Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Americana and Folk Art (UNITED STATES, CA. 18th C.–20th C.)
Though the pieces are timeless, folk art emerged as a collecting genre only in the 1920s. Then as now, collectors focused on American artifacts. The earliest were prompted in part by the awareness of a nation changed: in that decade, for the first time the majority of U.S. citizens lived in cities, rather than on farms and in small towns. At the same time, the ascendance of modernism in art and design was countered by promoters of the Colonial Revival style. That movement drew from attics and barns old hand-carved furniture, stilted 19th-century family portraits, weathervanes and butter churns.
The best folk art items were purchased by an odd mix that included bohemians and intellectuals, along with J.P. Morgan and members of the Chrysler and Rockefeller families (who began funding, for instance, the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia in the 1920s). If nostalgia played a role, the primary motivation for folk art collectors was — as it is today — a recognition of the artistic merit and cultural significance of pure, honest expressions of the human impulse toward beauty.
Simplicity is its hallmark, yet folk art defies a simple definition — and covers a vast amount of ground. Folk art has been called "the art of the everyday": objects created by people, with no formal training in the arts, for use in their daily lives. These include everything from tools and toys to quilts, baskets, jugs, dowry chests and duck decoys. Folk art is generally made by hand; works might be carved, sewn, chiseled, knitted, hammered, woven or embroidered and more. Such techniques were passed down through the generations — one reason folk-art collecting has been described as "a kind of archaeology." Folk art reveals the inherent values and traditions of a community, through time-honored crafts, decorative motifs and pictorial subject matter.
All folk art intrinsically reflects a sense of pride. "Americana" is folk art that does so overtly: through work that honors civic ideals and celebrates national and local achievements. Americana includes flags, bunting, carved bald eagles, and needlework with allegorical figures representing Liberty and Democracy; or helmets and buckets used by a volunteer fire brigade; or the trappings of fraternal organizations such as the Oddfellows. Collectors of Americana typically also collect American antique furniture that, while made in the workshops of a master cabinetmaker or joiner, reflects regional stylistic traits, tastes and quirks.
Almost all folk art is anonymous — and the prominent exception being signed work by early 19th-century itinerant portrait artists like the New Englander Ammi Phillips, whose 1835 portrait of a young girl and her pets was the first piece of folk art to sell for $1 million at auction. Until relatively recently, work by Phillips and his ilk was the prime focus of folk art collectors: the folk art of the Northeast defined the category. But recently, more attention and more scholarship have been devoted to the folk art of other regions: to the South, and the artwork of enslaved African Americans and their descendants; and to the Southwestern and early Latino folk art. Born in a time of change, folk art collecting is changing along with the nation.
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Halladay H37 Star Red Windmill Weight
By U. S. Wind Engine and Pump Company
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Fantastic piece of Americana! Halladay H37 cast iron red windmill weight made by the U.S. Wind Engine and Pump Company between 1880-1916 in Nebraska. Please note: Only the red windmi...
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Iron
Rare Patriotic Presidential Applique Quilt from 1925
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is such a fine example of Americana at its best. This fantastic applique quilt has the profile of George Washington and Abe Lincoln along with the Uncle Sam hat and the Patrioti...
Category
Early 20th Century American Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Cotton
Pair of Robin's Egg Blue-Painted Benches
Located in York County, PA
PAIR OF ROBIN'S EGG BLUE-PAINTED BENCHES FROM A PORTICO ON AN 1890'S HOME IN CANAAN, NEW YORK:
Rare pair of matching high-back settle benches, made circa 1890, found on the front po...
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Wood
Hepplewhite Mahogany, Birch Inlaid Chest of Drawers, New Hampshire, circa 1815
Located in Providence, RI
This is an interesting chest with the full complement of inlays seen on the highly developed school of Portsmouth chests that usually have French feet. (See image below from Levy’s i...
