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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.

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Style: Folk Art
"Kadi" Pre-war Wind-Up Toy by Lehman Company. Germany Circa 1905
Located in Incline Village, NV
"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...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Tin

Beautiful Santa Claus Figure Candy Container Vintage German Christmas
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Santa figure with a tree in his hand. Very characterful representation and expressive in its appearance. Velvet dust cover as clothing. Was probably a candy container, but the...
Category

1930s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Composition

Antique Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse Train Hand Car by Disney & Lionel Circa 1934
Located in Incline Village, NV
Vintage Mickey/ Minnie Mouse Toy Wind-Up pre-war handcar (train car) circa 1934; by The Lionel Train Company in collaboration with Walt Disney Enterprises. The wind-up toy car features Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse pumping alternatively, up and down as if moving the car across the tracks or floor. It actually works by winding up the car by the winding stem with the original vintage clockwork key. When wound, place down on the floor or on train tracks (O Gauge) and the handcar will move across the floor while a bell chimes (see video attached to listing). It is okay to simply leave the key on the stem. The car is in original red hand paint with Mickey and Minnie in colors of black, white, green dress to Minnie; red outfit on Mickey; both have oversized original orange boots, while Minnie is sporting a wooden red hat. They both have their original tails. Both figures are 4 1/2" resin composition and in full paint, excellent coverage with very little paint lacking, if at all. All four legs are restored, which is the case with almost all examples. The car itself is metal and painted red with a gold manufacturing logo in the center stating "Mickey Mouse Handcar" copyright "Walt Disney"; "The Lionel Corporation, New York"; "Made in U.S. of America". "No. 1100". Great working; great looking iconic cross collectible antique toy...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Metal

Doorstop "Golfer" by Hubley, circa 1920
Located in Incline Village, NV
This doorstop, also known as "Overhead Swinging Golfer," is more difficult to find than it's "Putting Golfer" counterpart doorstop; which is also made by Hubley. Manufactured by the Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1920, this cast iron doorstop is in outstanding all original bright paint with no touch up or restoration of any kind, and in wonderful patina. It depicts an older, grey haired man, with typical knicker golf garb, taking a wild swing at a golf ball resting on the grass. It has a semi "hollow" rear with a "238" factory marking, indicating that it is, in fact, by Hubley and original. It is noted in Jeanne Bertoia's 1985 book on doorstops page 60; and referenced on page 211 of the Smith book on doorstops. A must for the doorstop or golfing memorabilia...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Iron

Antique German Christmas Scene Doll in Sled, with Music Box, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful Bisque Head doll, with a smaller baby doll, is seated in a metal sled. The doll has brown glass eyes, blonde hair and teeth. The coat is made of pressed cotton. The sl...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Metal

Rare Original Cody Foster Folk Art Pink Wool Rabbit Easter Bunny Doll Strawberry
Located in Dayton, OH
One of Cody Fosters early original works. Folk art style stuffed animal figurine in the form of a pink rabbit wearing a bow tie and holding a yellow velvet...
Category

Late 20th Century Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wool, Velvet, Plaster, Paint

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 and Dolls

Materials

Pine

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 and Dolls

Materials

Tin

"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 and Dolls

Materials

Tin

Santa Claus Belsnickel Papermache Candy Container German Christmas 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful German Belsnickle / Santa Claus candy container. Was probably made before World War One in Germany. We attribute this to the fact that he is wearing a spiked helmet. Scat...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Paper

American Salesman Sample Late 19th C. Wooden Hay Wagon
Located in Incline Village, NV
SALESMAN SAMPLE: Late 19th C. American (4) wheeled hand carved all wooden horse drawn hay wagon, in excellent condition with original gold stenciling to carr...
Category

