Tin Folk Art

Absolutely unique very large creole 'Penca De Balangandan' from Brazil from around 1960. Tin base, possibly silver plated. Traditional slave amule...

This is a very popular Lehman wind up toy; emblematic of "whimsy" typical of Ernest Paul Lehman whose toy company opened in Brandenburg, Germany in 1881.. The action portrays a mama duck walking along with her three baby chicks in tow being carried in a basket from behind. The toy is nicely lithographed with a greenish yellow basket; light and dark green baby chicks, and the mother duck with yellow green features and an orange and white undercoat. The underneath of the basket is filled with markings documenting the genesis of the toy. "Paak Paak" German for "Quack Quack": are clearly spelled out along with "Lehman" "Pat. U.S.A. March 12, 1903". Printed on the side #645 indicating the catalogue number (see image). To operate: wind up the attached clockwork key on the right side; release while still in your hand to see what happens; wind up some more and then gently place on the floor to watch the baby chicks bob up and down as mama pulls them forward. Very few examples are intact---legs usually absent and mechanisms broken, and examples are incomplete because of rough play. This example is completely original with no restoration of any kind and no touch up to the lovely surface. The toy is catalogued as "EPL #645" and documented on page 197 of the book "Lehman Toys" by Jurgen & Marianne Cieslik, published in 1982. This would be a wonderful addition for the discerning collector of antiques children...

The "Milton Berle" car is one of a series of "Crazy Cars" manufactured by the Louis Marx Toy Company of New York City; this one being one of the more prolific examples, owing to the ...

A truly American Southern piece, this rustic wooden pie safe features pierced tin inserts in the double doors and on the sides. Other features include two ...

"Dancing Bear" and "Dancing Pig" wind up toys were made by the Chein Toy Company, of New York City, circa 1938, about the same time as "Dancing Rabbit" (a...

Vintage wind-up motorcycle tin toy by Marx Toy Company, circa late 1930s. This rare piece is in good vintage working condition with good lithography and minimal rust; it measures 8....

A set of four contemporary Mexican racy / risque / taboo ex-voto / retablos attributed to Alfredo Vilchis, circa 2010. A captivating and humorous collection of Mexican ex-votos (retablos), attributed to the renowned "neighborhood artist" of Mexico City, Alfredo Vilchis Roque. Each piece represents a modern, secular, and "racy" evolution of the traditional 19th-century devotional art form. Each piece is in a "deliberate distressed condition" to mimic the weathered look of 19th-century antiques, and each measure approximately 9"W x 7"H. Unlike classic retablos that thank saints for surviving illnesses or accidents, these "new" ex-votos depict the gritty, scandalous, and often hilarious realities of modern urban life. The collection includes: -The Piercing Penance: A woman thanking Saint Rita for her successful (and painful) nipple piercings...

A Retablo is a devotional painting, especially a small popular or folk art one using iconography derived from traditional Catholic church art. Depicting a Saint and a child painted o...

A beautiful and decorative large vintage tin channel letter “A” made of sheet metal, painted in a vibrant yellow with red sides. It is dated around the 1960s, though it may be older....

A cool set of four risque / taboo / humorous "Underworld" ex-votos / retablos attributed to Alfredo Vilchis, circa 2010. A provocative and vibrantly transgressive collectio of contemporary Mexican ex-votos (retablos), attributed to the legendary "neighborhood artist" of Mexico City, Alfredo Vilchis Roque. This quartet serves as a masterclass in the "New Retablo" movement, where the centuries-old tradition of Catholic gratitude is subverted to document the gritty, scandalous, and darkly comedic "miracles" of the urban fringe. Each piece is in a "deliberate distressed condition" to mimic the weathered look of 19th-century antiques, and each measure approximately 9.5"W x 6"H. Moving far beyond traditional prayers for health, these works depict the raw and often taboo intersections of desire, mishaps, and divine intervention. The collection features: -The Courtesan’s Epiphany: A dramatic scene of a sex worker who, after surviving a life-threatening allergic reaction to a client's semen, offers infinite thanks to Saint Martha and vows to leave her trade forever. -The Forbidden Cousin: A man named S.F. who celebrates his persistent (and successful) pursuit of his cousin into the bedroom, thanking Saint Jude Thaddeus for their ultimate "happiness." -The Strawberry Jam Incident: A near-fatal mishap involving José Ramos...

About An original 19th century Mexican folk retablo "Veronica's Veil" or "El Divono Rostro" in Spain . Oil paint on tin. The Veil of Veronica, known in Italian as the Volto Santo o...

A nice set of five risque / taboo Ex-Votos (Retablos) attributed to Alfredo Vilchis, circa 2010. A daringly transgressive and humorous collection of contemporary Mexican ex-votos (re...

A beautiful 19th-century Spanish Colonial Mexican Folk Art ex-voto retablo lámina painting featuring an unknown Spanish Roman Catholic Saint. The work is hand-painted on metal (li...

