West Pelham Antiques
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WEST PELHAM ANTIQUES, specializing in Needlework Samplers, both American and English, Early English Ceramics and American Country Accessories in paint. All prices are PLUS POSTAGE. We generally use USPS Priority Mail and do not charge a handling fee.
This painted wood “Studio of the Dance” sign has its original dry painted surface, saw-tooth edges on 2 sides and “Mrs. C. B. Worthen” (presumably the dance instructor and/or the owner) hand-lettered on the front (shadow lettering for “Studio” and “Dance”). It measures 19 ¾” x 9 ½” and is ¾” thick. No indication of date, but I would think the mid-1950s, and no indication of place. (A quick Google Search puts a Mrs. C. B. Worthen in Vermont in the 1940s, but no indication if she was a Dance Instructor, etc.). The sign is in very fine condition with a nice, mellow painted surface. No splits, cracks or repairs, only slight edge scraping in the lower right corner. The back side is painted all-black.
Price: $195
3 Gilded Wooden Letter: D A D. Perfect for hanging on the door of Dad’s study or work room! And I’m sure they would have other uses. The “Ds” measure 8 ½” x 9 ¾” and the “A” is 9 ¾” (at the bottom) x 10 ½”. They are just about 1” thick. The “Ds” were each made from 2 pieces of wood and discretely glued together; the “A” has several joints, and the cross-bar has split at one of these joints. All 3 are covered with a thick coat of gold paint and with dark blue paint on the insides. The back of each is painted white. All have little holes on the back (only)), probably used for hanging. A nice holiday present for that special person, or save them for Father’s Dad
Price: $195
Decorations for your vintage 1950s Ice Cream Parlor: 4 Cardboard Cut-outs of Dishes of Ice Cream. There are 2 with generous scoops of chocolate ice cream measuring 9 ¼” x 5 ½”, 1 vanilla ice cream float, 7 ¼” x 3 ½” and 1 vanilla ice cream w/fudge sauce on a slice of pound(?) cake (with a dab of whipped cream and a cherry on top!), 6 1/8” x 8 ½”. (All have been photographed in clear plastic bags for protection). All are in very fine condition with no folds or bends; very minor edge scuffing on one of the dishes of chocolate ice cream. Great decorations for your ice cream parlor!
Price: Sale Pending
A wonderful marbleized Mocha Ware Mustard Pot with an added lid (bronze). The pot has a wonderfully colorful (black, brown, blue, gray, white) swirl of marble decoration with white rim and handle It measures 3 ¾” high (top of finial on the lid) and 1 ¾” diameter at the base. The bronze rim (and lid) was added at some point and it is securely attached. No maker’s marks (as is the case with most mocha of the period) and the piece dates c. 1820-1840. Heavy and glossy glaze, but I can find no evidence of restoration/repair (I do not have a black light). No chips, cracks, damage, etc. A nice example of an uncommon form of mochaware.
Price: $195
2 early 19th century Shell Edge Plates, most probably by Leeds with floral centers, one with a green edge, the other with a blue edge. The blue edge plate (8 ¼” diameter) is slightly larger (by less than ¼”) and the green edge plate has a multi-color floral center. Both centers have been hand-painted. And both are in very fine condition, with no cracks, chips or restorations. There is some minor kiln marks on the edge of the green plate, most likely “Kiln Schmutz.” Nice examples of a popular genre of Leeds pottery. Contact me if you would like additional photos.
Price: $225
2 different sized wooden helmet butter molds with decoratively carved plungers. The larger mold (probably a 1 pound mold) is 7 ¼” (with the plunger up) to the top of the handle and 4 5/8” in diameter at the base. The plunger has a folksy-carved flower decoration. Very fine condition with no cips, cracks, splits, etc. and nice color. The smaller mold is 3 ¼” high (with plunger up) is for large pats of butter (possibly ¼ lb.) and 2 ¼” in diameter at the base. There is a strawberry with 2 leaves carved on the plunger. It, too, is in very fine condition with no splits, cracks, etc. and a nice, mellow brown color.
Price: $125
2 Wooden kitchen utensils: a carved lollipop butter paddle or press, and a pastry or pie crimper (all wood). Bot are in fine to very fine used condition. The butter paddle is 5 ½” x 2 ½” across (at the rounded end) and carved out of a single piece of wood. Deeply carved pinwheel decoration on the round paddle and 8-pointed stars (4 of them) carved in the handle). The back of the paddle is nicely rounded. Nice mellow patina with no splits or cracks, only a couple of small edge chips on the saw-tooth border (about 2 o’clock and 9 o’clock). The all-wood crimper is 7 ¼” long and 2 ½” in diameter at the wheel. It turns freely and has incised lines on the handle. The crimper has a wonderfully mellow brown color and a nice “feel” to it. No cracks or breaks, etc.
Price: Sale Pending
Susan Loker’s needlework sampler, dated 1829 when she was 12 years old. The sampler has her signature block (“Wrought by Susan Loker Aged 12 years 1829), 3 alphabets, a verse, a verse, and a very ornate (and well-stitched) floral border. The sampler measures 17” x 16 ½” (sight) and t is frame in an older (not period) wooden frame with gold liner. From the limited information I have, I believe this could have been done by the Susan Loker, born in Natick, Massachusetts in 1817. (There is some genealogy aboutSusan that will be included.) The sampler is in very fine condition! There are no tears, holes or missing stitches, only a small area of very light staining at the lower left and some bleeding of the thread used in some of the letters (typical of the dyes used in this period). A nice example of an early 19th century New England Sampler!
Price: Sale Pending
Probably the nicest miniature paint decorated blanket box I have ever handled, this dovetailed example retains its original salmon sponge swirl decoration, initials hand-done in the lid, a till, original hinges and lock (no key). The box measures 11 ¼” x 7 ¾” x 6” high. Dating c. 1840-1860, the box was found in New England, but its origin is unknown, possibly Pennsylvania. All 4 sides and the lid have frame lines in the paint decoration and the initials on the lid (“H M”) appear to have been done with a finger – like a child would do finger painting. The dovetailing is tidy and precise, and the box is in excellent condition. Paint is virtually complete with only some minor edge rubbing, and there are no cracks, breaks, rot, etc. One thin sliver of wood on the back side of the lid (near one of the hinges) has been replaced, leading me to suspect that there was an “oops” with the top at some point, and one screw from one of the hinges is missing. Additional photos available.
Price: $775
A c. 1840 Miniature Grain Painted Blanket Chest with turned feet, probably from Pennsylvania. 19” x 9 ½” x 10 ¼” (high), the box retains its original grained surface. It is dovetailed, with square nails (on the bottom mostly), molded top and bottom and original hinges. The hardware also appears to be original (but I’m not sure). There is no till, but it has 4 turned legs. Box is clean and ready to use. It is in very fine condition with no splits or cracks and other than some bumping on the surface, there are no major scars. Postage will be $50 (or less, depending on where the buyer lives).
Price: $935
A molded, composition material Carry-Lite Mallard decoy, c. 1950. When I first listed this mallard, I thought it was a salesman’s sampler because of its size and weight (and because that is what the ticket said when I bought it!). A very knowlegable Dig Antiques user corrected me and said that it was an actual decoy. Small and light-weight for convenience, this bird is 5 ¼” from beak to tail, about 2 ¾” high and about 2 ¾” wide. The painted surface has molded tail and wing feathers, and molded eyes and there is a “Carry-Lite Decoys, Milwaukee, Wis.” paper label on the bottom. Overall fine condition with only some light scuffing on the tail and a small, shallow chip out of the back of the bird’s head. Great for a collection of miniatures.
Price: $95
John Webster’s stitched needlework wallet dated 1868. (Note the backward “s” in Webster!) Deep red background with white and black decorations. John’s name and the date are stitched in white. Silk edging and silk interior. Probably stitched by John’s wife or daughter, the purse/wallet is in remarkably fine condition, especially for something that was meant to be handled every day. There are no missing stitches, holes, tears, etc in the needlework, and the silk edging only shows very minor wear. There is expected wear/thinning on the silk liner, but when the purse is closed, the defects are not noticeable. 4 ½” x 3 ½”. Not an item you run across very often!
Price: $395
These 2 miniature ducks are carved from chunks of a very light and porous wood, most likely Balsa. No denying that they show extensive wear but enough of the original paint remains to allow me to call them Mallards. The male, with his head slightly turned, measures 4” from beak to tail and is 2” high at the head; the female is 4 ¼” from beak to tail and also 2” high at the head. There are faint impressed marks on the underside of the female and some writing on the bottom of the male: both are illegible (to me, at least). In addition to their extensive paint wear, the tip of the male’s beak has been broken off (and worn smooth) and it appears that the head of the female has been reattached (I know: “Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the show?”) Some things are just fun!
Price: $75
Just what every ceramics collector has been looking for: a Staffordshire Gorilla from the 19th century. This guy/gal is seated on a stomp, facing forward, with the right arm wrapped around a tree trunk or a pole (must have been a hard night!). The gorilla is gray, the post has a green surface and stump/seat is white. 4” high and the base is 1 ¾” x 1 ½”. Excellent condition with no blemishes, cracks, etc. It is very thick or solid pottery and was possibly a whimsy or a child’s toy. It is the only example I have ever seen.
Price: $275
A very decorative cast iron arrow and banner lightening rod weathervane on a stand. The vane itself includes several decorative elements and is approximately 18 ½” long and 4” wide (at the banner). Red plastic insert with starburst design in the banner probably is an addition but it fits nicely. Heavy iron stand (which is not original to the arrow and banner) is included. Very fine condition with no splits or breaks, just some flaking of the black painted surface and some surface oxidation. Shipping weight will be slightly over 7 pounds (the stand is heavy!)
Price: $350
A cut silhouette of 2 children (identified as Miss Isabella Hawkins and Alfred Borradaile Hawkins of Leamington (UK) and dated 1837. The silhouette includes the notation (both front and back) that it was made by Edouart, the famous itinerant silhouette artist of the period. A Google search of the children resulted in a hit on Alfred, indicating that he was the author of a short pamphlet on taxation written in 1875. In this silhouette, Isabella is holding some flowers and carrying a small pail or basket in her right hand; Alfred is holding a whip and seems to be talking (taxation??) with his sister. The silhouettes are mounted on paper with an elaborate foliage border and there is a hand-written document on the back titled “WOMAN” and dated July, 186?. This silhouette is framed in a very nice figural maple frame; sight size is 10 ¾” x 9 7/8” and overall frame size is 14 ¾” x 12 ½”. Condition is very good: no rips, tears, etc and only some very slight staining (just to the left of Isabella and above and to the left of Alfred’s head and to the right of his shoulder). Not examined out of the frame.
Price: $795
This small needlework (possibly crewel work) on silk is dated 1836 and appears to be a memorial to a child, Johanes. There is a small round image in the center of a young boy hugging a sheep. Just below the picture, Johanes is stitched in tiny stitches and just below that 1836 (possibly the year it was made, or possibly the date of Johanes’ birth or death. The needlework measures 6 ½” x 8 5/8” and it is framed n a contemporary wooden frame measuring 7 ¼” x 9 3/8”. The stitching is complete, and only some light discoloration/staining on the silk and a bit of deterioration (does not impact any of the stitchwork) in the upper right. No indication of country of origin, but most likely German or Austrian. Not examined out of the frame.
Price: $475
A round, wooden sewing caddy or box with a swivel lid, pin cushion on top and bone eyelets, probably from the late 19th century or very early 20th century. The box is 4” in diameter and just about 4” to the pin cushion on top. There are 4 metal posts inside to hold individual spools of thread, and there are 6 bone “bobbins” that were inside when I got it. Very fine or better condition with rich, dark mahogany color. Some minor wear on the pincushion on top and one of the bone finials has lost the top of its “acorn” shaped crown, but no other issues. Clean and ready to use, if you are so inclined.
