Neoclassical Revival Folk Art

Very early American wooden games board; probably the oldest I have handled, this dates to about circa 1835 and exhibits the markings of a typical cottage industry type manufacture (not unlike very early Noah's Arks). Obviously entirely hand crafted; measurements are not exactly square (left to right; top to bottom), probably made of a local soft wood, and hand painted with squares not perfectly delineated. Black light and "loop" inspection reveals age crazing and original paint that, in conjunction with original wear and no attempt to touch up, dates it to the early 19th century. In addition the screws/nails affixed to the hinges are hand forged and in my opinion are of the period I state. In my 50 years of dealing I have had several early 19th century "games" tables; this board game ensemble resembles some of those items. The dice container is also of that vintage. The checker pieces (14 black and 14 yellow) are early and hand carved; while the backgammon pieces in the period box (also hand carved) are turn of the century. Most definitely American, as the last thing an English immigrant would have brought to America at that time would have been a game. When closed, or in the folding position, the board game simulates and is made to look like two books resting side by side (see images), and thusly, was made to sit on a book shelf, either horizontally or vertically; and to be pulled out to play games when desired, which would have been either the game of checkers (draughts), chess, or backgammon. The board opens up to a two sided game option. On one side is the proverbial 64 square (English/ American version) of chess or checkers; and on the other side is a backgammon board. Both sides are hand painted in gold and black, with a rust colored border around the checkerboard. The interior backgammon play area is also black and gold with the same color rust area to the central part. Nail hinges in the center frame, pivot the two sides to open, while a leather covering borders the edge trim, which is 50% lacking on the hinge side. I state the condition to be good, considering it's age, it's use, and the fact that it is still very "usable" and, if taken care of, will probably continue to be so for nearly another 200 years! The checkers, (12) black pieces and (12) yellow (the correct numbers) are hand carved in wood and hand painted. The backgammon pieces (stored in period wooden box) contain 14 yellow hand painted and carved pieces and (13) black ones. (15) of each color are used to play backgammon (simply use the checkers, which are just about the same size (see images) to make up the difference. Most antique game boards...

A whimsical hand carved lion statue from Africa. Hand carved by local artisans in East Africa in the 1970s, this wooden statue will be a great accen...

Ten carpet balls crafted in stoneware, decorated and glazed in several different colors and designs including a white cue ball.

The Holy Bible With An Abridgement Of The Commentaries Of Scott And Henry Bound in full navy Morocco with the covers displaying open-tooled bordering details, an indented central ti...

Moroccan Orientalist oil on canvas painting of a 19th century Moroccan market scene with an old men seating on a carpet selling old coins and a Moorish...

This is an original oil painting on canvas by renowned American artist, violet Parkhurst. This painting is hand signed in the lower right quadrant. The artwork has been executed on canvas. This painting was appraised by violet Parkhurst galleries. Provenance: this fine artwork came from an estate in Maryland, United States. A certificate of authenticity hand signed by Parkhurst galleries, will be included with this sale. Many original paintings by violet Parkhurst were used as images for famous illustrations, lithographic prints and decorative artwork. This fine painting will add character and class to any home. Moreover, the strength of this artist’s recent sales...

Vincenzo Eulissi 1970 gilded bronze modern sculpture in lost wax.

The elegant features of the young Antinous, a favorite of beloved Roman emperor Hadrian, are masterfully captured with exceptional richness in this plaster bust of the ancient Greek hero...

This decorative sculpture rests on a metal pedestal, representing the face of the Borghese Gladiator, a Greek statue dating back to the 1st century BC and preserved today in the Louvre Museum. This piece's irregular cut and antiqued patina recreate the corrosive bronze surfaces of Ancient sculptures found in the seabed, such as the Riace bronzes.

This stunning table is the ideal surface to play backgammon, chess, and checkers in style. The wood structure is upholstered in leather and features removable legs, so that both sides of the beveled top can be used: a backgammon field with leather inlays on one side and an inlaid chessboard on the other. Under the top three leather-covered trays with compartments store the boxwood chess pawns, the maple and walnut backgammon...

Substantial cowhide bag with brass hardware and closure. Used a travel bag for physicians to play tools and prescriptions in. Perfect as a purse or for tra...

Sophisticated Italian chess set from the 1970s, crafted in rich tortoiseshell-pattern Lucite with polished brass accents. The board lifts to reveal a fitted interior tray that neatly...