Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Antique Wind-Up Double Decker open air bus by the Ferdinand Strauss Toy Company, New York; circa 1925; is quite a large and substantial toy resembling very closely, buses of that era...

This very fine meticulously constructed wooden scale model copies the design of a late 18th or early 19th century full sized working example. It dates to circa 1920. This cart is we...

Assorted Small Black Forest Roe Buck Mounts, Early 20th Century Sold individually.

Early 1900's German hand painted and lithographed tin wind-up toy, by premier tin and whimsical toy maker, Ernest Paul Lehman, circa 1913. This charming and unique toy portrays a Ja...

Rare , large, complete set of 8 Christmas PUTZ Houses,, Loofah Trees, balconies, etc.. In original box.Amazing original condition. Stamped on bottom MADE IN JAPAN, EACH ONE NUMBERED...

A rare Christmas ornament from Germany or Austria. It is made of Celluloid and very delicate, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. It is in nice conditi...

A rare Christmas ornament set from Germany or Austria. Each is made from mouth blown glass, one of pressed cotton, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. ...

This is a complete board game of marble solitaire with a large turned maple board from the 20th century and handmade clay or stone marbles from the mi...

A rare Christmas ornament set from Germany or Austria. Each is made from mouth blown glass, the 4 mushrooms with wire are made of plastic and are younger age, this would be a great a...

"Kadi" is the name of this rare Chinese themed vintage German made mechanical toy; depicting two turn of the century Chinese men with pigtails walking along, while carrying a large t...

Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition. T...

Floor Standing Ash Tray, Hunting & Shooting A great piece made by a blacksmith on a wrought iron stand, it has a Horseshoe shaped base and the upright has an imitation Flint Lock, ...

Children's Savings Coin Bank "U.S. Mail" bank , also known as a "still bank"; was American made, circa 1920. This is well made, sturdy, and all original. It is made of cast iron and ...

A beautiful pink pig wicker basket container. Made of wicker, paper mache and glass eyes. This was a window display to showcase the smoked sausages. It is from the 1900s - 1910s. Not...

Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition. T...

An antique glass dome with Virgin Mary figure and some other wooden and glass parts. It has also a touch relic of Agnus Dei. Found at an estate sale...

Early 20th Century Scratch build folk-art ship model Stood on a hand-crafted gesso painted sea effect, which is framed by an ebonised pine base. This is an charming example of an ea...

Vintage Solid Aluminum Santa or Father Christmas. This cast aluminum St.Nicholas would be a wonderful addition to any Christmas collection.

An antique Black Forest deer antler trophy on hand carved, Black Forest wooden colored plaque. We know its from 1912, because its dated. A nice addition to your hunters loge, cabin, ...

Add a touch of vintage charm to your Christmas tree with this antique Austrian Christmas ornament. The unique design features a Krampus, it is the c...

A rare Christmas ornament set off five mercury glass ball ornaments. Each is made from thin mouth blown glass, this would be a great antique addition for your Christmas or feather tr...

Founded in 1886, the A.C. Williams Toy Company in Ravenna, Ohio, manufactured this toy circa 1930. This cast iron truck car carrier loaded with three blue "Austin" sedans ("Austin" embossed on the side of each car) is completely original with no restoration of any kind, and is in original paint with no touch-up or repaint. I have black lighted everything to insure originality of paint. A red Mack truck hitched to a green trailer pulls the car carrier with it's three original cars; all nickel plated wheels on all vehicles are original. Other markings include #5, #11, and #1 on the inside of each car by rear axle; and #5 on the green trailer; #5 on the red truck. Wonderful piece of Americana in very nice condition; one or several of the cars usually are missing and/or typically repainted due to rough floor play. See my other listings of vintage toys. Dimensions: 12 1/2" long x 2" wide x 4 1/4" high. Each cast iron car...

A beautiful grocery shop room box, painted and stained wood with lithographed wall and floor papers, side stair case and upper gallery, some drawers on rear w...

"Dancing Dog" is a fairly scarce toy to acquire, especially in this excellent condition and working order. Windup toy is lithographed and hand painted in colors of black and greenish grey, and the name "Spot" is printed in bold letters on the red collar. This is American made in the 1920's having been manufactured by the Lindstrom Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut; established in 1913. Markings to each side of the dog reveal its genesis; "The Lindstrom Tool and Toy Co.; Made in U.S.A." "Patent Applied For"; on the other side is "Dancing Dog". "Dancing Dog" is in excellent condition and is completely original with no repairs or repaint. It works perfectly and is quite amusing. To operate; wind up the attached key on the side, a couple of times; with front legs in the air, place down by his hind legs on a hard surface and watch "Spot" dance. He carries on for quite some time, dancing around in a circle and then side to side. (see attached video accompanying the listing). Dimensions: 5 1/4" wide x 4" high x 2 1/4" deep. Provenance: From a recently acquired discerning West Coast Collection of tin toys. See my other listings of vintage toys. Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and children's playthings; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace. My toys operate properly and are as stated and accurately described. it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin toys...

