Early 20th Century Folk Art

OHIO STATE FLAG WITH CIVIL WAR VETERANS' OVERPRINT FROM THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC POST IN COLUMBUS, MADE IN MOURNING OF THE 1925 PASSING OF NATIONAL G.A.R. COMMANDER IN CHIEF DANIEL M. HALL, WHO ALSO SERVED AS COMMANDER OF THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF THE G.A.R., AS WELL AS THE LOCAL CHAPTER Flag of the State of Ohio, printed on oilcloth-like cotton, affixed to its original wooden staff. Made for Civil War veteran's use, the flag bears a stamped overprint in the striped field that consists of an open wreath of laurel branches, inside which is the following text: “GAR [Grand Army of the Republic] Post, Dan Hall, Columbus, OH”. Born on October 20th, 1842, Daniel M. Hall enlisted with the Union Army as a Private at the age of 18 on August 25th, 1861. On October 8th of that year he mustered into the Co. H of the 2nd Ohio Cavalry. Discharged for disability on June 28th, 1862, he reenlisted approximately 17 months later, on November 11th, 1863, and mustered into Co. F of the 12th Ohio Cavalry at Camp Cleveland. He was at some point promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and, on February 21st, 1864, to the rank of Corporal. He mustered out at Nashville on November 14th, 1865. Hall mustered into the Hamlin Post of the Ohio G.A.R. on May 23rd, 1883. He would go on to serve not only as Commander of the Dept. of Ohio for the organization, but as National Commander of the entire Grand Army of the Republic. The Grand Army of the Republic was the primary veterans association for Union Civil War soldiers. Founded in 1866, its members dressed up in Civil War uniforms, attended parades and reunions, and the organization was somewhat more fraternal in nature than today’s VFW or American Foreign Legion. Flags overprinted for the purpose of advertising are a specialized form in American flag collecting. A flag with a basic G.A.R. overprint is the most common type. This might be accompanied by a post number and a date. More elaborate the overprints are more highly desired, such as this one, which is the only variation I know of that honors a particular person who was not the namesake of the chapter itself. It is of interest to note that a sister variety of 48 star parade flag is known, printed on the same fabric, that bears the same overprint, accompanied by the words: “We Mourn Our Comrade." From the additional text on the 48 star variety, one can extrapolate that the flags were made to mourn the passing of this important leader of Civil War veterans on October 19th, 1925, just one day before his 83rd birthday. The State Flag of Ohio was designed in 1901 by Cleveland architect John Eisenmann, who designed the Ohio building for the state's exhibition at the Pan American Exposition World's Fair in Buffalo, New York. It was officially adopted by the Ohio legislature on May 19th, 1902. It's elements are centered on a red disc, set against a circular white ground that forms a letter "O." This simultaneously represents a buckeye, the fruit of the state tree and an iconic Ohio symbol. The flag's 5 stripes are said to represent the state's waterways and roads, while the triangular shape of the union is said to illustrate hills and valleys. The presentation of 13 stars along the hoist end, arranged in a semi-circular medallion with two off-set stars above and below, reflects the original 13 colonies. The diamond of stars, towards the fly end. bring the overall count to 17 to reflect Ohio's admission. When the design was adopted by the state legislature, the position of these stars was changed slightly, moving them further around the circle to form a wreath. Flag expert Whitney Smith, who coined the term Vexillology in the late 1950's (the accepted term for the study of flags), pointed out that the format of the flag itself was reminiscent of Civil War cavalry guidons, carried by Ohio regiments throughout the state. These were of swallowtail form, though with 13 stripes, all horizontal and 90 degrees to the hoist. Most often these had circular star patterns around an open center, which makes them even more similar to the Ohio flag...

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Jigger Doll A great example of an early 20th century English hand carved folk art articulated jigger doll. With brilliantly shaped shoes, moustache and top hat. Stood on a wire stand...

Early 20th Century folk art fairground massacre knock down figure A folk art / primitive hand-crafted fairground knock down game figure. Constructed from pine and metal, hand painted detail with metal support hinges when the figure is knocked off...

Great Lodge Style Antler Mantel Clock 1900 A rare antique lodge style mantel clock. Oakwood case, richly decorated with antlers from the deer and fallow deer, mountain goat antlers ...