Category
Early 19th Century American Hepplewhite Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Birch, Mahogany
Mahogany Sheraton or Federal Upholstered Open Armchair, New England, circa 1810
Located in Providence, RI
This is a Provincial example of the lolling chair form and is delicately executed throughout. Note the baluster shaped front legs and the stylized arm supports which lend a feeling o...
Category
19th Century American Sheraton Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mahogany
Rare Carved Mahogany Upholstered Classical Armchair, Possibly Southern
Located in Providence, RI
This is an interesting chair. The wood is heavy, dark, dense mahogany and is very heavy. The arms and their supports are beautifully crafted, as are the legs. Of particular interest ...
Category
Early 19th Century American American Classical Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mahogany
Classical Mahogany Settee, Brass Inlay, Dolphin Feet, Philadelphia, 1825
Located in Providence, RI
This settee is an absolute knockout. It is a tour de force of the classical motifs of the day, hand-carved and fully embellished. Starting from the top, note the beautiful carved scr...
Category
19th Century American American Classical Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Brass
American Mahogany and Églomisé Banjo Clock, E. Howard, Boston, Circa 1860
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany and églomisé banjo clock with original signed and numeral paper dial under glass, decorative painted and gilt throat panel, with a hinged painted and gilt door co...
Category
1860s American American Empire Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Cherry Federal Tilt-Top Table with Shaped Top, New England, circa 1810-1820
Located in Providence, RI
This table has beautiful lines with feet that seem to go on forever. The shaft is a slender baluster form and the top, in general oval form. This is a very delicate table with cherry...
Category
19th Century American Federal Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Cherry
American Architectural Wood Carved Eagles
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Terrific find! A wonderful pair of carved architectural American eagles. Found on the east coast and were said to have originally been part of a circa 1876 Federal building in St. Lo...
Category
19th Century American Folk Art Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Wood
Fine Carved Lyre Mahogany Window Seat, NY, Earnest Hagen, circa 1885
Located in Providence, RI
As Peter Kenny talks about in his recent book on Duncan Phyfe: Without Hagen, we wouldn't know of Phyfe and his work. It seems Hagen bought Phyfe's tools, etc. and continued to make ...
Category
19th Century American Neoclassical Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mahogany
American Carnival Wagon or Band Organ Carved Female Head
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Late 19th century American carnival wagon or band organ female head carving. Very detailed wood carving with great old white painted surface. Presented on a custom marble museum stand.
Category
19th Century American Folk Art Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Wood
American Federal Period Cast Iron Eagle
Located in York County, PA
This cast iron eagle is one of the earliest sculptural forms that one will encounter in the marketplace. It is also one of the most attractive and iconic depictions of what some Amer...
Category
1810s American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Iron
Pennsylvania Backgammon Board, Signed "Wise"
Located in York County, PA
PENNSYLVANIA BACKGAMMON BOARD, SIGNED "WISE" WITH IMAGES OF A WAGON WHEEL AND A STAR OF DAVID, 1850-1880
Found near the town of Milford, in the northeast corner of Pennsylvania, is...
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Wood
Tiger Maple Queen Anne High Chest with Bonnet Top, Massachusetts
Located in Providence, RI
This highboy is of a small-scale with a width of only 35 in. and has a very delicate, fine appearance, with a beautifully formed pediment, which flanks its original urn and finial. W...
Category
Late 18th Century American Queen Anne Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Maple
Painted Tall Case Clock, Eight-Day Moon Dial Works
Located in Providence, RI
This clock is in its original red paint and retains its original finials and unique rosettes, signed "Josiah Smith, Reading." The face is quite beautiful and untouched and the hands ...
Category
19th Century American Chippendale Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Pair of Walnut Queen Anne Side Chairs with Shell, Philadelphia, circa 1740-1760
Located in Providence, RI
Pairs of these chairs are hard to find and these have no breaks or alterations. They have the beautiful style that many consider the finest of American Queen Anne chair design. They ...