A rare set of three feather tree glass Christmas tree topper from Germany. Each is made from mouth blown glass, would be a great antique addition for your Christmas or feather tree. ...

Add a touch of vintage charm to your Christmas tree with this antique German glass ornament. The unique design features a money bag, perf...

This rare and exquisite miniature set of 8 antique German Dollhouse Miniatures is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts al...

This rare and exquisite miniature antique German Bisque Head, Arms and Leg Doll is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beautiful Outfit, it is suitable for any room and adds a touch of elegance to your Dollhouse. The set includes The Doll with the Outfit, all in very good condition. Made of Fabric, Bisque Porcelain parts and handmade by skilled craftsmen, this original piece is a testament to the rich history of German toys. Whether you're a fan of entertainment or vintage items, this dollhouse toy...

This rare and exquisite miniature antique German Bisque Head, Arms and Leg Doll is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beautiful Sailers Outfit, it is suitable for any room and adds a touch of elegance to your Dollhouse. The set includes The Doll with the Outfit, all in very good condition. Made of Fabric, Bisque Porcelain parts and handmade by skilled craftsmen, this original piece is a testament to the rich history of German toys. Whether you're a fan of entertainment or vintage items, this dollhouse toy...

This rare Set of two Pictures framed in Gold plated ormulu frames is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beautiful intricate design, it is suitable for any room and adds a touch of elegance to your Dollhouse. You will get 2 Erhard and Söhne Frames and one framed pictures with a landscape to place it in your dollhouse. Made of high-quality gold-plated metal and handmade by skilled craftsmen, this original piece is a testament to the rich history of German toys. Whether you're a fan of entertainment or vintage items, this Erhard & Söhne dollhouse toy...

Antique German set of eleven Putz stick-legged sheep with a shepherd boy and his dog. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativit...

A handmade wooden Artist mannequin model - all joints move as they should. Found on a Estate sale in Verona, Italy. Shows some wear - but looks beautiful on display! Some scratches a...

Such vintage sweetness!! I don't know if this is an early Peter Rabbit or Easter Bunny or just a Christmas ornament in the shape of a bunny but it is adorable!1 The ornament has been from clear glass into the bunny shape and is overpainted with the white & light brown fur, fun pink vest...

This rare and exquisite miniature antique German corner shelf is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beau...

This rare and exquisite miniature antique German Bimini decanter set is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its b...

This rare and exquisite miniature antique German Flower Stand Basket is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beautiful intricate design, it is suitable for any room and adds a touch of elegance to your Dollhouse. The set includes also a bouquet of flowers and the stand, all in very good condition. Made of high-quality gold-plated metal and handmade by skilled craftsmen, this original piece is a testament to the rich history of German toys. Whether you're a fan of entertainment or vintage items, this Erhard & Söhne dollhouse toy...

Wonderful 1920s Ludwig & Ludwig Bass Drum / lamp, Folk Art,, Hand painted Art Deco woman figure,,spider web and spider.Collectable drum and an amazing piece of art,,

