A wonderful American folk art portrait of a Methodist minister painted by Ammi Phillips (1788–1865). The distinguished gentleman is sitting at a table, with his hand holding a pair of spectacles and resting on a Methodist hymnal. The finely rendered depiction of the large dominating figure with dark clothing emphasizes the gravitas of the sitter.

The painting is 32 5/8 inches by 27 1/4 inches sight size, and 37 7/8 inches by 32 3/4 inches framed size...

This painting epitomizes all the characteristics one looks for in a folk art portrait, including the whimsy that is so delightful. Note the vibrant colors, unusual treatment of anatomical features (the shortened arm, for example), and embellishments such as the chair, bonnet, shawl, book, and sheet music...

A superb oil on canvas American folk art painting depicting a man orating about temperance. He is standing beneath trees which are arching to almost form a bower over him. A courting couple is on either side of him, with a church in the background. The symbolism of the couples probably reflects the belief that marital and family relations improve in temperance households. Note also that the orator is holding a bottle in his left hand, probably just after having poured the contents on the ground...

A striking and extremely rare hooked rug featuring a peacock displaying its beautiful plumage. This is a very graphically strong depiction, striking in its design.

One of the factors that contributes greatly to the rarity is the use of silver metallic threads circling the "eyes" of the peacock's feathers. The color range in the rug is beautiful, with no jarring clashes. All dyes are natural, with no use of artificial coloring...

A wonderful idyllic scene of a girl gathering flowers in a hat. Near her is a lake with cows watering, while in the immediate background is another group of cows and a young girl. The far background has trees and a house. The charming naïve style, and the inclusion so many items of interest combine to make this work an exceptional piece.

Often even simple watercolors of this age have substantial condition issues, ranging from tears, stain, folds, di89scolrations, etc...

A wonderful example of a pastel painting on sandpaper. The scene shows a man in 18th century garb, holding a fawn that his daughter is feeding. They stand on a dirt path lined with a wooden fence. Other deer are in the foreground and near the lake that occupies the mid-ground of this work. In the immediate background is a fantasy type building on a hill, with mountains in the background...

An extremely folky and graphically strong hooked rug with vibrant colors, initialled KP and dated 1898;some minor and invisible museum quality restoration was done, and the rug was then mounted on acid free cloth and frame; a nice large size of 56" by 27"

An extremely fine pair of American folk art mourning pictures. The paintings are watercolor and gouache (to highlight skin areas) on heavy stock or card. The oval format work shows a sad woman holding a hat with a dog at her feet. In the background are what appear to be a number of monuments. The round format shows two young girls with a dove in a cage and two others they have just set free. The doves symbolically represent the release of the spirit or soul...

Very Rare Black Forest hand carved walnut dog cigar holder. May have been used in a gentlemen's club, a men's parlor in a Victorian home, or as a store display. A fantastic find for the collector or cigar aficionado. Measures 16" long, 6" high, 5" wide.

Can be purchased as a pair for $5800

Condition: Very good antique condition. Some light wax residue within the holes as it was likely previously used as a candle holder...

A large and rare, early 19th C Gathering Basket from North Carolina of rectangle shape with 2 steamed and bent handles. In great condition, it is very tightly woven with a double wrapped rim. Basket is coated with cream colored paint, probably milk paint. Wood is unknown, possibly split oak. From the private collection of an appraiser of Early Americana. Measures 28" long, 16" wide, 12" high. Note: Basket depth measures 10", with handles 12".

A charming watercolor on paper painting depicting a young woman holding a note or book in her lap while her pet dog begs for attention. The dress, feathered hat, and hairdo, as well as the construction style of the house show this to be a woman of means, as well as placing this work in the 1800-1803 time period. This is likely a schoolgirl painting, done in freestyle rather than the more common stenciling. Presented in a period giltwood frame.

There are no folds or creases in this example...

An Abraham Parsell painting on natural organic material of a young man with his hand resting on a book. All the characteristics that make Parsell so sought after are present, from the folky treatment of the face, the frizzy hair, and the accessory point of interest, in this case the book. The sitter is Dye Brewer, of Edenton, Chowan county, NC, and this painting descended in the family to a direct relative, a Mrs. Morris of Houston, TX.

The miniature is in a beautiful, cast foliate, period lo...

A striking and nicely painted oil on canvas pair of American portraits. The sitters (by family repute) are Hendrick Henry Lasher (1788 - 1843) and Hannah Sharp (1793 - 1851) of New York.

Painted in a straightforward, stark style, the artist has deftly used dark tones for the clothing the background, focusing the light and the viewer's attention on the faces.