Category
1750s American Queen Anne Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Walnut
Small Mahogany Queen Anne Oval, Drop-Leaf Table with Six Legs
Located in Providence, RI
This table is composed of three solid unjoined boards, the top, and two drop leaves. The mahogany is a deep red-brown, with deep figure throughout (see detail). The legs are a very d...
Category
Mid-18th Century British Queen Anne Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Miniature Train Depot
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage miniature train depot, original hand painted finish on tole. Fabricated for a 1930s toy train set.
Category
1930s American Vintage Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Sheet Metal
American 18th Century Child's Chair with Original Woven Seat
Located in Carmel, CA
Charming child's chair in pine with original hickory woven seat. This slat back chair is very likely Shaker. Mushroom button top on arm. The turned finial on the back is of good prop...
Category
Late 18th Century American American Colonial Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Wood
Mariner's Compass Quilt with Swag and Bow Border
Located in Darnestown, MD
Elegant version of the always desirable Mariner's Compass quilt pattern. It is an extremely difficult pattern to execute with the numerous fine points and this is particularly well d...
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Cotton
Rare George Hunzinger Rocking Chair with Patented Steel Webbing, 1869
By George Hunzinger
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fine form and condition, with one broken strap and geometric moulding at upper right missing. The back with the wire webbing flanked by bamboo form frame, and bold swirled arms with ...
Category
19th Century American American Craftsman Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Classical Painted Armchair, Baltimore, circa 1820
Located in Providence, RI
Of grand proportions, this painted chair in Baltimore painted furniture, page 67 (see scan below). It appears that the center was a defining place for individual embellishment, i.e. ...
Category
19th Century American American Classical Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
American Empire Side Table with Writing Surface in Mahogany, circa 1825
Located in Miami, FL
A fine Empire work table in mahogany on foliate-carved, baluster-turned pedestal resting on quatre-form base and terminating with winged carved lions' paw feet. Top opens to baize-li...
Category
1820s American American Empire Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mahogany
Hepplewhite Shield Back Armchair, Mahogany, New York, circa 1790
By George Shipley
Located in Providence, RI
Attribution is based on a labelled chair, antiques April, 1961, page 374, George Shipley: His Furniture and His Label.
The arched crest in this example centers on a finely carved...
Category
1790s American Hepplewhite Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mahogany
Patriotic Crib Quilt
Located in Darnestown, MD
The construction of this Patriotic Crib Quilt is as unusual as the combination of motifs. Each of the black background areas is actually made of thin strips of satin (about 1/4" wid...
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Velvet, Satin
George Hunzinger Mechanical Rocker
Located in Hudson, NY
Contabt Dealer
Category
19th Century American Aesthetic Movement Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Jewish Captives at Babylon by American Painter Edward Harrison May
By Edward Harrison May
Located in Santa Fe, NM
This painting is unique in Edward Harrison May's oeuvre; it is one of few that May based on Biblical history and his only known work based on an Old Testament event. "Jewish Captives...
Category
19th Century American American Classical Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Paint
Pair of 19th c. Filigree Wicker Fan Back Arm Chairs
By Colt
Located in New York, NY
Pair of American Victorian dark stained wicker character fan back arm chairs featuring filigree scroll designs and red velvet upholstered seats and headrests. Manufactured by Colt.
Category
19th Century American Victorian Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Velvet, Wicker
Important 19th C. American Steer Horn Chaise
By Wenzel Friedrich
Located in New York, NY
Rustic steer horn chaise attributed to the nineteenth century German-American furniture maker Wenzel Friedrich. The chaise features a studded, leather-upholstered seat and decorative...
Category
19th Century American Rustic Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Leather, Horn
Classic Work Table with Original Brasses
Located in Providence, RI
This work table has beautifully figured striped mahogany panels on all sides. Note the use of tiger mahogany between the front drawers. The legs are Classic Seymour; see the related ...
