Folk Art Toys and Dolls
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.
to
13
102
58
159
1
160
124
40
30
30
25
17
14
7
6
3
2
2
1
1
26
133
1
56
57
5
15
9
14
23
6
11
8
4
79
62
41
31
26
75
56
55
41
13
160
160
160
6
5
5
5
4
Style: Folk Art
Lavishly-Filled German Wooden Grocery Dollhouse Store Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
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...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Porcelain, Fabric, Wood
Soldier on Horse Pull Toy Vintage Folk Art Ore Mountains, German, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This old hand carved wooden Soldier and horse on wooden wheels Toy, was made in the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) in Germany. It remains fully functional. Crafted in Germany during the ...
Category
1950s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
Lot of Deer, Rabbit & Hunter Putz Toy Antique German Erzgebirge Christmas 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of 14 Putz stick-legged Deers, Bunny Rabbits, Fox and a Hunter. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativity scene or paradise yard garden...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
Set of 5 Handpainted Swedish Traditional Dala Horse Toys
By Nils Olsson
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of 5 Handpainted Swedish Traditional Dala Horse Toys – Designed by Nils Olsson, Sweden, Circa 1960
Experience the timeless charm of Sweden with this set of five handpainted trad...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
Lot of Eight Miniature Antique German Dollhouse Toys Accessories 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature set of 8 antique German Dollhouse Miniatures is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts al...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Pewter
Wooden Hand Crafted Trench Folk Art Toy Castle Medieval Knight, German, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Offered is an absolutely stunning toy castle, it is a beautiful example of early 20th century trench folk art, German handmade craft. The architectural detailing in the crenellated t...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
Shepherd & Wooly Sheep Putz Toy Set Antique German Christmas 1900s, original Box
Located in Nuernberg, DE
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...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
Petite Devil Krampus Hand Puppet Toy, Antique Vintage Germany
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is a wonderful depiction of Krampus or the devil puppet. The item is approximately 16 inches tall and has a fabric body to slip in with your hand. Height was measured from foot ...
Category
1930s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
Germany vintage Hausser Children's Tricycle 1950s / 60s - Old toy - Collectible
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Hausser Toy Company (also known from the Elastolin Figures) Germany blue red and beige children's tricycle, in iron, sheet metal and tubes -
This tricycle has small rotating pedals o...
Category
1950s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
"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 and Dolls
Materials
Iron
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 and Dolls
Materials
Ebony
Wooly Sheep Pull Putz Toy Antique German Christmas 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German Putz stick-legged sheep on a wooden platform with metal wheels. It is a genuine antique German Christmas toy. As it is old, it show the e...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
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 and Dolls
Materials
Wood
Large Devil or Krampus Marionette by a Master Puppet Maker, Antique Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is a wonderful depiction of Krampus or the devil puppet. The item is approximately 32 inches tall and has a skeleton, arms and legs made of wood. Height was measured from foot t...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition, Metal, Brass
Stunning Santa Claus Belsnickel Candy Container, Antique German Christmas 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This antique Santa Claus candy container made of Paper mache, composition, cardboard, felting, goose feather tree and a bunny fur beard was made in...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
1930s Hallloween Papier Mache Black Cat Candy Box Rare American Mid-Century
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Early 20th century polychrome painted Papier-mache Halloween Candy Box, with painted Black Cat on lid.
Overall W 14.25 x D 8 x H 19 in
Box W 10.25 x D 7.5 x H 5.75 in
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Paper
Vintage Tin Wind-up Toy "Clown in A Barrel" by J Chein & Co. American Circa 1935
Located in Incline Village, NV
Made by J. Chein & Company Circa 1935 in New York City; originally inventoried as #258 (same number as similar looking Popeye toy dated 1932) and was named "Mechanical Clown Barrel Walker". The name of the maker "Chein" is stamped as a logo to the rear of the barrel (see image). This is one of the earlier toys that Chein made.
