New Additions and Recent Offerings

Folk art, antiques, and outsider art   Other Recent Additions

This is a collection of 12 lover's whimseys all made by the same person in the 1930's. They were carved by Marshall Garrett for his future wife Leona McMartrie. Many of them have written or carved names and dates. They are all mounted in a recently made wood shadow box, contained in a frame from the general time of the carvings. It is unusual to find so many pieces done by one person, and even more unusual that some are signed and almost all are dated. All have been mounted so they can easily be removed, turned, etc.

The whimseys include the following:
1. A small ball-in-cage, 1 5/8" long by less than 1/2" deep and wide. This has "Made by Garrett" and "Aug 15, 1934".
2. A block with a heart with arrow through it on one side and an M on the other. These are deeply relief carved. It also has "Garrett M." and "Aug. 25 '34" incised on two other sides. This is 1 5/8" by 1 1/2" by 1".
3. A small saddle. This is 1 1/4" long by 3/4" wide and 3/4" high. It has "GM 5-16-34" written inside.
4. A larger saddle. This one is a little over 1 5/8" long by 1 1/8" wide by 1" high. It has "Aug 23, 1934" incised inside.
5. Two sets of interlocking hearts. The smaller one is about 1" wide, with a thickness of a little less that 1/4". It can be extended to about 2 1/8" long. On it are written their names, one on each heart.
6. This larger interlocking heart is about 1 3/16" wide, with a thickness of about 3/8". It can be extended to about 2 1/2". It is dated, "Aug 11, 1934".
7. Two hearts with rectangular openings through which passes an arrow. The arrow head and tip are larger than the openings. The hearts are each about 1 1/4" long, 3/16" thick and 1" wide. On one is written "Garrett M" and "1933". The other has "Leona M".
8. A little carved hand gun. This is 1 1/2" long by 5/8" high and 1/4" thick. It has "Sept 34" and what looks like "G and M".
9. A sword or scimitar. This is about 3 1/2" long by 1" high and 5/16" thick. It has incised and perhaps burned in, "AUG. 24-35".
10. A ball-in-cage with two pyramid ends. This is about 2: long by 5/8" wide and deep. On it is written "Made Aug 15, 1934".
11. Another ball-in-cage. This has one pyramid end and a loop on top. It is about 2 1/2" long by 5/8" wide and deep. This has some red paint or ink on it and also "1934".
12. A comparatively larger block with rounded ends, and carved on both sides. This is 4 1/2" long by 1 3/8" high by 1/2" thick. On one side is relief carved a wing with interlocking hearts and a arrow through them in the center. These are flanked by the initials L.M. and G.M. The other side is carved with Leona McM. On one edge is written "August - 1934".

All the pieces are in excellent condition (other than the red on one). All but the largest are carved from softwood - likely bass and pine. The largest is oak. The price is $475.00. Inventory Code: THCO.   Carved lover's whimsies collection ... Closeup ... Side view ... The other side ... The whimsies, out of the shadow box ... Back view ... Back, from the side ... With a soda can for scale.
Closeups of the individual pieces:   Hearts on an arrow ... Block with names ... Block with heart ... Interlocking hearts ... Balls in cages ... Saddles ... The sword and pistol.
Larger images:   Carved lover's whimsies collection ... Closeup ... Side view ... The other side ... The whimsies, out of the shadow box ... Back view ... Back, from the side ... With a soda can for scale.
Closeups of the individual pieces:   Hearts on an arrow ... Block with names ... Block with heart ... Interlocking hearts ... Balls in cages ... Saddles ... The sword and pistol.

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 an antique oak octagonal frame. An unusual and very decorative piece, it has nine openings: eight rectangles around a center oval. The frame is fairly large, about 22" across each side. It is about an inch deep. The oval opening is 3 1/2" by 5 1/2" while the rectangular openings are each about 2" by 3 1/2". This frame was likely made in the mid to late 1800's. It originally had some beaded molding around the edge however most was missing, so that has been replaced with a round molding. The frame has some very minor wear from over the years, but otherwise is in extremely good condition. It has a nice surface and color. The price is $225.00. Inventory Code: PWOS.   Octagonal frame ... Side view ... The other side ... Closeup, upper ... Closeup, lower ... Closeup, one side ... Closeup, other side ... Closeup from an angle ... Closeup, another angle ... Back view ... Closeup of back ... Back, from the side ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Octagonal frame ... Side view ... The other side ... Closeup, upper ... Closeup, lower ... Closeup, one side ... Closeup, other side ... Closeup from an angle ... Closeup, another angle ... Back view ... Closeup of back ... Back, from the side ... With a soda can for scale.