1890s American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wood

Lot of Five Deer & Hunter Putz Toy Antique German Erzgebirge Christmas 1880s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of five Putz stick-legged Deers and a Hunter. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativity scene figures. As they are all old, most show the expected signs of age and use. This is a fabulous set of stick-legged deers with dust covered body. The animals have a sturdy stick leg construction, with all of them having their original stick legs and have not been repaired. The Measurements given in the dimensions section refers to the Hunter figure. This extraordinary set dates from around 1880 - 1890s 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

Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Composition

Antique American Primitive Handmade Gliding Rocking Hobby Horse
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique American primitive handmade gliding rocking hobby horse Additional information: Materials: Iron, Leather, Wood Color: Antique White Period: 19th Century Styles: Ameri...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Iron

Antique Miniature German Boule Biedermeier Dollhouse Bed Room Furniture 1860-90s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German wooden Boule Bedroom Furniture set with fine golden transfers, dated about 1860s to 1890s. Made by one of the famous German toy companies. A very lovely Furniture set for antique dolls and for dollhouses. Measurements given in dimensions section refers to the bed. The small Vanity desk...
Category

1890s German Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wood

Miniature Flower Stand Basket Erhard & Söhne Antique German Dollhouse Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
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...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate

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 and Dolls

Materials

Iron

(4) Early Vintage All Original Toy Cars. Porsche, Limo, Lehman Sedan, Race Car
Located in Incline Village, NV
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...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Tin

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 and Dolls

Materials

Metal

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 and Dolls

Materials

Pine

Kokeshi Doushin or Child's Mind, by Takeda Masashi, 1960-70s, Japan
Located in Lyon, FR
Kokeshi "Doushin" aka "Esprit d'enfant", années 1960-1970, par Takeda Masashi. Une kokeshi que l'on adore pour ses formes rondes et sa simplicité presque rustique. Place belle est la...
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wood

Lot of Five Sheep Nativity Putz Toy Antique German Erzgebirge Christmas 1880s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of five Putz stick-legged sheep. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativity scene figures. As they are all old, most show the expected signs of age and use. This is a fabulous set of stick-legged sheep with dust covered body . The sheep have a sturdy stick leg construction, with all sheep having their original stick legs and have not been repaired. They all have hand-painted composition faces. The Measurements given in the dimensions section refers to the tallest sheep. This extraordinary set dates from around 1880 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

Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Composition

Antique German Paper Mache Bobble Head Mule Donkey Pull Cart Toy
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique German paper mache composition bobble head mule / donkey / horse pull toy figure standing with a small feed manger on a platform rollin...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Hardwood, Paper

Early Vintage Chein Company All Tin Toy Wind-Up Limousine, American, Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
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 ...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Tin

Austrian Christmas Krampus Halloween Devil Candy Container Catchall Box, Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This unique Christmas Box from Austria is handmade and futures a famous Christmas character, The Krampus, Belsnickel's companion. The vintage piece dates from the 1940s or older and ...
Category

20th Century Austrian Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Composition

Stunning Austrian Christmas Paper mache Santa St.Nicholas Candy Container 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This vintage St.Nicholas, Santa Claus candy container made of composition, cardboard and Papermache was made in the 20th century and is a charming addition to any Christmas collection. This original period piece was made in Austria and features a vintage finish. This Santa Claus figurine...
Category

20th Century German Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Composition

Krampus Companion of Belsnickel Devil Candy Container Figure Antique Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This unique Christmas figurine Candy Container from Austria features a handmade figurine of the Christmas character Krampus, Belsnickel's companion. The vintage piece dates from the ...
Category

20th Century Austrian Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Composition

American Salesman Sample Late 19th Century Wooden Flat Bed Cargo Wagon
Located in Incline Village, NV
Salesman Sample : Late 19th century. American (4) wheeled hand carved all wooden horse drawn flat bed cargo wagon, in excellent condition with original red st...
Category

1890s American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wood

Seated "Cat with a Bow" Still Bank, American, circa 1922
By Grey Iron Casting Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Cat with a Bow Seated" cast iron still bank is a difficult bank to acquire and is listed in Andy Moore's "The Penny Bank Book" as #364 and rated a "D" (A to F rarity scale--A most c...
Category

