Tramp Art Boxes and Frames

Folk art, antiques, and outsider art

Tramp art Furniture, Other Forms Religious Tramp Art

Tramp Art Frames By Photo Tramp Art Boxes By Photo Read about tramp art

Home First Time Visitor? What's new Feature sale item All Inventory

Resources Contact us Ordering Site Guide Search Register for updates

Use the 4 letter code when referring to items.

Frames:

This is a very sweet miniature tramp art desk frame. It consists of a very detailed, three dimensional carved horse shoe containing a smaller chip carved frame. This is held in a carved mount with applied hearts and diamonds, and swivels slightly. The inner frame has a glass front and the original photo. The entire piece is 4 1/2" high by 5 1/4" at the widest and 2" at its greatest depth. It was likely made in the early 1900's to 1930's and is in very good condition with only some tiny wear. It has a nice old, dark lacquered surface. The price is $285.00. Inventory Code: TWKP. Miniature tramp art horseshoe frame ... Another view ... Side views ... Back view ... From above and below ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images: Miniature tramp art horseshoe frame ... Another view ... Side views ... Back view ... From above and below ... 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 cross cornered tramp art frame is of nice size and look. It is 18 3/4" high by 21" wide, with an inside opening of 13" by 15 1/4". It is done in three chip carved layers. The top tiny layer is very detailed, an effect we have seen in only a small percentage of pieces. The condition is good and sturdy, with some missing pieces, two of which appear to have been left off originally. There is an old small loss to one of the outside corner edges. That, and some other little places were touched up with paint some time ago. The gold paint has darkened with age in many areas - especially on the outer edge. It was probably made in the 1930's or 40's. Inventory Code: ATWS. Ordered. (What this means.)
Overall view ... First close-up ... Second close-up ... Larger overall view.

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.

This is a tramp art desk frame with an strong Art Deco look. The surface is painted with a marbleized finish. The frame stands 9" high by 13" wide and 3 1/2" deep. It is in almost perfect condition, with a little bit of loss to the finish. The base is layered in 6 steps, while the rest of the piece varies from three to six layers. The opening in the swivel frame is 2 3/4" by 3 1/4". On the back, the name G. Polo is incised. It is difficult to gauge the age, but is perhaps from the 1930's. Inventory Code: AKTK. Ordered. (What this means.)
Image ... Front view ... Closeup ... Back view ... Closeup of name on back ... From above ... From below.
Larger images: Image ... Front view ... Closeup ... Back view ... Closeup of name on back ... From above ... From below.

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 very nicely made tramp art box with two storage areas. It has detailed, small carving and is decorated with hearts, diamonds, and variously shaped pyramids. The top of the box lifts off to reveal a smaller storage area. This entire piece then also lifts off to expose another larger one. Both of these have remnants of cigar box labels and a tax stamp. There is also a wonderful colored cigar box label on the bottom.

The entire piece is constructed from cigar boxes and retains their original finish. Its overall size is 8" long by 5 1/4" deep by 5 3/4" high. The chipping is fine and even, very carefully done. This box is in extremely nice condition, with a wonderful feel; however it does have a little loss. On the back, two layers of pyramids on the lower box are long gone. It looks as though there may have also been some additional pyramids on the side as there are faint traces of a different color. The construction was glued layers, so there are no nail holes showing loss. The box was probably made in the early 1900's to about the 1920's or 30's. The price is $425.00. Inventory Code: THOA. See a slideshow of several views [509k]
Tramp art box ... Another angle ... Side view ... The other side ... Back view ... From above ... Upper lid removed ... Both lids removed ... Open, from above ... Closeup, one side ... Closeup, other side ... Label on bottom ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images: Tramp art box ... Another angle ... Side view ... The other side ... Back view ... From above ... Upper lid removed ... Both lids removed ... Open, from above ... Closeup, one side ... Closeup, other side ... Label on bottom ... 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 two tier tramp art box with a style and construction which is different than most. It has a hinged top which opens to reveal a storage area, and a slide drawer in front. It is constructed from cigar box (for the drawer), pine for the top layers and structure, and thin plywood for the rest. It is finished in a medium golden brown, varnish stain. The box was likely made c. 1940 and, with the exception of some very slight loss in one bottom corner and one corner of the lid, is in excellent condition. It is about 9 1/2" high by 8 1/2" wide and 8" deep; in up to nine layers. The price is $335.00. Inventory Code: TPPW. Tramp art box ... 3/4 view ... One side ... The other side ... Back ... Drawer and lid open ... From above ... Closeup of label on drawer ... From below.
Larger images: Tramp art box ... 3/4 view ... One side ... The other side ... Back ... Drawer and lid open ... From above ... Closeup of label on drawer ... From below.

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.

This tramp art box is layered but not chip-carved, with a nice medium-brown varnish finish. It is built over a cigar box from Michigan, and probably dates from the 1930's or 40's. The size is 4" high by 10 1/4" wide by 6 3/4" deep. It is in very good condition, with minor surface wear, no breaks or missing pieces. The price is $225.00. Inventory Code: TSWP. Tramp art box ... Another view ... From slightly above ... The other side ... The other side, from above ... Top view ... 3/4 view ... End view ... Lid removed ... Bottom. Larger images: Tramp art box ... Another view ... From slightly above ... The other side ... The other side, from above ... Top view ... 3/4 view ... End view ... Lid removed ... 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.

..... Top of page ..... Bottom of page ..... Contact us ..... Search .....

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.

Register to receive updates when we add new items.
Your information is confidential. We never release it to others. Privacy policy.

Required Fields

If there is any problem with registering, please

Comments:

Central Time Only please