The lithography and hand paint are in gorgeous original condition with bright colors of red and gold to the barrel, flesh tones to the clown, who sports a multi colorful smiling face.
The toy works great; simply wind the attached key wind in the back 1/2 revolution; place on the hard surface----the clown waddles across the floor, back and forth, while shaking his head to and fro (see accompanying video with this listing to see it work)
In addition to being quite a scarce toy it is even more difficult to find in this fine condition. Often times the head is lacking or replaced from rough usage and surface rarely maintains this beautiful finish. This particular example is completely original with no restorations, repairs, or touch up paint of any kind. There is a small 5/8" superficial indentation to the front top of barrel (see image). This would make a proud addition to any collection of vintage toys or Americana.
Dimensions: 7 1/2" high x 3 1/4" wide x 4" deep
See my other listings of over 100+ vintage toys and antique children's toy savings banks from which to chose.
Provenance: From a recently acquired West Coast collection of fine quality tin 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...
Category
1930s Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Fox Terrier Mohair Composition Candy Container by Suchard Company, German, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful dog candy container. Made of paper mache, covered with mohair and has glass eyes. Nice addition to your Christmas or new years collection or decoration. It is from the 19...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
19th Century Child's Platform Rocking Horse "Glider". American. Circa 1875
Located in Incline Village, NV
Of American manufacture, circa 1875, this authentic children's platform rocking horse "glider" is hand carved of hard wood, and has a hand craft...
Category
1870s American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood, Leather
Pig & Chimney Sweep Lucky Charm, Candy Secret Chamber Container, Antique, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Collection of Pig & Chimney Sweep Lucky Charm Figurines, Antique Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful collection of golden rabbit, pig and Chimney Sweep lucky charm figurines. Made from white metal, pewter or composition (putz) and hand painte...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition, Metal
Set of 4 Swedish Folk Wooden Dala Horse Toys, circa 1960
By Nils Olsson
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of 4 hand-painted Swedish wooden traditional Dala horse toy. Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960. Materials: Wood In original condition, with minor wear consist...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
2 Miniature Picture Frames Erhard & Söhne Antique German Dollhouse Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
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...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal, Gold Plate
Girl in beautiful Dress, Antique German Dollhouse Doll Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
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...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Porcelain, Fabric
Pink Pig Lucky Charm Mohair Composition Candy Container, Antique, Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful pink pig candy container. Made of paper mache, covered with mohair and has glass eyes. Nice addition to your Christmas or new years collection or decoration. It is from t...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
19th C Original Painted Game Board
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C original painted game board. Nice original Salmon and black paint.
Category
19th Century North American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
1920's German Airplane Penny Toy by Kellerman (Mounted on Marx "Lucky Stunt")
Located in Incline Village, NV
Great item for toy collectors and those who collect aeronautical items. Being offered is a very rare German Penny Toy from the 1920’s, manufactured by the well known, and quality toy...
Category
1920s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Rare 911 Porsche Friction Tin Toy by Bandai Toy Co. Made in Japan Circa 1960's
Located in Incline Village, NV
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).
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.
Priced competitively; note that this toy doesn't become available very often and the few that have turned up in recent years , don't work and are several hundred dollars more than mine.
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; important considering 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...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Mechanical Bank "Child's Clock Bank" Japan, circa 1950s
By Marusan
Located in Incline Village, NV
A unique and quite scarce bank, made in Japan by the Marusan Company for the American market in the 1950's; this all tin bank is known as (according to the gr...
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
20th Century Erzgebirge German Noah’s Ark Putz Toy Set, Vintage Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
20th century Erzgebirge German Noah’s Ark. A wonderful example of a 20th century Erzgebirge German Noah’s Ark, With 36 assorted hand carved figures. Typically, children played with t...
