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
Antique Carved Thai Burmese Ramayana Warrior Folk Art Marionette Puppet Doll
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique carved Thai Burmese Ramayana Warrior marionette string puppet. Hand made from wood featuring ornate beaded clothing / attire.
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Fabric, Hardwood
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
"Cat With A Bow Seated" Still Bank, American, circa 1970
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Cat With A Bow Seated" cast iron still bank is a re-issue of a bank by the same name and same casting made in the early 1900s by the Grey Iron C...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
Indoor Cricket Game Hand Made Wood Set of 18 Pieces, circa 1900
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is an original wooden Cricket Game, all handmade, comprising 18 pieces, for indoor use on a table or carpet, all dating to the late 19th or early 20th century, circa 1900.
Th...
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
Antique French Marionette
Located in Houston, TX
We found this wonderful 19th century French marionette in Rouen France. The puppet, and its art form, have been a mainstay of French cultural life f...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Early 20th Century Jigger Doll
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century jigger doll
We are proud to offer an early 20th century hand carved jigger doll. Made for a light pine wood, with hand carved detail across its face and lovely Chelsea boots. Jig dolls or les gigueux are old and established wooden or tin – plate “toys...
Category
1930s British Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Pine
"Billiken" Cast Iron Still Bank, American, Circa 1909
Located in Incline Village, NV
Original "Billiken" cast iron still bank patented in 1908 by Florence Pretz (patent number on the back in raised letters "NO39BO3". It was manufa...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
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
19th Century Articulated Automaton Doll
Located in London, GB
19th century articulated automaton doll
We are proud to offer a highly collectable and rare example of a late - 19th century English Folk Art, fully a...
Category
1880s British Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Pine
Six Kobe Toys, Japanese, Meiji Period, circa 1900
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 during the Meiji period in Japan, which covered the years 1868...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Ebony
"Magic Mouse" Mechanical Bank, Japan, circa 1964
Located in Incline Village, NV
For the mechanical bank and toy enthusiast, listed is a tin, lithographed and painted, all original 1960s mechanical bank made by the Yone Company of Japan (see image of logo on side panel). The company was founded in 1950 and is typical of the post war companies who produced outstanding children's toys. The action is unique, clever, and encourages saving money. With the bank wound (attached key wind on the underneath (see image); place a penny on the spot provided on top of the bank. The mouse dashes out of the grey shoe...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Antique French Marionette
Located in Houston, TX
We found this wonderful 19th century French Marionette in Rouen France. The puppet, and its art form, have been a mainstay of French cultural life f...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Wooden Patinated Folk Art Jack Sculpture Bookend
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This game-inspired large jack sculpture complements end tables, bookcases, and even kitchen tables. Nicely patinated wood gives a rustic, cozy fee...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
Vintage Wind-Up Toy, Circa 1950 "Smiling Boy Polishing Boots" Rare
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a very rare toy that I have not seen an example of before, and judging by it's action and appearance, I would venture to say it is post war, probably made in Japan for the American market (boy looks very American). I have called it "Smiling Boy Polishing Boots" which resembles the clockwork movement. To operate: hold the toy in the left hand with thumb on chest and then; wind up attached original key with the right hand several times; and release. With a smiling face, the boy will roll his head back and forth, while diligently shining his black boots, using an up and down motion with his right hand. The toy works quite well and will go on for some time. It is made up of several materials. The head, hands, and shoes are made of composition; it has a tin body; the clothes jersey, hat, and "falling" trousers" are made of fabric. The toy is in good original condition; some wear to boy's hat and jersey in back (see images), a slight "bend" to tinplate in the rear; but for the most part, the toy is very sturdy, works well, has a nice appearance, and wonderful charisma.
This is a charming rare toy that operates as it should, and is a "must have" for collectors of post-war vintage wind up toys...
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition, Tin
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
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
Raven Collection 19th Century Doll
Located in London, GB
The Raven collection 16th century Venetian doll
We are proud to offer an amazing museum quality 16th century Venetian doll still in its original linen and silk clothing. A wonderful...
Category
1820s Italian Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
Large Vintage Carousel Handmade Erzgebirge Germany
Located in Kitzbuhel, AT
Large handmade carousel in wood. Decorated with African animals in two levels. Handmade and hand painted in Erzgebirge Germany circa 1930. Unique and very decorative item.
No motor!
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
Wooden Wind-Up Double Decker Bus
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charming painted wooden wind-up patinated white / red double-decker bus. Raw wood peeks through the original paint to make for a pleasing texture and patina. A compliment to bookshel...
Category
20th Century 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
Elvis Presley Commemorative Mechanical Bank "Cleveland Rock and Roll" circa 2006
By Reynolds Toys
Located in Incline Village, NV
Made to commemorate the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame located in Cleveland, Ohio, this cast aluminum mechanical bank depicts Elvis Presley in full gala attire, typical of Elvis, with wh...
Category
Early 2000s American Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Aluminum
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
1920s Harold Lloyd Litho Tin Toy
Located in Peekskill, NY
This rare pre- WW II German made tin toy is seldom seen.
