1860s Folk Art

Alpine roebuck head with beautiful roebuck horns out of carved wood and colored Skillfully elaborated carving, alpine, probably Bavaria original version.

French ball from a folk art game. Great patina and form. Normandy, France ca. 1860

Triple pulley ships block in old paint showing lots of character. Mid nineteenth century. Circa 1860.

Beautifully Patinated and Oxidized Full Bodied Equestrian Dexter Antique Copper and Zinc Weather Vane Probably Cushing & White ca. 1867-72; Waltham, MA, USA Copper, zinc Approximat...

This fine and folky hand carved cow butter stamp is in fine condition.This comes from a private folk art collection and was purchased in Pennsylvania.

19th C Applique quilt from Pennsylvania in good condition with swag floral border.This is quite unusual and unique.

Impressive and rare example of a model English merchant sailing vessel, circa 1860, that plied the China Trade from England to Hong Kong. The ship has the sail rig of the Sandy Hook pilot boats...

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...

A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than likely o...

"RALLY FREEMEN! …COME ONE! COME ALL! AND SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR THE BEST COUNTRY ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH." A CIVIL WAR RECRUITMENT BROADSIDE FOR THE...

A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than likely o...

Early 19th Century Wooden Horse A handsome Dapple Grey galloper with Horse Hair mane and tail, he has a classic open mouthed expression and bright glass e...

Lakota Sioux child's dress quilled on buffalo hide; collected and entered into the Maryland Academy of Art and Science prior to 1880. It was deaccessioned...

This exceptional Ojibwe powder horn, dating to the mid-19th century (circa 1865), hails from the Eastern Woodlands region and features intricate craftsmanship characteristic of the O...

Sailor's Woolwork of HMS Reindeer of a Large Size, Made by Henry Payn Hopper, Circa 1865-70 The large woolie depicts a starboard side view of the HMS Reindeer under steam and sail. ...

Amazing antique Scottish tapestry in gilt frame tat measures almost six feet wide - 180 CM The subject is based on the famous oil painting 'Scotland ...

Feathered Stars are beautifully combined with Oak leaves in this quilt from the 1860s. While the Stars are all identical, the maker took liberties with the Oak leaves. Most are the s...

Sailor's Woolwork of Royal Navy Second Rate Battleship Coming into Port, Circa 1865 The British sailor's woolwork has a dramatic view of a Royal Navy Second Rate Battleship coming i...

Very Early Nantucket lightship basket, circa 1860, an oval open basket with wide splint staves, split wood rim, cane weave, solid birch bottom plate, and sha...

This quite amazing children's tricycle has seen it's best days along time ago, however it has retained all it's charm and magic. The face, the handles and the wheels are made out of...

This is an early pine wooden box. Great for storing firewood. We used it as a recycling bin. Multi-functions with this great early pine box. Wonderful li...

This multicolored handwoven 19th century coverlet with the original fringe in fine condition.

Rare boat binnacle with solid brass mushroom style hood. Mid nineteenth century gimballed compass by Ritchie of Boston. Varnished mahogany base with...

Striking English copper weathervane having exceptional weathered surface in the form of a flying banner with spear finial, fleur-de-lis pointer and pierced decorated body. Great form...

CARVED EAGLE ON A CIRCULAR PLAQUE, IN A VOLUPTOUOUS AND WHIMSICAL STYLE, WITH WINGS REMINISCNET OF THOSE ON TOMBSTONE ANGELS, 3rd QUARTER 19th CENTURY Diminutive, hand-carved eagle ...

Fabulous example of a 19thc weathervane which served well and survived it's time on a country roof top. A few dings and some wear by the front leg. Head is cast zinc. Was touched up...

19th century Swedish folk Art wooden bowl dated 1863 Signed EPS. A stunning antique organic wooden bowl with lovely patina & trace originalpaint. ...

Presented is an original Massachusetts Union Presidential ticket for the November 8, 1864 election. The paper ticket is printed in black, headed by a large spreadwing eagle carrying ...

This unusual ornamental copper plate was used to write information on it, possibly the menue for a restaurant. We can see traces of writing. The beautifull carving shows birds, leav...

An original British School Decalomania decorative art watercolor and cut paper farm scene mounted in a heavy black wood frame, circa 1860. These were largely created by young girl...

A great looking hand carved original wooden Folk Art wall decoration. A great piece for a suitable ambiance in a trophy room or the office of a Hunter or Woodsman. More than likely o...