Category
20th Century German Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
"Lamb" Cast Iron Still Bank, American, Circa 1970
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Lamb" cast Iron still bank is a re-issue of a bank made in 1928. It was made by The John Wright Company in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania in 1970. They...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
Vintage Marx Fire Chief Friction Action Toy Sedan American, Circa 1930
By Marx Toy Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
This original vintage friction activated toy sedan" Fire Chief" Car by The Marx Toy Company, circa 1930, is a difficult toy to find, especially in this variation, which I have not se...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin, Steel
Miniature Corner Shelf Erhard & Söhne Antique German Dollhouse Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German corner shelf is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beau...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal, Gold Plate
19th C Original Painted Checkerboard Game Board
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C original painted checkerboard game board. Board has great Grungy paint. Great Pitina.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
Vintage Tin Wind Up Toy by Lindstrom, "Dancing Katinka" American, Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
Antique toys like this (wind ups) are difficult to find in outstanding operating condition as this one (see the video attached) because of the rough play they would have received from the children who owned them. In very good and all original condition and paint in green, white, yellow, and flesh tone; the paint and lithography has no touch up or repaint of any kind; there is zero restoration.
To operate, just turn clockwise the attached clockwork wind up key on the back of the girl and the she dances around in a circular motion for quite some time. "Dancing Katinka" is an all tin wind up toy...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Stunning Christmas Vintage St. Nikolaus Santa Claus Belsnickel Candy Container
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This vintage St.Nicholas, Santa Claus candy container made of composition, cardboard, felting and Papermache was made in the 20th century and is a charming addition to any Christmas ...
Category
20th Century German Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
Vintage Children's Toy Savings Bank "U.S. Mail". American, Circa 1920
Located in Incline Village, NV
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 hand painted in original green paint with gold highlighting. There is no repaint and no restoration.
The coins were deposited through the "letter depository"; lift the lever and drop in a coin (see image). When the bank is full, coins are removed by undoing the original square nut in back and the screw in front. Cast into two parts and now separated, the coins are easily collected. Put back together again to insure parts don't go missing (which happened often) and original screw and nut are maintained.
This bank was manufactured circa 1920 by the A.C. Williams Company, Chagrin Falls, Ohio. They made many cast iron toys, banks and other products during their time of operation until World War II.
The "U.S. Mail" bank is referenced on page 102 #853 in "The Penny Bank Book" by Andy and Susan Moore...
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
Vintage Toy Wind-Up "Baby L" Speedboat by Lindstrom Toy Co., American Circa 1933
Located in Incline Village, NV
Vintage toy speed boat manufactured by the Lindstrom Toy Company of Bridgeport Connecticut, circa 1933 or earlier; the Lindstrom company having been founded in 1913, made quality tin...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Lot of Four Vintage Steiff Animals, Squirrel Camel Hamster & Giraffe, 1960s
By Steiff
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This collection of stuffed animals includes 4 figures:
1) Miniature Steiff Squirrel (No button and flag, but cardboard label). About 3.75" high.
2) Steiff Hamster (parts of flag and...
Category
1960s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Mohair
Satyr Centaur Krampus Devil w. Horns vintage Figure Sculpture Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This unique Christmas figure from Austria features a handmade figurine of the Christmas character Krampus, Belsnickel's companion. The vintage piece dates from the 1960s or older and...
Category
20th Century Austrian Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
Krampus Companion of Belsnickel Devil Candy Container Antique Austria 1940s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This unique Christmas figurine from Austria features a handmade figurine of the Christmas character Krampus, Belsnickel's companion. The vintage piece dates from the 1940s or older a...
Category
20th Century Austrian Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
Vintage "Masuyama" Lehman Wind-Up Toy. German, Circa 1913 Rare
Located in Incline Village, NV
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...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
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 and Dolls
Materials
Wood
Boy dressed in Sailor Outfit Antique German Dollhouse Doll Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
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...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Porcelain, Fabric
Swedish Folk Wooden Dala Pig Toy, circa 1960
By Nils Olsson
Located in Barcelona, ES
Handpainted Swedish wooden traditional Dala pig toy. Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960. Materials: Wood In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
Original Painted Game Board, Signed and Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original painted game board - signed and Dated 1935.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wool, Paint
Beautiful Santa Claus Figure Vintage German Christmas
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare "walking" Santa figure with a tree in his hand. Nice beard and moveable arms. Glitter on the ground symbolized the snow. Velvet clothing. Not a ...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
Playful Set of Ron Lee Clowns
By Ron Lee
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Playful Set of Ron Lee Clowns
Collectible Set, each piece is signed
Dimensions range from:
Height 6" (shortest) - 12" (tallest)
Base 3" x 3" (smallest)-...