Price: SOLD -- Thank You!
Harriot Herrick stitched her sampler on green linen when she was 9 years old. This “Linsey-Woolsey” (so-called because of the green linen used) includes 3 alphabets, the numbers 1-10, Harriot’s name and age, a most elaborate border and a religious verse: “Give me thy hear the Saviour cries, Justly he doth it claim. O do not then the call despise, but give it to the Lamb.” (This verse comes from “The Gospel Treasury,” a compilation of works by William Collier, Pastor of the Baptist Church in Charlestown, MA, 1811.). Harriot’s sampler is stitched (very neatly and very finely) in white and pink silk thread. It measures 9 ½” x 13 ½” (sight) and is framed in an old (and refinished) but probably not original empire frame (frame size is 12 ¼” x 16 ¼”). Harriet most likely lived in Northeastern Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire, and made the sampler c. 1820. The sampler is in excellent original condition! Clean and very tidy, there are no stains, tears, holes, etc. The stitchwork is complete and precise. Not examined out of the frame.
Price: $1,200
One of the most graceful wood carvings of a running horse I have ever encountered: a mid-20th century Running Horse Weathervane fragment, painted black and exhibiting incredible form. The fragment is 22 ½” x 9”x ¾”. There are minor imperfections: 2 small chips on the ears, and some repairs to where the hooves, but nothing detracts from the incredible form. The painted surface is probably mid-20th century also. This one is special!
Price: $750
A small and charming 19th century Trinket Box with a hand-painted lid of a cottage with a figure standing in front of it. This little box, which is canted, measures 3 ½” x 3” x 1 ¾” (at the top; the bottom is 3” square). The lid lifts up to expose a papered interior (soft pink paper). There are 2 faux turned knobs on the sides. This little box is in excellent condition with only a couple of minor bumps/nicks/rubs on the top and side.
Price: $165
A wonderful wooden elephant pull toy with applied ears and a scowl. Not sure of the exact age, but it most likely dates to the early 1950s, perhaps 1940s; and I don't know if it is a home-made piece or was available commercially. In either case, the elephant is wonderful, and so is its scowl. Original red and black painted surface, the elephant and platform are about 12" long, 11 ¾" high and ¾" thick; wheels are 2 ½" in diameter. Excellent condition with original rope tail and painted surface. The rear leg may have been either pieced-in, or it has an old repair, probably dating to when the toy was made. A great example of a toy from the days when life was much simpler!
Price: $235
I’m not sure what to call this pair of cast iron Heart Decorated Gear Cogs from, I am told, a large piece of Farm Equipment (I grew up in a city, so don’t ask me!): Industrial or Mechanical Folk Art? Country Primitives?? Whatever you call them, they are wonderful: each gracefully shaped cog is adorned with a large heart-shaped cutout. I don’t know that the heart had any function, other than being purely decorative. And they are mounted on Custom metal stands, and they display very nicely. Each gear cog 7 ¼” x 4 ¾” with a 3 ½” shaft. With the stands, they are 9” tall (and heavy – 8+ pounds shipping weight). The pieces are in very fine condition: no splits, cracks, breaks, etc. They are clean (not greasy), with only some very light and minor surface oxidation, which is enhanced by the digital photographs.
Price: $265
Probably made about 1932, at the time of the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth in 1732, this solid chalkware statue shows George, with his sword drawn to the side, sitting astride his prancing horse. It has been painted (all-over) chocolate brown, and George is looking off in the distance. The little statue is about is 10 ¾” high and the oval base measures 7 ¾” x 2 ½”. I am presuming that it was meant to sit on a mantel or bookshelf. Considering how potentially fragile it is, the statue is in good condition. George’s head has been off but very carefully, and neatly, reattached (I know: “Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, How was the play?”), there is some light paint rubbing, mostly on Geoerge’s nose and chin, on his right foot/boot and on the edge of the base just below it and on the horse’s left knee and a tiny hole on the side of his right foot (may have been made “in the making”).. The statue alone weighs about 1 pound 8 ounces.
Price: $45
A group of 12 large-size Cardboard Soldiers, each with an attached wooden “stand” that allows them to stand upright. 2 are mounted on prancing horses, swords drawn; the other 10 are standing at attention with rifles at the ready. Given the uniforms, I am assuming these are European soldiers dating to the mid-late 19th century. The mounted soldiers are 3 7/8” across at the base and about 12 3/4” tall; the foot soldiers are about the same width at the bottom and vary in height between 12 ¾” and 13”. Condition on all is fine to very fine: one foot soldier’s head was bent-back too far and there is a line at the neck and but the head remains attached and there is some very minor, scattered surface scuffing, but no other damage. These originally were kids’ toys: I think they came in a set along with a couple of balls and the idea was to roll the balls and knock as many of the soldiers down as possible (a form of bolling!). It is very unusual to find a “platoon” this large.
Price: $265
A pair (male/female) of half-sized Mallard Decoys, signed on the bottom “S Pierce, HDG, MD” (Steiner Pierce, Havre de Grace, Maryland). (Frederick) Steiner Pierce is the brother of the more famous Maryland carver Jim Pierce and his birds very much resemble those carved by his brother. Each bird is 10 ¼” from bill to tail and about 4 ¼” to the top of the head. Both retain their original, detailed paint, including painted eyes. Both are in very fine, original condition with no chips, cracks, splits, paint loss, etc. Steiner Pierce began carving when he was in his 70s and I would date these decoys c. 1990.
Price: $125
A home made wooden barn, fashioned, most likely, from cigar boxes made out of cigar boxes, probably from thee 1930s or 1940s. There is a double swinging door on one side (one door panel is detached but present) and there is an overhang on one side. It very much gives the appearance of a Pennsylvania Amish barn. It measures 9” x 4 7/8” x 6 ½” high (to the peak of the roof). Very fine condition with no breaks, splits etc. The paint is complete with only some very minor wear in a couple of places.
Price: Sale Pending
A small, home-made church, constructed from wooden cigar box panels and beautifully and intricately painted. The church has a swinging door (there may have been 2 doors), a base for a steeple and a small wood-stove like chimney! The door, a round windown at the base of the steeple along wit another window just above it and the arched windows, as wonderfully painted and given the building a very realistic appearance. The church is mounted on a wooden base. Overall dimensions are 7 3/8” x 4 ¾” x 6” (to the top of the steeple that remains. Very fine condition cracks, splits or breaks, only the missing left side of the door (easily replaceable for someone who knows what they are doing) and the steeple. I would date this to the 1930s or 1940s. This would look great in a Christmas village or as part of a model train set-up.
Price: $150
A group of 5 vintage 1950s paper ice cream signs or posters. These probably were for display in an ice cream parlor or shop and except for the one marked Borden’s, 4 are simply generic flavors. They are in excellent, near-mint condition. 4 are backed by foam core and protected in plastic; the stand-alone dish of Vanilla is not wrapped and has a small crease in the stem of the glass (see photos). No other issues or damage. The dimensions (including the backing board): Fudge Ripple: 12” x 18”; Dish of Vanilla Ice Cream: 9 ¾” x 16 ½”; Strawberry: 13 1/4” x 20”; Borden’s Ice Cream Pie, 20 1/8” x 8 3/8”; and Chocolate Almond 20” x 9”. All except the dish of vanilla have hangers attached to the back. Nice decoration for a kitchen or den – or your ice cream parlor!. Additional photos available; just ask!
Price: $75
This very nice crewel work basket of flowers is done on silk and framed in an elaborate period embossed and painted frame. The basket, stitched in shades of green, gold, white and grey, includes what looks like a tulip (in the middle) and daisies, along with smaller flowers. It measures 9 ¼” x 8 ½” (sight) and the frame is 12 ½” x 11 5/8”. The piece is in excellent condition with no rips, tears or missing stitches. Unusual to find stitched theorems on silk. The frame has some minor corner chipping. Piece not examined out of the frame.
Price: $775
This very colorful needlework sampler was done c.1765 by Margaretta Yeardley (could be of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The sampler includes several different alphabets, an inspirational verse, numbers and some random decorations including a row of red flowers at the bottom. Also, toward the bottom, Margaretta stitched “Margareta Yeardley was born the 6 of December, 1752.” It measures 8 ¾” x 12 ½” and is framed in a very, nice contemporary painted frame. Overall frame size is 10 ¾” x 15”. The sampler is in fine to very fine condition: no stains, rips, tears or holes. The stitch-work is virtually complete (there are a few missing stitches, toward the top and in the ornate capital alphabet toward the bottom), and I think the “Pink” stitches (mostly toward the top) may be replacements (have not seen that color used in a period sampler before!). The is a sheet of limited genealogy attached to the back. She was the daughter of William and Ann (Budd) Yeardley (could be Yardley); in 1773, she married Stacy Potts of Burlington County, NJ; Stacy played a major role in the Battle of Trenton during the American Revolution. There are conflicting dates for Margaretta’s death: 1816 and 1783.
Price: $795
A fascinating American Needlework Sampler by Hannah Potts, aged 10, and dated 1833. The sampler includes 2 buildings, one appears to be a church (the red building) and the other a school house or town hall with a flag pole, flying the American Flag. Hannah stitched “Executed by Hannah Potts of Peru in the 10th year of her sage October 3th 1833. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to determine is WHICH “Peru” she meant: there are Perus in Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana (along with a number of others in states that were still frontier in 1833). In addition to the 2 buildings, the flag pole with the flag (the red and the blue on the flag are hand-colored in), her signature block, and several alphabets, the sampler has an inter The sampler is in very fine condition: there are no rips, tears or holes and the stitching is completel. A couple of minor, faint stains, but nothing that detracts from this piece. A very charming, naïve American needlework sampler.
Price: $1,250
The horses and jockeys in this wonderfull, all wooden Horse racing Whirly-Gig move up and down as the windmill blades turn, giving the impression the horses are charging hard toward the finish line. But no matter how many times your spin the blades the horse on the left can’t seem to catch-up! Overall length of the whirly-gig is 20 1/8” and the height of the windmill is 14”; the horses are about 8” nose to extended rear legs and the height to the top of the jockeys’ head is 6 ¼”. Great, crusty original surface with some rubbing/wear on the sides of the horses, especially the one on the right with the jockey with the red silks, and on the left side of the fence. I would date this to the 1930s, and while I don’t think it is home-made, it has a wonderfully “folksy” feel to it. The blades turn smoothly (if anyone would like, I can send a video of it in motion; just conact me!). I have not taken it outside in the wind but I don’t think anyone will display it that way to begin with. It will be carefully packed and will require a rather large box.
Price: $695
An extremely competent mid-19th century Watercolor and Gouache drawing of a woman holding a small book (in her right hand). She is wearing a long, black dress and a cap. Her head and hands are done with watercolor; the dress in gouache. The piece is framed in a wonderful period, if not original, grain painted frame with lemon gold liner and old glass. Although too faint to read, at least for my eyes, there appears to be something written in the lower right corner (it would not photograph). Sight size is 6 ½” x 10 ½” and the frame size is 12” x 15 ½”. Very fine condition with no tears or crease. Strong color with only some minor rubbing in her hair, and a wonderful frame. The glass has a small bubble just to the left of her right elbow.
