Folk Art Toys
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.
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Style: Folk Art
Antique Child's Folk Art Sleigh
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Handmade antique child's wood Folk Art sleigh.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Wood
Mexican Arbol de la Vida Tree Life Dolls ColorFolk Art Ceramic Clay Candelabra
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This colorful tree of life (árbol de la vida) with a toy like aspect is a unique piece by Marco Antonio Castillo, son of renowned artist Alfonso Castillo. Hand made with natural clay...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Toys
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Antique Folk Art Painted Spinning Top Toy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Folk Art turned and painted wooden toy top retaining its original paint (ca. late 19th Century, USA).
Features a notched stem and striped multi-color design in yellow, green and red....
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Wood, Paint
"Uncle Wiggly" Toy Rabbit Wind Up Toy Signed "Gene Rosch" by Chein Toy Co C.1938
Located in Incline Village, NV
Dancing rabbit wind up toy, "Uncle Wiggly", was made by the Chein Toy Company, of New York City, circa 1938. It was designed, and the creation of foremost leading toy inventor Gene ...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
German Tinplate Clockwork Wind Up Toy By Ernest Paul Lehman "Quack Quack" C 1903
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a very popular Lehman wind up toy; emblematic of "whimsy" typical of Ernest Paul Lehman whose toy company opened in Brandenburg, Germany in 1881.. The action portrays a mama ...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
Vintage American Wind Up Tin Toy "Milton Berle" Crazy Car by Marx Toy Co C.1952
Located in Incline Village, NV
The "Milton Berle" car is one of a series of "Crazy Cars" manufactured by the Louis Marx Toy Company of New York City; this one being one of the more prolific examples, owing to the ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
Vintage Child's Toy Tin Large Spinning Top by Chein Company, American, Ca. 1950
Located in Incline Village, NV
Highly colorful and completely operational hard to find LARGE tin child's toy spinning top made by the J. Chein Company, Harrison, New Jersey, Circa 1950. It works great and is in co...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
Vintage Wind-Up Toy, Circa 1950 "Smiling Boy Polishing Boots" Rare
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a very rare toy that I have not seen an example of before, and judging by it's action and appearance, I would venture to say it is post war, probably made in Japan for the American market (boy looks very American). I have called it "Smiling Boy Polishing Boots" which resembles the clockwork movement. To operate: hold the toy in the left hand with thumb on chest and then; wind up attached original key with the right hand several times; and release. With a smiling face, the boy will roll his head back and forth, while diligently shining his black boots, using an up and down motion with his right hand. The toy works quite well and will go on for some time. It is made up of several materials. The head, hands, and shoes are made of composition; it has a tin body; the clothes jersey, hat, and "falling" trousers" are made of fabric. The toy is in good original condition; some wear to boy's hat and jersey in back (see images), a slight "bend" to tinplate in the rear; but for the most part, the toy is very sturdy, works well, has a nice appearance, and wonderful charisma.
This is a charming rare toy that operates as it should, and is a "must have" for collectors of post-war vintage wind up toys...
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Composition, Tin
Pair of Reindeer Antique Still Banks, American, circa 1910
Located in Incline Village, NV
These two authentic cast iron antique still banks depict a large reindeer and a smaller one standing nearby. Together, they make a wonderful Christ...
Category
1910s American Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Iron
Child' Wind Up Toy "Crawling Beetle" by The Lehman Toy Co. Germany, Circa 1900
Located in Incline Village, NV
Listed as #431 in the Lehman catalogues this wonderful vintage children's wind up toy, manufactured by the prestigious and iconic Lehman Toy Company of Germany; was patented in 1895 (see image--markings under wing ). The toy was made for over 25 years and was quite popular. When wound up using the underside attached clockwork( key (see attached movie) the toy depicts the six legged beetle crawling across the floor by moving it's legs back and forth while flapping it's wings in the air. All the markings "Pat. U.S.A." "D.R.G.M." "Pat April 23, 1895" "Lehman" are clearly marked under the wing (see image). It is lithographed and hand painted in colors of bluish green wings, a red and white head, yellow and black under wings, with red and blackish green legs.
