Folk Art Furniture

Early 1900's American sampler, under glass; nicely, professionally mounted and displayed in appropriate contemporary black frame with narrow red inset. Hand cross stitched on linen; ...

British Sailor's Woolwork of HMS Victor Emanuel with Red and White Ensign Border, Named after Victor Emanuel, King of Sardinia (also known as Piedmont-Sardinia) and future King of It...

Unique carved Folk Art panel, dated 1768, depicting a double portrait of mythological kings, whimsically portrayed in miniature stature with protruding...

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...

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...

British Sailor's Woolwork of the Barque Polly, Named "Polly", Circa 1885-95 Offered is a magnificent and historically significant British sailor's woolwork, or "woolie," dating to the last quarter of the 19th century. This exceptional piece presents a detailed port-side view of the three-masted barque Polly under full sail. The vessel's name is proudly displayed on a banner flown from the mainmast and is also visible on her bow, a testament to the sailor-artist's pride in his vessel. The artistry of this woolwork is particularly noteworthy. The sails are skillfully executed using the trapunto technique, a form of relief quilting where sections are padded from behind to create a dynamic, three-dimensional effect. This application masterfully conveys the impression of sails swollen with wind, bringing the scene to life. The sea is depicted in a series of rippling bands of green and white wool, a characteristic convention of this folk art form that effectively captures the motion of the water. This historically rich textile is presented in a handsome maple ogee-shaped frame, typical of the period and befitting the quality of the artwork. The piece is glazed with Museum UV glass, a modern conservation measure that significantly reduces light reflection and provides superior protection against fading and light damage. Historical Provenance: The Barque Polly The woolwork is a tribute to a specific and well-documented vessel. The barque Polly was built in the renowned shipyards of Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1885. The ship was christened at its launch by Marian "Polly" Woodside, the wife of the vessel's owner. In a charming departure from the traditional champagne, Mrs. Woodside tossed a cascade of flowers across the bow to christen the ship. The Polly embarked on numerous voyages, primarily serving the trade routes between South America and the United Kingdom, before being repositioned for service in the Pacific. As a barque, the Polly featured three masts, with the fore and mainmasts being square-rigged and the mizzenmast being fore-and-aft rigged. This configuration was highly popular for long-distance merchant vessels as it required a smaller crew than a fully-rigged ship, making it an economical choice for ocean crossings. A label affixed to the reverse of the frame indicates that this woolwork was featured on the acclaimed television program The Antiques Road...

A wooden bowl produced in the US, c. 1900.

Mocha pottery mug with ochre slip ground, circa 1790-1810   The cylindrical mug with a flared foot has an ochre-colored slip ground with a wide white band at the rim with a nar...

Founded in 1886, the A.C. Williams Toy Company in Ravenna, Ohio, manufactured this toy circa 1930. This cast iron truck car carrier loaded with three blue "Austin" sedans ("Austin" embossed on the side of each car) is completely original with no restoration of any kind, and is in original paint with no touch-up or repaint. I have black lighted everything to insure originality of paint. A red Mack truck hitched to a green trailer pulls the car carrier with it's three original cars; all nickel plated wheels on all vehicles are original. Other markings include #5, #11, and #1 on the inside of each car by rear axle; and #5 on the green trailer; #5 on the red truck. Wonderful piece of Americana in very nice condition; one or several of the cars usually are missing and/or typically repainted due to rough floor play. See my other listings of over 100+ vintage toys and antique children's toy savings banks from which to chose. Dimensions: 12 1/2" long x 2" wide x 4 1/4" high. Each cast iron car...

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...

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

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...

This is an all tin vintage wind up toy and a very strong example of "Tumbling Monkey" by the Louis Marx Toy Company of New York City; manufactured circa 1938. Quite remarkably, it in...

A footed tray in what appears to be solid Elm, most likely a single-purpose object carved by a craftsman, can be used for rings.