Condition is very good, with no holes or large amounts of restoration. The paintings having been relined and the period frames touched ...

A beautiful and striking pair of American folk art pastel still life paintings. The fruit is laid out on a green table, and wonderfully executed. The black background provides superb contrast and highlights the radiance of the apples, pears, grapes, peaches, etc.

The gilded over gesso frames are period and probably original. Sight size of each is 16 3/4" by 12 7/8", while the framed size is 21 1/4" by 17 3/4". The paintings have been laid down on stiffer paper and are not smeared, touched up, ...

A watercolor on paper of a little girl, holding a basket and flowers, in front of a group of buildings. Found in Lancaster, PA, and supposedly a painting of structures that still exist. Dated february, 1845.

Some minor creasing and spotting, which are much less obtrusive in person than in the photos.

This banneret weather vane, found in upstate New York, is constructed of sheet and wrought iron, and has an incredible presence and visual impact. Featuring a flag with a central cut-out, scrollwork on either side of the flag, and an ornate three dimensional flower blossom at the end, it exemplifies the whimsy that one looks for in great items of folk art.

The vane has a wonderful weathered and rough brown surface, and is in overall excellent condition. It is 37 inches long, 15 inches ta...

A rare opportunity to acquire a 19th century American sampler, including not only the date (26th March 1833) but also the location (Waldoboro, Lincoln County, Maine). The piece measures 14" by 12 1/2" and 21" by 18 1/4" in the period gold frame (framed under the glass, which is broken at lower left corner as seen). Condition is excellent, with the notable exception of significant fading of the color. Most interestingly, this piece includes the name of maker, one Sarah F. Lermond, age 14 in 18...

Nineteenth century classic folk art, an American weathervane of a galloping horse, dimensions 28" by 15" by 3", with contemporary birch wood block mount for display. The piece was acquired in Connecticut. Weather vanes are not my specialty. I know that there are recognized makers (Harris?) but cannot attribute this to any particular source. The piece had bullet holes that have been fixed and smoothed over, so, work has been done to this. The gilt and mustard paint surface, it has been sugge...

A beautifully done Pennsylvania Quaker sampler, featuring three sets of the alphabet, two bushes, an urn of flowers, birds and dogs, and the verse:

Let the most blessed be my guide
If it be his blessed will
Unto his vale into his fold
Up to his holy hill.

The sampler is signed Martha Graham Work Done in her 11th Year 182X. The last digit of the year was removed, as was often the case to hide the exact age of the maker.

Martha Graham was born in 1815, the daughter of Reverend Rober...

Formerly owned by Ingrid Bergman and Alan Freed, this is a large and exceptional fine American tinsel or foil painting featuring a full wreath encircling an urn of flowers on a green base. Although the use of a wreath in a tinsel painting is not at all uncommon, this particular format is extremely rare, if not unique. The flowers are so densely packed as to make the execution of the painting quite difficult. Further, there are 6 birds amidst the flowers, and the lower area motif has switched fr...

This is a superbly rendered watercolor on paper attributed to Henry Walton. The name of the sitter, John Andrew Jenny, is written in pencil at the top of the painting, in penmanship not unlike Walton's.

Mr. Jenny is a nice-looking young man wearing a black coat, with highlights in gum arabic. The style of the coat and the cravat place this portrait in the 1841-1844 time period. This is consistent with Walton's development as an artist, when he began to paint the faces of his subjects with mod...

Another fine example from our personal collection of animal hooked rugs, this one featuring an elephant posed on grass with fruited tree branches descending from the top of the rug.

The rug has a felt border, easily detached if so desired. The condition is excellent, with good colors and some slight scattered wear to the border. The size is 40" by 30".

An amazing whimsical game board reverse painted on glass. The checkerboard design is worked in bright shades of lime green and burgundy, the individual squares outlined with borders painted in orange, red, lavender ocher and gray. The board is decorated with ornate flourishes at each corner bearing the names “Agnes”, “Edd”, “Beulah” and “Mother”. The outer edge is painted in burgundy. The overall appearance is very graphic and reminds us of a good patchwork quilt. The glass ...

This is the biggest Amish doll I have ever owned. She has really nice age, is heavily stuffed with rags and cotton, hinged arms and legs, and the best clothing. She has had lots of being played with so it is a given that the clothes are not original. The dress is a little big for her and early 1900's as well as her undergarments but the bonnet and the cape are very early and terrific. She sits nicely and is the center of attraction where ever she is. She is 22" tall and circa 1890-1900

A wonderful double sided smalt trade sign for D.M. Woodward, Doctor of Chiropractic. The gilded letters and the black smalt background are virtually intact and vibrant. The frame is original, and measures 28 3/4 inches by 14 inches by 2 inches deep. There is a small sliver out of the frame at one upper edge, and a small gap in the frame at the corner. Aside from these very minor flaws, the piece is in excellent condition.

