Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
FOLK ART STYLE
Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.
Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.
Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.
During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.
Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.
to
4
14
1
16
16
9
8
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
7
7
2
4
1
1
7
3
3
2
2
11
9
3
2
1
16
16
16
Style: Folk Art
Large Framed American Flag Folk Art Quilt
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Nicely faded American flag quilt. Excellent hand stitched dancing Folk Art stars. Skilled quilting, a nice graphic large-scale wall hanging. White ...
Category
Early 20th Century North American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Cotton
19th Century Masonic Table with Leather Bible Compartment Flip Lid Compass Legs
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Rare and fabulous 19th century faux book with compass legs as legs. Mustard paint on the legs with Gilt on the pages of the leather bound book. Looks to be original tassle.. Possibly...
Category
1860s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Leather, Hardwood, Paint
Napoleonic Folk Art Calligraphy Drawing
Located in Greenwich, CT
Unique pen and ink Folk Art drawing with calligraphy boarder depicting Napoleon triumphant in Russia (a French fantasy) with a French flag flying over a Russian palace surrounded by ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Pen, Paper, Giltwood
19th c Wooden Ceremonial Fraternal Masonic Crook and Metal Spear on Metal Bases
Located in Savannah, GA
Large size gold gilt wooden ceremonial fraternal Masonic Crook perched on a long painted wooden pole. Supported by a decorative three-footed metal base, the gilt wood crook itself me...
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Russian Matryoshka Nestled Dolls 'Czar Nicholas II and Family'
Located in Asheville, NC
Hand-painted and carved neastled dolls of Alexandra and Nicholas II and their four daughters, the Grand Duchess Olga in 1895, the Grand Duchess Tati...
Category
Mid-20th Century Russian Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Original Pottery Sculpture Head Planter, General Charles De Gaulle
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Original Pottery sculpture head planter, general Charles De Gaulle Political Memorabilia.
This original, one-of-a-kind pottery sculpture head is a...
Category
1950s French Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Clay
Framed Hand Sewn Patriotic Sham Made from a Flag and Ship Ribbons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Great framed Folk Art sham with 48star flag and ship ribbons is a great patriotic item. The top left corner as well as the bottom right corner are scraps of a 48 star linen flag and in between them are ribbons of ships names that are sewn together in a collage. The American ships span three centuries of ships ribbons, from late 19th century to present day ships. As well as the "USS Utah" which was sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
This great and proud sham is not only a great American item but is a Symbol of hope and unity throughout the ages. Serves better as a hanging Folk Art...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Plexiglass
19th Century Patriotic Shield Painting Featuring John Adams
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Folk art patriotic shield painting of John Adams, dating to around 1876 and of a large size measuring 41" x 34.5". It is an oil on canvas laid down to boards. There is writing on the back of the boards, but I cannot make out what it says. There is another similar piece to this that features another signer of the constitution in the Smithsonian collection. This piece came from a collection in Portsmouth...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Paint
Patriotic Flag Quilt Old Glory
Located in Darnestown, MD
Nothing could be more of the moment than this patriotic flag quilt depicting Old Glory.
It was most likely made either for the admission of Arizona into st...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Cotton
Toy Children's American "Flag Blocks" by The Embossing Co. New York Circa 1940
Located in Incline Village, NV
Fabulous set of children's blocks (54 in all) stenciled, hand painted, and decorated on all sides, but featuring the 48 star American Flag (created in 1912 with addition of New Mexic...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Early Folk Art American Two Sided Framed Military Drawing with Map
Located in Savannah, GA
This unusual set of drawings in a double sided frame came out of an old New England Estate in a Beacon Hill, Boston home. From what we have gathered...
Category
Late 18th Century American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Unique 18th Century English Carved Panel of Two Kings
Located in Greenwich, CT
Unique carved Folk Art panel, dated 1768, depicting a double portrait of mythological kings, whimsically portrayed in miniature stature with protruding...
