FOLK PORTRAIT OF A BULL, SIGNED L.D.D., 1885

Large and elaborate calligraphy drawing featuring Diana, goddess of the hunt, riding a stag, signed and dated 1888: Late 19th century American ...

Painting of George Washington in oil on canvas, an early example, rendered circa 1850, a very pleasing and well-executed copy of Gilbert ...

Elaborate sailor’s souvenir embroidery from the orient with a beautiful hand-painted image of Washington crossing the Delaware, surrounded by a large eagle, federal shield, crossed flags, a cannon, cannonballs, and anchor, circa 1885-1910: Between roughly 1880 and 1915, American sailors visiting the orient could obtain beautiful needlework embroideries on shore, with patriotic American themes. These extraordinary works of art were acquired as mementos of a long voyage, often with the hope that they might be presented as gifts for loved ones and friends. Using silk floss, elaborately embellished with both silver and gold metallic bullion thread...

OUTSTANDING, 13 STAR, ANTIQUE AMERICAN PRIVATE YACHT ENSIGN WITH GREAT FOLK QUALITIES THAT INCLUDE AN UNUSUALLY WIDE ANCHOR AND A DECIDEDLY LOPSIDED RING OF 13 STARS; MADE DURING THE 2ND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY; ITS DEVICE HAND-SEWN AND SINGLE-APPLIQUÉD Private yacht ensigns were approved American signals for maritime use that allowed pleasure boats to bypass customs. Though the legislation that approved them was adopted prior to 1850, almost all such flags that one will encounter were sewn by electric machine and made during the 20th century. The unusual gems among surviving examples are those that are earlier and include hand-sewn elements. Even more rare are a select few with atypical graphics. Barely any fall into both of these categories at once. Take note of the anchor on this particular flag, wide a long horizontal crossbar (stock) that contributes to uncommonly wide stance. Set within a ring of stars that is decidedly lopsided, the result is as bold as it is endearingly whimsical—two of the best qualities in American folk art, a category in which this particular example can be filed. While I have owned 13 star private yacht flags that have displayed star and canted anchor devices that were somewhat larger and/or bolder than typical, I cannot recall any that were so graphically intriguing as this one. Brief History of Private Yacht Ensigns: The medallion configuration, 13-star, 13-stripe flag, with a canted center anchor was entered into official use in 1848, following an act of Congress, that made it the official signal for U.S. pleasure sailing vessels. The need for such a flag arose with the popularity of boating as a pastime for well-to-do Americans, and as a competitive sport, in addition to its longstanding utilitarian role as a vehicle of trade. In early America, all boats were subject to customs searches at every port. Without modern income tax, the federal government derived its revenues mostly from tariffs, so an accounting of foreign goods on ships was a critical venture. As yachting for pleasure became more prevalent, however, more and more time was spent searching boats that had no such inventory, wasting time for both customs officials and wealthy ship owners. John Cox Stevens, a former president of the Jockey Club and future founder of the Union League Club, became the New York Yacht Club’s Commodore upon its founding in 1845. In 1847 he approached the secretary of the treasury and suggested that something be done to streamline the customs process for non-trade vessels. In 1848, legislation passed Congress requiring registration of these boats, which could then fly the “American Yachting Signal” to bypass customs. This remained on the books until the 1980’s, when the 1848 legislation was revoked, but the use of flags in this design for decorative function continues to this day. 13 star flags have been flown throughout our nation’s history for a variety of purposes. In addition to their use on private yachts, they were hoisted at patriotic events, including Lafayette’s final visit in 1824-25, the celebration of the nation’s centennial in 1876, and the sesquicentennial in 1926. They were displayed during the Civil War, to reference past struggles for American liberty and victory over oppression, and were used by 19th century politicians while campaigning for the same reason. The U.S. Navy used the 13 star count on small boats until 1916, because it was easier to discern fewer stars at a distance on a small flag. Commercial flag-makers mirrored this practice and some private ships flew 13 star flags during the same period as the Navy. Construction: The stars and anchor are made of cotton, hand-sewn, and single-appliquéd. This means that they were applied to one side of the canton, then the blue fabric was cut from behind each star, folded over, and under-hemmed, so that one star could be viewed on both sides of the flag. I always find single-appliquéd stars more interesting, not only because they are evidence of a more difficult level of seam-work and stitching, but also because they are more visually intriguing. The two visible rows of hand-stitching emphasize their hand-sewn construction. For these reasons, single-appliquéd stars often appeal to connoisseurs of early American textiles...

Red and blue princess feather pattern quilt with interspersed oak leaves and a sawtooth border. Made circa 1870-1885, this stunningly visual textile is highly unusual due to its dark blue ground and red elements. Most all early quilts...

Rare, large scale Kerchief with a beautifully engraved image of John Trumbull’s “declaration of independence,” likely made in...

Superb Ammi Phillips American Folk Art Portrait painting, circa 1840 We are proud of our acquisition of this authentic masterpiece by Ammi Phillips (1788-1865). The finely rendered portrait depicts an attractive young girl in a delightful lifelike quality. The pretty face is a refreshing change from the stern expressions of most of the paintings showing mature female or male sitters. Phillips palette is dark with a strikingly dramatic use of light to her face. The painting, on its original stretchers, is in untouched condition. The frame is period. This painting is unsigned, as are most of his works, but bares the unmistakable characteristics of a Phillips painting. Portrait of a young girl holding a book and wearing a golden whistle. From the New England estate of the renowned Folk Art Collector and scholar, John Bauer...

Watercolor on paper, young boy in a dress by Patrick Wybrant, circa 1850s. Purportedly a child of a prominent Boston Family. Provenance: Property from the Collection of Maggie Cohen, New York City Overall: 8-1/2"h x 7-1/2"w Sight: 5-1/2"h x 4-1/2"w This item can be viewed in person at The Berkshire Galleries in Great Barrington Massachusetts. Patrick Wybrant was born in Rathdrum, County Wicklow in 1816. He painted in Great Britain from 1849 to 1852, spent approximately three years in the United States. During that time he painted watercolor portraits for prominent Massachusetts families. Wyrat returned to work in Yorkshire around 1855-1856. He may have continued to work until his death, in Knaresborough, West Riding...

Original Bavarian Tyrolian Folk Art painting, signed and dated This charming folk painting is executed in oil on artist board. A beautiful and rus...

A unique original portrait painting of a dog named “Ike” by the late Oklahoma artist Clair Seglem. The artist captures this dog of Patricia Goetzinger ...

Portrait painting of a pinup woman in full makeup in pink. This striking piece depicts a woman with big blonde hair curled and pinned to the side. She wears blue eye makeup, a bright lip and blush, and a beauty mark. Her pink sleeveless dress...

Unique original signed Folk Art painting by Robyn “The Beaver” Beverland. Signed and dated 1992. Measures: 22" x 12". Artist bio: Robyn “The Beaver” Beverland found great joy in many things but what he most loved was painting. Robyn painted his Folk Art pictures...