This particular example is completely original ,which is highly unusual for this toy as a search of other examples would reveal that one or several of the legs are typically lacking, or repaired, as are the fragile wings as well. There is no restoration and no touch up paint of any kind. to this toy. It is original in every respect.
The toy is catalogued as "EPL #431" and documented on page 59 and 60 of the book "Lehman Toys" by Jurgen & Marianne Cieslik, published in 1982.
Dimensions: 4 1/4" long x 2" high x 4" wide
Provenance: Recently acquired from a highly regarded West Coast collection of antique wind...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
"William Tell" Mechanical Toy Savings Bank. American, Circa 1896 (All Original)
Located in Incline Village, NV
"William Tell" mechanical bank was patented and manufactured in 1896 by the J. & E. Steven's Company in Cromwell, Connecticut (please see image of the underneath with patent informat...
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Iron
Early 20th Century Toy Noah's Ark, German
Located in Incline Village, NV
Toy Noah’s Arks for children to play with were very popular in the late 19th and early 20th century, and Germany was very prolific in their production. This particular ark is all ori...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Toys
Materials
Wood
Antique Child's Pedal Toy Car
Located in Oakville, CT
American vintage, antique child's pedal tricycle metal toy car in great working condition.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Toys
Materials
Metal
"Cat Boat" Mechanical Toy Penny Bank, American, circa 1968
By Utexiqual Products
Located in Incline Village, NV
In near mint and all original condition this vintage mechanical bank appeals to both sailing enthusiasts and bank collectors; perhaps a collector of "cat" memorabelia as well. The theme depicts two sailors riding their boat in full sail. It is quite substantial in both size and weight. To operate, (with the lever pushed all the way in from the left); place a coin vertically above the left arm of the sailor in red; from the right; push the lever all the way in. The sail and Boom hits the sailor, knocking him over as the coin drops into the bank. The other sailor moves forward while manning the tiller.
The bank is named "Cat Boat...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Aluminum, Iron, Tin
Early 20th Century Scratch-Built Clockwork Boat
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century scratch-built clockwork boat
A brilliant example of an early 20th century scratch-built clockwork tugboat. Hand crafted from found o...
Category
1930s British Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Wood
Mexican Wood Toy Colorful Wheel of Fortune Folk Art Handmade Artisanal Mechanic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
By master artisans Sanjuana España Rodríguez and husband Guillermo Trejo Soriano (Guanajuato, México) have been known for hand crafting Mexican traditional toys. Sanjuana's late fath...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Toys
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Mexican Wood Toy Day of the Dead Skulls Folk Art Handmade Artisanal Mechanic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Discover the charm of traditional Mexican folk art with this handcrafted wooden “Day of the Dead Calaveritas” toy, created by master artisans Sanjuana España Rodríguez and Guillermo ...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Toys
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Mexican Folk Art Woodcarving Guelaguetza Folkloric Art Oaxaca
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
One of a kind piece by master artisans, husband and wife Manuel and Ruby Cruz, represents a lifetime of dedication to the art of wood carving. Beautiful Folk Art sculpture of the tra...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Folk Art Toys
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Mechanical Bank 'Sentry', circa 1925
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Sentry" tin mechanical bank is very difficult to find, having been made in Germany by the company Saalheimer & Strauss for the British market. The rif...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Jigger Doll Mr Shoes
Located in London, GB
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...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Pine
Napoleonic Prisoner of War Casket Dominoes Set
Located in London, GB
Napoleonic Prisoner of war casket Dominoes set
We share what we love, and we love this early 19th century Napoleonic prisoner of war cask...
Category
1820s French Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Bone
Mechanical Bank "Saluting Sailor", circa 1920s
Located in Incline Village, NV
This mechanical bank "Saluting Sailor" was manufactured in the 1920s by Saalheimer & Strauss Company in Germany. It is in excellent all original condition and brightly hand painted in colors of red, white, blue, yellow, and grey. There is an ever so slight crease to the left on dial.