Price: SOLD
This 7 5/8” Oval Pantry Box w/ 5 fingers retains its original surface. Neat and tidy with 2 smaller fingers on the lid that match up nicely with the larger fingers on the base. Both square nail and copper tack construction and a nice, mellow natural color. There are 3 small pegs inset into the bottom that may have been where tiny feet were removed. The box measures 7 5/8” x 5 ¼” x 2 5/8” (high). Excellent condition with no splits, cracks, etc. A nice box for the middle of your stack.
Price: $365
A cloth pattern depicting “Puffy” the Quaker Oats symbol dated 1930. People could cut out the 2 patterns, stuff them with cotton or straw, and give it to the kids to play with: a nice, inexpensive toy during the Great Depression. This pattern is a complete, uncut sheet, framed and ready to hang on the wall. “Puffy” is standing at attention like a good soldier (he looks like he is straight out of a performance of the ballet “The Nutcracker!”), holding a rifle. Tucked into a pouch or backpack are 2 boxes of Quaker Oats. There are instructions for assembly, some promotional information about Quaker Oats, and the date (1930) printed at the very bottom. “Puffy” is a big guy, measruring 16 ¼” x about 8”; the pattern measures 16 ¼” x 17” and the overall frame size is 17 ¾” x 18 ½”. The pattern is in excellent condition: clean and unsoiled. No rips, tears, etc. The colors are strong and it makes a wonderful wall hanging for a play room or a child’s room. And it’s a great piece of 1930s advertising. Price does not include postage.
Price: $195
A rare and most unusual piece of blue transferware Staffordshire: a Bourdaloue decorated in the “2 Temples 2” pattern dating c. 1820. Bourdaloues were personal hygiene items for women in the 17th to 19th centuries. They were used on long carriage rides, during 5 and 6-hour sermons in drafty churches, and, I am told, even at dinner parties. “Bourdaloues” were named for a 17th century French priest, Louis Bourdaloue, who regularly preached 6 and 7 hour sermons in cold, drafty churches where it would have been impolite for a woman to leave the pew. More specifics can be provided, but I think your imagination can fill in the details. The transfer on this Bourdaloue shows a popular Chinoiserie pattern that was made by 5 or 6 Potteries in the early 19th century, including Spode, Wedgwood and Davenport: the 2Temples2 variety. It shows a pagoda landscape and an arched bridge with 2 figures. It measures 9” (from handle to the rounded tip) X 3” X 3 1/2” high at the handle. There are no marks, only collection stickers. Condition on this piece is excellent: it is clean (definitely a plus for something like this!) and free of chips, cracks or lines.
Price: $725
A small wooden rocking horse and jockey toy in great original paint from the 1920s (probably). 5 ¼” x 5” (high), the horse’s head and tail move up and down when the horse is rocked. (I can send a video is someone wants to see for themselves! Very fine, original condition: there is an open hole at the front of the left rocker and that may have been for a stabilizing bar, but the pieces rocks smoothly without it.
Price: on hold
A charming mid-19th Century Cut Silhouette of 2 young women/girls and a dog. The puppy is sitting on its haunches at their feet, looking up as if asking for a treat. The girls, one sitting, the other standing, are in full dresses and one has a pony tail. Nice highlights in the girls’ dresses and hair. The silhouette measures 6 ¾” x 9” (sight) and the wonderful curly maple frame (which appears to be original) measures 10 ¾” x 13”. Fine to very fine condition with no tears, holes, etc. Some overall toning to the background paper. Not examined out of the frame. There is a partial word written in old hand on the remnants of the backing paper that may be a name (“La pou…”?). Silhouettes that include animals are always fun to find!
Price: $535
A cast iron Sink Box Duck Decoy dating to the very early 20th century, or a bit earlier. These iron decoys were used as ballast and camouflage on sink boxes or punt boats that were used for hunting waterfowl. These relatively flat punt boats would allow hunters to hide in the marshes and the attached decoys were meant to attract the waterfowl. Sink Boxes were outlawed for hunting by the Migratory Bird Act of 1918, and many of these iron decoys wound up at the bottom of rivers/marshes. This example is from my personal collection.. The bird is about 13" from head to tail, about 6” wide and 5” high. From the shape, it appears to be a mallard or bluebill. Hollow, the decoy retains an early if not original painted surface with only minor oxidation and no damage. No head details and no molded eyes/bill like some I’ve seen..It weighs about 11 pounds, so don’t drop it on your foot. And if your sinkbox is in the shop for maintenance, you can always use the decoy as a door stop!
Price: Sale Pending
A most unusual “Needlework Practice Piece” in which a young girl (most likely) learned how to make the various needlework stitches. There are 9 or 10 different kinds of stitches (I’m a guy, so I do not know their names!), and the piece is framed in a contemporary wooden frame. The piece measures 5 ½” square (sight) and the frame is 6 7/8” square. Very fine condition with no tears/holes, etc. Only a couple of small and light stains, mostly along the bottom border. A very unusual piece of 19th or early 20th Century needlework!
Price: $225
A horizontal format miniature sampler, dated 1834, by Tirzah Porter. Ths ampler has an all caps alphabet and a second with all small letters. Tirzah included the date below her name and there are some symbols or letters to the left of the date. There are also some “ghost letters” in the lower section of the piece, below Tirzah’s name, that make me think the piece of linen was re-used for her sampler. It measures9 1/8” (sight) x 4 ¼” and is nicely framed in a wooden frame10” x 5”. American or English in origin, but I can’t say which.
Price: $200
A cast iron doorstop featuring a horse and groom. Elegant standing horse being held by person. The figures are mounted on a molded base. Overall dimensions are 11 ½” (at the base) x 2” wide (base) x 7 ¾” high (horse). The horse measures 9 ¼” x 7 ½” and the groom is 6 ¾” tall. Overall weight is just under 4 pounds. (Shipping weight will be about 6 lbs) Excellent condition with no cracks breaks, etc. Some very slight and scattered surface rubbing and only some minor surface oxidation on the underside of the base. No maker’s marking that I can find.
Price: $195
This sitting Chalkware Cat is 8” to the top of the left ear, about 2 ½” wide at the chest and the base measures 4 ¾” x 3 ¼”. Solid chalkware with its trail wrapped aroud its body and the head slightly cocked. It retains is original painted surface and the eyes, nose and mouth are well-articulated. It dates to the late 19th/early 20th century. These chalkware animals were often “prizes” that could be won in games of chance at county fairs or circuses. This critter is in fine condition: his paint is a little worn and he shows some discoloration from handling but there are no cracks or missing pieces and only the tiniest of surface chips at the very bottom of the left foot. There is even some red remaining on the lower lip.
Price: $275
This signed (with initials WMW – anyone know the carver) contemporary Merganser decoy has a wonderful, painted surface and great presence. With head held high, it seems to be swimming with a purpose. It measures a full 17” from beak to tail and is about 7” high at the head; the sleek body is about 5” wide. Painted tack eyes and a flat bottom (no weights), it is ready to sit on your mantle or bookshelf! The body was carved out of a single block of wood and the head attached. A great addition to your contemporary decoy flock
Price: $185
This double sided game board (Checkers on one side and Parcheesi on the other), retans its original 3 color (Red, Green and Black) surface. With breadboard ends (nailed), the Board measures 23 ½” x 15 ¾” and is about ¾” thick. The checkerboard itself is 12” square. Expected bumps and bruises and edge scuffs from use but no splits, cracks or other damage. Nice rich and mellow colors!
Price: $595
A small chalkware Cat, curled up in a semi-circle and looking kind of sleepy. The kitty is solid chalkware and is 4 ¼” x 2 ¾” x 2 ¼” to the top of the right ear. Its tail is wrapped around its body and the eyes are staring off into the distance. Original painted surface (some bumps and rubs, but no cracks or holes, etc.) and the ears are pink. It could be used as a paperweight.
Price: $120
Carved from a block of wood, I do not know if this painted dove was a confidence decoy or simply a whimsy. It dates to the mid-20th century and retains its original, dry painted surface with carved wings and painted eyes. Adding to its charm are the 2 clothes pins that serve as feet and allow you to attached it to a fence or whatever. It measures 10” from beak to tail, about 4 ½” tall at the head and the plump body is about 3” wide. Excellent, untouched condition. The well-weathered clothes pins are attached to the underside of the dove with wire and both operate smoothly.
Price: $435
An early and very sculptural primitive horse pull toy dates to the mid-19th century. Probably carved by a very talented amateur (father for child, possibly), it is mounted on a green painted platform with iron wheels. The horse is 10 ¼” tall (overall height with platform is 11 7/8” and from nose to rump, the horse is about 10 ½”; his bristle tail adds another 2”. Original surface, including the painted platform. The mane is gone (remnants of how it was mounted and a few tiny nails that held it in place), as are most of his ears, but otherwise it is in very fine condition with no splits or cracks, etc. This one just oozes body motion!
Price: $595
This full-length silhouette of a seated woman dates to the mid-19th century. The woman, in a long dress or gown and bonnet, is sitting in a Victorial-style armchair on castors. There are gold highlights on both the woman and the chair, and the image is framed in an older, possibly original, simple gold frame. There is an old label on the back and 2 hand-written names, either of the sitter or the artist, or both. The silhouette measures 8 5/8” x 11 ½” and overall frame size is 9 7/8” x 12 3/8”. Except for some very minor toning to the paper, the silhouette is in excellent condition with no tears, holes, marks, etc. The backing paper is torn but attached and it does contain a lot of history/provenance of the silhouette.
Price: $245
This decorated tin plate is a souvenir of the 1908 Presidential Campaign. It features Republican Candidate William Howard Taft and his running mate James Schoolcraft Sherman (won), their portraits superimposed over US Flags, the White House and the images of the 10 “Grand Old Party” standard bearers between 1856 (when the Republican Party was founded) to 1908. Each candidate’s image is flanked by a great Shield of the US. The plate is 9 ½” in diameter and extremely colorful. Excellent condition with no loses, or damage; surface scratching, if it exists at all, is at a minimum. An interesting piece of Presidential memorabilia.
Price: SOLD
Can’t you just see Gabby Hayes Pulling one of these off the Chuck Wagon and fixing up a pot of coffee for Roy Rogers coming in from a cold day herding cattle! An antique tin (undecorated) coffee pot, 7” tall, 8” handle to spout, dating to the mid-late 19th century. The pot is 4 ¾” in diameter at the bottom and there are soldered seems; handle, top and bottom have rolled edges. No splits or holes (but I have not tried to put liquid in it). A nice decorative piece for your country kitchen.
Price: $75
This very elegant, full-bodied standing horse weather unfortunately has no tail. But that is all that is really wrong with it (I know, Mrs. Lincoln, other than that, how was the show?). There are no maker’s markings that I can find and unfortunately, I am not familiar enough with the different forms to hazard a guess as to the who made this piece. The copper horse is 12 ¼” from nose to rump and 12” high at the ears. Nicely molded head and mane with a black-painted surface. The copper is visible in several places where the paint has worn off, the most noticeable being on the right-side of the belly. No splits, cracks, holes or gunshot wounds, only some scattered minor denting, the largest being slightly smaller than a quarter, but very shallow. The stand, which came with the vane, is 17 ¼” x 3 ½” x ¾” (thick) and probably not as old as the horse.
Price: Sale Pending
Susan A. Mumford stitched this neat and tidy American needlework sampler c. 1825-1835. She did not put a date on it, but she included 3 complete alphabets, 2 sets of numbers (1-7 and 1-15) and 2 short sayings: “Learning is the orname(n/)t of age" and “Let Virtue Be a Guide to Thee.” There is a zig-zag border along the top and 2 long sides, and Susan's name is placed after the script alphabet toward the bottom. Sadly no date or place. The sampler measures 7 ¾” x 11 ¼” (sight) and is framed in an appropriate contemporary frame, 8 ¾” x 12 ¼”. It is in excellent condtion with no tears, holes, spots, etc. and the only “missing” stitches are in the unfinished stitched border at the very bottom, left. Most likely of American origin.