A charming metal artist's trade sign mounted under glass in a fine period wood frame. Obviously done to showcase his skill, it shows a palette with brushes resting in the thumb hole along with flowers, additional flowers and a bird outside of the palette.

The sign and the frame with its original backboard are in excellent condition. Sight size 13 1/2" by 9 1/2", and a framed size of 17" by 12 1/2".

A fine set of 4 watercolor schoolgirl paintings executed with a very high degree of artistry, probably originally done as bookplates. They have been mounted in pairs in attractive figured maple frames. The first frame has the paintings shown in the 2nd and 3rd photos and the 2nd frame has the paintings shown in the 4th and 5th photos.

The paintings and frames are in excellent condition, with the first frame, shown in the top left of the first photo, measuring 12 5/8" by 10 3/4". The second fr...

A beautifully executed American watercolor on paper portrait painting of a woman. The sitter has auburn curls and is dressed in an Empire style dress with wide lace collar, a paisley bordered shawl, white turban, and matching pearl and gem brooch and earrings. All the details are very finely limned.

The painting is in excellent condition, with no creases, tears, fading, or restoration. Sight size is 8" by 6 1/4", and the gilt molded frame size is 10" by 8 1/4".

This striking and well executed miniature watercolor painting, on natural organic material, depicts a blue-eyed handsome young gentleman. He is wearing a black coat and tie, white shirt with a stickpin, and is sporting a fashionable hairstyle for the times.

The sight size of the painting is 2 1/2" by 2". It is housed in its original cast brass locket which is 2 5/8" by 2 1/8", and, in the engine turned back, has a glazed aperture containing a woven plait of hair. Below this aperture is e...

A fine painted gameboard painted with red numbers on black squares on a brown background. This type of gameboard was supposedly used for playing checkers games by mail, using the numbers to describe the piece positions; also possibly used for teaching checkers; size is 29 1/2" by 21" by 1 1/2". Excellent condition.

A spectacular calligraphic work by E. Bambeck, signed and dated as part of the painting. Using pastels, watercolors, and pen and ink, he has limned a pair of very lifelike parakeets on white branches against a stark black background. The details and artistry that has gone into this work is truly of the highest order.

The condition is excellent, with no smudges, tears, toning or other problems. The bright white blobs in the center of some of the photos are reflections of lamps. Sight size is 23...

Stranded high and dry in sunny Southern California, and wanting very much to go home to the east coast: a very large (35" by 39" extreme dimensions) clipper ship diorama/shadowbox. There is no glass---probably long since missing. This has clear folky qualities, but shows its age, (circa 1890-1920?----there are no square nails, and the use of the "squiggly" type of horizontally-driven nail in the corners, of which photos attached, seems to hint of a later date rather than earlier(?) There are ...

This is a charmingly rendered watercolor on paper portrait of an attractive little girl, leaning against a hillock of red flowers amidst green foliage. The artist has chosen to omit details in the background, and, instead, draws the viewer's focus to the subject by limning her dress in a bright blue, and having her hold several flowers in her hand. The work possesses a whimsy and naivete that brings a smile to one's face, as good folk art often does.

Sight size is 6 3/4" by 5 1/2", and ...

A wonderful and amusing hooked rug depicting an aardvark. I have collected many rugs featuring animals but have never seen another with an aardvark. Well, at least I think this is someone's interpretation of an aardvark, or possibly a beaver, armadillo or pangolin. Whatever the craftsman was aiming for, one has to smile at this, and at the pinkish salmon background color surrounded by a scalloped teal border. Cotton yarn and with original burlap foundation.

The size is 43" by 30 1/2". The...

A charming hooked rug depicting a woman holding a flower and sitting in a chair beside a large kettle over an open fire. The wall behind her shows a painting and a window through which can be seen a church. Rugs of this size and this period showing an interior scene are quite uncommon.

The 21" by 17" rug is mounted in a museum approved manner on acid free board. The condition is excellent, with no issues.

A wonderful and strong American freehand watercolor on paper folk art theorem. Strawberries, apples, cherries, and pears, with their foliage, are depicted in bold colors with a whimsical style. They rest in a large bowl with a light brown tint (not stained).

In contrast to the creasing, heavy foxing and flaws that many examples of this type art have, the overall condition is excellent, with no tears and only a spot or two or discoloration. The sight size is 12 inches by 8 3/8 inches, while the...