The bank operates as follows:
Press down on the lever in front just beneath the steering wheel.
The sailor raises his right arm and lowers his left arm revealing a slot on the right side of the bank where the sailor's left arm was, inviting the deposit of a coin (see image). Release the lever, and the arms return to their original position (see image).
Coins are removed via the original key lock trap.
The bank measures:
6 3/4" high
4 7/8" wide
2" deep
I am a leading specialist in the field of antique mechanical coin banks...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
Swedish Antique Toy Rocking Horse, All Original, Origin: Sweden, circa 1870
Located in New York, NY
Swedish antique toy rocking horse, origin: Sweden, circa 1870 - 1900.
Beautiful, untouched, original condition including the paint, ...
Category
19th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Iron
Antique Folk Art Painted Spinning Top Toy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Folk Art turned and painted wooden toy top retaining its original paint (ca. late 19th Century, USA).
Features a notched stem and striped multi-color design in yellow, green and red....
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Wood, Paint
Mexican Wood Toy Colorful Wheel of Fortune Folk Art Handmade Artisanal Mechanic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
By master artisans Sanjuana España Rodríguez and husband Guillermo Trejo Soriano (Guanajuato, México) have been known for hand crafting Mexican traditional toys. Sanjuana's late fath...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Toys
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Great Folk Art Elephant Riding Toy
Located in Branford, CT
Exceptional folk art child's ride-on toy elephant with head-turning mechanism. Carved wood with original, beautifully executed paint. Original cording tail, fabric trunk, and leather...
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Wood Circus Toy Mexican Lion Tamer Mechanic Traditional Folk Art Hand Painted
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
By master artisans Sanjuana España Rodríguez and husband Guillermo Trejo Soriano (Guanajuato, México) have been known for hand crafting Mexican traditional toys. Sanjuana's late fath...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Toys
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Puppet Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century English folk art puppet figure
We share what we love, and we love this early 20th century articulated folk art puppet figure. Made from hand carved pin, The base (handle) moves up and down to animate the puppets head. Arms are moved with the sticks. Original linen clothes...
Category
1920s European Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Pine
Vintage "Barnacle Bill" Tin Windup Toy by The Chein Company, N.Y.C Circa 1930's
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Barnacle Bill" was a very popular cartoon character for whom this toy was named after and was made in the 1930's by the J. Chein Toy Company of New York City. There is some evidence...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
Mechanical Bank Speaking Dog By The Shepard Co Ca 1885; with Original Wooden Box
By Shepard Hardware Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
Manufactured in 1884 by the Shepard Hardware Company in Buffalo, New York, this cast iron mechanical bank measures 7 1/8" long and is in excellent all original condition and paint, especially considering that the Shepard Company did not use a primer rendering their surface more vulnerable than say, the Steven's Company. There is no touch up or repaint, and no restoration of any kind. Colors of bright red on the dress, flesh tones, tan colored dog, and maroon base are all very bright and crisp. The bank is accompanied by the original wooden box in which it was originally shipped; a very special find and charming piece of Americana. Rare to find the original box. The bank and box came directly from an estate and the original owner, and I have owned it since then for over 35 years. The theme of the bank depicts a young Victorian girl playing with her golden retriever. It is one of only four antique mechanical banks...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Iron
American Mechanical Bank "Melody-Bank, " circa 1946
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Melody-Bank" is a rare bank and was manufactured by "Electric Coding Machine Co., N.Y.C." in 1946. American made, this is a genuine and authentic vintage mechanical bank, albeit somewhat later, having been manufactured in 1946. It maintains all of the elements of a collectible antique mechanical bank; pleasing shelf appeal and wonderful musical action. The metal faux textured, green painted casing on five sides is fronted by cardboard on wood, filled with delightful images of "children at play with money" lithography.