All four toys cars are being sold for one price; as a lot. Please see descriptions below. Videos available on request (they display operation). 1) Early Vintage Chein Company All Tin Toy Wind-Up Limousine, American, Circa 1930 This is one of the earlier, New York City based, J. Chein Company, tin toy pieces. They started doing lithography in 1930. This toy wind-up sedan was made circa 1930 and is brightly lithographed and painted in red and yellow, with grey and red balloon wheels. All tin, this car is quite scarce and well proportioned and stream lined with a visor over the windshield, a fancy checkered, red and yellow running board, and three cut out windows to each side of the car; very luxurious and cool looking. Markings consist of "N.J.-44"; the word "Stop" in a logo of some kind; and Chein logo attesting to "Made in U.S.A." manufacture. (see image). Also "marked" and of note are the tires "Chein Balloon Cord" "U.S.A." and "33 x 6 00.6 Ply" Car is from my own collection and is in very good and all original condition with no touch-up paint or repaint, and no restoration of any kind; fabulous colors and presence. The car works fine; see video for operation of the limousine (on request).. Dimensions: 7 1/4" long x 3 1/2" wide x 3" high 2) Rare 911 Porsche Friction Tin Toy by Bandai Toy Co. Made in Japan Circa 1960's Offered here is a whitish/cream colored friction tin toy 911 Porsche circa 1960's, marked at the bottom; "Porsche" in addition to the Bandai Toy Company logo embossed, along with "Made in Japan" designation being noted. The Bandai Toy Company is a post war toy company established in Taito, Japan circa 1950 and is still conducting business today, albeit, it has shifted from toy manufacturing to video toy accessories. This is a very rare toy and is coveted by collectors of both toys and fast cars. Except for the odd and minor scratch here and there, the toy is in very nice, all original condition with absolutely no restoration or touch up to the paint or mechanism (see images). The action and friction functionality works well (see video on request). Motor and engine mechanics and nomenclature are colorfully displayed through the plastic rear trunk window (see image); while the colorful interior can be seen through the side window. Car is all tin, with rubber tires and plastic windows. Dimensions: 10 1/4" long x 4" wide x 3 1/4" high. Note that this toy doesn't become available very often and the few that have turned up in recent years , don't work. 3) Vintage Free Wheeling Green Lithographed All Tin Racing Car. French, Circa 1930 Circa 1930's free wheeling green lithographed all tin racing car, with attached pressed steel driver; it is probably of French manufacturer (the only time I have seen for sale was from a French toy dealer). This scarce toy has markings resembling early racing cars with the streamlined style graphics in yellow and green; standard grill; exhaust four manifolds to each side, and a spare tire attached to the rear; looks like an early Le Mans type car with the spare (see images). Other markings include the number "3:" on each side; "510 x 1" on the rear tire"; and probably the makers mark and logo, which I can't identify, on the top right behind the driver (see images). Not being a wind-up or a friction toy, this racing car was pushed across the floor by hand or/and used as an accessory in a toy train layout setup. The car is in excellent and all original condition (remarkable for a nearly 100 year old floor toy), with no dents, no touch-up paint and absolutely no restoration.. Provenance: From my own collection of toys and banks, having been purchased 33 years ago in 1990. Dimensions: 8 1/4" long x 2 1/2" wide x 2 1/2" high 4) Lehman Auto "Ito" Sedan, Germany, circa 1913 This hand-painted German tin toy was manufactured by the "Lehman Toy Company" in Brandenburg, Germany beginning in 1913. It was made for a number of years after that, enjoying about a 20 year run. Entitled "Ito" it operates by winding up the attached key wind mechanism, placing it on the floor, and watching it go. The car is in very good all original condition with no repairs and no repaint. It runs well. There are a number of markings on the car including "Lehman" with the corresponding logo and the number 679 on the rear. The side of the has the patent information "Pat'd 12 May 1903; 13 Sept. 1904; and U.S.A. 2 Dec. 1913". Hand-painted nicely in red and black with black and gold trim; the hand-painted driver is in blue with flesh tones to the face. Dimensions: 7" long x 3" wide x 3 1/2" high. Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and banks; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin...

A set of four vintage Black Forest deer antler trophies on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaques. All dated between 1906 - 1915. Measurement's given in dimensions section refers t...

A handmade wooden Artist mannequin model - all joints move as they should. Found on a Estate sale in Verona, Italy. Shows some wear - but looks beautiful on display! Some scratches a...

This is a good quality handmade Miniature or travelling wood chess set game of 32 pieces in its own inlaid hardwood box, which we date to the early 20th century, circa 1920. This piece is all handmade. The chess set is complete with 32 wood pieces having pegged bases. The jointed box is handmade of hardwood, possibly walnut with line inlays of a lighter wood to the top and the base. The lid is a good fit to the base and the box has brass hinges and a brass fastener to keep the lid securely closed. The inside of the lid has a fabric pad to keep the chess pieces in position when the lid is closed. Overall a quality handmade, complete, travelling chess set...

Set of four early glass snuff bottles, very rare from the 1920s, made of one of the glassworks in the Bohemian Forest, Germany. These are collection items that were made to a master...

A beautiful golden pig candy container or container with secret chamber. Made from white metal, hand painted with cold paint like the bronze Vienna minia...

Large Antique German Chocolate Mold with Bunnies and Chickens. Nice hinged double door German chocolate mold. The molds themselves have ...

Antique collectible leather African Moroccan satchel bag with flap decorated with traditional Moorish embroideries. Hand-tooled in Marrakech, this is an old antique shoulder slim bag, merchants in Morocco when traveling used this bag under their coat to put their money and valuables and medicine. This messenger shoulder leather African bag is one of a kind and reflect the folk artwork of the Berber Tribes of Morocco. Antique leather African Moroccan satchel bag with flap decorated with traditional Berber embroideries. Antique collectible leather bag, handmade in Morocco. True vintage Berber bag collectible piece of decorative wall art. The leather is hand embroidered. Artisan hand tooled very unusual and rare leather bag. Handmade from thick tan leather. The strap is long enough to wear the bag at the shoulder or cross-body with it sitting above the hip. Under the flap, you'll find one long narrow main pocket. This beautiful leather bag has been crafted in Morocco. This bag has a fold over fastening. The bag craftsmanship embroidered consists of geometrical Moroccan Moorish designs. This messenger shoulder leather African bag will be great as Moroccan Art wall decoration, just hanging from a hook or framed in a plexiglass presentation box. Dimensions: H 9 in. x W 10.5 in. x D 0.75 in. Total length 29 in. strap is 20 in. circa 1920. This messenger shoulder leather North African exotic bag...