Price: $245
This 2 color (purple & blue) Staffordshire covered box includes 4 separate scenes from the Peruvian (Horse) Hunt Pattern by Anthony Shaw, c. 1850. All the views involve chasing wild (I presume) horses in a tropical setting. The box measures 5 ½” x 4 3/8” x 4” (high with the lid on). This could be a butter tub or a soap box, although there is no little drainage insert. Excellent condition with no chips, cracks, lines, etc. The transfers are clear and the colors strong. A very unusual piece of transferware, and although the pattern is listed in several sources, the form is not. Great as a dresser box, or even to hold M & Ms!
Price: $475
A small wooden cutlery tray or knife box, probably meant for a child. The box has a shaped handle, slanted sides and nailed construction. With it will come 8 pieces of small flatware (5 forks and 3 knives, all of which fit inside the tray): they are just coming along for the ride!. The box measures 7 3/8” x 6 1/8” and is about 3 ½” high. I think the handle (as part of the center divider) was made in 2 pieces and fitted together. Nice mellow color.
Price: $85
This inlaid and dovetailed Document or Storage Box measures 13 ¼” x 8 ¼” x 6 ½” (high). The inlay includes an inner border, a large heart on the lid with an anchor and a sword (?) on top of it and diamonds on the front and 2 sides, along with small triangles in these same 3 surfaces. There is a storage compartment in the lid with a locking mechanism that keeps it closed. Very fine condition: clean and ready to use, with only a small (approximately 2”) section of the inlaid line on the missing (all the other inlay is in place!). Great color and very functional.)
Price: $275
This large creamware teapot has ‘everything’: extensive and well-done hand-decorated flowers, molded leaf decoration on the pot where the handle connects, twisted and molded strap handles, molded spiral spout and a large flower finial on the lid. The colors are very spring-like and there is even decoration on the pot’s shoulder. It measures about 7 ½” to the top of the finial on the lid, and the handle to spout distance is about 10 ¼”. It was obviously meant to serve tea to large gatherings. Excellent condition: no cracks, lines, etc. There is what looks like dirt caked onto the finial (probably from people’s greasy fingers and no, I haven’t tried to clean it…) and the tiniest of chips on the underside of the edge of the lid (about 3/16”, not visible with the lid on). Discoloration on the teapot's bottom is due, most likely, to glazing deficiencies and not structural damage. The decoration is strong and complete. A great focal point for an early collection of teapots.
Price: Sale Pending
A most unusual Pink Lustre form: a 3 5/8” tall Beaker with splashed pink glaze. Wonderful color and shiny glaze. Probably English, c. 1820-1840. Excellent condition with strong color and glaze and no chips, cracks, lines or restorations. It measures 3” in diameter at the top and a little over 2” in diameter at the base. No marks. The beaker includes a provenance note, which was with it when I got it.
Price: $65
Polly Veazie worked her neat and tidy needlework sampler c. 1805, when she was about 13 years old. She chose a dark, almost green linen (giving the sampler the appearance of being a linsey-woolsey sampler). Polly was born in 1793 in Braintree, MA, and died in 1862 (possibly in Rhode Island because “Rhode Island” is stitched at the very bottom of the sampler. It measures 7 ½” x 11 ½” and is framed appropriately in a contemporary wooden frame (11” x 14 ½”). The sampler is in excellent condition with no holes, tears, stains, etc. The stitch work is well done, and the border is embellished with strawberries and what look like flowers. A very nice piece of early 19th Century needlework, and if it is, in fact, a linsey-woolsey, it’s a gem!
Price: $750
Just what every ceramics collector has been looking for: a Staffordshire Gorilla from the 19th century. This guy/gal is seated on a stomp, facing forward, with the right arm wrapped around a tree trunk or a pole (must have been a hard night!). The gorilla is gray, the post has a green surface and stump/seat is white. 4” high and the base is 1 ¾” x 1 ½”. Excellent condition with no blemishes, cracks, etc. It is very thick or solid pottery and was possibly a whimsy or a child’s toy. It is the only example I have ever seen.
Price: Sold -- Thank You!
In the late 18th/early 19th centuries, Staffordshire potters made baby in a cradle whimsies. Purportedly, these were meant as christening gifts, given to the families of newborns. Sometimes the cradle had a bonnet and other times, as in this instance, the cradles were open. There are also reports that the position of the baby’s head and if the baby’s eyes were indicators of infant mortality. This example has no bonnet and the baby’s eyes are wide open and there is a smile on the little one’s face. What I do not know is if the color of the blanket indicates the gender of the child. Here we have a bright-eyed little one swathed in a pink blanket wearing a white bonnet. The cradle, which has a woven, basket-like surface, is yellow. It is 4 ½” long, 1 ¾” wide (at the widest) and 1 ¼” high. No maker’s markings. And as you can imagine, not too many of these gems survived.
Price: $200
A small tole Syrup Pitcher or Creamer decorated with traces of red fruit (?) green leaves and yellow swirls (colors are definitely enhanced in the photos). 4 ¼” tall, 4 ½” from handle to spout and 3” in diameter at the base. The lid fits (very!) snuggly and there are no holes, cracks or breaks. Crusty, dry surface with minimal surface oxidation (which may be enhanced by the photos).
Price: $75
This small pewter jug was probably used for holy water in the 18th century. It is engraved “A 1700” under the spout: 1700 may have been the year the jug’s church was built, but I think the piece dates to later that century. 3 3/” high (4 5/8 to the top of the finial), 2 5/8” in diameter at the base and approximately 4” from handle to spout. There are decorative lines on the thumb piece on the lid, but no maker’s markings, It is in very fine condition: nice, mellow color and no cracks, breaks, etc. Some very minor denting on the bottom and a couple of nicks on the foot rim, but otherwise it is free from dents or other blemishes. The lid is securely attached and opens/closes properly. I’m sure its size made it easy for the priest to carry it when giving communion.
Price: $250
This pair (not a matched set, but close-enough) of decorated toleware creamer and sugar bowl exhibits good paint and only moderate wear. The creamer (4 ¼” high to the top of the finial, 4 ½” handle to spout and 3” diameter at the base) has a large, oval ball in red/pink under the spout and the sides have a small red circle and yellow leave (paint ware to some of the leaves); there is yellow leaf decoration on the lid. The sugar bowl is 4 ¼” in diameter at the top, 3 3/8” diameter at the base and about 3 ¼” tall (top of the finial).There is a bold, yellow and red band of decoration around the top, and a yellow and red pinwheel decoration on the lid. Both pieces are in fine to very fine condition, without dents or splits. The paint has the expected wear from age and use, but the decoration and the color remain visible. Not recommended for use, but they make great shelf decorations.
Price: $175
This small, decorated toleware oval box with handle measures 3” by 2” and with the handle up-straight, it is 3” tall. The floral decoration on the sides is done in red, green and yellow and there is very faint decoration on the lid. The lid fits snugly and the handle swings freely. The overall condition is fine to very fine with the expected wear/rubbing to the paint, but no dents, splits, cracks, etc. Not sure what its purpose was, but its been on my shelf for 30+ years.
Price: $80
This round Toleware Covered Sugar Bowl is boldly decorated in and yellow flowers and leaves. There is even decoration on the lid. The bowl is 4” in diameter at the top, and about 3 ½” high; tapered at the waste, the bottom is 3 3/8” in diameter. Very fine condition with strong decoration and color all around and only minor flaking/paint loss, mostly in the black. The lid fits snugly and there are no dents, splits or breaks, etc.
Price: $110
This 5 ¾” diameter Wooden Bowl is delightfully out of round (by about 1/4”) and retains its mellow, original surface. It has a small foot rim and light grooves on the side. Slight rubbing only the top edge but no cracks, splits, etc.
Price: $195
A 2-color (Red & Green) Strawberry Shaped Velvet Pincushion. Approximately 4” x 2 ¾” x 1” (thick). Some minor fading but no holes, tears, etc. There may have been a string at the top-end for hanging.
Price: $10
A pair of early 19th century (c. 1800 or a bit earlier) Battersea Enamel Mirror Supports (or posts), used to provide support for mirrors hung on the wall. Both show a similar (as similar as 2 hand-painted scenes can be) view of 2 large buildings in the countryside. The enamels are framed in a brass? (not magnetic) round frame and retain their original “screw into the wall” posts. Each framed image is 1 5/8” in diameter and the posts are 2 1/8” long. Very fine condition with no breaks or cracks and the posts are securely soldered to the round frames.
Price: $275
A rather ornately decorated piece of Musical Calligraphy, UNFRAMED, but with a uniquely shaped matte (small) with an incised border. It probably dates to the mid-late 19th century. The music and words are hard to read (very tiny notes/letters and faded) but there is a note attached indicating that the words are “Let Providence o’er each thought…”, and it is probably an adaptation of a popular William Cowper hymn from the mid 18th century. The watercolor decoration is strong. It includes several instruments (something that resembles a violin/viola, a lyre, a horn and a clarinet(?) and numerous green leaves of various shapes. The visible portion of the drawing measures 5” x 3 ½” and the overall matte size is Z 1/8” x 6 1/8”. Some slight age discoloration to the paper, but the colors remain good. Matte has some very minor edge bumping and very slight soiling, but no other issues.
Price: $225
1820 American Needlework Sampler from the Nine Partners School, a Quaker boarding school in Dutchess County, NY. Sampler was stitched by Mary B. Jones and includes a verse “An Address to the Deity” by Edward Young, whose writings often appear on needleworks by other Nine Partners’ students. Sampler measures 16 ¼” x 13 ½” (sight) and is framed in a contemporary gold frame, 20 ½” x 17 ½”. Sampler is in very fine condition: stitch-work is complete and there are no tears or large holes. There are a couple of small holes in the linen on the right side, along the border, the most noticeable to the right of the words “sun” and “begun”; there are also a couple of light stains. Not examined out of the frame. A very nice example of a work from an important Quaker school.
Price: SOLD -- Thank You!
2 similarly carved wooden song birds mounted on a wood base. The carving is signed (illegible to me!) and dated 1981. The birds are not painted; one has its mouth open in song, the other does not. One bird (with the open mouth) is about 2 ¾” from beak to tail; the other, at 3”, is slightly longer. Both are about 1 ¾” high and are attached to the wooden base with metal leg/feet. Overall dimensions of the piece: 4 1/2" x 1 3/4" x 3 3/4" high. The wings are carved and the eyes painted on. The piece is signed on the base and dated 1981. Unfortunately, I cannot make out the signature. Excellent condition with no cracks, breaks, etc.; the bird with the closed-mouth has a tiny chip in its tail.
Price: $135
This round carved butter stamp features a bird as the central image. There is a molded border and some accent lines on the face of the press. Carved out of single piece of wood (maple, I think) the press is 2 7/8" in diameter and about 2 1/2" high (top of knob handle). Although there are several age cracks, both on the handles on on the face of the press, it is solid. And it has a very smooth, worn surface.
Price: $95
An early Squeak Toy in the form of a Cow (perhaps a steer), dating c. 1900. The creature measures 3 ½” x 1 ½” x 4 ½” (top of the head) and has great original paint. Although the squeaker does not work anymore, it is otherwise in very fine condition with no cracks or breaks and only a couple of tiny scratches in the brown surface. No marks, but most of these squeak toys were made in Germany. You see ducks and chickens, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a cow/steer.