To operate: Wind up the mechanism by turning the brass dial in front clockwise; then put a nickel, dime, or quarter in the appropriate slot at the top. Music will play as additional lithography depicting children's nursery rhymes rotate on the interior circular dial ("Little Boy Blue", "Mary Had A Little Lamb", etc.).
Coins are removed by unscrewing the metal plate at the rear bottom.
Bank is in excellent all original condition with fully operable musical mechanism.
Dimensions: 7" high x 4 9/16" wide x 3" deep.
I am a leading specialist in the field of antique mechanical coin banks...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Metal
Vintage Tin Wind Up Toy by Louis Marx Toy Co. "Motorcycle Cop" American, C.1938
Located in Incline Village, NV
Colorful, great looking, wonderful action, and well made vintage toy in fabulous original condition; everything wanted in an antique toy. The toy is the larger size 8 1/2" version an...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
Vintage "Rolly Dolly" Musical Toy "BoBo The Clown". German, Circa 1927
Located in Incline Village, NV
Vintage hard to find "Rolly Dolly" Musical Toy, of German manufacture, circa 1927; depicts a clown by the nickname of "BoBo"; named after a famous clown during that period ----BoBo ...
Category
1920s German Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Composition
Mexican Wood Toy Colorful Wheel of Fortune Folk Art Handmade Artisanal Mechanic
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
By master artisans Sanjuana España Rodríguez and husband Guillermo Trejo Soriano (Guanajuato, México) have been known for hand crafting Mexican traditional toys. Sanjuana's late fath...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Toys
Materials
Acrylic, Wood
Antique Child's Folk Art Sleigh
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Handmade antique child's wood Folk Art sleigh.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Wood
English Jigger Doll
Located in London, GB
English Jigger Doll
We are proud to offer an early 20th century hand carved folk art English jigger doll example. Carved from pine and joined with brass supports. Jig dolls are traditional wooden or tin-plate ‘toys’ for adults or children. Obtained from a private collection in London and untouched in form with all its original featured intact. They are dolls with loose limbs that step dance...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Pine
"Organ Bank" with Cat and Dog, circa 1882, American
By Kyser & Rex Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
This American cast iron bank known as "Organ Bank" (Cat and Dog), was manufactured by Kyser & Rex Company, Frankford, Pennsylvania in 1882. It conforms exac...
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Iron
Set of 4 Vintage Mexican Wrestling Fighters Figures
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this fantastic set of 4 Mexican wrestling fighters, made in plastic and hand painted, circa 1970. Excellent vintage conditions.
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Plastic, Paint
Rare Vintage "Rolly Dolly" Musical Toy; Germany, Circa 1895
Located in Incline Village, NV
Vintage and rare "Rolly Dolly" Musical Toy by unknown German manufacturer; circa 1895; contemporaneous with early Schoenhut toys, it depicts a "Well Dres...
Category
1890s German Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Composition
Mexican Arbol de la Vida Tree Life Dolls ColorFolk Art Ceramic Clay Candelabra
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
This colorful tree of life (árbol de la vida) with a toy like aspect is a unique piece by Marco Antonio Castillo, son of renowned artist Alfonso Castillo. Hand made with natural clay...
Category
2010s Mexican Folk Art Toys
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
"Peg-Leg Beggar" Mechanical Bank, American, circa 1880
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Peg-leg Beggar" 19th century cast iron mechanical bank was probably inspired by the many disabled Civil War veterans begging for their subsistence. The bank was manufactured by the ...
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Iron
Weathered Folk Art Miniature Shop Counter 1950s
Located in Meer, VAN
Weathered Folk Art Miniature Shop Counter, Europe, 1950s.
This miniature shop counter likely started its life as a well loved toy. Now is a very attractive decorative folk art piece...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Folk Art Toys
Materials
Wood
Giant Hand-Made Wooden Bowling Balls, 1960s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand made wooden bowling balls with thumb and finger grips carved out of the wood. 12" in diameter. Heavy and substantial. Slightly varying size and patina for each ball giving them ...