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
(Ten) Assorted Metal Still Coin Banks; Circa 1950's-'70's
Located in Incline Village, NV
Nine out of these ten banks are of American manufacture, made between the 1950's and the 1970's, while one (the Well's Fargo Stage Coach) was made in China, circa 1990's.
Banthrico, Incorporated (Chicago) made four of these banks, while similar type companies made the other six. They manufactured coin savings banks for banking institutions who used them as premiums to those who opened up a savings account. In the case of young children they were given to them to encourage thrift and savings. These (10) banks are a representation of that era 1950 to early 1970's, encompassing enticing savings themes. They were always made of white metal, and typically plated; usually in a copper finish.
All of the banks listed below are pictured front, back, and bottom. Four of the banks lack the coin holding trap, which is quite common, as it was typical for children to toss them or lose them eventually upon removing the money from the bank.
1) "Pirate Bank"
Circa 1950's; depicts a pirate sitting on top of a treasure chest with a parrot on his shoulder, protecting his booty. Typical original copper finish in white metal; measures 5 1/2" high x 4 1/2" wide x 3 1/2" deep. Copyright marking to the rear "55" , perhaps 1955. Has the coin trap holder but lacks the circular coin trap. Very good condition.
Referenced #335 "The Penny Bank Book" by Andy Moore (published 1984)(
2) "Eagle on Cliff"
Made by Banthrico Incorporated and dated 1976 (Americana Bicentennial commemoration bank) portrays a proud American eagle perched on a cliff; nice detail to original copper finish with original coin trap in near mint condition.
6 3/8" high. Made for "United Savings Bank"
Referenced #145 "Coin Banks by Banthrico" by Jim Redwine (published 2001)
3) "Covered Wagon"
Made by Banthrico Incorporated and from the 1950's, by "The Union Banking Company"; depicts a fully loaded chuck wagon with buckets, and a chest ":parked" on western terrain. Finished with copper finish to white metal, with the typical saw tooth coin trap intact, in excellent and all original condition.
4 5/8" long
Referenced #432 "Coin Banks by Banthrico" by Jim Redwine (published 2001)
4) "Well's Fargo Stagecoach Bank"
Later made promotional bank by Well's Fargo banking institution; in all original and complete condition with original paint colors of red, yellow, and black, authentic looking stagecoach; in very good condition with coin trap intact and no repaint, restoration or dents.
4 3/4" long
5) "Three Little Pigs"
Inscribed on front base plate, all original condition with coin trap intact. Slight manufacturing "blow hole" at base of one of the pigs (see image specific to this); unknown manufacture. Made of copper; measures 5" high.
6) "Indian Chief"
Put out by "The Multnomah Bank of Portland,m Oregon; depicts an Indian Chief in full feathered head dress and chieftain regalia; with typical Banthrico Company original copper finish and Banthrico original coin trap to the base.
Measures 5" high. Circa 1962
Referenced #27 "Coin Banks by Banthrico" by Jim Redwine (published 2001)
7) "Shoe House" Bank
Mistakenly called "Old Lady and the Shoe Bank"; this particular bank is of unknown manufacture (could be early Banthrico bank...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Antique German Folk Art Spun Cotton Wool Santa Claus Ornament Doll Figurine
Located in Dayton, OH
Large antique German spun cotton wool Santa Claus Christmas ornament doll with hand painted composition face.
Measure: 9".