Price: $195
An orange with black stripes whimsical fishing lure and a line bobber, painted red and white with round, googly eyes. Both are signed “T. Brown”. The lure has a painted-to-match tin dorsal fin and painted eyes; the lure has a similar pair of eyes. Measurements for the lure are 4 ¾” (including the round ring) x 1 ¾” x 5/8” (thick) and the bobber is 5 ½” long and the body tapers from 1” thick to ½”. Both are in very fine condition with no splits, breaks, etc.
Price: $20
This Mahogany, slide-lid hanging candle box dates c. 1820. It has an arched crest and the case is very finely dovetailed. Solid back. It measures 17 ¼” high, 5 ¾” wide and 3 ½” deep. As found condition: the surface is dry (no splits), not highly polished as you might find some pieces of mahogany from the period, and the box is in very fine condition with no cracks, breaks, splits, etc. A very nice decorative item.
Price: $375
An early 19th Century - perhaps a bit earlier - dovetailed wall box in the original dry red painted surface. The box has a lift-lid, divided interior and shaped back panel. Untouched, and all original. Beautifully crafted dovetails and only minor edge wear and corner bumps in a couple of places. The box itself is 12" x 7" x 9 ¼"; the lift-lid, which has a slight overhang, is 13" wide. There is a small area of loss on the back side, lower right and that may have happened in the making. And there is minor shrinkage around some of the dovetails. As nice a wall box as I have ever handled. Shipping weight will be 6.5 pounds.
Price: $750
Elizabeth Robins needlework sampler, “worked in. the 13th year of her age 1819.” The sampler includes 1 complete alphabet, a second partial alphabet (A-X – she just ran out of space), the numbers 1-11 (plus a random 3), her age and the date and several small images at the bottom, including a basket of flowers, a tree, a person walking a dog(?), and a 2-story house (note that the house and the flower basket are basically the same size!). Elizabeth put a nice border of trees and strawberries around the piece. It is very neatly stitched in green, light blue, brown/tan, white and pink. It measures 8 ¾” x 11 ¾” (sight) and is frame in a contemporary frame (12 ¼” x 15”). No indication where Elizabeth may have lived and the name is too common to search without other data points. Very fine condition with no holes, tears, staining or missing stitches. Elizabeth must have been very proud of this work.
Price: $575
Two sold wood maple sugar candy or possibly marzipan candy molds, one with 4 “holes” measures 11 ½” x 2 1/8” x ¾” (thick), the other (7 holes) is 13 ½” x 1 ½” x ¾” (thick). The depth of the “holes” on the first is about 3/8”; on the second about ¼” deep. The “holes” are embellished with carved flower or geometic designs similar to what you would expect to find on a piece of candy. The molten sugar would be poured into the opening, scraped smooth and removed when set. (And if you have ever worked with molten maple sugar – and I assume marzipan is the same way -- you know that is not an easy task!) The molds retain a dark, rich patina. Fine condition on both, with only a thin(possibly in the making) split in the 7-hole mold. The wood used in both is very hard, but I do not know what kind it is.
Price: $85
A c. 1970 small carved and painted wooden Pelican on a stump. The bird has a nicely painted surface, small metal feet and incised and painted eyes. The Pelican itself is about 4” tall and the base adds another 1” to the overall height. I desperately tried to find a signature on the base but could not. It came from a collection of miniature birds that included several Jesse Blackstone examples.
Price: $55
A very unusual Pratt Decorated Ceramic Pipe, coiled like a snake and having a duck head. The duck head has the bowl of the pipe coming out of its mouth and the tail is the lip. The coiled part has a mottled surface and the duck head has molded features (and if you look closely when the duck head is facing to the right, it appears that the duck has teeth!). Overall dimensions are 9” x 4 ½”. This pipe dates to c. 1800 when figural pipes were in fashion. It is in very fine, restored condition: I was told when I got it that the pipe had been restored, but I honestly cannot tell you where the restoration might be. Possibly the bowl and where it attached to the duck’s mouth and possibly the piece that you put in your mouth. Certainly, not your everyday piece of Prattware.
Price: $495
There are 4 Dunster “Dupe-a-Goose” Folding Decoys in this flock, dating to the early-mid 1950s. (Rather “sadistic” name, if you ask me!) Made out of treated cardboard with metal braces on the inside, each goose is about 23” x 10” when the head is tucked inside the body; 26 ½” x 18 ½” with the head extended (straight-out). The surfaces are original (some fading and scuffing from use) and some expected edge bumping. When I got them, they came in a period Purina Burlap bag, which will be included (nice piece of advertising if nothing elsee!). As noted, there is some edge bumping and some warping, mostly on 1 of the Geese, and another is faded more than the others, as can be seen in the photos. 3 of the four retain their original “Dunster Sporting Goods Co., Seattle, Wash. Patent Pend.” Labels. These are not your everyday Goose Decoys!
Price: $195
Something very different! A heavy (it weighs about 7 ½ pounds) metal sculpture of a cowboy with his horse standing nearby, branding a hog-tied calf (won’t be easy because the branding iron is missing!). Cowboy is kneeling over the calf (which could be mistaken for a large dog!) and the horse waits patiently, as all good cow ponies do! The 3 figures are mounted on a metal base that measures 12” x 5 7/8” (cowboy is 4 ¼” to the top of his hat; the horse is 5 ¾” from nose to tail and almost 4” to the ears). I think the horse is the best part of the sculpture. All metal, even the rope and the horse’s tail. Other than the missing branding iron and the surface oxidation/pitting (moderate), the piece is in fine condition. Do not know if this was meant to be part of something else or a stand-alone sculpture. Dating to the mid-20th century, it is a great piece of Western folk art! No signature or identifying marks that I can find.
Price: $400
A framed and matted full-length cut silhouette of 4 women standing and facing each other. One of the women is holding a book (far left), one is holding some papers with writing (far right) and 3 are wearing bonnets. The woman on the left has her hair in a bun. Excellent detail with ribbons and soes, etc. The Silhouette’s Sight Size is 15” x 11 ¼” and the frame size is 17 ¼”x 13 ½”. Each figure is about 7 ½” tall (slight variations) and 2 – 2 ½” wide at the bustle. Overall condition is very fine with no major flaws. There are a couple of stains on the backing paper that look like glue smudges (second from the left bottom of dress and far right at her feet) and there are a couple of edge nibbles toward the bottom of the dress on the woman second from left. Finally, some minor staining in the back of the head and shoulders of the woman second from left. There are also a couple of minor imperfections (bubbles)in the glass that do not show up on the photos. Not examined out of the frame, but it appears to have acid free backing.
Price: $625
A pewter ice cream mold with a U.S. Flag blowing in the wind. It is marked “282” with raised numbers on the second stripe down, but there are no other marks. 4” (including the hinge) X 2 ½” x 1 1/4 “ (thick). Excellent condition with no cracks, breaks, etc. Clean and ready to use.
Price: $130
A mid-19th century Schoolgirl or Dresser box decorated with decoupage images and retaining its original velvet lining. The box has a wonderful yellow surface with green and red lines and there are red-painted highlight around the image on the front. The top picture is of a grand salon, the image on the front is the façade of a large cathedral and the 2 sides both show a battle scene. I believe this box to be continental, most likely French or German. It measures 12” x 9” x 5” and although the lock is there, I do not have a key. Fine condition: mellow paint with some edge bumping, interesting decoupage images with some soiling and a velvet interior (red and purple) that is in good condition. If anyone recognizes the cathedral, let me know and I’ll post an addendum. Happy to send you additional photos upon request.
Price: $295
A small red and black painted 19th century box with a divided tray interior and stars on the lid. The box retains its original painted surface (sides are covered in a light varnish), it is dovetailed and very solidly built. It measures It measures 11 ¾” x 7” x 6 ½”. The top is decorated with 5 stars: one large one in the middle and a smaller one in each corner. There is good storage space under the divided interior tray. A great box for jewelry or other keepsakes. The box is in very fine condition. There is a split on the bottom but the sides and top are solid. The painted surface, especially the top and the molding, show nice age crackle. The stars have faded a bit, and there is some splotching on the top, but no crakcs or breaks and the lid closes snugly (no key for the lock). The bottom and tray have square nails throughout. Shipping weight will be 6-7 pounds.
Price: $475
A small standing mallard (male) duck carving in original paint, dating to the mid-20th century. Nice detailing in the paint (eyes, feather markings, etc.) and standing on 2 wire legs, the mallard is about 4” from bill to tail and stands 5” tall including the round wooden base (no signatures or marks that I can find that might identify the carver). The duck is carved from a single piece of soft wood and attached to the base. It is in very fine condition and dates to the middle of the 20th century. From a collection that included numerous small and miniature carved ducks and geese.
Price: $95
A fascinating late 18th/early 19th century mahogany tea caddy with sampler fragments set behind glass on the front and sides. As best I can tell, the sampler fragments are dated 1801, and I can make out the name “Jane” but no last name or place. There is a space on the top for another panel, but if something was inserted there, both the insert and the glass are long-gone. The inside of the caddy is divided into 2 compartments, each with a separate lid with bone pulls. There is a locking mechanism (tea was expensive and valuable when this was made!) but no key. The caddy measures 9” x 5 ¼” x 7” (high). It is in very fine condition: the glass panels are intact, and except for some slight staining on front panel (most noticeably on the lower left). The box itself has a few minor molding issues: a 2” piece off the front left top corner; a 4” piece of molding off the left front side, and a 1” piece of edge molding gone from the left rear corner, but no other damage and only shows expected ware from use.
Price: $1,995
A rarity among rarities: a 19th century Miniature 6-Tube Tin Candle Mold with an arched base and applied handle. Each of the 6 tubes is 5 ¼" long and 7/8" in diameter. Overall height of the piece, including the arched base, is 7" and the mold is 5 ¾" x 3 3/8" at the base. Soldered construction and the edges of the base are rolled around a wire. Excellent condition with no splits, cracks, separations, etc. Surface oxidation is at a minimum, and the piece has a wonderful feel to it, with a dark and mellow patina. This example is one of the more unusual miniature candle molds that I have handled.
Price: $575
A pair of unusual Squeak Toys each with a tiny bird sitting on a square box (the “squeaker”). Birds are fastened with thin wire and bounce. Neither box “squeaks” any more and one is marked “Germany.” They date c. 1900. The birds are 1 ¾” x 1” and the boxes are 1 ¾” x 1 ¾” x 2 ¼” (tall). Boxes are heavy cardboard held together with cloth tape. One of the boxes has a split in the tape on one side, but the birds only show minor bumping. A very different pair of squeak toys.
Price: $175
This fascinating carving has 2 carved wooden birds mounted on an old finial. The birds are similar but not identical and there is nice, subtle wing and head carving. The lower bird has raised wing tips and the upper bird appears to have been carved in 2 halves, which were then fastened together. Both are in their original surface, as is the finial, which shows good age. The birds probably date to the late 19th or early 20th century. The birds come off the metal rods easily and the rods themselves come out of the finial, making the package easy to ship. Both birds are about 6 ¼” from beak to tail, the finial is 6” high and the overall height is about 14”. Very fine condition: no damage to the birds and the finial only shows some very thing and non-threatening age splits. The neat part about these birds is that you can swivel them on their rods to change position.
Price: $495
A late 19th century/early 20th century figural nutcracker in the form a large dog. It is mounted on a wooden base for stability and ease of use. When the dog's tail is lifted, the mouth opens. Unshelled nuts can be inserted into the mouth and "Crunch" - shelled nuts. Heavy and smoothly operating but not harmful to anything unless you are an almond shell, etc. 6" high including the base, 12" from nose to the tip of the tail. The wooden base is approximately 7" x 4" x 1". Heavy, cast iron construction. Excellent, operating condition: no cracks, breaks, rust, etc. Only a couple of very small areas of paint rubbing. Shipping weight will be approximately 8 pounds.