A rare and important Danisb Mangleboard with the Royal crowned monogram of Christian the VII, king of Denmark 1766-1808, in relief carving with gilt. The mangleboard is dated to 1802, so the later part of the reign.

Below is a fine depiction of Adam and Eve standing either side of the tree in the Garden of Eden. Beautiful floral carving of each fruit and a nice rendering of the snake as well. A massive stylized horse handle. Such high quality work with a royal crowned monogram, wou...

A nicely executed painting of Stephen Girard, capturing the inner essence of this important person. Excellent condition, and in a period gilt frame which is in very good condition. Sight size is 21 3/4" by 16".

Stephen Girard came to the United States, and Philadelphia, around 1776, and became one of the wealthiest men in the nation. He was well-known for his philanthropy, and founded Girard College. During the War of 1812, Girard was responsible for saving the U.S. from financial collapse. ...

A folky miniature portrait painting of a young man. With his stylish hairdo, high collar, and patterned vest, and pin, the gentleman exemplifies a dandy of the time. The blue hues in the background provide a striking contrast to the relatively monochromatic tones of the sitter.

The miniature is 2 3/8" by 1 3/4" and is housed in its original 2 1/2" by 2" brass case, which also has a lock of hair in the rear aperture. Condition is excellent, with no cracks, bowing, or paint flaking.

I bet her kitchen smells like homemade bread and biscuits. This doll lets you know she is strong and capable and isn't afraid of work. I love that she has big hands formed as a fist with fingers and thumb. Her shoes are also big and sturdy also. The carving is bold and yet touching. She is a great example of the 1920-30's woman farmsteading, likely in Appalachian Mountains. She is 21" tall, carved from heavy hard wood and jointed with screws at the hips and shoulders. She is C. 1920-30

A black cloth doll with lots of assets. This doll has a very nice embroidered face, the clothes are fabulous, (including pantaloons, petticoat, skirt blouse,apron, lace shawl), her hair is deerskin hide, her socks are hand made with a different color yarn on the sole to make it look like a shoes and she is 20" tall. She is firmly stuffed with cotton. She sits but resists a little so she would sit on an upholstered chair but would tend to slip on a wooden surface. I have had her sitting on a woo...

A wonderful character cloth doll that just might be one of the earliest selfies. I can imagine a grandmother making a doll in her likeness to give to a child that is not living close by but loves her Grammy. This doll has a face created by using same color thread and string to sew on the face for knotted string eyes, applied nose and a golden floss for her mouth. She is made with a heavy cotton homespun and is stuffed with a grain. She is very heavy. She has a stick from the top of her head that...

A charming folk art, watercolor on paper, portrait of a very pretty young woman. She is wearing a mourning band on each arm, and is sitting quietly on a chair, with the sheet music of "The Julia Polka" on her lap. Since the painting is titled, in pencil along the lower margin, "Julia ???", the most likely explanation is that this is Julia, mourning for the loved one who probably wrote the song for her. Rather than sadness, however, the painting conveys a feeling of pensiveness and serenity.

Th...

This black cloth doll is from a private collection in New Hampshire. She is 16" tall and has embroidered face with a pinched raised nose. She has floss hair coming out from around the sewn on gathered bonnet. She is rag stuffed and is very firm. She sits but it is a bit forced maybe because she has been stored flat in a box for many years. She is hand sewn as is her great early dress with a pocket on one side.The dress is without arms but with her black cloth arms it is hard to notice. She is a ...

A bold and beautiful tinsel, or foil, painting, reverse painted on glass. The subject matter is a yellow and white urn, filled with a bountiful array of various flowers, done in a rainbow of colors. The period and probably original frame is of high quality mahogany, which is very rarely found on this type of work.

The painting is in overall excellent condition, and the frame itself has some scuffing and wear, which could easily be touched up. The sight size is 12" by 10 3/4", and the framed si...

A nicely executed, watercolor on paper, small American folk art portrait of a young woman. The subject is wearing a vibrant blue dress, and is holding a book as she sits in a chair beside a table with a vase of flowers. Fine detailing abounds in her jewelry, and the lace accents on her clothing.

The paper has some overall light toning and the painting is in excellent condition, with no creasing, tears, or stains. The cherry frame is period and might be original. Sight size is 9 7/8 inches by 7...

This is one of the most vibrant and spectacular splint baskets you are likely to encounter. The chrome yellow paint is complemented by the deep red wrapping at the top and on the wood handle. Found in Pennsylvania, it has a 9 1/4" diameter, is 6 3/4" tall not including the handle, and 11" tall including the handle.

The paint is all original with no loss, and the structural integrity is pristine, with no breaks.