Sailor's Woolwork Nautical Picture, Inscribed:The British Ship Gold Finder on her voyage to Melbourn, August 2, 1864. Worked by T.J. Francis, Circa 1864 This sailor's woolwork depicts aportside view of the the Gold Finder. The Gold Finder was a 3-masted iron ship built in 1863 by J. Laing of Sunderland. There is a detailed inscription below including the maker's name- T.J. Francis. A notice in the Liverpool Mercury on Tuesday May 3, 1853......This ship is expected to sail very fast, has all her passenger arrangements on a novel and peculiar plan, affording an amount of light and ventilation such as no other passenger ship ever possessed. The ships bell has recently been acquired by the Merseyside Maritime Museum. It seems though that the ship's description involved a degree of hyperbole as she was in fact laid down as a coal ship and converted to passenger accommodation later to meet the demand for the Gold Rush in Australia. Dimensions: Framed: 28 3/10 inches high x 31 inches wide (72cm x 79 cm). The Australian gold rush started after Edward Hargraves found the precious metal in New South Wales in 1851. He was not the first to discover gold but is credited with launching the stampede when thousands tried their luck at unearthing wealth - and some succeeded. Hargraves (1816-1891), a former hotelier and cattle farmer, played a small part in the California gold rush of 1849. He didn't get rich but met people who knew about gold and where it could be found - they pointed out similarities between California and New South Wales. Hargraves headed back to Australia to test these theories and stake a claim for a Government reward for the discovery of viable gold fields. Despite initial setbacks, he organised fellow prospectors in the quest for gold which was successful. Hargraves was granted massive rewards of more than pounds 12,000 and later a pension of pounds 250 a year. He was born in Gosport, Hampshire, the son of an army officer, and educated at Lewes and Brighton Grammar School. Hargraves joined the merchant navy before arriving at Sydney in 1832 and marrying Eliza Mackie four years later. Publicity about the gold rush prompted many migrants to sail from Liverpool to seek their fortunes - the first licence was issued in Victoria on 21 September 1851. Australia's population boomed as the emigrants...

Fine early 19th century Dutch folk painted folding table, Friesland, circa 1820, having a dished oval top, the obverse painted with a harbor scen...

This is a later (1950's), albeit often overlooked and important mechanical bank that is quite rare, and highly sought after by collectors. Iconic bank collector F.H. Griffith wrote a...

A burl wood bowl produced in Sweden, 19th century.

Swedish mid-20th century Folk Art wall cabinet of carved pine, painted in “mahogany” red. The motif depict a man in a horse pulled carriage, various animals including a snake, crayfi...

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...

English Pottery Green Sponged Spatterware Set of Four Plates, 1st Half of 19th Century The Sponged Spatterware plates are attractively decorated with a green seaweed border with a b...

American pottery still bank in the shape of a pig, used for saving coins (usually pennies) to encourage children the importance of thrift. Pottery still banks are somewhat scarce since the typical way to remove coins was to smash the bank open, albeit, with this particular example, perhaps a knife was used for coin removal (note the wear to the coin slot---see images) or perhaps the additional wear is also from many coins having been deposited. The bank is in good all original condition , from an unknown potter (unmarked) circa 1880's, and probably a variant of #633 "Two Toned Pig" in Andy Moore's "The Penny Bank Book" written in 1984 when collecting pottery banks...

Proverbial comic character toy of the era "Happy Hooligan" was recreated by the Schoenhut Toy Company at the turn of the century calling them a "Rolly Do...

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 (...

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...

Outstanding example of this iconic and highly sought after tin advertising sign made by the Shonk Company, Chicago, Illinois, circa 1906. The subject matter depicts a farm scene with...

The large 1970s print by Arthus Nevin depicts a Red-Breasted Merganser Bird Decoy. It is inscribed Red-Breasted Merganser Beach Haven, NJ., 1935. 102/1...

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...