Price: $195
A most unusual treatment of a carving of a Canvasback Duck: a bit over half the duck is carved out of a chunk of birch log. Painted as a Canvasback drake, the piece is signed on the bottom “Canvasback H.W. White, Wilson, NY”. (Wilson, NY is on the southern shore of Lake Ontario). It probably dates c. 1950s. The Canvasback measures about 7 ¼” from beak to tail and is 3 ½” high at the head. The birch log is 9 ¾” x 5” and is about 2 ¾” thick (not counting the thickness of the bird which is about 1 ½”). Carved wing and tail details and a painted button or pin eye, the duck also has painted head features. Original painted surface (thick, shiny paint), with some rubbing and an age check on the back. The piece weighs about 2 ½ pounds. I assume it will float but did not put it in water. Nice, level bottom, so it sits nicely on a mantel or shelf. And interesting piece of Folk Art!
Price: $295
An unusual single tube candle mold with a crimped saucer-like top and base and loop handle. The candle tube itself if about 9” long and the overall height is 10 ½”; the “saucer-shaped” pieces are 3 ½” in diameter and the tube itself is 7/8” in diameter. The mold is in fine condition with no splits, cracks or holes. Handle is firmly soldiered in place, and the surface oxidation is light and visible primarily on the underside of the top and bottom (may be enhanced by the photo).
Price: $175
A tall, push-up Hog Scraper Candlestick in what appears to be original black paint. The piece is 7 ¾” tall and the base is 4”in diameter. Push-up works smoothly and the ‘Stick is in fine to very fine condition: no splits or cracks; the little hook on the top drip plate is broken off, but this is a great looking primitive for your collection. (candle stump is not old, but adds to the “look”!)
Price: $130
This large, solid, 9 ¼” bentwood Oval Box retains much of its old (if not original) paint. 9 ¼” x 7 1/8” x 4 ¼” high, this makes a great “bottom of the stack” for your other oval boxes. Warm moss-green color (I think you could call it “moss” green), with nice shadowing under the lid and clean inside. No cracks or breaks and all tacks/nails are present: the way you like to find them.
Price: $495
An early and very nicely painted Buttocks Basket in green/yellow. The basket is 10” in diameter at the top (approx. 12” wide) and 6” high; height to the handle is about 11”. Excellent condition with nice, original dry-painted surface. The basket it very firm and there are no breaks, holes, etc. About as nice a “working basket” as you will find. It probably dates to the early 20th century, perhaps a bit older.
Price: $275
If you are looking for a great grain painted frame, here is one to consider. Red/Black painted mid-19th century frame in original surface. Frame is 16” x 12 ¼” and the sight size is 13 ¼” x 9 ¼”. Solid and well-put together, the frame has some edge bumps and some scattered scuffing, but the paint is strong. The glass is probably a replacement, but the 3 part backboard is probably original. You are buying the frame here; the Currier print, “Reading the Scriptures”, is just coming along for the ride. (The print is an “N Currier, 2 Spruce St. New York”).
Price: $175
This pair of iron Mannequin Boots is much smaller than others I have had, leading me to think they may have been for a small woman or a child mannequin. They are the “High Button Shoes,”, fashionable in the late 19th century. Painted black, they are 7 ½” toe to heel, 2 3/8” wide and 6 ½” high. Each is marked with an impressed “8” and combined, the boots weigh just over 6 pounds. Nice detail and very fine condition: no dents, cracks, etc and only some very light oxidation visible only on the inside. And if you don’t have a “shoeless Mannequin,” they make great doorstops!
Price: $225
A late 19th century helmeted butter mold in an unusual 2 pound size (most that you find are either ½ pound or 1 pound). The plunger on this mold is decorated with a carved strawberry and 2 leaves. The helmet w/ plunger down is about 6 ½" tall and 3 ½" in diameter; the decorated pusher/plunger is slightly less. Wonderful mellow patina with no chips, cracks or breaks in the helmet; the plunger has some staining and a small edge chip that is worn smooth with age and use. Very hard wood, probably maple.
Price: $275
A mid-20th Century Sign "Studio of the Dance, Mrs. C. B. Worthen" in original surface. Saw-tooth ends with mustard yellow background and black and white shadow letters. 20" x 9 ½" x ¾" thick. Single board. Very fine condition with no splits, cracks or significant losses. Some very minor edge bumping (top-left being the most noticeable) and a little rubbing on the left side of the sign on the letter "D" of Dance. Nice, mellow patina. Will fit in one of the new "Large Flat-Rate Priority Mail" boxes.
Price: $375
A most unusual 19th Century Walnut Tape Loom with a drawer. Probably from Pennsylvania, the tabletop piece has a carved crank (with small tacks, some missing) and turned handle (turns freely and easily) and a divided drawer to hold accoutrements. 12” x 15 ½” high (at the tall end; the shorter end is 12” high) and 5 7/8” wide, the case is. Nailed construction but the drawer is dovetailed. Carved crests at both ends. Very fine condition with no major issues: there is a very thin crack in the tall end that only extends down from the shoulder to one of the slits, one drawer divider is missing and another is broken in half. More photos available upon request (I only get 3 with my Dig listing). Please note that his tape loom is coming from Massachusetts, so depending on where you live, Priority Mail postage may be a bit expensive because of the size of the box needed and the lack of weight.
Price: $795
A small, intricately woven market basket with great color! The basket measures approximately 10” x 6 ¾” x 9 ¼” (top of handle). Fine to very fine condition with no holes or major breaks, only several individual breaks in the weavers, nothing that threatens the integrity of the bsket. It is solid and you can take it to your local farmers’ market if so desired. Additional photos available upon request.
Price: $130
A great “What’sit”? A painted tin dancing couple (the woman’s hips swivel) that probably was meant to be mounted on or in something. It was sold to me as a shooting gallery target, but WHY would anyone shoot at a dancing couple? It is 9” high and 5” wide at the arms. The man’s head and face are visible with facial features delineated; the woman is wearing a long skirt and white blouse. There is a long rod/bolt attached to the back with a nut in place at the end, and a small hole (for a purpose) at the bottom right of the woman’s skirt. Painted surface has faded, and the overall surface is very crusty and oxidized, but without splits or cracks. You’ve got to love his full head of hair. There are faint details on the back side. A mechanical decoration of some kind. An interesting whimsy: Be the first in your neighborhood to have one.
Price: $95
A very elegant, full-bodied painted tin Horse and detachable Rider.I am told that this horse/rider was originally attached to a wheeled base and was a pull toy! It sure has a “presence” about it. The horse is trotting and the rider dressed like a jockey. The piece probably dates to the early to mid-20th century. The horse measures approximately 13 ½” x 10” tall and the rider is about 6 ½” high. The piece is in very fine condition: no major damage, no splits or breaks and only light denting (no paint damage) on the right side of the horse’s head. There is some paint rubbing on the rider and saddle (both sides) and the only paint rubbing on the horse is under the saddle on both sides and a few small spots, mostly on the right side of the horse. I have been told that this was actually a pull-toy and was mounted on a platform with wheels, which would explain the small flat piece attached to the bottom of the left front leg.
Price: $495
This small, tin prancing horse weathervane has wonderful form and its original surface. It is 16 ½” from extended front leg to tail and the height, excluding the shaft is about 11 ¾”; in the stand, which is included, it is 21 ½” high. The horse has seen its share of service: the surface is crusty and somewhat pitted, and there appear to be 2 bullet holes, one at the withers, and the other at the belly just below the withers. There is some light and widely scattered surface oxidation, and the leading rear leg has separated from the banner; possibly, it was made that way. One of the spikes in the mane is missing its tip, but there is no structural damage. A great looking vane! (custom stand included)
Price: $675
This wooden “Board and Meals” Sign (does that mean you get to have seconds?) is double sided, black lettering on a white background. It measures 30” x 9 ¼” x ¾” (thick) and was probably from a Boarding House or Residential Hotel with a Restaurant from the 1930s. The sign is in fine to very fine condition with signs of wear commensurate with use. The lettering on one side is very strong; the flip-side shows some wear and some pencil marks (“Bill” seems to have had a thing for “Kat”!). One of the upper corners shows some minor edge bumping/wear and there are several age splits, none of which detract. The 2 “gouges” (holes) in the center are from where it was screwed (probably) to a wall
Price: $950
This 9” diameter splotch-decorated Wheildon plate is decorated in brown, tan and green. It dates to the late 18th century and except for one small (about 1/8” and more noticeable from the back than the front), and several other minuscule edge chips (given the positioning of these chips, they may have been caused by a metal plate hanger) and a faint line, it is in very nice condition. The glaze shiny and the colors strong. The line is 1 ½” long and running across the rim of the plate (impossible to photograph with my camera). This plate makes a nice display or study piece if you are interested in 18th century British Pottery..
Price: $45
A very early 19th century (possibly late 18th century) Pewter Inkwell, 3” in diameter and 2 ¼” high. Lift-lid and 5 holes to rest pens or quills. Unfortunately, NO insert but the hole in which the insert fits is 1 ½” in diameter. No marks and in very fine condition, with only a couple of small dents on the bottom and a very minor dent on the rim. There are also some black marks along the lower band, which may be impurities in the pewter coming through. The incised bands along the side are crisp and the hinged lid closes properly. American or English in origin.
Price: $120
7 Moralistic Slice Puzzle with moralistic themes, aimed to teach young children. All 7 feature a single inspirational word with wonderful graphics and scenes and a phrase from Children’s Tales. The 7 include “MOVE” (How did she get away?) from Goldilocks and the 3 Bears, “OBEY” (Can you tell me who this is) from Little Red Riding Hood, “LOVE” (Did the Beast harm Beauty?) from Beauty and the Beast, “GOOD” (Why did the roses come out of her mouth?) – Not sure where this one is from, “DOOM” (Jack the Giant Killer) from Jack and the Bean Stalk, “PITY” (How did cincerella got to the Ball?) from Cinderella, and “FEAR” (What did she do?), again, not sure which one this is from. Each puzzle is 7 7/8” square and the “slices” are 7 7/8” x just under 2”. All are placed on thin pieces of cardboard and encased in plastic bags. Other than some minor edge bumpint (throughout) the slices have no damage. The graphics are very strong and colorful.
Price: $110
A most unusual treatment of 2 samplers by young girls named Park. When I got them, I was told they were sisters, but I could find not familial connection between the 2. The samplers are mounted together in one frame, with the miniature marking sampler by Elizabeth Park superimposed over a portion of the larger sampler by Priscilla Park. I believe the Elizabeth Park sampler is American and the Priscilla Park sampler is most likely English. Priscilla,was born in 1817, and also lists her parents, Abraham and Martha Park. Elizabeth’s sampler is on much coarser linen and is undated, but was probably stitched c. 1825. Elizabeth’s piece measures 8 ¼” x 7 ½”. It consists only of letters and probably was her first attempt at needlework. Priscilla’s work is much larger and more sophisticated, measuring 15 ¼” x 17 ¼” (overall frame size is 18 ¼” x 19 ½”). It includes a nicely stitched border of flowers and vines, there are 2 larger flower urns at the bottom (1 partially covered) and birds and 2 little dogs along the bottom edge. Both samplers are in fine condition: Priscilla’s is clean with no damage. Elizabeth's work w/2 light stains and no missing stitches. A very unusual mounting.