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Wood
Mid Century Japanese Tin Litho Friction Toy Car Chevrolet Station Wagon C1956
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic Japanese tin litho toy car from the mid to late fifties. A Chevrolet Station Wagon in excellent vintage condition with minimal wear, practi...
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Metal
Mechanical Bank "Pelican, " Made of Cast Iron, circa 1878
By John Gerrard
Located in Incline Village, NV
The Pelican Mechanical Bank is made of cast iron and was manufactured by The J. & E. Steven's Manufacturing Company, in Cromwell, Connecticut in 1878. It was, however, created by John Gerard of the Trenton Lock & Hardware Company in Trenton, New Jersey. This is probably the best example I've had for sale and is in excellent all original condition and paint. Often times the top beak of the pelican is replaced or repaired this example has the original beak. There were several variations made of the figure in the pelican's mouth. This is the "mammy" example. The bank was finished in both a gold and a dark...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Iron
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century English Folk Art Figure
We share what we love, and we love this early 20th Century example of an English doubl...
Category
1920s European Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Pine
Early 20th Century English Ventriloquist Dummy
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century English Ventriloquist Dummy
An unusual example of a hand-crafted early 20th Century English ventriloquist dummy. With tailored made velour outfit with pearl but...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Cotton, Velvet, Wood, Paper
Folk Art Styled Airstream Travel Trailer Toy
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A toy Airstream Folk Art styled travel trailer with silver faded and patina paint having a lift up back end and side door revealing beds, sink and livin...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Toys
Materials
Wood, Plywood
Six Kobe Toys, Japanese, Meiji Period, circa 1895
By Kobe Toys
Located in Incline Village, NV
Kobe Toys are very mysterious and not much is known about them. They were created and hand made, strictly for tourists and foreigners (never exported) during ...
Category
1890s Japanese Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Ebony
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Jigger Doll Top Hat & Tail
Located in London, GB
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...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Pine
Early 20th Century Folk art English Articulated Toy Dog Form
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Folk art English Articulated Toy Dog Form
A very unusual and quirky example of an early 20th century English folk art articulated weighted jaw toy dog. Made from ...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Faux Leather
Swedish Folk Art bridge bookshelf, designed by Petrus & Sture Lundström 1925
Located in London, GB
A wonderful and skilfully executed piece of Swedish Folk Art. In 1925 readers of the Swedish family magazine Allérs familj-journal, would have found instructions for building this im...
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Copper
Set of Eight Folk Art Carnival Punks / Knockdown Dolls
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Folk Art carnival punks / knockdown dolls composed of canvas forms lined with cotton fur supported by carved wood bases for added stability / weight, c...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Toys
Materials
Canvas, Cotton, Wood
Late 19th Century Large Painted Folk Art Hobbyhorse with Sea Glass Eyes
Located in Middleburg, VA
Late 19th Century Large Painted Folk Art Hobbyhorse with Sea Glass Eyes. America, 1880-1900. Measures: 26.5" H, 33" W, 11" D
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Jigger Doll
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century jigger doll
We are proud to offer an early 20th century hand carved jigger doll. Made for a light pine wood, with hand carved detail across its face and lovely Chelsea boots. Jig dolls or les gigueux are old and established wooden or tin – plate “toys...
Category
1930s British Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Pine
"Toby" Jug Still Bank and Biscuit Tin, circa 1910
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is both a still bank and a biscuit tin. It would originally have been sold, filled with biscuits. After all of the cookies would have been consumed, the tin (rather than been thrown away) would have been used as a bank to save money. There is a slot for deposits at the back of the neck at the top (see image). Coins would have been removed by lifting or twisting the snug fitting lid. Toby is nicely hand-painted in pleasing colors of green, blue, gold, and white, with realistic flesh tones to the hands and face. The total height is 6 1/2" while the total width is 6" (includes handle). Diameter at the base is 5".
This Toby figured tin was manufactured circa 1911 by the biscuit tin company of Hudson Scott located in Carlisle, England.
