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.
Style: Folk Art
Color: Brown
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Large Early Folk Art Lincoln
Located in Peekskill, NY
The wood carving on this life-size Lincoln is amazing with a beautiful patina. It came out of a good Connecticut Folk Art collection. The body is primitive and was made to be covered...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
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19th Century Romanian Polychrome Wooden Rocking Horse
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming 19th century Romanian hand carved wooden rocking horse. Featuring a colorful polychrome finish on a base decorated with a floral m...
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19th Century Romanian Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
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Selection of Three WPA Era Paintings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Group of Three WPA Era Paintings, American, circa 1930s-1950s.
From left to right, they are:
1) Brick mason oil painting, American, circa 1930s. It ...
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1930s American Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
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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...
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19th Century English Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
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H 29.53 in W 47.64 in D 35.44 in
Antique Federal Eagle American 50 Star Flag with Brass Eagle Pole, 19th Century
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Monumental 50 star American Flag with antique Federal Eagle brass and wood pole. A patriotic piece suitable for any home. This set includes both ...
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19th Century American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
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Brass, Bronze
H 66 in W 69 in D 1.25 in
Dutch WWII Caricatures of Hitler, Göring, Stalin, Rooseveld, and Churchill
By Guust
Located in Haarlem, NL
A very remarkable collection of Folk Art caricatures made of Dutch ration 'food stamps.'
First caricature portrays a fat Hermann Go¨ring holding a cerem...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
H 19.69 in W 12.6 in D 0.79 in
Pair 19th Century Victorian Eastlake Free Mason Throne Chairs w/ Symbolism
Located in Savannah, GA
Victorian Eastlake large upholstered solid oak throne chairs from Masonic Lodge with lots of detailed carving. The pair consists of one with the plumb bob sy...
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1880s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
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Velvet, Oak
Antique Hand-Carved Meerschaum Smoking Pipe of Napoleon Bonaparte & Case
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique well executed hand-carved meerschaum pipe was made by the Drown Pipe company of Vienna Austria and dates to approximately 1900 and done in a Renasissance Revival style. ...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Clay
1880s Odd Fellows Lodge Banner from Dakota
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Early 1880s Odd Fellows Lodge all-seeing eye banner from Centerville, Dakota. Excellent hand painting and lettering. Centerville was platted in 1883. Dakota became the states of North and South Dakota in 1889. The area is now part of the Sioux Falls...
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Silk
Large Mid Century Geometric Abstract Painting
Located in Redding, CT
Large Mid Century abstract geometric painting.
African tribal vibes and colors. Brown with an off-white creamy blush/mauve background. This item can parcel ship for $55
Category
1970s African Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Selection of Mid-Century Jazz Themed Paintings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Mid-Century jazz themed paintings, American, circa 1930s-1970s. From left to right, they are:
1) New Orleans jazz watercolor by Leo Meirsdorff...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Canvas, Paper
1868 Map of the Upper Part of the Island of Manhattan Above 86th Street
Located in San Francisco, CA
This wonderful piece of New York City history is over 150 years old. It depicts 86th street and above. It was lithographed by WC Rogers and company. It was made to show what was the Battle of Harlem during the Revolutionary war...
Category
1860s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
46-Star American Flag, Antique Printed on Silk, Early 20th Century
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is an original 46-star American parade flag, printed on silk. Each star represents a state in the Union at the time. The official flag design would update every July 4th, to inc...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Silk
Previously Available Items
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
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
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 ...
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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...
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1850s North American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Cotton, Glass, 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 Carved Native American Patriotic 41 Star American Flag Shield
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Carved and painted Native American 41 star patriotic shield, circa 1890s. Original paint surface. On November 2, 1889, North and South Dakota became the 39th and 40th states admitted...
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Americana Folk Art Watercolor of George Washington, Early 19th Century
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Great example of early American Folk Art presented in a painted frame.
Measures 8.5" x 7.5" including the frame and 4.5" x 3.5" painting.
Pen and watercolor on paper.
Provenance...
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Paint
Swedish American Oil Painted Folk Art Wall Decoration with Andersson Chicago IL
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A 19th century oil painted Folk Art framed panel piece from a trunk belonging to "Mr. A. Andersson, Chicogo. IL, USA".
This charming wall art is most certainly from a Swedish migrant who was heading to Chicago Illinois by boat as many Swedes were doing during the second part of the 19th Century. They painted their name and final destination on theirs wooden trunks...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Pine
H 17.52 in W 22.45 in D 1.78 in
Rare South African Folk Art Carved Storyboard Panel, circa 1930s
Located in Peabody, MA
A rare relief carved and pigmented wooden storyboard panel detailing events of the late 19th and early 20th century related to South Africa’s Zulu history and the Boer Wars. Atop this folk art panel, dated 1937, is a depiction of two heroes of the Transvaal, Paul Kruger...
Category
1930s South African Vintage Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Red, White and Blue Painted Wood Patriotic Parade Staff on Custom Metal Stand
Located in Essex, MA
A tall red, white and blue carved and painted patriotic wood staff used in parades, on a custom made black painted metal display stand.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
H 68.5 in W 8 in D 8 in
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.