photos could be inserted back to back. It is painted an old, oxidized gold over silver, and is from the 1920's or 30's. The frame stands 12 1/2" high by 9" wide by 2 3/4" deep, with an opening 5 1/2" by 3 1/2". The condition is very good, with one old, narrow break approximately 2" long at one lower corner of the base and a couple of small age splits which are very solid, and do not detract from the appearance. The price is $350.00. Inventory Code: ASOW. Image ... Larger image.

Boxes

This is a tramp art pedestal box, with alternating layers of brown and black. It has a very nice crazed lacquer finish. The box is built from crate wood, with thinner chip carved layers that are probably from cigar boxes. It has a wire loop handle, and unusual flat metal hinges. There is a chip missing from the back corner of the lid (see second closeup), and a spot of white paint on the base. Otherwise, the condition is very good, with only a few very tiny nicks. From the early 1900's, it measures 11 1/4" high by 11" wide by 7 1/2" deep. The price is $485.00. Inventory Code: THKW. See a slideshow of several views [618k]
Tramp art pedestal box ... Another angle ... Closeup ... Back view ... Side views ... Top ... Another closeup ... Closeup of base ... Another closeup of base ... Lid open ... Lid open, from above ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images: Tramp art pedestal box ... Another angle ... Closeup ... Back view ... Side views ... Top ... Another closeup ... Closeup of base ... Another closeup of base ... Lid open ... Lid open, from above ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

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 a large, well-made tramp art box with outstanding extra details. A small, removable sliding piece hides the keyhole in the front. The inside is padded and upholstered with rose-colored fabric studded with numerous fabric-covered buttons. Two large upholstery needles were left in the lining. A metal handle is set into the top. The key is missing: the box will open and close but not lock. The condition is very good: one small tip is missing on the top, and two layers of a pyramid on the side have loss from their tips. Both are old breaks, hardly noticeable, otherwise it is very clean with a good surface. The box was made c. 1900, and measures 17" wide by 9 1/4" high by 11 1/2" deep. The price is $1,050.00. Inventory Code: THTP. Tramp art box ... Another view ... The inside ... Side view ... The other side ... Back ... From above ... Lid open ... Closeups of the hidden keyhole ... Closeups of the sliding piece ... Closeups of the front ... Closeup of the top ... From below ... Another overall view ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images: Tramp art box ... Another view ... The inside ... Side view ... The other side ... Back ... From above ... Lid open ... Closeups of the hidden keyhole ... Closeups of the sliding piece ... Closeups of the front ... Closeup of the top ... From below ... Another overall view ... With a soda can for scale.

This is a star-shaped tramp art box in mustard paint. It is made in two pieces that pivot through one point so that the box can swivel open to reveal a small compartment in the center. This box was found in Texas, and appears to be from the early to mid 20th century. However, we have learned that similar pieces were being made in New York more recently. It is in very good condition, with some paint wear, a good surface, and no visible breaks or missing pieces. It measures 4 1/2" across, (either from point to point or "standing up" as a star) by 1 1/4" high. The price is $210.00. Inventory Code: TCKT. Star-shaped tramp art box ... Partially open ... Halfway open ... Completely open, with a nickel for scale ... From above ... From below ... Open, from below ... Open, from the side ... Back view.
Larger images: Star-shaped tramp art box ... Partially open ... Halfway open ... Completely open, with a nickel for scale ... From above ... From below ... Open, from below ... Open, from the side ... Back view ... A short video of the motion (1.5 Mb).

This is a very nice tramp art box. It is done in a style known as "flat work", and includes two carved and inlaid hearts, a sunburst, two eight pointed stars, and four elongated diamonds. The box is built up from one and a half cigar boxes. There are two round medallions missing from the two ends. Otherwise it is in excellent condition, but has no lid. There are several different tones and colors which show the various woods incorporated in the box. It is finished with a clear lacquer. The size is 6 3/4" long, 5 3/4" deep, and 4 1/4" high. It was made in the early 1900's. The price is $175.00. Inventory Code: AWHC. Overall Image ... Different overall ... Back ... Side 1 ... Side 2 ... Top down ... Inside ...Bottom. Larger, more detailed views: Overall Image ... Different overall ... Back ... Side 1 ... Side 2 ... Top down ... Inside ...Bottom.

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

This well decorated tramp art box is 4" high by 13" wide by 6 3/4" deep. C. 1930's, it is painted an oxidized gold, with a few little more recent touch-ups. It has feet and a hinged lid with a pincushion on top; it is not built up on the back. The fabric of the pincushion is worn, the box is in very good condition. The price is $350.00. Inventory Code: PKOA. From above ... Front view. Larger images: From above ... Front view.

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This is a very unusual, folk art box done in a layered, tramp art style. It is made from cigar box wood, and decorated with shaped, built-up layers and tacks. It has a dark lacquer finish and small handles on each side. The finish, which varies in shades, is darkest on the top and also has reddish tones which show more on all the sides. Inside are one large and four small compartments. The box is 18 1/2" side, 5 1/2" deep, and 4" high. The legs are actually applied on the the outside. The condition is fairly good; however it does have a few cracks and chips. There is also some loss to the back left corner of the top and the bottom outer portions of the legs on the left side. This box was likely made in the late 1800's or to as recently as around 1900. The price is $285.00. Inventory Code: PWHP. Layered box ... Top view ... Front view ... Closeup (shows surface, color best) ... Another overall view ... 3/4 view ... Back view ... One end ... The other end ... End view, from above ... Open, showing compartments inside.

Larger images: Layered box ... Top view ... Front view ... Closeup (shows surface, color best) ... Another overall view ... 3/4 view ... Back view ... One end ... The other end ... End view, from above ... Open, showing compartments inside.

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