A beautiful 19th-century Spanish Colonial Catholic Mexican Folk Art ex-voto retablo lámina painting featuring the Arch Angel Michael (San Miguel), sword in one hand, the scales of ju...

1910s-20s; Fulton Meat Market district - Chicago, IL The property at the northeast corner of Peoria and Fulton streets in Chicago was most recently a burger joint, but in the late 1...

A cool set of five Mexican ex-votos (retablos) ("Neighborhood Miracles") attributed to Alfredo Vilchis, circa 2010. An exceptionally rare and provocative collection attributed to the...

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...

Fabulous tin litho car toy from Louis Marx, circa 1930. Fabulous paint with some paint chips and scrapes but no rust or dents. Clockwork mechanism works ...

This amazing folk art tole ware box is in original red painted back round with floral decoration & a embossed bird popping out.

c. 1950s/1960s; Kids Korral, Inc. - Lakeville, IN and Tex-Tan Western Leather Co. - Yoakum, TX Vintage painted tin children's western wear sign. This sign advertises Tex Tan leathe...

Set of four risque / taboo "Urban Miracles" Mexican retablos attributed to Alfredo Vilchis, circa 2010. An audaciously humorous and culturally rich collection of four contemporary Me...

Large collection of tin 1900s Edwardian miniature toy figures. A few tin houses a shed, gazebo's, flower arches, lots of trees and shrubs. Dovecote, pretty fences, a bench, a parrot tree, a birdcage, a plant Stand, a fountain, farm animals and lots of human figures in Edwardian clothing about: 29 trees (trees shrubs, palmtrees) 11 decorative fences 2 arches 18 figures (girl with dog, a couple, lady with...

ANTIQUE PAINTED SHOP DISPLAY STORAGE TIN On a larger-than-average scale, a dusky orange painted storage canister with gilt lettering. Inscribed ‘Brand & Zoon, Tiel, Koffee, Th...

"Sentry" tin mechanical bank is very difficult to find, having been made in Germany by the company Saalheimer & Strauss for the British market. The rif...

Listed as #431 in the Lehman catalogues this wonderful vintage children's wind up toy, manufactured by the prestigious and iconic Lehman Toy Company of Germany; was patented in 1895 (see image--markings under wing ). The toy was made for over 25 years and was quite popular. When wound up using the underside attached clockwork( key (see attached movie) the toy depicts the six legged beetle crawling across the floor by moving it's legs back and forth while flapping it's wings in the air. All the markings "Pat. U.S.A." "D.R.G.M." "Pat April 23, 1895" "Lehman" are clearly marked under the wing (see image). It is lithographed and hand painted in colors of bluish green wings, a red and white head, yellow and black under wings, with red and blackish green legs. This particular example is completely original ,which is highly unusual for this toy as a search of other examples would reveal that one or several of the legs are typically lacking, or repaired, as are the fragile wings as well. There is no restoration and no touch up paint of any kind. to this toy. It is original in every respect. The toy is catalogued as "EPL #431" and documented on page 129 of the book "Lehman Toys" by Jurgen & Marianne Cieslik, published in 1982. Dimensions: 4 1/4" long x 2" high x 4" wide Provenance: Recently acquired from a highly regarded West Coast collection of antique wind...

About An original 19th century Mexican folk retablo "Veronica's Veil" or "El Divono Rostro" in Spain . Oil paint on tin. The Veil of Veronica, known in Italian as the Volto Santo o...

This is a later (1950's), albeit often overlooked and important mechanical bank that is quite rare, and highly sought after by collectors. Iconic bank collector F.H. Griffith wrote a...

Collection of Handmade Mexican Folk Art Tin Masks, Mexican, circa 1950s. Each mask is unique and extremely detailed. The largest mask measures 21"...

Antique figural painted tin trade sign. This piece takes the form of an antique mortar and pestle, one of the most important tools used by practitioners of medicine for centuries. T...

Hand Painted Indian Folk Art Stand or Low Table A Lovely Decorative piece painted in a green pallet with small Flowers This little metal table is very sta...

"Barnacle Bill" was a very popular cartoon character for whom this toy was named after and was made in the 1930's by the J. Chein Toy Company of New York City. There is some evidence...

c. 1930s/1940s; Iroquois Brewing Company - Buffalo, NY Painted advertising sign featuring bold "Three Aces" header with playing card motifs above the flowing Iroquois script logo, f...

Fabulous friction helicopter from Japan C 1960. Toy works great, push copter and the blades start spinning. Does not fly, nor was it intended to. Great graph...

For the mechanical bank and toy enthusiast, listed is a tin, lithographed and painted, all original 1960s mechanical bank made by the Yone Company of Japan (see image of logo on side panel). The company was founded in 1950 and is typical of the post war companies who produced outstanding children's toys. The action is unique, clever, and encourages saving money. With the bank wound (attached key wind on the underneath (see image); place a penny on the spot provided on top of the bank. The mouse dashes out of the grey shoe...