Price: $895
A small, probably English, cross stitch sampler with a great verse: “How blest the maid whom circling years it wove Her God the object of her warmest love Whose youthful hours successive as they glide The book, the needle and the pen divide” This verse was very popular in the early 19th century and often included in a young lady’s early attempts at needlework. Whoever did this piece (unfortunately, she did not sign it!) did a wonderful job, including the verse, 2 alphabets and the numbers 1-10. There is a versy decorative band of flowers across the middle of the piece and a flowering vine swag border. The sampler measures 12 ¼” x 12” (sight) and is framed in an early painted wooden frame that measures 13 ½” x 13”. It is in excellent condition, with no holes or stains or missing stitches.The color remains strong and there is no staining.
Price: $775
A very nice Medical Doctor’s Office Sign with gilt letters and sanded surface: “M. Hirshler, M.D. Office Hours by Appointment.” (An early practitioner of Social Distancing!). The sign measures 19 ¾” x 12” x ¾” (thick). Beveled gold border. Fine to very fine condition with some light rubbing to the sanded surface (most prominent rub is in the lower right corner). This sign dates probably to the mid-20th century. All the lettering is complete, and the back seems to have been whitewashed. Nice piece, especially if your name is “Hirshler!”
Price: $250
An early (mid-late 19th century) wooden pie crimper with turned handle and nicely carved wheel. Overall length is 5 ¼” and the wheel is 1 ½” in diameter. Wheel turns freely and the whole piece has a nice patina with great color. A few small (tiny) edge chips in the wheel but nothing that prevents you from using it if so desired.
Price: $25
A small Schoolgirl Watercolor Theorem on silk, dating to the 1840s. The theorem depicts a small basket of fruit on a textured white silk background. It was painted by Olive Hall of Gorham, Maine (according to a paper label on the back), and there is a small paper insert at the lower right of the theorem that reads "A Present." The theorem is 7 ½" x 5 ¾" and is framed in an old, perhaps original frame; frame size is 9 ¼" x 7 ¼". It is in excellent, original condition: very clean with no rips, tears or stains to the silk. The painting, in blues, greens, and yellow is nicely done. Clearly, Olive took a great deal of pride in her work.
Price: $995
A small needlework picture of a man (boy?) and his dog hunting a rabbit. The piece is wool yarn on mesh backing and dates to the mid-19th century. It is probably English. The needlework measures 10 ¼” x 8 ½” and is framed in an old (probably not original) gold painted frame (flaking of the gold paint). It is nicely stitched and the colors are mellow. Hunter is climbing over a fence, rifle in hand, and the faithful hunting dog staring down a rabbit who seems to be saying “Catch me if you can!” And you’ve got to love the crow in the tree above the dog. The needlework is in fine condition with no holes in the mesh, rips or tears. Some minor stitch loss (mostly in the sky on the left, on the hunter’s right leg and the white spot on the back of the rabbit – and these may have been left unstitced on purpose!) but it blends in well and is very hard to see. The needlework is a bit wobbly in the frame, the masking tape holding it in being dry and brittle.
Price: $165
A novelty tea pot by Lingard Pottery of England in the form of a shoe house with the Old Lady’s head serving as the teapot lid. Lingard is known for its whimsical (novelty) teapots, and this one certainly is near the top of the list! The teapot is green glazed with silver highlights. It measures 6 ½” high and 9” from handle to spout and marked with and impressed “England.” A printed cartouche ( “Lingard Made in England” from others I have seen) has rubbed off or been severely smudged. The teapot dates to the early 20th century, probably 1920-1930. This teapot is clean and free of flaws. You’ve got to love the old lady’s face and the oversized buckle on the teapot.
Price: $65
A very nice Cutlery Tray in original dark blue paint. The tray has a shaped and turned handle, and square nail construction. 13 ¼” x 9 ½” x approx.. 4 3/4” high (top of handle). The color is rich and it has a nice, dry surface, the way you like to find it. No cracks or break, etc, only some minor scuffing/rubbing from use, mostly on the top of the handle, the edges and inside of the bottom.
Price: $475
3 early gilt letters: D A. D. The Ds measure 9 ¾” high x about 8 ½” wide; the A is 10 ¾” high and 9 7/8” across at the bottom. Gold painted surface with rounded edges. Reverse side is painted white (almost like a whitewash), and the edges are dark blue. The Ds are in very fine condition; the A is solid but there is a split/crack in the cross-bar and 2 in the right side (but the letter holds together and is not wobbly. The letters have been mounted on something, as there are nail holes in the back but these hole are not visible on the front. A great gift for the “Dad” in your life.
Price: $285
A 19th century, grain-painted, decorated, dovetailed Dresser Box. The free-hand decoration includes 2 green hearts on the lid and gold swirls, etc. There is gold wavy line decoration on the front and red edging throughout. The dovetails are small and precise. Interior is clean and unpainted and while there is a receptical for a lock on the bottom of the box, there is nothing in the top to fit into it. The box also has 4 little metal feet. The box measures 12” x 6 ¾” x 4” (high). It is in good condition with some small bumps and bruises on the top and some pint rubbing on all sides. Shipping weight will be about 3 ½ pounds.
Price: $225
A c. 1840 or earlier tin, single candle Wall Sconce with crimped crest and traces of the original decoration. The sconce is 9 ¼” tall and about 3 7/8” wide at the tray. The edges are folded overIt is all original, without any repairs, but the paint is well-worn and the decoration mostly gone. There are 2 small (less than ½”) splits where the crimped crest curves up from the sides, and the candle holder is slightly separated at the joint, but as you can see from the photo, it still holds a candle. Finally, there is a small punched hole about 2 ¼” up from the bottom (looks like a nail hole). A straight and honest tole candle sconce.
Price: $145
A most unusual flat chocolate mold with 8 pocket knives with attached corkscrews. The mold is marked “35 Reiche Dresden” on one edge and “Etna 7997” on another. It dates to the period between WWI and WWII. Reiche molds were made from c. 1870 through WWII and were among the premier chocolate molds available. Not sure why anyone would want a chocolate pocket knife, but this heavy metal mold is 10” x 4 ½” and ½” thick. Each knife is about 4 1/8” long and 1” wide (at the widest point), and about ¼” deep. Very fine condition with no cracks, breaks, etc. Clean and useable, if you are so inclined; and if you do use it, please make it dark chocolate and save me one!
Price: SOLD -- Thank You!
Between 1879 and 1929, Wedgwood produced a series of ceramic calendar tiles for distribution by Jones, McDuffee & Stratton Co. of Boston. In addition to scenes in and around Boston, these tiles had a 12 month calendar printed on one side, and they were used as advertising much as paper calendars have come to be used. They have a hole for hanging and measure about 4 5/8”. X 3 ¼” (thickness – about ¼+”). The 1899 Tile shows the Washington Elm in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the stately elm tree under which George Washington first took command of the Continental Army on July 3, 1775. The tree had a long and storied life-span, finally succumbing in 1923. Condition of this tile is fine to very fine with only some minute edge flicks and a small shallow chip on the back side just above the “a” in Calendar. Tiles dated before 1900 and after 1920 are the hardest to find, if you are trying to put together a complete set.
Price: $40
A single pan iron betty lamp dating from the early 19th century or perhaps a bit earlier. The pan is a bit deeper than most that I have seen and measures 2 ¼” in diameter x 3 ¾” from spout to handle; the handle is 4 ½” high and made with 2 pieces of iron, held together with rivets. No cracks or breaks and minor surface oxidation which is highlighted by the digital photographs. One of the earlier examples of a betty lamp that I have seen.
Price: $40
For the country kitchen, a tin cheese tester or apple corer. These could be inserted into rounds or balls of cheese to see if it was ready, or to core an apple: multi-tasking at its finest. This one, which dates pre-1900, is in very fine, useable condition. It measures 6 ¼” x 3 ½”. No damage and clean.
Price: $20
A pair of wooden “Scotch Hands” or Butter Workers for your country kitchen. Scotch Hands were used to press the liquid (buttermilk) out of churned butter and then to shape the butter for storage. One side is grooved (so the liquid can flow away) and the other side is smooth for shaping the butter. This pair is 9” long and 2 5/8” wide. Very fine condition with no splits or cracks, nice color and a nice soft surface. Hard to know how old they are, but most likely before 1900.
Price: $40
A mid-19th century decorated tin tole ware apple or break tray. Square base with canted sides and wrapped rim. The tray seems to be made out of a single piece of tin. The sides are decorated with floral wreaths, there is a flower and vine border around the inside bottom of the tray and there is also decoration on the outside. While the c. 1840 tray itself is in good condition with no cracks, splits, holes, etc, the yellow decoration has faded, significantly, especially so on the exterior and the bottom. The overall surface is dry. A very desirable form and a perfect candidate for surface restoration, if you are looking for such a piece.
Price: $65
This 4 ¾” Oval Box with 3 fingers is in natural color. It measures 4 ¾” x 3” x 1 ¾” (high). Nicely stripe-grained (probably Maple) lid and base. Solid construction with no splits, cracks or breaks. Old nails (some square) throughout and square tacks around the top and the base. I would date it to the mid-20th century. A nice addition to the top-half of your stack.
Price: Sale Pending
An 8” pantry box in original Gray-Green Paint. The box is 3 ¾” tall and is very solid. Except for the usual scuffing from use, the paint is complete. There is some minor splitting where the bottom of the box is nailed together but it does not threaten the integrity of the box. Nice paint shadow under the lid. I originally called this box “gray” but the more I look at it, the more I see traces of light green paint.
Price: $225
A pair of wooden ice skates, c. 1900 or so. Wooden tops on steel blades, the skates are 12 ¾” long (wood part) and about 2 ½” wide at their widest point. The blades are about 13” long. The wooden parts are marked “L” and “R” with the number “30” (the size??) and the blades carry what I assume is a maker’s mark: J.N00ITGEDAGT&ZN.IJLST (If anyone can translate, I’ll post an addendum). They are in fine condition (blades probably need sharpening) if you can figure out how to wear them (ice skating has always been way above my pay-grade), but they make great decorative items for the coming winter season.
Price: $110
A very bold green Shell Edge Plate (probably Leeds; “Shell Edge” is the new term for what used to be called “Feather Edge”) with underglaze flower decoration. The plate dates c. 1810. Everything about this plate is strong: the green shell edge is crisp and the hand painted flowers and foliage are well done. No markings, but evidence of a thick pearlware glaze. Excellent condition with no cracks, chips, lines, etc. There are 2 small spots on the rim that look like kiln schmootz or stilt marks from being stacked in the kiln. This plate would make a great wall hanging!
Price: $275
A small collection (3) of maple butter scoops. All are carved from a single pice of wood and show appropriate age and wear. None have any major cracks or missing chunks (some minor age splits), and all are a nice mellow color. They measure (from left to right in the photos), 10” x 5”, 9 ¼” x 4 ¾” and 9” x 5 ½”. The example on the left has a chamfered handle. A fun starter collection, or add to an existing one. All 3 for one money, plus postage.
Price: $75
This pair of Mercury Glass Curtain Tie-Backs has pewter ends. They are about 3 ¾” in diameter and 6” long; one has its original pewter-colored screw and the other has a slightly long metal screw that appears to be a replacement. Neither tie-back has any damage but both have some light surface scratching. Great detail items if you are restoring an old house!
Price: $185
Unusual and deeply carved double-sided butter print. The top is carved with initials (“O W” or “M O”) and the bottom side includes geometric designs, etc. The flat surface has several different free-carved birds and 2 large hearts. These were clearly done for decorative purposes. The print measures 4 ¼” x 4 1/2” on the round side and 2 ½” x 1 3/8” at the top; it is just over 3” high. Hard wood, probably maple, it probably dates to the last quarter of the 19th/first quarter of the 20th centuries.