19th century Flemish gilt zinc horse head trade sign. This beautiful hand made sign was used by a Flemish butcher and dates to circa 1860. There are still remnants of the beautiful g...

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...

Triple pulley ships block in old paint showing lots of character. Mid nineteenth century. Circa 1860.

CAST IRON BOOT JACK, MADE FOR THE 1864 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OF GENERAL GEORGE B. MC CLELLAN, WITH A FANTASTIC SLOGAN THAT READS "THE UNION AT ALL HAZZARDS" Made for the 1864 presidential run of George B. McClellan, this cast iron bootjack is both rare and graphically exceptional. Displaying the original black-painted surface, with attractive and desirable patina, the stylized profile has a wonderful folk art quality. Molded block letters that wrap around the heel clasp read simply "Gen. Mc Clellan. These are accompanied by a prominent Civil War-associated slogan: "The Union at all Hazards." The text is intermingled with 34 stars, which was equivalent to the number of states during the opening two years of the war, but was one star short by mid-1863 and two stars short by the time of the actual election in 1864. It's not unusual to encounter this feature in civil war campaign parade flags as well as all manner of flag-related ephemera. The iron was reportedly cast by G. & D. Cross of Morrisville, New York, though it is unsigned and I have not yet verified the attribution. I have seen two other examples, one of which had a broken and repaired tine on the U-shaped horns and newly painted surface, while the other appeared to have broken lifters and inferior, rusted patina. This is, hands-down, the best of the identified examples. Brief History of the 1864 Campaign: President Abraham Lincoln had a checkered relationship with his 1864 opponent, who he had formerly chosen as General-in-Chief of the entire Union Army. The career officer repeatedly knocked heads with his Commander-in-Chief. Having raised a well-trained and organized military force, McClellan often seemed reluctant to use it. By 1862, after losses in Virginia during the Peninsula Campaign, Lincoln grew frustrated with McClellan and the progression of the war and removed him from command. By the early part of 1864 the American people shared some of the same frustrations and Lincoln was no longer the clear choice for the White House. The nation was tired of war and the remains of the Democratic Party...

This exquisite gravure, titled "La Charette," was created by the skilled artist M. Lallane after the renowned painter Troyon, dating back to the late 19th century (circa 1860-1880). ...

Some 150 years ago this Volk Art Work was presented as a gift to a wedding. It is called a declaration of love or a Honorable Gratulation attesting two people bonded in marriage. A l...

Quality Antique Victorian brass and mahogany revolving magazine stand having a shaped brass handle to the centre, four sections for magazines with b...

Presented is an original Ohio Union Presidential ticket for the November 8, 1864 election. The paper ticket is printed in orange-red and blue. The front of the ticket reads, "A Vigor...

19thc decorated small scale decorated pottery pitcher. This is in fine condition and super rare scale.

Alpine roebuck head with beautiful roebuck horns out of carved wood and colored Skillfully elaborated carving, alpine, probably Bavaria original version.

Set of eight sculpture vases. Each vase is hand colored shaped and sized. Vases can use for the flowers. We have 4 more vases like this.

American mahogany and brass skylight ship binnacle. T.S. and J.D. Negus company was established in 1848 in New York City. They were makers of fine scientific instruments, circa 1848-1900. This highly desirable and maritime instrument is made of carved mahogany with a brass and glass skylight...

A rare set of 15 pieces of 19th century Italian painted wooden fruit, all life size.   

Folk Folk art stick. The barrel is carved and etched from a single branch of Mexican Maple (Acer skutchii) wood and finished with a dark brown patina. The handle depicts the sculptur...

Oil painting on canvas with a motif of two children from around the 1860s Dimensions in cm: H:72 W:84 This product will be inspected thoroughly at our professional workshop by ou...

This applique quilt is light, airy and graceful. The body is quilted with a crosshatch pattern with half wreaths along the border and full wreaths in the corners. The leaves look lik...

Figure of a statesman. Painted stoneware pottery. Signed John Hewitt and dated 1867. Original paint. H 15-5/8".

French ball from a folk art game. Great patina and form. Normandy, France ca. 1860

19th century cast iron boot jack, with jacks on both ends and legs on both sides. Brown Brothers Foundry, patented May 18, 1869. 12" x 5". Collector's p...

