Metal Folk Art

A striking piece of functional decor, this anthropomorphic vase of a Moor man is a testament to Sicily's rich crafting history and artistic patrimony. Entirely handcrafted and finish...

In all original clothing and condition, this very rare Authentic "Punch" looking figural, of American manufacture, would have been atop a popcorn maker o...

Two antique Indian papier-mâché hand painted face masks from the early 20th century, depicting Indian brides. They are priced and sold individually. Featuring a polychrome finish made of ocher, red and black tones, each of these face masks depicts an Indian bride. Touching us with the simplicity of their execution, they showcase traditional red jewels adorning the brides' foreheads and curly strings of hair on the cheeks. The eyebrows, mouths and noses are represented in an archaic manner that gives great presence to the ensemble. With their fascinating décor and small proportions, these Indian papier-mâché face...

Early American pewter and granite coffee pot in fantastic form. This wonderful goose neck coffee pot. Signed on base GRANITE IRON WARE, PTD. MAY ...

Fabulous early toy example by the Clark co. This hill climber works great, and is almost totally complete. It's missing it's passenger in the back. Cast iron...

A simple and elegant Roman bronze hand mirror, late Republic Period, circa 1st century, Italy. The bronze mirror of simple form. The round face with a pierced border design. The openwork handle...

Very stylish, unique and original 1940's fashion design by French illustrator Geneviève Thomas. The painting, executed in gouache and pencil. The sketch is original, vintage an...

West African hand beaded head dress crown from Yoruba, Nigeria. This artistic beautiful and functional art piece is covered with beads in turquoise, orange, green, yellow red, blue ...

A truly fantastic, engaging, and uniquely made African Kota Mahongwe Hongwe Reliquary Guardian Figure/ Sculpture made by the Kota (Bakota) pe...

This amazing original aged stage coach door stop has amazing untouched patina. It is in fine condition.

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Mechanical Whirligig Figure This quirky and highly sculptural early 20th Century American folk art mechanical whirligig figure is stood on ...

Antique bronze horse weathervane. The weathervane has it's own original patina. The weathervane came from a house in New England.

Amazing and scarce JUDAICA object, we have here one of the most touching jewish objects we had for a long time, this small silver dowry box was made in Algeria in the early 19th century, it is all covered with symbols of jewish faith and of couples, the sliding lid has 2 flanking birds with hamsa (protective hand) on each side and a flower vase in the middle. one side shows two flanking lions with a tree in the middle and the other side shows again two big and two small birds with a flower bowl in the middle, front side has a key hole and next to it there is the Hebrew inscription ס״ט״" which says Siman tov or in English "a good sign" it is taken from the wedding blessing, underneath the lock there is another inscription with the name ״עזיזה בת אברהם בן חמו״ which is the name of the bride, her father and her grandfathers name. the box is full marked a lot of times with the silversmith mark, every side of the box is marked. this box was probably ordered by the grooms family to hold the jewelry they are giving to the bride as dowry, this type of objects are rare and there are just a few of them on museum collections. DOWRY (Heb. נְדֻנְיָה), the property a wife brings to her husband at marriage; the Yiddish equivalent, nadn, is from the same root. The custom of nedunyah became clearly defined and institutionalized only in the talmudic period. In biblical times, mohar (מֹהַר), whereby the groom bought his wife from her father (Gen. 24:53; Ex. 22:15–16; Hos. 3:2), was the accepted practice. It was then customary that the groom give the bride gifts, and that she bring certain property to her husband's home upon marriage: slaves, cattle, real estate, etc. (cf. Gen. 24:59–61; 29; Judg. 1:14ff.; I Kings 9:16). Evidence of the custom of nedunyah is to be found in Tobit (7:14; 8:21) and in the Assuan papyri (Cowley, Aramaic, nos. 15, 18). Gradually, mohar was superseded by the ketubbah custom according to which the husband merely assumed the responsibility of compensation to his wife in case he divorced her: he had to pay her 200 zuzim if she had been a virgin at the time of marriage, and 100 zuzim if a widow or divorcée (see *Ketubbah). By talmudic times, the institution of nedunyah was prevalent; the father gave a dowry to the bride since the daughter was excluded from paternal inheritance. Fifty zuzim (equivalent to the worth of 180 grams of silver) was the minimum amount a father was obliged to give to his daughter (Ket. 6:5). Parents usually gave much more, according to their social standing. Community funds provided the dowry for an orphan or a very poor girl (ibid.; cf. Sh. Ar., YD 251:8). In case of her father's death, the brothers of a minor girl were obliged to give her the minimum dowry, and the court estimated how much her father would have given her above the minimum dowry. The sum was then taken out of the father's estate and given to the daughter upon majority (Ket. 6:6; 68a–69b). In the absence of such an estimate, each daughter was entitled to receive one-tenth of the value of her father's estate in money, or in valuables (Yad, Ishut, 20:4–7; Sh. Ar., EH 113:4). If the father was unable or unwilling to pay the promised dowry at the betrothal ceremony, the groom could refuse to marry his bride (Ket. 13:5; Ket. 108b–109a). Insistence on exact payment of the promised dowry, however, was frowned upon by later rabbinic authorities (Rema to Sh. Ar., EH 2:1). In certain communities it was customary for the groom's father to make a dowry contribution equal to that of the bride's father (Ket. 102b). The dowry, whether given in real estate, slaves, money, or chattel was recorded in the marriage contract (the ketubbah) and in some instances one-third or one-fifth of the actual value of the dowry was added to the sum mentioned in the ketubbah. Based upon a decree enacted by *Simeon b. Shetah (first century C.E.), the Talmud ruled that the husband and his entire property were liable for compensation as stipulated in the ketubbah, either in case he died (when she collected the sum specified in the ketubbah from the heirs) or in case he divorced his wife (Ket. 82b). For the status of the dowry and the husband's rights and obligations, see below. The rabbinic enactments (Takkanot Shum) by R. Jacob *Tam and by the rabbinic synod of the communities of Speyer, Worms, and Mainz (Germany) stipulated that if a woman died...