These pieces really couldn't be seen, so we've taken new photos of them.

This is a wild and wonderful 5-legged tramp art stand or table. It is about 19 3/4" high by 13" by 14 1/4" across the top and 15" across the legs. The surface is extremely nice, having old oxidized gold over silver on the chip-carved and layered legs and pedestal. The round top is decorated in swirls of many colors.These look like a combination of sponge or stipple painting and then blue and white oils applied more thickly. The piece was probably made c. 1920. One of the little rectangular pieces around the top edge is missing, and there is some loss to the others. It is in otherwise excellent condition, is sturdy, and very unusual. The price is $550.00. Inventory Code: PRAT.   Tramp art table ... Two other sides ... Two more views ... From above ... Closeup of top ... Another closeup of top ... Closeup of legs ... From below ... Another view from below ... Closeup from below ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Tramp art table ... Two other sides ... Two more views ... From above ... Closeup of top ... Another closeup of top ... Closeup of legs ... From below ... Another view from below ... Closeup from below ... With a soda can for scale.

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.

Some previous "Most recent additions" still available:

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 an old wagon wheel hub. It is made from wood with metal bands around the edges for strength. In the center are hand chiseled areas for the spokes. There are traces of red paint remaining, but the surface is primarily old and oxidized from years of use. One end has the number 2 7/8 stamped in. The metal is strong. This piece was likely made in the 1800's. It is about 10 1/2"high by 8 1/2" in diameter, and in excellent weathered good condition. We also have another, similar one available. The price is $185.00. Inventory Code: TWTH.   Wagon wheel hub ... Another side ... A third side ... One end ... Closeup of end ... The other end ... The other end up ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Wagon wheel hub ... Another side ... A third side ... One end ... Closeup of end ... The other end ... The other end up ... With a soda can for scale.

This is an old decorative cast iron hay trolley. It was used in a barn to move bales of hay around and rolled on a track. This piece came from Iowa. It is in very good, old used condition with a nice oxidized and well patinated surface with traces of dark green paint. All the wheels but one still turn. The trolley has casting marks of "Janesville Mfg" (probably from Wisconsin) and "Dead Lock Swivel", and is probably from the late 1800's. It is 15 1/2" long by 15" high, by 6" wide. We also have another, smaller one that is similar. The price is $425.00. Inventory Code: TTAK.   See a slideshow of several views [556k]
Cast iron hay trolley ... The other side ... Another angle ... Closeup of top ... Closeup of feet ... Closeup, another angle ... Other side, closeup of top ... Closeup of feet ... Top view ... From above ... End views ... From below ... Another view from below ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Cast iron hay trolley ... The other side ... Another angle ... Closeup of top ... Closeup of feet ... Closeup, another angle ... Other side, closeup of top ... Closeup of feet ... Top view ... From above ... End views ... From below ... Another view from below ... With a soda can for scale.

This is a really detailed and unusual carved bar scene, with the figures carved from peach pits. There are three booths, each with two patrons. On the tables are glasses, cigarettes, and ashtrays. There is a bartender behind the bar, and a waiter that are made from two carved pits joined together. There is a console radio in the corner. Behind the bar are a cash register, a large bottle, some glasses, four taps, and a clock. Each person is carved from a peach pit, with brightly painted clothing. The bartender and the waiter have tails, like monkeys.

The scene is contained in its original wood and glass case, which is decorated on the front with two wheat pennies that have been beaten into helmet shapes. Some of the wood inside is from cigar boxes. The case has a light varnish or lacquer finish. This was probably made in the 1920's or 30's, maybe 40's. It is in good condition with some minor wear on the case, a strip of molding missing from the bottom left, and a scratch on the glass. It stands 4" high by 8" wide by 6 1/4" deep. The price is $475.00. Inventory Code: TWAT.   See a slideshow of several views [651k]
Peach pit carving bar scene ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... End view ... The other end ... Third closeup ... Fourth closeup ... Closeup from the end ... Closeup of the bartender ... Closeup of a formed penny ... Closeup, out of focus, but shows the color ... From above ... Another view from above ... Closeup from above ... Back ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Peach pit carving bar scene ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... End view ... The other end ... Third closeup ... Fourth closeup ... Closeup from the end ... Closeup of the bartender ... Closeup of a formed penny ... Closeup, out of focus, but shows the color ... From above ... Another view from above ... Closeup from above ... Back ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