Category
1760s English Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Large Mid-Century Era Watercolor Painting of President Dwight & Mrs. Eisenhower
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large and well executed original watercolor painting on masonite board is signed by a Jim Barclay, presumably from the United States, dating to 1964 and done in a period folk art style. The painting depicts President and Mrs. Dwight Eisenhower...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Masonite, Paint
Collection of Three Cast Iron Star Victorian Daughters of the Revolution Markers
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Collection of three Daughters of the Revolution cast iron star markers. Marked GAR Thos Feushaw Post 75 Conn.
Category
1890s North American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Iron
69th Battery Royal Field Artillery Framed Commemorative Embroidery
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
69th Battery Royal Field Artillery Framed Commemorative Embroidery
A stunning piece, in fine detail applied and embroidered tapestry, showing the counties and campaigns from 1855 ...
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Silk
19th Century Gilt and Gesso Frame attributed to President James Polk Estate
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Early 19th century gilt and gesso picture frame. Found at an estate sale in Columbia, Tennessee. Objects from the sale were attributed to President James K. Polk's estate. Fantastic ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Gesso, Wood
Related Items
"The Second World War, " by Winston Churchill
Located in Austin, TX
The Second World War by Winston Churchill from Houghton-Mifflin Company, Boston.
A vintage edition of Winston Churchill's six-volume memoir, The Second World War, for which he was a...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
19th Century Hand Carved Masonic Gavel
Located in London, GB
19th Century Hand Carved Masonic Gavel
A rare example of a 19th Century hand carved masonic gavel. With some amazing detail across all this artifact. Inscribed LA at the top with ...
Category
1870s British Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Table with Wheels, Italy, 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Mid-century table with wheels realized by italian manufactory in the mid-20th Century.
Central drawer.
Good condition.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
19th Century Victorian English Partner Desk Column Shaped Legs Writing Table
Located in Berlin, DE
19th century Victorian English partner desk column shaped legs writing table
Column shaped table legs. Desk with 2 drawers, slightly protruding tabletop. Writing surface with exce...
Category
19th Century English Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
H 29.53 in W 47.64 in D 35.44 in
46-Star Printed American Flag Waver, Celebrating Oklahoma Statehood
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an American flag waver with 46 stars. The printed flag features a row pattern of stars against a dark blue canton, with thirteen red and white stripes completing the des...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Fabric
19th Century Console Table
Located in New York, NY
19th century Chinese console table. Three drawer thin console table elegant refined lines with ring pull handles. Detailed arch apron top of legs ta...
Category
1890s Chinese Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Elm
Set of 3 Decorative Swedish Folk Art Pieces, c. 1900-1930
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Set of 3 Decorative Swedish Folk Art Pieces, Hand-Carved and Hand-Painted, c. 1900-1930
This charming set consists of three beautifully crafted decorative items: a large spoon, a sm...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
31-Star Printed American Flag, Celebrating California Statehood, Circa 1850
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a rare 31-star medallion printed American flag, celebrating the addition of California to the Union. The flag is printed on silk and has a spectacular “Great Star” canton pat...
Category
1850s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Silk
H 43 in W 50.5 in D 2.5 in
Duke & Duchess of Windsor Sotheby's New York Memorabilia Auction Catalogue Book
Located in Dublin, Ireland
This is a two-volume boxed set of sale catalogues each with 550 pages which were produced by Sotheby's Auction House in New York in 1997 for the disposal of the effects of the Duke a...
Category
20th Century British Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
H 12 in W 9.25 in D 3 in
19th Century Side Table with Frieze Drawer and Baluster Turned Legs
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An absolutely charming 19th century Baroque style French side table, crafted from walnut and featuring exquisitely baluster turned and tapering legs, and a beautifully curved X-form ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Walnut
19th Century American 39 Star Flag, circa 1889
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century American 39 Star Flag, circa 1889, a period printed silk parade flag with a wavy pattern of dancing stars. This was never an official flag of the United States but was m...
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Silk
Walnut Side Table 19th Century, Italy, 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Walnut Side Table 19th Century realized by an italian manufacture in 19th Century.