American folk Art iron fying witch & bat motif Weathervane, Museum Mounted A fine example of Americana, a large scale vignette of a Witch flying on her broom, a shooting star and b...

Large and decorative bronze sculpture of a Spartan warrior. By Professor Victor Heinrich Seifert. Signed. Excellent masterpiece. On marble base.

A rare vintage prison art box, mid-20th century, colorful round folk art box with removable lid, handmade from a large tin can and cigarette packs. ...

This is both a still bank and a biscuit tin. It would originally have been sold, filled with biscuits. After all of the cookies would have been consumed, the tin (rather than been thrown away) would have been used as a bank to save money. There is a slot for deposits at the back of the neck at the top (see image). Coins would have been removed by lifting or twisting the snug fitting lid. Toby is nicely hand-painted in pleasing colors of green, blue, gold, and white, with realistic flesh tones to the hands and face. The total height is 6 1/2" while the total width is 6" (includes handle). Diameter at the base is 5". This Toby figured tin was manufactured circa 1911 by the biscuit tin company of Hudson Scott located in Carlisle, England. It is marked at the bottom "Hudson Scott & Sons Ltd. Carlisle, England." It has crossover appeal into three categories of collectors. It would be a welcome addition to both the still bank collector and the biscuit tin collector...

A very elegant classic 1920's sterling silver & turquoise squash blossom necklace. The squash blossom necklace features a double strand of Navajo sterling silver beads, strung on co...

A rare and exceptional hand carved German Black Forest wall-mounted hanger. circa 1890 Born in the late 19th / early 20th century, featuring an intricately carved walnut figural bear's head with inset glass eyes, finely detailed gilt brass paws holding a supporting rod, affixed with chain drop hook. Dimensions: (approx) 10.75" High, 8 1/8" Wide, 5.5" Deep, A superb example of German folk art, functional and highly decorative, it's ideal for use as an entryway coat...

African Art by Ngoy Kabem, Sadi M, Three Heads of Woman relief in Brass, 1979 African Art by Ngoy Kabem, Sadi M, With a scene of three heads of women in relief in brass Signed and...

Recently purchased from a multi-generational Ridgefield, CT estate of the former President of Ridgefield Savings Bank. Our esteemed and avid collector found time in his off hours in Post World War II Connecticut to scour the countryside for just about anything that struck his fancy. He had an enormous passion for model trains, porcelain figurines and pattern Depression Era glass...

Antique Lusterweibchen of a Medieval Noble Lady ca. 1880s A great antique chandelier featuring a medieval noble lady holding a heraldic blazon. The sculpture is made of handcarved a...

A handmade wooden Artist mannequin hand model - all joints move as they should. Found on an Estate sale in Vienna, Austria. Shows some minor wear - but looks beautiful on display! So...

This is a very rare and early (circa 1885) tin advertising sign, commissioned by the Delaware Insurance Company, located and founded in Philadelphia in 1835. It was probably made by noted late 19th century sign maker, Sentenne & Green, of New York City, established in the 1870's. With an Indian motif, the sign features a Native American Indian, front and center, decorated in a brown and green headdress; with red, cream and aqua clothing and a large gold medallion...

19th century full body rooster weather vane on custom iron base. This rooster has a worn and aged patina of a zinc painted surface. The copper shows through in areas as well.The weig...

An original work of art by artist Raffaello Romanelli, this stupendous piece draws inspiration from renowned sculpture “The Thinker” by Rodin (“Il Pensatore” in Italian). Capturing a young man ruminating, a timeless symbol of human reflection, this magnificent oeuvre was handcrafted by observing a live model and simultaneously working on a clay sculpture, which is the first step to create bronze artwork...

Rare 19th C handheld muffin bell town crier fire alarm bell. The bell features two Brass domes mounted back to back with iron, a turned wood handle, and a b...