Vintage hard to find "Rolly Dolly" Toy; unknown German maker, circa 1915; I have named "Dapper Clown"; this is one of the more rare "Rolly Dolly's" (really rare in this condition). Today we call these toys "Roly Poly's". You knock them over and they always "right" themselves and get upright; probably after the 17th C. Japanese "Daruma Dolls" at some level. I'm not sure of the actual thematic genesis of this character, but the excellent condition, very simply, separates this from any other similar Roly Poly's, Watch the attached video to see how it was played with to better appreciate the condition. 8" high puts it in the "taller" category for this toy. Made of paper mache, makers of these roly poly's were produced quite prolifically by the same type of German cottage industry that produced Noah...

A Danish shipyard model from the 1920s-30s, crafted in pine with fine detailing and a naturally aged patina. Despite its modest size, this piece exudes character and reflects the sk...

Early 20th Century English Folk-art Policeman Whirligig Figure An early 20th Century hand carved English folk-art policeman whirligig figure. With natural wear and patina this figur...

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Jigger Doll Top Hat & Tail A great example of an early 20th century English hand carved folk art articulated jigger doll. With a brilliantly shaped body and hand painted detail and carved top hat and tail gentleman’s outfit. Stood on a wire stand...

Rare Nutwood Edelweis Marquetry Chair Swiss Brienz 1900 A very nice antique Swiss nutwood chair decorated with inlayed and painted sceneries depicting ibex and chamois. The backrest...

A scarce American carnival coin toss game. The rare and unusual antique hand carved and painted solid wood amusement park / county fair / mid-way gaming tabl...

This is quite unusual piece of Folk Art. It looks like an architect’s model of a boat house. It is probably from the 1930s and is in amazing condition. It looks like a Thai style...

Early carved wood small Salampasu Warrior's Mask, Zaire, Africa early 20th century, remains of black and white pigments, on custom stand. Mask 10", height on stand 14" strong angul...

A great set of Native American Indian pom pom snowshoes with the traditional bent wood form with woven rawhide feet supports. From a larger collection of Native American artifacts...

Antique French Art Nouveau Stained Leaded Glass Windows with Birds in More Recent Wooden Frames - a Pair. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 30" H x 25" W x 1" D. Stained Glass:...

Vintage Wooden Walking Bear Handcarved in Brienz ca. 1930s A vintage statue of a Black Forest walking bear. Made of lindenwood, finely handcarved with na...

This is Central Anatolian antique Kilim from the Konya - Hotamis region with a rare and beautiful color composition. It belongs to the scallop from the Konya region of Central Anato...

Antique Wild Boar Piggy Bank Made of Clay An antique piggy back in the shape of a wild boar. Handmade of clay. It has no opening on the base thus ...

Antique French Carved Wood Hand Painted Carousel Horse Statue This antique French carved wood hand-painted carousel horse statue embodies the charm and artistry of classic carousel...

Signed Pintail Decoy, circa 1900 We are proud to offer a unique hand carved circa 1900 working decoy, representing a pintail in original paint, and signed with makers initials and owners mark. This example shows some lovely aged detail which makes it a highly decorative and collectable artifact...

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...

Powerful early cubist carved wood standing female figure from the Bobo-Fing of Burkina Faso, Africa. Created early 20th century. Ex private collection Texas, originally acquired from James Willis...

Fabulous handcrafted antique Moroccan Moorish ceramic vase in Moorish style adorned with fine filigree silver nickel work with handles. The color of the ceramic is renowned as bleu de Fez. Blue and white footed ceramic vase...

An exuberant early 20th century Turkish runner. Bright reds, orange, green and blue. Measures: 3' x 10'11''.

Middle Eastern traditional Arabian brass Dallah coffee pot. Coffee pot hand-hammered and chased copper with riveted brass finish and a very large spout....

West Anatolia is one of the largest weaving regions in Turkey. Since the 15th century, Turkish rugs have always been on top of the list for having fine Oriental rugs. Oushak rugs su...

This rare antique Hopi HeHeya Clown Kachina doll, carved in the first quarter of the 20th century, is an exceptional example of traditional Hopi spiritual...

Native American Yakama Indian dress with fully beaded cape, same both sides. Brain/smoked tanned with replaced chest of commercial tanned. Bright yellow background with rose floral d...

Large Japanese lacquer and Papier-Mâché (19th Century) Iki Ningyo mask or sometimes referred to as Noh mask, mounted on custom painted metal base.  Trim...

Pair of folky original painted pantry boxes. One is larger then the other. The smaller of the two is carved buttons and the larger states thread on ...

Early 20Thc Hand carved head of Lincoln.This folky head has a black painted shirt.

Architects Model circa 1920 We are proud to offer a unique circa 1920s architects model of a timber-clad colonial style house in original paint. An a...

