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. P...
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Iron
American Mahogany and Églomisé Banjo Clock, E. Howard, Boston # 5, 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 concealing the brass pendulum. Clock is in working condition with no issues. Signed by E. Howard and Co...
Category
1860s American American Empire Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Brass
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 ico...
Category
1810s American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Iron
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...
Category
19th Century American Folk Art Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Wood
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
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 an...
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
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
Pair of Colt Victorian Wicker Fan Back and Red Velvet Armchairs
By Colt
Located in New York, NY
Pair of American Victorian dark stained wicker character fan back armchairs with filigree scroll design and red velvet upholstered seats and headrests. (manufactured by COLT) (PRICED...
Category
19th Century American Victorian Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Velvet, Wicker
Rustic American Victorian Horn Chaise
By Wenzel Friedrich
Located in New York, NY
Rustic American Victorian steer horn chaise with stars & leaping fish motif (Attributed WENZEL FRIEDRICH).
Category
19th Century American Rustic Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Leather, Horn
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....
Category
18th Century and Earlier American American Classical Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
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...
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
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
American Mural of New York City Harbor
Located in New York, NY
American (circa 1880) painted mural of a panoramic view of the New York City harbor with boats & city landmarks. Originally in the American Stock Exchange...
Category
19th Century American Late Victorian 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
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
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
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 and form is reminiscent of Federal Boston cabinet maker Isaac Vose...
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
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 Oil Painting of a Gentleman
Located in Water Mill, NY
19th century American portrait of a gentleman in a wood frame.
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Canvas
Portrait of Elizabeth Van Dyck Vosburg by Pieter Vanderlyn (The Gansevoort Limne
By Gansevoort Limner
Located in West Chester, PA
Portrait of Elizabeth "Betje" Van Dyck Vosburg., c. 1725. Unsigned, in original frame; accompanied by a Van Dyke family bible printed in Amsterdam in 1702. Condition: Minor repairs, ...
Category
18th Century and Earlier American Folk Art Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Canvas
Rufus Porter Mural from New Hampshire Tavern
By Rufus Porter
Located in Milford, NH
Mural by Rufus Porter from Prescott Tavern in East Jaffrey, New Hampshire, circa 1824. This panel was removed from the tavern prior to its being torn down in 1950. This mural hung in...
Category
19th Century American Folk Art Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
American Maple Tilt Tea Table
By A. Belokopytoff
Located in Charleston, SC
American Maple Chippendale serpentine tilt top tea table with turned bulbous tri pod pedestal terminating on scrolled knee with slipper feet. Table has the original locking mechanism.
Category
18th Century and Earlier American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
19-Drawer Hand Stenciled Apothecary
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Functional general store herb and spice apothecary drawers found in New Hampshire. All dovetailed and hand stenciled drawers with handwritten notes on the inside for measurements and pricing. Each drawer has a hand stenciled painted banner...
Category
19th Century American Folk Art Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Wood
Pair of Heartback Hepplewhite Chairs
Located in Asheville, NC
This stunning pair of heartback Hepplewhite mahogany chairs were created during the American Federal period, and popular throughout the eastern seaboard to the Carolinas from 1780 -1...
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mahogany
American Mahogany Game Table. Circa 1790
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany flip top game table with hand stenciled centered lyre pedestal, resting on saber legs with stenciled acanthus motif and original brass casters.
Category
18th Century and Earlier American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Pair of American Brass Intertwined Dolphin & Ship Andirons. Circa 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American brass andirons with perched flanking ships, intertwined dolphins, matching finial log stops , and resting on rectangular plinths. Mid -19th Century.
Category
1840s American American Empire Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
American Mahogany Satinwood Inlaid Pembroke Table. Rhode Island. Circa 1790
Located in Charleston, SC
American Hepplewhite mahogany one drawer drop leaf pembroke with inlaid birds eye maple oval corners, satinwood string inlays, graduated bell flowers, and terminating on tapered legs...
Category
1790s American Hepplewhite Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Brass
American Gilded Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A Mid to Late 19th Century American gilded mirror. Maintains original blue glass mirror.
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mirror
LeMoyne Stars and Maple Leaves Quilt
Located in Darnestown, MD
This is an early and unusual quilt combining LeMoyne Stars and Tulip patterns. It is made with a wonderful array of early 19th century fabrics. The tan sashing was the perfect color...