Rare factory made stand up beetle boot jack with toe grip and spindled ash pole ending in round knob. PERIOD: Last quarter 19th Century ORIGIN: United States SIZE: 32"H Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Gallery deals in the rare, exceptional, and one-of-a-kind pieces that define the history of America and the Old West. Our pieces range from American Indian to Cowboy Western and include original items of everyday life, commerce, art, and warfare that tamed America’s frontier. Our 14,000 square foot gallery opened in 1996 in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Personal Service Cisco’s operates on old fashioned values – honesty and integrity, and all of our items are backed by our money back guarantee. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Cast Iron, Boot Jacks, Bootjacks, Antique, Vintage, Brown Brothers...

34 STARS, WITH SCATTERED POSITIONING, ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN PARADE FLAG MADE DURING THE OPENING TWO YEARS OF THE CIVIL WAR, 1861-63, KANSAS STATEHOOD 34 star American national flag...

31 STAR PARADE FLAG, MADE FOR THE 1860 CAMPAIGN OF JOHN BELL & EDWARD EVERETT, WITH A “UNION AND THE CONSTITUTION” SLOGAN, PROBABLY MADE BY H.C. HOWARD OF PHILADELPHIA 31 star Ameri...

34 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH A LINEAL ARRANGEMENT THAT I HAVE TERMED "GLOBAL ROWS, WITH EXCEPTIONAL COLOR AND CRUDE YET BEAUTIFUL FEATURES, OPENING TWO YEARS OF THE CIVIL WAR, ...

35 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN PARADE FLAG WITH A DOUBLE-WREATH STYLE MEDALLION CONFIGURATION OF STARS, PERHAPS THE BEST SURVIVING EXAMPLE IN THIS RARE FORM, CIVIL WAR PERIOD, WEST VIRGINI...

EXTRAORDINARY 34 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH AN ACCORDION OR HOURGLASS MEDALLION CONFIGURATION THAT SURROUNDS A PENTAGON OF STARS IN THE CENTER; MADE OF FINE SILK AND ENTIRELY HAND-SEWN; MADE DURING THE OPENING YEARS OF THE CIVIL WAR (1861-63), IN A TINY SIZE AMONG ITS COUNTERPARTS OF THE PERIOD; REFLECTS THE ADDITION OF KANSAS AS THE 34TH STATE 34 star flag of the Civil War period with an array of rare, beautiful, and otherwise desirable features. Extremely small among flags of this period with pieced and sewn construction, the flag displays a star pattern that is not only highly unusual, but unique to this particular example. This consists of a single star in the very center, surrounded by a pentagon of stars, flanked by angular bracket of three stars to either side. Above and below are rows of 5 stars, followed by rows of 6 that line the top and bottom of the canton. The resulting configuration is what I have termed an “accordion medallion,” though “hourglass medallion” or “standing bow tie” would be perfectly acceptable. When rotated 90 degrees, to view the harder-to-identify, bow tie formation, students of early star patterns may note the visual similarity between this and what I call “Starburst” or “Crosshatch” medallions. The pattern, however, conspicuously lacks the crosses of St. Andrew (a saltire) and St. George (roman cross), that would allow it to be more accurately categorized as such. Entirely hand-sewn, the canton and stripes of the flag are made of fine silk. The hemming of this was accomplished with great skill. The top and bottom edges are selvedge. These are so similar in nature as to have come from the same maker. There is a white, silk binding along the hoist, in the form of an open sleeve, through which a length of braided hemp rope was passed, expertly looped and re-braided into itself at the top and bottom for strength. The stars are made of white, polished cotton. These were stitched to both sides (double-appliqued). Note how the edges of the fabric were not turned under, providing evidence of the fact that the maker was not especially skilled in appliqueing. This was common, as applique work was far more difficult than producing French seams. In the 19th century, most flags with pieced and sewn construction were 8 feet long and larger. A six-footer was considered small. Even military battle flags, carried on foot, measured 6’ x 6.5’, which translates into approximately 7’ x 7.5’ after framing, about the size of an average quilt and larger than can comfortably fit on a wall in a house with 8-foot ceilings and average width baseboard. Flags smaller than this were produced both commercially and at home, but the smaller they are, the more unusual they are. At just 26.5 x 46.5 inches, this flag is extremely small for a Civil war period flag with sewn construction. Silk was both beautiful and lightweight, which made it elegant for military unit colors and preferable for flags meant to be carried on foot. Most outdoor use flags...