This is a decorative cast iron hay trolley. It has good form and presence, with a very dark oxidized surface. It may have traces of clear varnish. From the late 1800's or early 1900's, this fancy primitive measures 10 1/2" high by 13 1/2" wide by 6 7/8" deep. The mechanism has rusted solid, but it is in very good, sturdy, display condition. The price is $165.00. Inventory Code: TTTS.   See a slideshow of several views [462k]
Cast iron Hay trolley ... The other side ... Another angle ... Closeup ... Side views ... From above ... Another view from above ... From below ... Another view from below ... Another overall view ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Cast iron Hay trolley ... The other side ... Another angle ... Closeup ... Side views ... From above ... Another view from above ... From below ... Another view from below ... Another overall view ... With a soda can for scale.

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 two sided drawing by Ohio artist Lewis Smith (1907 - 1998). One side has a woman and a heart, the other side has several sketches including a woman holding a sign that says "See Alliance First". It is one of a series he did in ballpoint ink on 9" by 12" sketch paper. Like the others in this series, it is slightly yellowed and has a pinhole in one side. Lewis preferred to use recycled and imperfect materials in his art - it reflected the value he saw in everyday objects that others discarded. You can see much more of his work, see some of the other sketches in this series, or find out about his life. The price is $250.00. Inventory Code: LS140.   Lewis Smith sketch ... The other side.
Larger images:   Lewis Smith sketch ... The other side.

This is a folk art pickup truck model. It is wood, painted black and silver with red taillights. The axles and the tires are wood also. Like a heavy-duty farm truck, it has double wheels in the back. It was probably made around the 1950's, in the style of an older truck. It is 13 1/2" long, by 6" wide by 6" high, in excellent condition. The price is $85.00. Inventory Code: TWPW.   Folk art truck ... Another view ... Side view ... The other side ... From above ... Back view ... Another back view ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Folk art truck ... Another view ... Side view ... The other side ... From above ... Back view ... Another back view ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

This is a very folky one-of-a-kind rooster weathervane made from galvanized sheet metal. The rooster was hand cut from two pieces and put together. It then was bolted with supports to part of a ventilator from a silo or barn, which had a shaft with a hole put inside so the entire piece could rotate in the wind. The word "Rock" is painted on one side of the tail in subtle, silver-gray paint. This unusual piece came from the Midwest, likely Iowa, and was probably made in the 1940's or 50's. Being metal, there is some little rust, oxidation, and outside wear, but it is in generally very good condition. The body of the rooster is 23" long by 19" high. As mounted, it is 26 1/2" long by 28 1/4" high by 13 1/2" wide. We still have the ventilator, and it can be easily reassembled if you prefer it mounted that way. The price is $475.00. Inventory Code: AKOT.   See a slideshow of several views [518k]
Metal rooster ... The other side ... Another angle ... Closeup ... Closeup, other side ... Closeup of head ... Closeup of tail, with "Rock" ... Closeup of body ... Closeup of head, other side ... Tail, other side ... Body, other side ... Front and back views ... Closeup from the front ... Closeup of the base ... Mounted on the ventilator ... Front view, on ventilator ... With a soda can for scale.
Larger images:   Metal rooster ... The other side ... Another angle ... Closeup ... Closeup, other side ... Closeup of head ... Closeup of tail, with "Rock" ... Closeup of body ... Closeup of head, other side ... Tail, other side ... Body, other side ... Front and back views ... Closeup from the front ... Closeup of the base ... Mounted on the ventilator ... Front view, on ventilator ... With a soda can for scale.

Featured Sale Items           More Recent Additions

Register to receive updates when we add new items. Your information is confidential. We never release it to others. Privacy policy. Required Fields Email Confirm your email address Your Name Receive General Updates when we add any antiques or folk art to the site. If you prefer individual category updates, click the green button instead.       Get Individual Category Updates If there is any problem with registering, please

Home Page | Site Guide | Top of page | Inventory | Ordering | Contents | Search
What's New | Using the Site | Resources | Featured Sale | Contact Us