Outstanding example of this iconic and highly sought after tin advertising sign made by the Shonk Company, Chicago, Illinois, circa 1906. The subject matter depicts a farm scene with...

This large, extremely rare backlit sign is a bona fide piece of American history. It was produced by The Buckeye Brewing Co. of Toledo, OH, which was founded in 1886, but which has o...

An early 20th century beer cooler in original mustard paint from Switzerland. Large and very solid construction with Three doors all having the original Ir...

c. 1880s-1890s; mfd. by F. Tuchfarber & Co. for Lovell & Buffington Co. - Covington, KY Painted tin lithograph advertising sign for Fountain Tobacco, produced for Lovell &am...

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...

This seldom seen bank is technically a mechanical bank but basically it is a still bank with a slight mechanical function, that being; once it is full of coins, it opens up automatic...

“Where thers muck thers money” Early 20th century English scratch built toleware horse and cart model A wonderful example of a unique Folk Art scratch-built horse and cart model. This item is made from metal sheets, toleware and old enamel advertising signs. It would likely have been placed on a shop counter to obtain donations from customers. The carts cover...

c. 1920s-1930s; San Luis Cigar Company - Tampa, FL Colorful lithographed tin advertising sign promoting "Tampa Straights" cigars, featuring a bold graphic of an open cigar box with ...

Fabulous working tin Litho toy skier by the Chein toy co. C1945. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear.

This brightly lithographed tin wind-up toy in colors of red, yellow, and blue, with a driver dressed in appropriate motorcycle clothing, depicts a young man driving a delivery cart with "Speed Boy Delivery" printed on each side of the wagon. The manufacturers logo is clearly marked on both sides of the stake wagon and on the right shoulder of the driver "MAR" with a circle around it and "Made in The United States of America, New York, N.Y." around the circumference (see images). The license plate number is "268", which, along with the red painted inside of the drivers arms (as it should be!) indicates this earlier version and authenticity. Nearly 100 years old, it still operates fine and, upon winding the attached wind-up key a few times and placing the toy on the ground, the motorcycle and driver move across the floor on the way to their deliveries; do not over wind. (see video attached to this listing). The toy is completely original and in very good condition, with no repairs or restorations of any kind and no touch up or repaint. The arms and steering handle bars are also original (sometimes replaced) and they have the appropriate paint and markings. This would make a welcome addition to a collection of pre-war Americana. Dimensions: 9 7/8" long x 5 7/8" wide x 5 3/4" high After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys...

This collection of three hand blown jars all have the original tin lids. The condition is very good. It is very hard to find these storage canisters...

Antique American general store revolving bolt and nut cabinet. Original paint.

Hand Painted Indian Folk Art Stand or Low Table A Lovely Decorative piece painted in an orange pallet with Flowers This little metal table is very stable ...

Beautiful semi-nude woman with translucent negligee, holding a bottle of "Brookfield Rye" whiskey is the focal point of this chromolithographic tin advertising sign, used to promote ...

Folk Art windmill sculpture.

c. 1920s; mfd. by The H. D. Beach Co. (Coshocton, OH) for Reed Manufacturing Co. - Erie, PA Antique new-old-stock tin-over-cardboard (TOC) advertising sign. This piece advertises R...

c. 1940s; R. M. Hollingshead Corp. - Camden, NJ Vintage tune-up fluid advertising sign. This piece advertises Whiz's "Motor Rythm", a now-defunct line of tune-up fluids. The sign m...

c. 1910s/1920s; The Camberwell Distillery - London Antique repainted tin litho gin sign. This piece was originally a self-framed tin litho advertisement for El Bart Dry Gin. Howeve...

Fabulous colorful and full of unpredictable moves when fully wound. Louis Marx toy company was prolific during the mid century era producing a full array of tin windups. In excellent...

This is a rare and authentic antique Ottoman pitcher, or "aiguière," from the 18th century. Handcrafted from a combination of copper and tin, this piece is a testament to the metalwo...

Horse drawn trolleys or "horse buses" were the main source of "mass transit", along with trains in the late 1800s in America. Thus they were ubiquitous subject matter for toy makers to exploit as toys for young children. While many tin toy...

Set of five erotic, humorous and taboo framed Mexican Retablos attributed to Alfredo Vilchis, circa 2010. A remarkable collection of contemporary Mexican ex-votos, or "retablos," att...

This is one of the more popular "crazy car" toys and was designed by the iconic New York City Louis Marx Toy Company, Circa 1935, with the fascination of the American West and the st...

Painted tin advertising sign for WNX (West Nebraska Express), featuring bold block lettering in orange set against a deep green field, flanked by a stylized arrow motif stretching ho...

Die-cut tin advertising display in the form of a smiling, stylized gentleman dressed in a green suit with bowtie, hands tucked casually into his pockets. The figure's torso reads "De...

Antique figural copper and tin trade sign. This piece takes the form of an antique mortar and pestle, one of the most important tools used by practitioners of medicine for centuries...