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Ceramic, Wool, Cotton
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 and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Stunning Nuremberg Gingerbread Candy Container, Antique German Christmas 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Amazing and rare round shaped box, hand crafted in cardboard dating from the 1910s or older. The top of the box shows i view of the Nuremberg Castle in 3d optic.
This antique box is ...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
Vintage "Siren Fire Chief" Car by The Marx Toy Company, New York, Circa 1930
By Marx Toy Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
Made of pressed steel and in excellent all original condition, this wind-up toy has just about all of it's original strong paint with zero touch-up and no restoration (see images). It works great (video available upon request), and is quite substantial and sturdy in stature and size at 14 1/2" long; almost has the feel of a keystone or buddy L piece.
Girard made an almost identical vehicle, so it is my feeling that Marx bought the patent from them and manufactured under their own name.
There are no scratches or dents and the original gold stenciled writing to the doors and engine hood states "Fire Dept...
Category
1930s Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Stunning Large Santa Claus Belsnickel Candy Container German Christmas, Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This vintage Belsnickle Santa Claus candy container made of composition, cardboard and wood was made in the 20th century and is a charming addition ...
Category
20th Century German Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
Collection of Three Pig in Pot Lucky Charm Figurines Antique German 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition, Metal
Vintage Pre-War Wind-Up Toy "Boy on Motorcycle Delivery Truck" by Marx
Located in Incline Village, NV
This brightly lithographed tin wind-up toy in colors of red, yellow, and blue, with a driver dressed in appropriate motorcycle clothing, depicts a young man driving a delivery cart with "Speed Boy Delivery" printed on each side of the wagon. The manufacturers logo is clearly marked on both sides of the stake wagon and on the right shoulder of the driver "MAR" with a circle around it and "Made in The United States of America, New York, N.Y." around the circumference (see images). The license plate number is "268", which, along with the red painted inside of the drivers arms (as it should be!) indicates this earlier version and authenticity.
Nearly 100 years old, it still operates fine and, upon winding the attached wind-up key a few times and placing the toy on the ground, the motorcycle and driver move across the floor on the way to their deliveries; do not over wind. (see video attached to this listing).
The toy is completely original and in very good condition, with no repairs or restorations of any kind and no touch up or repaint. The arms and steering handle bars are also original (sometimes replaced) and they have the appropriate paint and markings.
This would make a welcome addition to a collection of pre-war Americana.
Dimensions: 9 7/8" long x 5 7/8" wide x 5 3/4" high
After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys...
Category
1930s Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Lot of Three Putz Toy Gnomes Antique German Erzgebirge Christmas 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of three Putz toy Santa gnomes. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas scene figures. As they are all old, most show the expected signs of age and use. This is a fabulous set of toy figures. The Measurements given in the dimensions section refers to the tallest item pictured. This extraordinary set dates from around 1920s - 1930s0 and was made in the Erzgebirge area (Ore Mountains) in Germany. This is a nice addition to any Christmas Decoration or just for your collection of old German toys.
For explanation:
Putz items, by true definition, were any figures or buildings that when displayed together, told the Biblical story of the birth of Christ. The term today is loosely used for any item that is used under a Christmas tree to create a Christmas “garden” or “yard.” Buildings, homemade or mass produced, composition figures and animals, bottle brush trees and any assortment of various accessories, possibly a toy train and usually a Nativity set at the heart of the display are just a few things that might spark one’s creativity when designing a “putz” for under the tree.
Elaborate “putz” scenes reached their heights in the 1920s and 1940s. Today you will generally find them under the trees of diehard collectors of antique Christmas items...
Category
1920s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
Antique Austrian Christmas Krampus Companion Belsnickel Figure, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This unique Christmas figurine from Austria features a handmade figurine of the Christmas character Krampus, Belsnickel's companion. The vintage piece dates from the 1920s or older a...
Category
20th Century Austrian Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
Folk Art toys and dolls for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art toys and dolls for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage toys and dolls created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art toys and dolls made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 and dolls differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $475 and tops out at $2,800 while the average work can sell for $1,388.