A set of two vintage Black Forest deer antler trophies on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaques. I think they are from the early 20th Century. Measurement'...

Perhaps the wildest action of all the Lehman toys, said to resemble Ernest Paul Lehman's temperament (founder of the company), "Balky Mule" was first manufactured in 1897 in Berlin (Brandenburg), and had a multi decade run; this example is from around 1909 (see image with markings to the rear of the carriage). The toy is catalogued as "EPL #425" and documented on page 59 and 60 of the book "Lehman Toys" by Jurgen & Marianne Cieslik, published in 1982. To operate the toy; wind up the attached clockwork key on the underneath of the carriage and place the toy on the floor. Do not over-wind and be gentle, as the toy is aggressive and over 100 years old. The toy will go backwards and forward, and the clown will pop up and down as the cart goes in several different directions across the floor until it winds down (see video accompanying the listing for guidance). The toy is found broken and/or inoperable, more often than not, because of the rough action, and typical abuse by children (after all, it was a toy). This example is in very nice original condition and works well. The lithography and hand paint is bright and original with no touch up or repaint. The hand paint is; flesh tones to the face of the clown, red trousers, orange hair, and grey paint to the seat of the carriage. The clothing to the clown figure is still intact and all original. The lithography to the wheels features brightly colored clowns and a German marking logo. What is really unusual is the fact that the donkey still has all four of its loosely attached original legs, considering the aggressive action of the toy. The metal on the donkey is actually treated with "fabric like" paint, to simulate fur. All in all this is a really cool toy and a "must have" for the collector of tin toys, or someone who simply wants a wonderful example of an early, "turn of the century" iconic wind up toy. Provenance: Recently acquired from a prominent toy collection in Los Angeles, California Dimensions: 7 1/2" long x 3" wide x 5" high Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and children's playthings; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin...

French Pewter and Sand 15 Minutes Hour Glass

A beautiful collection of golden pig lucky charm figurines. Made from china porcelain. Such items are given away as good luck charms on New Year's Eve. Nice...

Antique Silver Repousse Islamic Talisman box Holder. Large Berber tribal ethnic talisman pendant holder. In triangular shape, silver repousse talisman miniature case which would have stored select verses of the Koran Revelation considered to hold special protective powers. This would have originally been worn by someone to protect from the evil eye. The front has intricate, dense design., the back is plain, the box have been sealed and soldered to protect the scriptures. Large silver triangle pendant with hanging beads, embossed silver metal with geometrical relief and repousse. This beautiful antique ethnic piece could be worn as a piece of jewelry, pendant or pin broch, necklace, pendant. Silver Metal triangle shaped box with eleven hanging charms that will makes sounds to push away any bad spirit when moving. Great Islamic Folk Art, metal work, bold, beautiful and musical. The containers would have also held a miniature paper scroll containing a combination of prayers and Koranic verses. Material: German nickel silver. circa 1920s. Probably from North India, Kashmir, but similar to the North African Berber and Tuareg Jewelry...

Beautiful 1930s Austrian horse toy. Wonderful patina.

Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century selection of House Altar Christianity miniatures and accessories. A wonderful decorative appeal! Each was made in Germa...

Very nice and rare example of a pocket watch stand, in form of a miniature armchair, made around 1900-1910 in Austria or South Germany / Black Fores...

Early 20th century Bezalel Jerusalem wooden tray inlaid with Jerusalem stone and mother of pearl. The large tray is carved with the Seven Species on its margins, while the center is...

Massive World War I brass artillery shell case marked "Polte Magdeburg Juni 1911" fitted with custom round pillbox cushion upholstered in sea foa...

A rare Christmas ornament. It was made from Chenille, wire and cotton, this would be a great antique addition for your Christmas or feather tree.  

Antique Inuit folk art carved bone cribbage board featuring a Polar Bear propped up by Seals. Measure: 10".

Early 20th century Folk Art Votive Ship Model An early 20th century Folk Art votive ship model. Scratch built using wood and metal. It sits firmly on a bespoke display stand. We believe this example to be French in origin due to it having red, white, and blue beads wrapped around the base of each mast pole. A votive ship, sometimes called a church ship, is a ship model displayed in a church. As a rule, votive ships are constructed and given as gifts to the church by seamen and ship builders. Dimensions in inches: H 12 x D 17 x W 6 Origin: France circa: Early 20th century Condition: Aged Completely solid in structure and form, aged surface as shown with a deep natural patina across all areas. The ship is secured to the base. With some loss and obvious age, this item is still very charming. The House of Antiques...