Good overall condition.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Previously Available Items
Carved Eagle Plaque
Located in Branford, CT
Interesting folk art eagle plaque. Carved wood with original paint. American, circa 1920.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Giant 1950s State of California Bear Framed Vintage Flag
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Early California state bear flag. Super graphic and bold colors. Perfect amount of patina and wear as expected for a flag of this vintage. Earlier design. No...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Muslin
Painted Cast Iron State Seal of Massachusetts
Located in Nantucket, MA
Architectural ornament, cast iron in the half round with a scrolled cartouche headed by a raised arm with sword enclosing a standing figure of a Algonquin Native American with bow an...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Iron
c1890 42 Star American Uncut Flags Washington State
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Framed uncut roll of 42 star American Flags. Washington state was the 42nd state to enter the union. This flag was never official as four other states...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Cotton
19th C Elks Lodge Large Banner Seacoast Temple Atlantic Highlands New Jersey
Located in Savannah, GA
Large very detailed banner from the Elks Lodge hangs on a long brass rod with fringe and tassels.The I.B.P.O. stands for the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the W...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Large Hand Sewn Chinese Political Chairman Mao Zedong Wall Hanging
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large hand-crafted wall hanging or banner is signed by an unknown artist, and presumed to have originated from China and is dated to 1969 and done in the period Mid-Century Modern style. The banner is done on a coarse beige linen with depictions of Chairman Mao and possibly his Defence Minister holding the "Red Book". The needlework is done in a vibrant red, with contrasting black and army green. The banner is has a hand stitched signature and dated "1969" in the bottom right corner area. Please note this is a very large linen wall hanging...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Linen
H 81 in W 98 in D 0.25 in
American Woolwork Picture 'woolie' of The American Eagle Surrounded by American
Located in Downingtown, PA
American Woolwork Picture (woolie) of The American Eagle surrounded by Thirty-two Star American flags,
Circa 1860s.
In the 19th century, there w...
Category
1860s North American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Wool
H 21.5 in W 25.5 in D 1 in
19th Century Odd Fellows Lodge Decorated Pedestal Stand
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Early dry paint including a great heart in hand decoration on the front and faux marble painted top. From an Odd Fellows or Masonic lodge.
Category
19th Century North American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Wood, Paint
Early 1900s Framed Oilcloth Temperance Sign from the Woman's Christian Union
Located in Savannah, GA
Oversized colorful framed banner painted on oilcloth advocating abstinence from the Woman's Christian Temperance Union.
"The Temperance Movement was a ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Wood, Fabric
H 18.5 in W 76 in D 0.5 in
1859-61 Thirty Three Star American Parade Flag Framed
Located in Savannah, GA
This small thirty-three star parade flag is printed on coarse cotton and is good condition considering the age. Newly framed. The flag measurements are 9 inches wide x 5.75 inches tall. The frame measures 12 inches x 15 inches. A great piece of American history.
The thirty third star was added for the state of Oregon, which was admitted to the United States of America on February 14th, 1859. This flag was official from 1859-1861, and was thus still the flag flying over Ft. Sumter when it was fired upon on April 12th, 1861, marking the beginning of the Civil War. Because the 34th state, Kansas, had already acquired statehood on January 29th, 1861, flag makers knew that the 34 star flag would soon become official. According to flag experts, it is for this reason that 33 star flags were not produced in great quantity for the war, which would last until 1865, and the 33 can be considered to be more of a pre-Civil war flag...
Category
1850s North American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Cotton, Glass, Wood
Odd Fellows Wooden Pedestal Pair 19th c
Located in Savannah, GA
Very sturdy 19th century wooden Odd Fellows Lodge pedestals in all original condition. Quite rare to find the three rings attached separately, this pair is handmade with the three links in gilded wood. Great stands for Folk Art displays. Square tops measure 12 inches across, bases measure 13.50 inches.
I. O. O. F. (International Order of Odd Fellows)
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Unusual Hand Carved Wooden Arm, Flag Holder with Flag, Veterans Facility
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual hand carved wooden arm, flag holder with flag, wall mounted, beautifully hand carved, sculptural mans arm / hand, Salvaged from Veterans Lodge outs...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Folk Art political and patriotic memorabilia for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Folk Art political and patriotic memorabilia for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.