It is marked at the bottom "Hudson Scott & Sons Ltd. Carlisle, England."
It has crossover appeal into three categories of collectors. It would be a welcome addition to both the still bank collector and the biscuit tin collector...
Category
1910s English Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
Folk Art Wood Horse Pull Toy
Located in Garnerville, NY
Fantastic hand crafted carved wood horse pull toy. Possibly made from scraps of wood during the Depression Era resembling a Trojan Horse of sorts. Carv...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Toys
Materials
Pine
19th C Dutch Fabric Dolls- Man & Women
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These amazing 19th c fabric dolls are in amazing condition. These Dutch dolls have the original wood shoes /clogs. These dolls are so wonderful and undisturbed clothing.
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Fabric
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Jigger Doll
Located in London, GB
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 charming hand carved boots, moustache and top hat, metal pins in its joints for articulation purposes. Stood on a metal wire stand...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Pine
Late 19th Century Flat Bottom Toy Noah's Ark with 34 Figures. German Circa 1880
Located in Incline Village, NV
Offered for sale is a very traditional Folk Art item; a handcrafted Noah's Ark toy with 34 hand-painted and hand-carved animals (includes Noah and Naamah). The flat bottom ark indica...
Category
1880s German Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Wood
Vintage French Toy "Les Acrobates", circa 1920
By G. Doloy
Located in Incline Village, NV
Rare 100 year old French toy in it's original box depicting two acrobats attached to a wire frame with brown barrel weights, cascading down a green metal ladder. Once assembled (loop...
Category
1920s French Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
Pair Scottie Dogs Atop Book Theme Japanese Puzzle Bank Occupied Japan Circa 1948
Located in Incline Village, NV
Quite an unusual piece for bank collectors or just for those seeking a unique collectible. This is a coin bank made of all wood; walnut and inlay here and there; simulating a stack and shelf of books; a pair of "Scottie dogs" (terriers) on top of the bank completes the decoration. The slot on top of the bank accommodates the saving of coins. When it is full; the method of opening the bank to remove the coins, exemplifies the ultimate in Japanese ingenuity.
A video attached to the listing displays the foregoing.
With the books facing you; slide the two front bottom panels to the left; slide the bottom right panel forward (tilt forward) exposing the opening; slide out the enclosed loose key; push everything back; slide left half of front panel to the left; the middle book drops down exposing the key hole; insert and turn the key to the right to open; lift the hinged lid; remove coins and reverse the process to start over again. Fantastic item!!!
This bank was made in Japan, right after World War ll, during the occupation, around 1948. It is a further manifestation of a mid to early 19th century tradition of hiding documents and money in boxes with "tricks" and a multiplicity of "moves" to unlock a box or trunk.
With these banks, it is all about condition and completeness, considering the rough play and use it was subject to from trying to figure out how to open it. This particular bank is in excellent and all original, complete condition with no repairs and no replacements, and is from my own personal collection of banks; having been in my possession since 1985. Worth noting is that this example was featured in "Antiquing and Collecting" magazine September 2003 edition in an article on Japanese Puzzle...
Category
1940s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Wood
Rare Antique Wooden Child's Ride on Wooden Toy Boat by Nautilus Toy Co. London
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare antique wooden child's ride on wooden toy boat by Nautilus Toy Co. London wonderful Folk Art object. 1920s ride on toy made by the Nautilus Toy Compan...
Category
1920s English Vintage Folk Art Toys
Materials
Metal
Antique Folk Art Red Painted Wood & Iron Childrens Sled Sleigh 49"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Victorian wooden children’s sled with iron wrapped runners, painted dark red with the word “Belle” picked out in gold.
Category
19th Century Antique Folk Art Toys
Materials
Iron
Folk Art toys for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art toys for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage toys created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art toys made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original toys, popular names associated with this style include Louis Marx and Company, Nils Olsson, John Wright Company, and A.C. Williams Company. 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. Prices for toys differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $35 and tops out at $9,500 while the average work can sell for $1,013.