Category
19th Century American American Classical Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Original Surface Child's Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This amazing untouched surface is to beat the band. It was found in New England & the chair is in great condition and has wonderful form. It has been well love and used.The wear is...
Category
19th Century American American Classical Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Pine
American Mahogany Classical Swan Sofa, Philadelphia, Circa 1815
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany classical upholstered sofa with swans head arm rest, carved corner cornucopia, and terminating on ebonized lions paw feet. Philadelphia.
Category
18th Century and Earlier American American Classical Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Cherry Corner Chair, Probably New Hampshire, Late 18th Century
Located in Providence, RI
This is a most interesting corner chair of good-sized proportions. For starters, look at the image showing the chair from above. Note the beautifully formed arms and medial support b...
Category
18th Century and Earlier American Chippendale Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Cherry
Mahogany Drop-Leaf Table with Eight Reeded Legs, Probably American, circa 1810
Located in Providence, RI
This mahogany table is extremely wide and composed of solid mahogany boards of the finest ribbon grain. The leaves are very heavy, and the table was composed two have the two middle ...
Category
19th Century American Sheraton Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mahogany
Unusual Paint Decorated Windsor Writing Armchair, Mid-19th Century, MA
Located in Providence, RI
This is a wonderful country writing chair for an adult, that an adult and/or child can use in a bright color with a magnificent painted scenic landscape. The paint on this chair is c...
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Wood
American Fancy Painted Grape Vine Spindle Bench . Baltimore , Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American carved wood and painted bench with grape vine motif, one board seat, scrolled arms, spindle carvings, and ending on turned painted legs. Fancy Furniture, Baltimore. Early 1...
Category
1820s American American Colonial Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Paint, Wood
60" 19th Century American Hooked Rug Framed
Located in Water Mill, NY
Monumental 19th American hooked rug mounted as a wall hanging.
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Early American Silver Salt and Pepper Service
Located in New Orleans, LA
A rare and superb set of American silver salt cellars, salt spoons and pepper casters created by Boston silversmith Stephen Emery (1749-1801). The set was originally owned and purcha...
Category
18th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Sterling Silver
19th Century American Water Gilt Gold Hand-Carved Eagle
Located in Southampton, NY
19th century American water gilt gold hand-carved eagle.
Category
19th Century American American Classical Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Pair of American Eagle Gilt Carved Wood Girandole Mirrors, Circa 1800
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American gilt carved wood girandole mirrors with flanking eagles on rock plinths perched to flee , upper and lower acanthus carved floral motif, ebonized reeded circular mold...
Category
Early 1800s American American Colonial Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Bronze
Charleston Classical Hepplewhite Mahogany & Satinwood Inlaid Sideboard. C. 1790
Located in Charleston, SC
Charleston Classical Hepplewhite mahogany sideboard with figured crotch mahogany drawer fronts, satinwood string inlaid bell flowers with dots, and terminating on tapered legs with c...
Category
1790s American American Colonial Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Brass
Rare Hoofed Queen Anne Pembroke Table
Located in Providence, RI
This is a rare example of early New York furniture with hoofed feet, which is beautifully executed throughout. It is indeed a treasure and is best described by this complete discussi...
Category
Mid-18th Century American Queen Anne Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mahogany
Monumental and Important 19th c. New York Harbor Panorama
Located in New York, NY
Measuring seventy-nine feet long and six feet high, this nineteenth century painted mural once ornamented the walls of the American Stock Exchange. This massive work depicts small fi...
Category
19th Century American American Colonial Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Paint
Early American Turned Burl Bowl
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A large turned circa 1790 birch burl bowl from New England in fine original condition and having an untouched surface and patina.
Category
1790s American American Craftsman Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Birch
Monumental Overmantel or Pier Mirror in the Aesthetic Taste
Located in New York, NY
American, third quarter of the 19th century.
Pine, gessoed and gilded, with mirror plate.
Measures: 81 ½ in. high, 59 ½ in. wide.
Condition: Excellent. The gilding has been cle...