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Cotton
String Stars Quilt
Located in Darnestown, MD
Bold String Stars (aka Spider Stars) quilt done in the fabrics typical of southeastern Pennsylvania in the late 19th century. The blue calico ground and double pink sashing and borde...
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Cotton
19th Century Mahogany Game Table With Elaborate Carved Base
Located in Atlanta, GA
A 19th century Mahogany and Satinwood Game Table with Elaborate Carved Base and Flip Top, American.
William Word Fine Antiques: Atlanta's source for antique interiors since 1956.
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
American Poplar Greek Key & Sunburst Fire Place Mantel . Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
American fire place mantel made of poplar with Greek key motif and carved corner sunburst supported by turned column legs. All original . Early 19th ...
Category
1820s American American Empire Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Poplar, Wood
Early 19th Century American Oil on Board
By J. Neagle
Located in Buchanan, MI
Charming early 19th century American oil on board. Signed and dated lower left. Framed in original birds eye maple frame.
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Pair of American Mahogany Urn Cutlery Boxes with Fluted Medallion Gallery C 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American mahogany flanking Urn telescopic cutlery boxes with acorn finials, fluted medallion gallery, original interior cutlery slots, and resting on turned ringed circular s...
Category
1820s American American Empire Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mahogany, Pine
American Sheraton Mahogany Marble Top Console
By A. Belokopytoff
Located in Charleston, SC
American Sheraton marble top console with turned legs. All original.
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
American Scrolled Wrought Iron and Stained Glass Hanging Hall Lantern, C. 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
American scrolled foliage wrought iron and stained glass hanging hall lantern with three light interior cluster. Originally candle powered and has been electrified. Mid 19th Century
Category
1850s American American Empire Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Wrought Iron
Set of 16 Klismos-Form Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1820.
Mahogany (secondary woods: Birch and maple; slip seats: Birch and pine)
Measures: 33 1/4 in. high, 18 5/8 in. wide, 19 ¼ in. deep (overall).
Ex Coll: Private collection, until 2004; to [Hirschl & Adler Galleries, 2004]; to private collection, 2004 until the present.
Exhibited: Hirschl & Adler Galleries, New York, 1999–2000, Boston in the Age of Neoclassicism, 1810–1840, p. 57 no. 21D illus. in color // Hirschl & Adler Galleries, New York, 2001–2002, of the Newest Fashion: Masterpieces of American neoclassical Decorative Arts, pp. 93 cat. 26, 95 illus. in color two chairs from the set / Hirschl & Adler Galleries, New York, 2014-2015, very rich and handsome, p. 30
no. 5 illus. in color two chairs from the set.
One of the signature forms of furniture of the neoclassical period in the United States is the klismos chair as interpreted by a group of Boston cabinetmakers in the period circa 1820 (see Page Talbott, “Seating Furniture in Boston, 1810–1835,” The Magazine Antiques CXXXIX [May 1991], pp. 966ff.). These chairs are usually characterized by sabre legs at the front and the back and curved crest rails typically enriched with flaming mahogany veneers, their ends often punctuated by stylized leaves, anthemia, or scrolls, and center splats decorated with leaves, drapery, lyres, etc. Just as it is easy to identify a New York or Philadelphia side, or dining, chair of the period, so Boston chairs have a certain “look” that sets them apart from chairs from all other American cabinetmaking centers in this period.
The sumptuous nature of the lotus bud and tulip-carved swags which form the back splats of these chairs is offset by the simplicity of the crest rail, in which oval veneered panels are encircled by a raised molding, and by the reeded stiles which seamlessly sweep down to become first the side-rails and then the front legs of the chairs. Although the form of these chairs relates them to many comparable Boston examples of the period, none of these other chairs feature the paw feet that terminate the front legs of the present set of chairs, a feature that appears to be otherwise unknown on Boston side chairs...
Category
19th Century American Neoclassical Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mahogany
American Federal Gilt and Ebonized Dolphin Foliage Convex Mirror. Circa 1800
By A. Belokopytoff
Located in Charleston, SC
American Federal gilt carved wood convex mirror with a perched intertwined dolphin on a rocky ledge, ebonized reeded banding, circular ball m...
Category
Early 1800s American Federal Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Giltwood, Gesso, Glass, Wood, Ebony
Pier Mirror in the Neoclassical Taste
Located in New York, NY
New York, circa 1815-1820.