Price: $225
In the late 1940s to early 1960s, Punchboards were popular in rural areas, at roadside restaurants and cafes, and in general stores in areas where other forms of organized gambling were not prevalent. They were, essentially, the pre-cursor to modern day Scratch Tickets or Instant Lottery games. Sometimes they were used to benefit a specific charity; other times they were trade stimulators. This small Beer Punch Board fits into the latter category. For 5 cents a punch, the customer had the opportunity to “win” a bottle of beer, maybe up to 3! There are 120 punches on this board, which measures 2 7/8” x 5” and is 3/8” thick. It is in very fine condition: unpunched and clean. Some very minor scuffing on the front. Note that the bottle pictured says “pint” at the neck.
Price: $35
A neat and tidy dovetailed Document or Dresser Box in mustard and brown grain painting. The box measures 12 ½” x 10” x 4 ¾” and is nicely dovetailed. The surface is original, and the box is clean and very useable inside. There are no splits, cracks or areas of paint loss, only a scratch or 2 from use. This box probably dates from the mid-late 19th century.
Price: $295
A late 19th century Victorian Inkwell in the shape of a shoe. The wooden shoe is covered in leather and includes a well under a cap for the glass insert for the ink and a groove at the top of the shoe for the straight-pen. Pen that is included may or may not be original to the shoe! The shoe is 7 ½” from toe to back, 3” high at the back and 2 ¼” wide at the bottom. Fine condition: there is no tears/splits in the leather, but there is rubbing on the surface of the shoe, on the top edges and on the inkwell cover. The wooden bottom shows wear. A rare survivor and a wonderful addition to any collection of early writing paraphernalia.
Price: $435
A very nice carved wooden decorative Peel, probably from the mid-1950s and most likely meant to hand on the wall. There is a beveled edge, meaning you could pick up a loaf of bread, etc., out of an oven and the piece does feel like it has been used, but I am not sure about age. It measures about 12 ¼” x 4 ¾” and has nice color and feel. The carvings appear to be hand-done and there is a hole at the top of the handle for hanging. Fine to very fine condition: there is an age/shrinkage line down the center, but the integrity of the piece is not threatened. Not edge splits, etc. A nice decoration for a country kitchen.
Price: $110
Two 10” tin candle molds, one with 3 tubes and the other with 4 tubes. The 4 tube example has a loop handle and tin base and crown; the 3 tube example has a tin crown, but no base and no handle (although it probably had one at some point!). The top and base on the 4 tube example measures 2 ¾” x 2 ½” and the 3 tube variety has a 3 ¼” x 1 ½” cap. Other than some dents on the tops and base and some light surface oxidation, the molds are in very good condition: no splits or holes in the tubes and a nice even surface that has never been painted. Both molds for one money.
Price: $80
An American Pewter Teapot, marked Danforth & Boardman (TD & SB – Thomas Danforth & Sherman Boardman of Hartford, CT). Dating to c. 1840, the teapot has 4 legs (as part of a base), an acorn and oak leaf finial on the lit, scrolled handle and molded goose-neck spout. The teapot is 9 1/2” to the top of the finial and 8 ½” from handle to spout. It retains the dull, natural finish and is in very fine condition with no splits, holes or breaks and only 1 minor dent on one side. There is a nice, impressed mark ((TD & SB in a rectangle) with some number (9 4 7). Looks great on the shelf!
Price: $175
A miniature carved Flying Canada Goose on a stand. Wonderful original paint and great form. The bird is about 7 ½” from beak to tail and the wing span is also 7 ½”; on the stand, it sits about 6” high. The paint is not blemished, but the left wing has been re-glued. The rest of the goose’s body is all one piece of wood. The carving was probably done in the 1960s or 1970s, but there is no signature or identifying mark.
Price: $225
This 10 ½” blown glass Apothecary Jar is labeled Erythrox: Coca. Erythrox: Coca is short for Erythroxylum Coca, a stimulant that was used to overcome fatigue and an anesthetic and analgesic to alleviate pain from headaches, wounds, sores, etc. all popular medications in the 19th century, which is when this jar probably dates to. The jar retains its original painted tin lid and original paper label, fastened to the inside; there is also a soiled, illegible partial paper label on the back side. 4 ½” diameter. Very fine condition with no cracks, lines or edge chips. Some minor paint wear and scratching on the lid. This ain’t for a cup of hot chocolate, but if you plan to use it for consumables, I’d suggest cleaning it thoroughly.
Price: $195
This decorated tin baby rattle dates to the mid-late 19th century and is decorated in red. Although most of the decoration is worn away, you can make out stars and swags and what looks like a child sitting. The thing still rattles and the handle is hollow (not sure I want to know why!). Overall length is 6 ¼” and the diameter of the drum is 2 ¾”. The edges of the drum are rolled and the handle was soldiered in place. No splits, cracks or dents, but as noted, much if not most of the painted decoration is worn away.
Price: $45
Another necessity if you wind up having to Home School the kids this fall: a c. 1900 Slate Chalk Board, small enough to move around easily but large enough to display numerous multiplication tables (Ooops, do they still teach multiplication with tables in elementary schools these days?) The Slate is framed in a period, molded wood frame, which retains its original surface and color, and it measures 15 ½” x 11 ¾”. Generally very good condition: there are some small corner chips (probably from mounting in the frame) in 2 corners and a significantly larger surface break in a 3rd corner. Otherwise the Board is in good condition. You’ll have to supply your own chalk, but a great accessory for reminder notes like “Classes Start 8 a.m.” or “Quiz
Price: $65
A small, 19th century tin dust or crumb pan. Not sure how or if you can distinguish “Shaker Tin” from normal tin of the period, but this one sure has a Shaker look and feel to it. 7” wide at the bottom, 7 ½” to the top of the handle and about 1 ¼” thick at the top; the hollow handle is 2 ½” long. Soldiered edges and joints, it is in very fine condition with no splits, cracks or breaks and only minimal surface oxidation (which is heightened by the digital photo.
Price: $75
A miniature (1 ¾” in diameter, 2 ½” high) Helmet Butter Mold with star decoration. Probably used for individual pats of butter (for a really elegant table setting!) the wooden mold has a dark, mellow original surface. The 6-pointed star carving is crisp. No cracks or splits, only some minor edge and surface bumping.
Price: $65
A nicely shaped Hand-Held Yarn Winder. Old refinish and measuring 14” x 9 ¾”, this was probably used to wind small hanks of yarn for personal or retail consumption. It is pegged with only tiny nails holding it together at the joints. Looks great hanging on the wall: it has been hanging in our house for years!
Price: $125
This Staffordshire child’s alphabet plate with a Civil War theme shows the arrival of General McClellan. McClellan is riding his prancing horse wit cheering soldiers all around. The plate, which dates c. 1865, is black transfer with underglaze polychrome highlights: red and blue for the flag that is being waved, green for the grass. The alphabet is crisply embossed in the rim and there is a red border line around the perimeter of the plate. It is 6” in diameter. McClellan, who was primarily a railroad man, helped to organize the Army of the Potomac and served briefly at the start of the Was as General-in-Chief. The plate is in very fine condition. The transfer is crisp and the molded alphabet strong. There are no chips, cracks or repairs. There is a scratch running from McClellan’s visible stirrup to the right edge of the transfer. This plate has a strong pearlware glaze, unusual for these kinds of kid’s dishes. No makers marks.
Price: $185
This Native American splint Picnic or Sewing Basket was found in Wisconsin many years ago. It retains its original lid, woven handle and has red and green weavers around the body of the basket. It measures approximately 12” x 6” and the basket itself is 8” high; add another 4” to the top of the handle. Very fine condition: nice, mellow color and no holes, splits or breaks, etc. Handle wraps are complete.
Price: $95
A carved maple Helmet Butter Mold w/ Carved Acorn & Leaf Decoration. The helmet is 3 5/8” in diameter and 2 ¼” deep. The plunger about 5” to the top of the knob. Very fine condition with crisp carving. 2 minor shallow age splits on the top of the helmet and one the top edge of the mold, along with some very shallow age lines on the face of the plunger.
Price: $110
A black transfer, American Historical Staffordshire Cup Plate showing a view of University Hall, Harvard, c. 1835. From the American Scenery Series by Job & John Jackson, the plate is 4 1/8” in diameter, and the transfer shows a horse and rider in the foreground with the Harvard building in the distance. It is in excellent condition with crisp transfer and no chips, cracks, lines, restorations, etc. No marks (except and impressed “star”). It is from an important California collection of Cup Plates.
Price: $200
A 4” BLUE transfer American Historical Staffordshire Cup Plate in the “American Marine” pattern by Francis Morley, c. 1850. This BLUE transfer is an unlisted form of an American Marine Cup Plate, which David Arman, in his book “Anglo-American Ceramic Cup Plates – Part I” lists ONLY in brown transfer! The scene on this cup plate shows a large sailing ship with a smaller ship in the foreground. The full border includes 4 cartouches of various sailing vessels. From an important California Cup Plate collection, the plate is in excellent condition with no flaws, nice color and a shiny glaze.
Price: $175
This Civil War era (c. 1863 or so) Staffordshire Child’s plate with underglaze polychrome highlights shows 2 foot soldiers in hand-to-hand combat. It is hard to tell if they are training or actually fighting (since they appear to be both wearing the same uniform). The actual transfer image itself is dark green and there is an embossed flower and vine border (kind of an odd combination for a war plate!). 7 3/8” in diameter, the plate is in very fine condition with no chips, cracks, lines, or restorations. There are no maker’s markings.
Price: $95
From a series of Staffordshire children’s plates showing famous Northern Civil War Generals, this lot shows Major General George G. Meade and General Halleck. Both plates have black transfer printed images of the men and both have borders embossed with the letters of the alphabet. Both are 5” in diameter. General Meade led Union troops to victory at the Battle of Gettysburg. General Henry Wager Halleck was the General-in-Chief of the Union Armies during the Civil War and prior to the conflict had been involved in paving the way for California to be admitted to the Union. Both plates are in excellent condition with clear, complete transfer images and no chips, cracks, lines or restorations.
Price: $350
A red (or Historical pink, as some call it) American Historical Stafforeshire Cup Plate: “View Near Sandy Hill” from the Scenic Views of the Hudson River Series by William Adams, c. 1830. The plate is 4” in diameter and shows a bucolic view of the Hudson Valley with a road and a lone figure walking. The floral border includes several different kinds of flowers. Clearly imprinted "Adams" on the back. From an important California Cup Plate collection, the little plate is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, lines or restorations. The transfer is crisp and the color strong.
Price: $145
A light blue American Historical Staffordshire Cup Plate from the “Scenic Views: Arms of the States” Series: New York from Weehakwen by Mellor, Venerables & Co., c. 1840. This little plate is 4” in diameter and shows a small view of New York from the New Jersey side of the Hudson (the western end of the Lincoln Tunnel: I guarantee you it does not look like that now!). The 12-sided plate has 4 small cartouches in the border showing coats of arms from 4 states, and there is a very faint impressed mark on the back that probably says “Ironstone.” The plate is from an important California Cup Plate Collection and is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, lines, restorations, etc.
Price: $245
A 4” brown transfer American Historical Staffordshire Cup Plate in the “American Marine” pattern by Francis Morley, c. 1850. The main transfer shows several relatively small sailing ships and a rowboat in the foreground. The full border includes 3 cartouches with a variety of ships surrounded by a “rope” border. This plate is carries and impressed mark. From an important California Cup Plate collection, the plate is in excellent condition with no flaws, a crisp transfer and a shiny glaze.
Price: $125
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