Beautiful semi-nude woman with translucent negligee, holding a bottle of "Brookfield Rye" whiskey is the focal point of this chromolithographic tin advertising sign, used to promote ...

Sailor's Woolwork of HMS Reindeer of a Large Size, Made by Henry Payn Hopper, Circa 1865-70 The large woolie depicts a starboard side view of the HMS Reindeer under steam and sail. ...

A wood bowl produced in Sweden, 19th century.

A small pine bowl produced in Sweden, 19th Century.

This 19th century American solid brass ship steering wheel was, more than likely, from a yacht. Fishing and commercial boats were more inclin...

A wooden bowl designed and produced in Sweden, 19th century

A wood bowl produced in Sweden, 19th century. “E” symbol on bottom side

A sizeable pine trough or bowl produced in Sweden, 19th Century.

A pine, large vessel produced in Sweden, 19th century.   

Turn of the century chocolate mold pattern was used in the making of chocolate in the shape of a clown circa 1900; which was the dawn of chocolate manufacturing in Europe. To capital...

Charming early (circa 1830's) folk art painting, with very desirable subject matter, this oil on canvas depicts a pretty young girl; seated, wearing a fancy dress with her beloved d...

Most unusual English early 19th Century folk art carving of a wild man, most likely a newel post figure, depicted with groomed European hair, beard a...

A wooden side table or stool painted in "faluröd" red pigment, designed and produced in Sweden, 19th century.

The large print by Arthur Nevin is inscribed Mallard Hen Decoy, Bay Head, New Jersey, 1920, it is also signed & numbered 45/150.

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...

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 ...

Very unique piece of folk art. Horseshoe parts and elements of horseshoes have been hand forged and connected together along, with other unidentifiable iron parts to create this Ame...

English pottery pearlware botanical plates, circa 1840     The folky painted plates have a scalloped rim. In the center of each plate is a large...

Charming American Sampler by "Clara R. Nolan"; well made, bright and colorful, with an intricate needlepoint floral rose petal border in colors of red...

19th century Folk Art Mechanical Clock Painting with a view of a square in a little town. Painted on wood panel in a gilded frame. Clock maker and artist unknown. Ca 1830 - 50, proba...

A pine, large vessel or container produced in Sweden, 19th century.   

Very difficult antique toy to come by, especially to find with the original box, as this example. In excellent and all original condition and paint in bright blue, white, and yellow paint and lithography with no touch up; there is zero restoration, and the toy is in outstanding operating condition; just wind up the attached wind up key on the back of the boy and the he dances around in a circular motion for quite some time while seemingly playing his accordion (see the video attached). "Dancing Dutch Boy" is an all tin wind up toy...

Fine group of three Swedish 19th and early 20th century folk art baskets, the first with polychrome decoration on a coiled willow body and having barley twist handle, the second with blue and red paint with floral decoration on a reeded body, the last of cylindrical form and having a woven snowflake pattern. Although priced as a collection, we would be willing to separate them. Size listed is for handled coiled basket...

A beautiful Finnish hand carved folk stool from the late 1800s. The stool retains the original blue colour commonly used in furniture back in the period. The stool seems to have had ...

Fine early 19th century Swedish root burl bowl retaining traces of original mustard and ox blood read paint and having lovely organic form with excellent patina.

Woven with the exclusive use of recycled yarns of various type, ranging from cotton to lurex, this represents 'art brut' within the domain of the textile arts. Weavings such as this ...

American Country (19th century) painted red, white, & blue barber pole.  

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...

Mocha Seaweed Pottery Pearlware Coffeepot, circa 1800-1830 The footed coffeepot and cover are attractively decorated with bands of different color...

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...

Mocha Pottery banded pepper pot, circa 1810 The bulbous circular Mocha pepper pot with a broad flared shoulder with bands of brown and light blue. ...

A Folk Art two-sided sign maker's sample board in original paint, one side having square color samples with various border treatments, each panel numbered (one through 25), the other...