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Boxes	Frames	Furniture, other forms	Religious Tramp Art
Ornate tramp art sewing box	Large, sculptural frame	Tramp art clock case	Tramp art shrine
Star-shaped tramp art box	Large Frame with good form, many layers	7 1/2 foot high Crown of Thorns hall stand w/hearts	19th c. carved & layered Folk art Jewish temple
Dome top box	Multiple opening frame with spires	Painted tramp art table	Finely decorated tramp art cross
Tramp art wall box	Very large tramp art frame with columns	Large multicolored clock case	Crown of thorns crucifix
	Frame with carved, pieced outer layer	Tramp art table lamp	Tramp art and matchstick shrine
More Tramp Art Boxes	More Tramp Art Frames	More Tramp Art Furniture, other forms	More Religious Tramp Art

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.	More Boxes
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.	More Frames
This is an extremely nice, large, and well decorated tramp art clock case. It is about 16 1/2" long by 11 1/4" high by 8" deep. It was probably made in the late 1800's to early 1900's and is in excellent condition. The pine case is decorated all over with layered chip carved cigar box wood. The front door opens revealing a rather large inner compartment that holds the old clock. This was converted from a windup to a more recent battery run, but the mechanism is not presently working. (We assume it can either be replaced or made to run fairly easily). The case has a nice dark lacquer finish which has developed a good patina. It has only a tiny amount of loss and some very slight wear. The larger pyramid on the bottom right is just a little loose. Overall this is a very good piece. The price is $1,200.00. Inventory Code: TRSA.   See a slideshow of several views [405k] ... Tramp art clock case ... Side view ... The other side ... From above ... With door open ... Inside the opening ... Door open, from side ... Closeup of detail ... Back view ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.	More Furniture & Other Forms
This is an absolutely extraordinary folk art model of what may be a Jewish Temple or tomb. It is very detailed in the construction and decorated all over with a variety of carved wood pieces also found in tramp art. There are also several stone carvings incorporated in the decoration. This piece is dated 1850, which is cut through the back, and seems to be from that time. It has a carved plaque with two words in Hebrew. This was translated by a curator in The Jewish Museum in New York who wrote: "I believe this reads "Kever Mashiach," which would mean "grave of the Messiah." However, the first letter of the second word (which would be "Messiah" if I am reading it correctly) is difficult to make out." This wonderful piece is highly decorated as you will see through the images. Many of the pieces seem to have been made from cigar boxes. The overall size, excluding the two movable covered benches with metal rails is 17 1/2 inches wide by 10 5/8 inches deep and 13 1/4 inches high. The benches are each 3 1/4 inches high by 3 5/8" by 2". They can be set on top or anywhere else. Since they are movable, we have pictured them in various places. This piece has some amazing detail. It includes carved stone masks and water receptacles, a stone carved font (in the rear center, underneath) and much more. Even the inside of the structure has work such as rooms, etc. The condition is extremely good, but there have been a few splits which were reglued, and it may have a few missing pieces. We say "may" because while we do not see any, it is so detailed we might have missed one. Showing in a few of the photos are some tiny white specks. Some are dust, some come off with a touch, some with a little rub. I think almost all can be removed very easily. Even with all the photos we have provided, this construction is far more impressive in person. It is an exceptional piece of folk art. The price is $2800.00. Inventory Code: THHT.   See a slideshow of several views [895k] ... Folk art temple, moveable pieces on top ... With moveable pieces on upper back ... With moveable pieces to either side ... Closeup from above, showing date ... 3/4 view ... Another overall angle ... Closeup of central arch ... Closeup, lower right ... Lower right, another angle ... Closeup, left side ... Closeup, left from above ... Closeup, lower left ... Closeup, top from left ... Closeup, top from right ... Side views ... From above ... Top view ... Closeup from top ... Back view ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.	More Religious Tramp Art     More Religious Folk Art
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.   Tramp art frame ... Close-up of top ... Close-up of bottom ... Back ... Close-up of back.	More Frames
This is a large multicolored tramp art clock case. It is 30 1/2" high, 17 1/4" wide, and 9 1/2" deep. The pine and plywood case is finished in both clear varnish and white paint. Made in the 1950's, this folky case is in very good condition with a nice strong look. The clock motor runs but the arms don't turn, so that can possibly be repaired. The price is $485.00. Inventory Code: ACOR.   One view ... Another view ... Another view ... Another view ... Top view ... One side ... The other side ... Back view ... Close-up.	More Furniture & Other Forms