34 STARS IN A MEDALLION CONFIGURATION ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN PARADE FLAG WITH A LARGE, HALOED CENTER STAR; CIVIL WAR PERIOD, KANSAS STATEHOOD, 1861-1863 34 star American national pa...

34 STARS WITH "DANCING" OR "TUMBLING" ORIENTATION, ON AN ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG WITH EXTRAORDINARY COLORS, PRESS-DYED ON WOOL BUNTING, LIKELY PRODUCED FOR USE AS MILITARY CAMP COLORS,...

34 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN FLAG OF THE CIVIL WAR PERIOD (1861-63), IN A TINY SCALE AMONG PIECED-AND-SEWN FLAGS OF THE PERIOD, WITH A TRIPLE-WREATH CONFIGURATION, AN ELONGATED FORMAT, AND ENTIRELY HAND-SEWN; FOUND WITH A LETTER FROM JOHN W. RUDE OF THE 2ND KENTUCKY VETERAN VOLUNTEER CAVALRY (UNION): 34 star flag of the Civil War period with a variety of extremely desirable features, handed down with a letter written by John W. Rude on November 8th, 1864, while encamped with the Army’s 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, as a member of the 2nd Regiment of Veteran Volunteer Cavalry. Tiny in scale among pieced and sewn examples, the flag displays a star pattern that consists of a three consecutive wreaths, with a single star in the very center. Because it lacks a single star in each corner, outside the basic pattern—usually present in flags of this design made during the mid-late 19th century—this is something I classify as a “snowball medallion.” Entirely hand-sewn throughout, note the square format of the blue canton, with its beautiful, circular star arrangement, and how interesting this combination is when paired with the elongated format of the flag itself. The stars are double-appliqued, meaning that they are applied to both sides. These are fat in shape and inconsistent in size. Note how the lowest star in the outermost ring actually dips into the white stripe below. Made of plain weave cotton, there is a narrow binding along the hoist, red in color, with three sets of cotton ties. Those at the top and bottom are made of fine, braided hemp or hemp and cotton cord, stitched into place, while the one in the center, looped around the binding and tied, is made of lightweight, twisted, cotton thread. Note how the 5th, 6th, and 7th red stripes are pieced from two lengths of cotton fabric, which reflects that the maker was being conscious of conserving available fabric. In the 19th century, most flags with pieced and sewn construction were 8 feet long and larger. A six-footer was considered small. Even military battle flags, carried on foot, measured 6’ x 6.5’, which translates into approximately 7’ x 7.5’ after framing, about the size of an average quilt and larger than can comfortably fit on a wall in a house with 8-foot ceilings and average width baseboard. Flags smaller than this exist, but the smaller they get, the more unusual they are. At just 1.5’ x 3’, this is about as small as one will ever encounter in a sewn flag of the Civil War era. The flag appears to have likely been hand-carried. I expect that it probably saw military use of some sort as a camp flag...

36 STAR ANTIQUE AMERICAN PARADE FLAG WITH CANTED STARS IN DANCING ROWS, ON A BEAUTIFUL, CORNFLOWER BLUE CANTON; CIVIL WAR ERA, NEVADA STATEHOOD, 1864-1867 36 star antique American f...

Antique American Flag With 36 Stars On A Cornflower Blue Canton, Civil War Era, 1864-1867, Reflects The Addition Of Nevada As The 36th State; A Great Folk Exaple With Haphazard Rows Of Starfish-like Stars: 36 star American national flag of the Civil War era with outstanding collector traits. Haphazard rows of fat, starfish-shaped stars fill most of the confines of a brilliant, cornflower blue canton. Note the crude piecing of the thirteen, red and white stripes, joined in an ill-planned manner that results in great variation in width, as well as general irregularity. The 4th red stripe actually falls slightly below the canton, and the height of each does not line up with the corresponding stripe on the reverse. This can clearly be seen at the fly end, which is is turned back and bound to repair obvious extended use in an outdoor environment. Clearly the maker lacked experience in seam work. Lining up the necessary components, so that they could be viewed on both sides, presented a challenge they may have not previously faced. This is also evident in the sewing of the stars, which do not line up on the obverse and reverse sides, as they typically would in a flag sewn by an experienced flag-maker. That said, this is just this kind of homemade charm that fuels interest in early American flags...