1920s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Iron

Spelter Still Bank "Seated Cat with a Bow" German, circa 1920
Located in Incline Village, NV
The term "spelter" refers to a zinc/lead metal compound used to pour and make castings. Because of the thinness of the castings there is great detail to the subject matter of these banks. Spelter banks...
Category

1920s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Spelter

German Tinplate Clockwork Wind Up Toy by the Lehman Co. "Balky Mule" Circa 1909
Located in Incline Village, NV
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...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Tin

19th C Checkerboard Game Board
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C original painted checkerboard game board.
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

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 and Dolls

Materials

Tin

"Lehman Autobus" German WindUp Toy By The Ernest Paul Lehman Company, Circa 1903
Located in Incline Village, NV
Iconic and rare antique tin toy, highly sought after by collectors of Lehman Toys, and fine quality wind-up toys. Without the "Lehman Autobus" your co...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Tin

"Lady Seated in Chair Reading" Money Box/ Still Bank by A. Biagioni, Circa 1925
Located in Incline Village, NV
Penny bank made by Italian Angelo Biagioni for the French market (see image with marking on the back of the chair), circa 1910. Biagioni, born in 1870, was a well known sculptor who crafted objects for resale to the European market. Money boxes (or still banks as they are called in America) were one of the more unique and more difficult items to find by this artist as most objects were basic uni-dimensional sculptered pieces. What makes it more rare is the unfortunate requirement to break and smash the bank open to get the coins out, as there was no mechanism to remove the money. The subject matter of the bank is that of a nicely dressed older lady seated in a chair reading a book. The bank is in all original condition and paint with no restoration or touch-up of any kind. This is a nice addition to any bank or toy collection, or simply to have as a "stand alone" unique item. Dimensions : 4 1/4" deep x 3 3/8" wide x 8 5/8" high. Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys and banks, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage still banks...
Category

1910s French Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Pottery

Large Antique Naive Folk Art Cloth Rag Doll, Early 20Th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
LARGE FOLK ART RAG DOLL An adorable and individual cloth doll lovingly hand-stitched with embroidered facial features, rosy cheeks and braided human hair. Charming hand-stitched cl...
Category

Early 20th Century British Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Textile, Cotton, Silk, Thread

Set of Three Vintage Duck Easter Candy Container Bobble Head, German, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A Collection of three German Easter candy containers made of cardboard, bobble heads and some other parts. Candy box made of cardboard. Nice ad...
Category

1950s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Metal

Lehman Auto "Ito" Sedan, Germany, circa 1913
Located in Incline Village, NV
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 ye...
Category

1910s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Tin

"Boy Riding An Alligator" Vintage Wind-Up Toy by J. Chein Co., N.J., Circa 1935
Located in Incline Village, NV
Manufactured circa 1935 by The J. Chein Company in Harrison, New Jersey, this vintage tin toy, when wound up, depicts a young boy in islander garb, trying to ride an alligator who da...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Tin

Early 20th Century Scratch-Built Tricycle Model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century scratch-built tricycle model. A charming example of an English scratch built folk art child’s tricycle model. Constructed from a metal frame, wooden wheels, han...
Category

1920s British Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Metal

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 and Dolls

Materials

Pine

Spelter Still Bank "Girl By A Barrel", German, circa 1908
Located in Incline Village, NV
The term "spelter" refers to a zinc/lead metal compound used to pour and make castings. Because of the thinness of the castings there is great detail to the subject matter of these banks. Spelter banks...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Spelter

Vintage Wind Up Tin Toy "Monkey Riding A Horse" by Haji Co., Japan, Circa 1958
Located in Incline Village, NV
Made in Tokyo, Japan by The Haji Company (see image for mark/logo), this all tin vintage wind up toy, circa 1958, depicts a "Monkey Riding A Horse". It ...
Category