This is an exceptional, fairly large, and very detailed, tramp art shrine. It was made in the 1950's for a family who kept it in special room in the back of their hardware store, and used it as a private shrine. This was in a tiny town about 50 miles east of Ottawa, Canada. It is made of pine with great care, chip carved, layered, and painted in what is now a nicely oxidized gold. Many of the pieces are also relief carved in geometric patterns. It is 36 12" high, 24 1/2" wide, and 12 1/2" deep. This shrine has a center glassed, satin lined niche. This contains a plaster Madonna and is decorated with fabric roses and garland. The corners of the glass, which is 7 1/2" by 12", are painted with flowers. The overall condition of this shrine is excellent and sturdy. However 3 of the lower triangular "points" have been restored. They are virtually indistinguishable from the original. It is a wonderful and rare piece. The price is: $2500.00. Inventory Code: ATAS.   Overall view ... A 3/4 view ... View from the other side ... Side view ... The other side ... Closeup of the top ... Closeup of the bottom ... The back ... With a yardstick for scale.	More Religious Tramp Art
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 ... A short video of the motion (1.5 Mb).	More Boxes
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.	More Frames
This is the largest and most outstanding piece of crown of thorns construction we have ever seen. It has five frames, a shelf, and a drawer. The construction is entirely crown of thorns - the only fasteners used are in the drawer and one of the frames. The drawer is notched out to slide into the interlocking pieces. Five sets of carved hearts are worked into the upper part. It is made from unfinished pine, and stands 7 1/2 feet (90") high by 50" wide by 13" deep; the shelf is 39 1/2" wide. It is quite sturdy and functional - there is no problem with setting even fairly heavy things on the shelf. This piece was found in Louisville, KY, probably made in that area around the turn of the century, and is in excellent condition. The person who found it, sitting in an attic covered with soot, turned a garden hose on it, and in the process, washed off much of the gesso from the large frame in the center. The resulting mottled surface, (while it looks good in our opinion), is obviously not in its original condition. The only other flaw is a missing drawer pull. We will be carving a replacement to match. There is no damage or loss to the crown of thorns. This is a spectacular and beautiful piece of furniture. The price is $12,500.00. Inventory Code: PKOK.   Front view ... One side ... The other side ... Closeup of carved hearts ... Closeup of top ... Details ... Drawer open, showing notching ... Upper half ... Lower half ... Bottom inside ... With Matt, to show scale.	More Furniture
This is a large tramp art crucifix with very fine workmanship, from Belgium. The cross is built up in eight layers, the base in seven to nine layers, with three-layered feet. It is decorated with metal tacks, and has a chip-carved ladder and tongs. There are remnants of a medium lacquer finish, and also areas of white and black paint, giving an unusual, textured surface. The back has remnants of elaborate cigar box labels. It dates from the late 1800's to about 1900, and stands 25" high by 13" wide by 5" deep. The condition can only be described as poor: one of the four "rays" is missing, there are several smaller chips missing, and there was probably a corpus originally. In spite of the condition, the look and overall effect are very strong, and it remains a beautiful object as it is. The price is $250.00. Inventory Code: APAK.   Tramp art cross ... Two more angles ... Side views ... Closeup of the top ... A closer view of the top ... Closeup of the base ... The base, from above ... Side views of the base ... Another side view of the base ... Back view ... Closeup, upper back ... A closer view of the back ... Closeup, lower back ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.	More Religious
Ordered. (What this means.) 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. Inventory Code: AWPA. Image ... Front ... Top ... Back ... Bottom ... Open	More Boxes
This is a tramp art wall box in very nice black and gold paint. It is built up in two to five layers, and embellished with scalloped edges and a variety of chip carving techniques. Each chip, and all of the edges are carefully highlighted with gold, which stands out against the black background. It is built from crate wood, and measures 11 1/4" high by 7 3/4" wide by 4" deep. The condition is very good, with a couple of very small scuffs on the front and on one side. Age is likely to be from the 1920's to the 40's. The price is $225.00. Inventory Code: CSSW.   See a slideshow of several views [326k] ... Tramp art wall pocket ... Side views ... From below ... From above ... Back view ... With a soda can for scale. Some much larger photos:   Tramp art wall pocket ... Side views.	More Boxes
