DIMINUTIVE OPTOMETRIST TRADE SIGN, HAND-BLOWN, COLORED GLASS

Exceptional and intricate blown glass ship, in red, white, and blue, tall and shapely with a billowing commission pennant and flag, probably Czechoslovakia, last quarter of the 19th century This mindboggling, intricate little ship is one of the more remarkable pieces of blown glass that I have ever encountered. Probably Czech-made and similar in nature to some of their most rare and extraordinary, figural, blown glass Christmas...

Early American trade sign: “B. BRISCOE, TAILOR,” circa 1810-1850, with a backwards “S” and extraordinary surface Early, painted, American trade...

Loom-woven horse blanket, made circa 1890-1910. The striped and geometric pattern consists of lime green, sunfire red, and ivory, against winter/summer, reversible grounds of forest ...

This fun pair of folk art fish-hats, made ca 1920, are carefully constructed of wire, fabric, and leather. Their brightly painted surfaces were obviously...

EXCEPTIONAL PATRIOTIC SCHERENSCHNITTE (PAPER CUTTING), IN THE STYLE OFTEN ATTRIBUTED TO ISAAC STIEHLY, ENTITLED “LIBERTY,” WITH IMAGERY THAT INCLUDES AN AMERICAN EAGLE WITH A 14 STAR, 14 STRIPE FLAG IN ITS BEAK, A RATTLESNAKE, LOVE BIRDS, AND EAGLES ON URNS, CA 1830-1850 This exceptional patriotic scherenschnitte was executed in the style often attributed to Pennsylvania German minister Isaac Stiehly (1800-1869). Scholars now agree that one or more artists, working in New York, were producing their own work in a very similar style. Several examples are known that bear the names of New York and/or New Jersey residents, while two, in particular, include text that celebrates the 1844 New York mayoral election victory of publishing magnate James Harper [founder of what is now Harper Collins], who ran on a ticket sponsored by the American Republican Party, a nativist organization concerned with the loss of American jobs to Irish immigrants. Note the quality of the cutwork on this example, the centerpiece of which is a large American eagle, gripping a coiled rattlesnake and holding an American flag in its beak. Above, in a lozenge-shaped medallion, the word "Liberty" is executed in large script. To the left and right of this are elaborately decorated ovals, and anchoring each corner of the work are snowflake-like medallions. To each side of the eagle, and below, is a plethora of flora and fauna, the outermost pillars of which are supported by two urns, decorated with eagles. At the bottom center is a diamond within a heart, with two doves, one of which is offering the other a leaf. Above this there are appear to be crude representations of a gnome and a fairy flanking and urn decorated with another heart, from which grow the vines in the center window. Interlocking rings decorate the border, probably to represent marriage, and it can logically be presumed that the scherenschnitte was a wedding gift. It is of interest to note that the flag displays both 14 stars and 14 stripes. Although the reason for the use of this count is unknown, on the surface it does appear to be intentional. Other known patriotic scherenschnitte display flags with various star and stripe counts. Of those I have personally owned, the one bore 14 stars and 13 stripes, another 11 stars and 13 stripes, another displayed two flags, including a 12 star flag with 14 stripes and a 14 star jack (a blue naval flag with stars but no stripes), and another, also with 2 flags, displayed a 20 star flag...

Diminutive blanket box, in windsor green paint, with rare and beautiful unicorn stencils. Made ca 1820-1840, the chest was found in the Mahantango Valley of Pennsylvania. Very likely...

Figural trade sign in the form of a mortar and pestle, both the mortar and pestle are hand turned and gilded, with strong ring turnings. The top is capped with zinc and still bears i...

The patina is so wonderful on this 20thc Meat Market trade sign. The sign is in good used condition.There is a minor crack in the middle of the sign. This sign was found in Pennsylvania.It is a double sided sign...

American wrought iron and gilt trade sign bracket with decorative scroll work and gilt ball motif. Late 19th Century

American folk art trade sign from an apothecary or pharmacy with the word 'DRUGS' in black paint with white shadow lines on an orange ground. Painted on a single pine plank with notc...

Antique Folk Art hand painted double-sided wooden trade sign dating from the early 20th Century... 1920s? 1930s? A wonderful whimsical sign most likely...

A superb hand engraved boot makers trade sign. c.1920 Hand carved lettering on alabaster for 'G. WINCH, BOOTMAKER AND REPAIRER'. Fantastic font, form and patina. A small historic ...