1950s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Tin

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 and Dolls

Materials

Iron

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 and Dolls

Materials

Tin

Uncle Sam Still Bank 'Composition, ' circa 1940
Located in Incline Village, NV
American manufacture; this colorful hand-painted still bank depicting Uncle Sam is all original with no repairs and no repaint. Fabulous crazing throughout indicative of original pai...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Composition

Vintage Cast Iron Book of Knowledge Mechanical Bank, Punch & Judy, 20th Century
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand-painted cast iron mechanical bank "Punch and Judy Bank." A vintage book of knowledge Punch & Judy mechanical bank offers polychrome cast cons...
Category

Early 20th Century Taiwanese Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Iron

19th C Original Painted Checkerboard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C Original painted checkerboard.
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wood, Paint

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 and Dolls

Materials

Metal

Marx "Wonder Cyclist" American Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
Marx "Wonder Cyclist" is the earlier version of this wind-up "Boy on a Tricycle" toy; and not to be confused with the later version by Unique Art called "Kiddy Cyclist". This toy featured is MUCH more rare and more sought after by collectors of early tin wind up toys...
Category

1830s American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Metal

Set of 5 Swedish Folk Wooden Dala Horse Toys, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 5 handpainted Swedish wooden traditional Dala horse toy. Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960. Materials: Wood In original condition, with...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wood

Prototype Late 19th Century Hand Carved Toy Horse Drawn Hansom Cab, American
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a hand carved wood prototype for a toy that would have been the model for a 19th century cast iron or tin horse drawn hansom cab. It precedes the mol...
Category

1890s American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wood

Unusually Oversized Folk art Spinning Top
Located in London, GB
Unusually Oversized Folk art Spinning Top An unusually oversized late 19th Century hand carved folk art spinning top. Detailed with Welsh style geometric ...
Category

Early 1900s British Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wood

"B.O. Plenty" Vintage Wind-Up Tin Toy by Marx Original Box. American, Circa 1935
Located in Incline Village, NV
"B.O. Plenty (printed on the back) is the name of this American made tin wind-up toy; named after the classic Dick Tracy comic book and radio character of the 1930's. In his hand he is holding his daughter, Baby Sparkle. Markings include the Marx logo to the rear "Made in The United States of America" in logo as well as location of manufacture, "New York, N,Y.". Vertically in small print on back of pants "By Permission of Famous Artists Syndicated Copyright By Chicago Tribune" (see images for markings), Markings on the box contribute to validating the genesis and name of the toy, and 200 fifth Avenue, New York address of the Marx Company, which was founded in 1919. Highly lithographed (comes with the very hard to find nice condition original box as well) this example is in excellent and all original condition with no restoration or touch up of any kind.Colors include; yellow shirt and hat. blue vest, brown striped pants, white and flesh tones to face and baby. The toy features B.O. Plenty with a "wise guy" look on his face, while holding his baby. When wound up he waddles back and forth, with his hat flying up in the air and back down again (see movie attached to this listing). The toy works great! Dimensions: 8 1/2" high x 2 3/4" wide x 2 1/2" deep. Provenance: From a recently acquired West Coast collection of fine quality tin toys. See my other listings of over 100+ vintage toys and antique children's toy savings banks from which to chose. 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...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Tin

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 and Dolls

Materials

Pine

Tin Penny Toy Bi-Plane Horn, Germany, circa 1910
Located in Incline Village, NV
Penny Toys were just that; toys made to sell for a penny or very inexpensively. This particular toy was manufactured in Germany (probably Nuremberg) for the ...
Category

1910s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Tin

"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 and Dolls

Materials

Aluminum, Iron, Tin

1930s Austrian Horse Toy
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Beautiful 1930s Austrian horse toy. Wonderful patina.
Category

1920s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Bentwood

Handmade Rajasthani Kathputli Dancing Puppet Couple Jaipur India 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large pair of vintage 1950s string marionettes, these magnificent Rajasthani Kathputli puppets came from the vibrant state of Rajasthan in northwestern India. Meticulously handcrafte...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Textile, Silk, Wood

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.

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