This is a set of 5 vintage kitchen canisters. An English, ceramic cooking ingredient jar, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930. Char...

This early twentieth-century miniature ladder, from the Dogon culture in Mali, replicates the form of full-size granary ladder, however, unlike its larger, practical counterparts, th...

Hollow Canada goose decoy, attributed to Ira Hudson, of Chincoteague, VA. Hollow, with original paint - in as found condition. Chip shots and age to spare. ...

Charming handcrafted Provincial French woven wire work basket, circa 1900. A well-executed nicely shaped 'pannier' with moveable handles and decorative loop...

A Chinese silk pictorial rug. On a border-less burgundy red ground, 11 Immortals stand on clouds .Each immortal has its own unique colorful outfit o...

A Wooden Carved Black Forest Thermometer with Bear Item e7302 A finely carved Black Forest desk set with a bear sitting next to a thermometer. A great example of the art of woodworki...

Schoolhouse is one of the most iconic of American quilt patterns. This lovely example has each Schoolhouse set in a vivid red frame with x's at the intersections between the blocks. ...

This fantastic hand hooked pictorial farm scene rug with large chicken featured in the center.Originally found in New England.It is sewn on linen and mounted...

Very tough to find Vienna bronze of a night watchman and is by Franz Bergman. The bronze figure dates from the late 1800s-early 1900s. Has cold paint ac...

A gorgeous natural brown French pagoda-style birdcage. Created in the early 20th century of wood and metal, this lovely cage is shaped to look like a chinoiserie pagoda with a dome at the top. Topped with a round hanging hook, this piece can hang in just about any space. Metal vertical bars surround...

1920's English "Private Bar" etched glass sign framed in oak frame.

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 ...

Carved wood dance mask from China with smiling expression, large square hat or headdress. Traces of many layers of paint, including red, blue, black and white pigments. Darkened pat...

Made by George Grant of Nantucket (1857-1942). Grant, the son of whaling captain Charles Grant, was born in 1857 during a whaling voyage. His mother, ...

Hutch swan decoy from Maryland with original paint and glass eyes, yellow pine with gesso and original paint. In as found condition. Splits and cracks but not distracting. Carved by ...

Handcrafted large Moroccan polychrome decorative ceramic plate from Fez. Bleu de Fez, very nice designs hand painted by artist in Fez. Geometrical and floral designs and adorned wit...

12ft Long Hovis Advertising Baker’s Shop Sign, Reverse Painted, Gold Leaf This is a very long pictorial sign, it is reputed to be part of the decoration from the Head Office The si...

Presenting a beautiful Art Nouveau Era, American carved walnut bowl from circa 1910. Beautiful Art Nouveau design with floral motifs, a stunning ...

Kuba Lidded Wooden Container – DRC, Early to Mid-20th Century A finely carved wooden container with lid from the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This authentic piece...

Decorative ceramic tile by Antoni Gaudi, inspired by the marigold and dianthus motifs on the decorative ceramic tiles he designed for the facade of Casa Vicens, which constitute some...

Early 20th century hand carved pine fairground figure A rare piece of fairground art, in the form of a hand carved, painted polychrome Jeu de massacre fairground knock- down figure. ...

Early 20th C. Brick/Cream Wool Stepped Polygon and Cross Ceremonial Carpet, Tibet A wool carpet from Tibet with a talismanic stepped-polygon and cross motif in a rich brick red on a...

Antique Head of a Sicilian puppet, ca. 1900s Antique Head of a Sicilian puppet depicting a knight. Made of handcarved and handpainted wood with handfo...

Early Mounted Half Block Ship Model of a 1936s America's Cup Sloop This half block miniature boat model is dedicated to Joe and has quiet the provenanc...

A Lovely Carved Black Forest Bear for Sewing Utensils, Pierre Michel, Brienz Item e7285 A nicely carved Black Forest bear for sewing utensils. It features a pincushion, needle deposi...

This fine early twentieth-century headrest, from the Zulu culture in South Africa, was previously part of a selection of exceptional Southern African art in the Terence and Bernice P...

A Powerful Baule Mask With rich dark ‘lacquered black’ patina, excellent colour with areas of ‘kaolin’ Wood Ivory Coast Early 20th Century Size: 32.5cm high - 12¾ ins high Prov...

This folk art finger staved covered sugar bucket or firkin shows no indication of a specific maker, or country of origin. We presume this covered bucket...

Chinese Lanzhou Gourd carving with macrame cord on root stand sculpture. Early 20th century large engraved and carved Chinese Lanzhou gourd. Dramatic des...