Category
19th Century American Aesthetic Movement Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mirror, Pine
Recumbent Dog Hooked Rug
Located in Darnestown, MD
A vibrant kaleidoscopic background sets off this charming reclining dog hooked rug. The dog has whimsical yellow paws; ears and nose adding to his unique charm. The initials EG are...
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Wool
Patent Timepiece Banjo Clock, Providence, RI by Walter H. Durfee, circa 1900
By Walter Durfee
Located in Providence, RI
In the world of American banjo clocks, Walter Durfee produced the finest reproductions of the famous Willard timepiece. Durfee was a perfectionist and his hand is seen throughout the...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mahogany
Caesar's Crown Quilt
Located in Darnestown, MD
Beautifully quilted version of a Caesar's Crown quilt. The diamond shapes of the border are repeated in each crown block, making for a nice interplay between the two. It is also inte...
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Cotton
Cherry Candle Stand with Drawer, CT, circa 1780
Located in Providence, RI
This is a rare form produced during the late 18th century and somewhat into the early 19th century. Many of these candle stands have either lost their drawers or have been modified t...
Category
Late 18th Century American Queen Anne Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Cherry
American Federal Bostonian Game Table , circa 1815
Located in Miami, FL
A fine Boston Federal game table in mahogany with fire gilded bronze doré ormolu mounts in the corners of the apron and original brass paw foot casters. Carving is well articulated ...
Category
19th Century American Federal Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
Pair of American Gilt Bronze and Crystal Argand Lamps, Philadelphia. Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American two arm git bronze and crystal argand lamps with centered crystal reservoirs surmounted by gilt swans, original etched floral globes with prisms, terminating on trip...
Category
1820s American American Empire Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Crystal, Bronze, Bronze
Cupid Directs Young Lovers Toward Shore, Folk Watercolor, 1817
Located in York County, PA
CUPID DIRECTS YOUNG LOVERS TOWARD ETERNITY, AN AMERICAN FOLK WATERCOLOR ON 1817 WATERMARKED PAPER:
With terrific folk style, this Federal period American allegorical watercolor and...
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Watercolor, Gouache
Rare Large Pedestal Mahogany Classical Harvest Table
Located in Providence, RI
This is a truly exceptional table with the most magnificent mahogany of outstanding length. The mahogany is all unjoined solid boards. One should take a moment to consider the size o...
Category
19th Century American American Classical Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mahogany
Carved Mahogany Classical Recamier, Boston, circa 1830
Located in Providence, RI
This is a fine classical recamier with beautifully carved paw feet below a carved cornucopia of fruit. Note the deep carving, in the detailed images. This recamier has fine brass ros...
Category
19th Century American American Classical Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mahogany
Fine Narrow Classical Secretaire Bookcase, New York
Located in Providence, RI
In order to fill the larger rooms of houses that increased in size during the early 19th century, Classical or Empire case pieces came in larger proportions than their antecedents. T...
Category
19th Century American Regency Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mahogany
American Victorian Mantel Pier Mirror
Located in San Francisco, CA
Large impressive gilt mirror with original San Francisco label on back. In lovely original condition, circa 1875. American, 19th century.
Category
19th Century American Victorian Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Giltwood, Mirror
Maple William & Mary Bannister Back Armchair, Massachusetts, circa 1740-1750
Located in Providence, RI
This armchair relates to an example shown in Bishop, the American chair: Three centuries of style (see scan) with reeded vertical slats on the back and the sausage turnings at the ba...
Category
Mid-18th Century American William and Mary Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Maple
Maple William & Mary Dish-Top Candlestand
Located in West Chester, PA
Candlestand with circular top, turned pedestal, three turned legs and ball feet. Black paint is not original.
Category
18th Century and Earlier Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Maple
19th Century American Hobby Horse Rocker
Located in New York, NY
19th century American parchment veneered hobby horse supported by a green painted and decorated rocker base.
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Wood, Parchment Paper, Paint