Lloyd, Harold (Clayton) (1893–1971), U.S. movie comedian. Performing his own hair-raising stunts, ...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Rare Antique Wooden Child's Ride on Wooden Toy Boat by Nautilus Toy Co. London
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare antique wooden child's ride on wooden toy boat by Nautilus Toy Co. London wonderful Folk Art object. 1920s ride on toy made by the Nautilus Toy Compan...
Category
1920s English Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Indoor Croquet Set Game for 7 Players in Jointed Wood Box, Early 20th Century
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is an original indoor or carpet croquet set game, coming with its own jointed wooden storage box, all dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930.
This is a classic game of strategy and skill, fun to play for all age groups.
The set has seven different colored balls and wood mallets...
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
"Cat Boat" Mechanical Toy Penny Bank, American, circa 1968
By Utexiqual Products
Located in Incline Village, NV
In near mint and all original condition this vintage mechanical bank appeals to both sailing enthusiasts and bank collectors; perhaps a collector of "cat" memorabelia as well. The theme depicts two sailors riding their boat in full sail. It is quite substantial in both size and weight. To operate, (with the lever pushed all the way in from the left); place a coin vertically above the left arm of the sailor in red; from the right; push the lever all the way in. The sail and Boom hits the sailor, knocking him over as the coin drops into the bank. The other sailor moves forward while manning the tiller.
The bank is named "Cat Boat...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Aluminum, Iron, Tin
Bicentennial Cast Iron Still Bank, American, Circa 1976
Located in Incline Village, NV
Shaped like a pyramid this cast iron penny bank was made to commemorate the 200 year anniversary of America; thus inscribed at the top (see image) 1776-1976. It is painted in white (...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
American Tin Toy Trolley, circa 1880
By George W. Brown & Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
Horse drawn trolleys or "horse buses" were the main source of "mass transit", along with trains in the late 1800s in America. Thus they were ubiquitous subject matter for toy makers to exploit as toys for young children. While many tin toy...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
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
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
Mechanical Bank, "Watchdog Safe" in Cast Iron, circa 1890
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Watchdog Safe" mechanical bank was manufactured by the prolific toy coin bank manufacturer J. & E. Stevens Company in Cromwell, Connecticut in 1890. "Patent Applied For" appears in ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
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
"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
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
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
"Peg-Leg Beggar" Mechanical Bank, American, circa 1880
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Peg-leg Beggar" 19th century cast iron mechanical bank was probably inspired by the many disabled Civil War veterans begging for their subsistence. The bank was manufactured by the ...
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
"Lady and Baby by The Wishing Well" Still Bank, German, circa 1910
Located in Incline Village, NV
Very interesting wooden still bank with lots going on. All hand-carved of wood with four small circular risers elevating the base. There is a water pump with a bucket hanging from it and a metal pumper attached to the top. A hand-carved and painted brown pine tree is attached at the opposite corner with a large water well to the other corner. A lady with outstretched arms and a "King Cole" type headdress seems to be reaching out to her baby dressed in green who is lying down on top of the well, next to the coin slot. Perhaps she is about to bathe her. A bird looks on from atop the perch protruding from the pump. Dominant hand painted colors are different shades of brown and all original with no repaint. Very nice all original paint and condition with a small chip missing here and there to this handmade, kind of "folksy", and very well done bank (see images). A round circular key lock trap for releasing the coins is on the underneath, along with "Wishing Well German" handwritten on the opposite corner (see image). Whether written by an earlier collector or maker is not known.
Dimensions: 4" square x 3 5/8" high.
A unique one of a kind piece to add to a collection of still banks and a nice addition to a Folk Art collection (from my own collection).
I am a leading specialist in the field of antique coin...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
"Treasury" Still Bank, American, circa 1970
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Treasury" cast Iron still bank is a re-issue of a bank made in 1928 by the Grey Iron Casting Company, and was made by The John Wright Company in...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
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
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
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
Collection of 19th Century Cloth Animal Toys
Located in Stockton, NJ
A collection of thirteen mid-19th century Amish stuffed cloth toys. Featuring various cattle, elephant, zebra, camel, ducks, and ducks. Excellent decorative piece. Largest measures 6...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Fabric
Danish 19th Century Faience Money Bank In The Shape Of A Clogs
Located in Copenhagen, K
Danish 19th Century Faience Money Bank In The Shape Of A Clogs
Category
Late 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Earthenware
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
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
Five Mechanical Bank Trade Cards in Frame, circa 1880s
By J. & E. Steven's Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
Five mechanical bank trade cards are displayed in two separate frames. In one frame are three polychrome trade cards, which the salesmen typically carrie...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Paper
A Large Edwardian Rocking Horse A handsome galloper
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Large Edwardian Rocking Horse
A handsome galloper, he has the classic open mouthed expression, glass eyes and an arched neck, his bridle is a bit moth eaten
Our fine animal has a ...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Pine
Lacquered iron rocket, France early 20th century
Located in Firenze, IT
Lacquered iron rocket
France early 20th century
Probably part of an old amusement park attraction.
wooden stand included
37 cm
Conditions: good overall conditions, a bit of rus...
Category
1930s French Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
Large Folky Handmade Caboose-Form Toy Box
Located in New York, NY
Charming handmade toy storage box. The roof opens to revel space for toy, or whatever you'd like to store. Minor wood elements missing ( one step platform ).
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Plywood
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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