Wood, gessoed and gilded, with mirror plate.
75 1/2 in. high, 44 1/8 in. wide (at the cornice), 8 1/2 in. deep (at the cornice).
Condition: Some restorati...
Category
19th Century American Neoclassical Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Wood, Mirror
Cotton Crazy Quilt
Located in Darnestown, MD
This Cotton Crazy Quilt is truly a collage of fabrics. The center has the structure of a Nine Patch within a Diamond in a Square. This unusual touch pulls ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Cotton
Pots of Flowers Quilt
Located in Darnestown, MD
This Pots of Flowers Quilt is unusual in that it is simultaneously fanciful and elegant. The blossoms are far larger than their container giving this ot...
Category
Early 20th Century American Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
19th Century American Still Life of Fruit
Located in Southampton, NY
19th century American still life of fruit.
Oil in stipple board.
Original period giltwood frame.
Category
19th Century American American Classical Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
“Pastoral Landscape w/Locomotive & Picnic Goers” by G.Brown
By George Loring Brown
Located in Sheffield, MA
George Loring Brown
American, 1814-1889
“Pastoral Landscape with Locomotive and Picnic Goers”
Circa 1850
Oil on canvas
30 by 48 in. W/frame 34 by 52 in.
The Hudson...
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Canvas
Colonial Revival Dining Room Suite
Located in New Orleans, LA
This important and complete American Federal dining room suite is truly a magnificent find. This suite has remained intact for over 150 years, and i...
Category
19th Century American Neoclassical Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Brass
Important Folk Art Trade Sign
Located in Greenwich, CT
A mid 19th Century folk art trade sign of demilune form, depicting a Native American chief holding a peace pipe and tomahawk wearing a headdress of white and red feathers, wearing a decorated tunic, supported by “s” scrolls, possibly a cover for a paddle boat wheel...
Category
19th Century American Folk Art Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Wood
Pair of American Brass Urn Finial Andirons with Spur Legs & Ball Feet, C 1810 MA
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American brass urn finial andirons with turned ringed plinths, curvature rear legs, matching urn finial turned ringed log stops, and resting on double spur legs with ball fee...
Category
1810s American American Colonial Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Pair of American Brass Monumental Empire Andirons
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of American brass monumental Empire andirons with scrolled legs and original matching log stops. Dealers please call for trade price.
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Brass
American Mission Style Wrought Iron Log Holder
Located in New York, NY
American Mission-style (19/20th Century) wrought iron log holder magazine rack with a scroll design sides.
Category
19th Century American Mission Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Wrought Iron
American Cuban Mahogany Slant Top Desk
Located in Charleston, SC
American Cuban mahogany slant top desk with turned ball finial gallery, fitted interior drawers, and ending on cabriole legs with slipper feet.
Category
18th Century and Earlier American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
American Tiger Maple and Cherry Fall Front Chest
By A. Belokopytoff
Located in Charleston, SC
American Tiger maple and Cherry fall front chest with interior fitted desk, turned bulbous columns, graduated drawers, original wooden knobs, and ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
American Victorian Carved Mahogany Military Design Wall Mirror
Located in New York, NY
American Victorian vertical filigree carved mahogany wall mirror with military motifs and an American crest at the base.
Category
19th Century American Victorian Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Mirror, Mahogany
Victorian American Cut Crystal Bowl Reversible Pedestal Stand Estate Find
Located in Montreal, QC
An impressive late 19th century American cut crystal centerpiece bowl on reversible pedestal Stand, decorated with lush foliage and flowers. The full height is 17' x 9.5" largest diameter. Remove large bowl, tip it over and voila, you have a smaller pedestal bowl...
Category
19th Century American Victorian Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Crystal
Hand-Made Pair of Boston Rockers for Mother and Child
Located in Asheville, NC
This adorable pair of mother and child Boston Rockers are wonderful examples of timeless American furniture form. At the back of the chairs there are sev...
Category
19th Century American Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Maple, Pine, Hickory
American Walnut Rocking Chair with Rush Seat. Circa 1870
Located in Charleston, SC
American Walnut rocking chair with rush seat. 19th Century
Category
1870s American American Classical Antique Americana and Folk Art Antiques and Collectibles
Materials
Rush, Walnut