This early 20th-century Yoruba Ọ̀sanyìn staff, meticulously crafted from wrought iron, features a prominent central bird surrounded by several stylized avian figures, symbolizing spi...

Transport yourself back to the sleek and sophisticated 19th Century with this exquisite hand crafted, sculpted and painted wardrobe storage cabinet. The ultra rare wardrobe gives an ...

Tall and narrow grandfather floor clock in the original yellow and flower decoration, possible Denmark or Scandinavian for sure, circa 1875. Du...

Huzel is a French sculpturer (French, 19th Century) Primarily known for bronze sculptures often depicting females figures, animals and mythical forms. He is known for intricate deta...

French Tailor's Mannequin, early 20th Century French 20th century tailor's mannequin. Made of paper, fabric and metal. It features a mechanism inside which allows the tailor to adju...

Large vintage Pacific Coast Highway sign reading "Pacific Coast Scenic Byway." Green sign that features birds, water, snow-capped mountains, Ever...

2x Art Deco 15kg double ball dumbbells Super decorative. Will be sent in 2 packages because of the weight.

This decorative sculpture rests on a metal pedestal, representing the face of the Borghese Gladiator, a Greek statue dating back to the 1st century BC and preserved today in the Louvre Museum. This piece's irregular cut and antiqued patina recreate the corrosive bronze surfaces of Ancient sculptures found in the seabed, such as the Riace bronzes.

Obverse: ΜΕΤ, corn ear with eight grains Reverse: corn ear with eight grains, all incuse Weight: 7.77 g Grade: Good very fine Mint: Metapontum Reference: HN Italy 1459; HGC 1, 1027

Exceptional African wood carving ,mounted on custom-made steel base of women graciously looking forward, beautiful facial expression, and very ni...

Group of five Folk Art fish decoys composed of painted tinned iron sheet metal or aluminum fins and tails and carved wooden weighted lead bodies, some with ...

Wonderful toleware chest Not sure what the original function was. No evidence to suggest it was a coal bin. Cream painted with gilt decoration in neoclassical style. Original paint...

This "Ethan Allen" running horse weathervane was one of the more popular ones manufactured by the prolific copper weathervane makers of the late 19th century, "Harris & Co." of Bosto...

Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique and interesting items. Here, found steel objects are welded together to ...

Jim Rose, known primarily for his steel furniture, was an avid collector and scoured salvage yards for unique, interesting items. Here he has welded together various metal pieces to...

This 19th century Hubley original painted basket of fruit cast iron door stop is in fine untouched condition. So hard to find where they have not messed with the paint. Great form an...

Forged iron currency, Chamba people, Northeastern Nigeria A piece of traditional currency used for barter or exchange, it measures 15 inches (38 cm) high by 18 inches (45.7 cm) wide...

Two-sided tobacconist trade sign of circular form with gold leaf lettering with red shadow on a black sand paint ground with green borders "HAPPY JACK'S" centers a cutout pipe above a white banner applied to the bottom of each side which reads "CIGAR, PIPE & / TOBACCO SHOP...

This is a cool geometric adorned stainless steel scrap metal box made by a polish immigrant folk artist Stanley Szwarc in 1999

Early 20th century Folk Art dressing table mirror in the original paint - teal green over black with white trim. The distressed surface paint reveals the black underneath creating a ...

This sterling silver handmade heavy corn on the cob is unmarked and has gilded kernel's. This is a handmade item.

African Art by Tshibanda Bondo, Relief in Brass, 1978 Tshibanda Bondo (Senegalese, born 1947) African art with relief in brass Scene of a sitting person Signed and dated 1978 The s...

Discover this charming vintage toy car, a Renault 300 Kgs model by C.I.J, proudly made in France. This collectible piece reflects classic toy craftsmanship and is sold "as is" with i...

Antique Stainless Steel and Horn 12 Pieces Tableware Set, Germany 1930s A rustic tabelware set consisting of six knives and six forks. The handles are made of genuine deer horn. The...

Early 20th Century Pawn Brokers Trade Sign from Edinburgh UK An oversized and authentic aged example of an early 20th Century pawn brokers wooden and cast metal trade sign. The se...

About This is an original monumental American flag made with 48 hand sewn stars and stripes. It is in good condition and has brass grommets to hang. Creator unknown. Date of m...

19th century barrel with original brass strapping's. This amazing barrel is in great condition and has been re-varnished for strength and stability. It had a light original varnish b...

Charming hand made vintage horse farm sign that is finished front and back. The horse and letters are black wrought iron, and the wood has a distressed paint...

Intriguing cast bronze relief plaque from Benin, showing three guardians. The plaque was modeled after ancient Benin bronzes but was made in the 20th century. The plaque is cast in b...

This is an antique 18th century, French provincial, hammered copper jug or pitcher with an iron loop handle. The jug or pitcher is all hand made with a hamm...

19th century cast iron shoemaker’s trade sign A highly decorative example of a late 19th century cast iron French shoemakers shop trade sign. Hand crafted from a hand cut iron metal...