This is a very large and unusual tramp art frame from the late 1800's. The sides have bold pedestal bottoms and long circular columns with tramp finials resting above them. The surface is dark lacquer, together with very well oxidized gold or bronze paint which was used as accents and highlights. The frame is 37" high by 24 1/2" wide, by 5" deep. The mirror is 29 3/4" by 14 1/2". It is well built all over with good design and form. Multiple layers of chip carved wood - probably cigar box - add good texture and balance. This piece is in generally very good condition; with some slight loss and surface wear to the wood, the replacement of one small piece of wood, and a little bit of loss to the silvering of the mirror. Still, it is extremely nice, strong, and has great presence. The price is $1300.00. Inventory Code: TKRC.   See a slideshow of several views [827k] ... Very large tramp art frame with columns ... Even bigger picture ... Another view ... Closeup ... Side views ... Closeup, upper left ... Upper right ... Corner, from an angle ... From another angle ... Lower part of frame ... Lower, from another angle ... Closer view ... Bottom left ... Bottom right ... Bottom left, from above ... Bottom right, from above ... Closeup of loss ... Left side ... Middle, from the side ... Another view of the lower edge ... Closer view of the mirror ... From above ... Closer view from above ... One corner, from above ... The other corner, from above ... Back view ... Upper back ... Lower back ... Extreme closeup, upper back ... One corner, from behind ... Side views, from back ... From below ... Closeup from below ... Another closeup from below ... With a yardstick and soda can for scale.	More Frames
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.	More Furniture & Other Forms
This is an especially nice and intricate crown of thorns cross with a folky wood carving of Jesus. The entire assemblage is 15 1/4" high, 12" wide, and 6 1/2" deep. Jesus is about 7" high, 4" wide, and an inch deep. This piece is in excellent condition, with no loss. The surface of the carved Jesus is unfinished, while the rest of the construction has a light layer of a clear coat. There are some few areas, notably on top of the two side pieces, where the finish is somewhat heavier. This unusual piece is not exceptionally old, perhaps being made in the 1980's. The price is $225.00. Inventory Code: AKAT.   Image ... 3/4 view ... Another angle ... Closeup ... Closeup from above ... One side ... The other side ... From above ... Back view ... From below ... Bottom.	More Religious
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.	More Frames
This is a tramp art table lamp with a hexagonal shape. It is constructed with a pine base and what looks like thinner pine and possibly some cigar box wood. There are 35 layers, including the base. The layers are not chip carved. The lamp is in extremely good condition with a nice surface. There is a variety of medium to dark brown color, reflecting the different colors of the woods. The lamp itself is about 6 1/2" across the base and 8" to the bottom of the light fixture. It is 14" high to the top of the bulb. The new shade is a deep maroon red. It was probably made around the 1950's or 60's. The price is $275.00. Inventory Code: TOWH.   Tramp art table lamp ... Closeup of detail, surface ... Two views without the shade ... Two more angles ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.	More Furniture & Other Forms
This is a very strange lighted shrine that combines chip carved tramp art, found objects, and matchstick inlay. A black priest stands behind the altar, flanked by smaller black and white figures. A worshipper kneels in front of the altar, being blessed by the figure of a crowned and robed saint. The altar is built up from chip carved matchsticks, with chairs and steps made with added heavy copper wire and glossy fabric. The base and back are completely covered with matchsticks, including on the back and bottom. The heart-shaped back has several layers of tramp art around the edge, and a tramp art frame with glass, topped with a glitter cross, set in the center. The back of the frame is hinged to insert a picture. There is a tramp art arch decorated with large artificial roses in the front, and tramp art edging around the base. It has a socket on the back, but does not have the cord to plug in. When we tested the connections, two of the three lights lit. We do not recommend the wiring, because we cannot see why the third bulb does not light. This shrine was probably made in the 1960's or 70's. It is 16 1/4" high by 14 1/2" wide by 11 1/2" deep. The cord is missing, as are a few pieces here and there, but it is in overall good condition ready to display. The price is $325.00. Inventory Code: TSWA.   Tramp art and matchstick shrine ... Front view ... Closeup ... Second closeup ... Third closeup ... From above ... Another view from above ... Side view ... The other side ... Closeup of front arch ... Top and frame area ... The altar ... Closeup from behind ... Another view from behind ... Back overall ... From below.	More Religious

This is a copy of the book Hobo & Tramp Art Carving by Adolph Vandertie and Patrick Spielman. It was published by Sterling Publishing Co. in 1995 and is now out of print. The book has some wonderful photos of tramp art and whimseys. It also includes step-by-step instructions for many of these carving techniques. You can see some of them and read excerpts from the book here.

This copy is in extremely good condition and seems almost unused. There are a few almost unnoticeable blemishes around the edges of the cover. It is 10" by 8" by 3/8". It is a nice reference book whether you want to learn to carve tramp art and whimseys or just enjoy the photographs. The price of $40.00 includes Priority Mail shipping. Inventory Code: CPAT.   Front cover ... Back cover.

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