This ancient bellows, 9 pounds in weight and 50 inches long, 15 inches across at the widest point, appears to be of Pennsylvania origin, (judging from the colorful "hex" symbol associated with furniture from the area). I am hardly a specialist in Pennsylvania folk art, but thought the hex symbol would permit this to be safely placed in that category. The bellows is really an unusual and picturesque piece, an old survivor, with original old thumb screws, ancient old thick hide leather, old tack...

Vibrant yellow with black freehand decoration. All original with very, very minor touchups to black. Signed Charles(?) H. Blanders, Putnam, NY?. 10 7/8" by 5" by 4 1/2". Excellent condition.

A nice early antique cloth doll with an amazing brown calico dress. She has a sweet ink drawn face with big round eyes. She has applied black fabric on the back of her head representing hair. She has an hour glass body with a tiny waist. Under her calico dress is a early petticoat and pantaloons. She has sewn on brown polished cotton fabric shoes or boots. Her dress is sewn on and the dress is fragile. The hem either never was done or it has more than likely been cut off to accommodate this doll...

A beautifully limned tinsel, or foil, painting, reverse painted on glass. The subject matter is a white urn, filled with a an array of various flowers, including a large rose and a lily. The period and probably original frame is of high quality.

This good-sized painting is in overall excellent condition, as is the frame. The sight size is 14 5/8" by 12 3/8", and the framed size is 19 5/8" by 17 1/4".

NOTE: Foil paintings were done primarily in the second half of the 19th century, and ...

A pine lap desk, in original turkey red with yellow sponged decoration; probably PA; 13" by 11" by 6". Excellent condition.

This tall lollipop head pencil face doll has lots to tell. One look at her body tells you many hands have fixed her up. She has one replaced arm, patches and holes on her legs and feet. She has the tiniest of a waist and the biggest of the hips that I have seen. She is nice and early and is all hand sewn. Her pantaloons have been on her so long they look like her body. Her dress is all hand sewn and in tatters here and there. She has a face on either side of her head and she has feet that turn i...

A charming small watercolor on paper painting of a young boy wearing a naval uniform and holding a flute, which is used to pipe the hours. Period bird's eye maple frame with period backboard.,

The painting has even light toning and is in excellent condition, with no folds, tears, or restoration. Sight size is 8 1/8" by 6 1/2", and the framed size is 11 3/8" by 9 3/8".

DESCRIPTION: A very good woven oak-splint basket in lobed buttocks form, used as a field gathering basket or a market basket for goods. This large, late 1800’s to early 1900’s Pennsylvania basket has a sturdy bentwood handle with bentwood-wrapped rims. CONDITION: Very good with minor age-appropriate usage wear and losses. DIMENSIONS: 20” wide x 14" high x 16.5” deep.

Showing the whimsy that exemplifies good American folk art, this watercolor double portrait depicts a young man and woman who are clearly siblings. The artist achieved a starkness by having them in black clothing and not accentuating the details of their garb. In fact, the basic touches of color are only the blue in the girl's eyes and in the sky against which they are posed. Note that neither sitter is gazing directly at the viewer, nor are they looking in the same direction. The combination of...

DESCRIPTION: An antique American woven oak splint basket with twisted vine handle in elongated form for flower or herb gathering. You can never have too many great, old baskets! CONDITION: Good with minor age-appropriate wear, stains or losses. DIMENSIONS: 12" high x 21" wide.

A collection of three nice Northern European Mangleboards.

One is very old, dated to 1710, carved on the top of the board together with the letters ALRS - the initials of the carver himself - or the one he was devoted to show his carving skills? - 58 cm.

The 2nd board - dated 1822 with the letter DYD carved on the top. Also note the handle in the shape of a vivid horse figure (59 cm)

Both boards are very beautifully decorated with floral motifs and symbols carv...

Offered is a fabulous, 19th century antique, hand-carved, wood, FLYING GARGOYLE from a South Carolina estate. Exquisitely crafted in the gothic-style, this piece undoubtedly was once an interior architectural focal point in a grand Victorian mansion.

Significant carving expertise and skill was required to create such a wonderfully executed object of art which emanates fierce expression and unrelenting strength.

The gargoyle is crafted from a hardwood, and it sports an unfinished surface ...

A finely carved and exceptional early wooden Mangle board, Friesland (coastal regions of the Netherlands and northwestern Germany), c. mid-late 17th. century.

An early mangle board, carved in an exceptional openwork and geomethric style with micro carving of tiny details. Beautiful portal shaped top.

Size: c. 62 cm. long and c. 11 cm. wide.

Condition: Good Very fine. Lovely fresh wood for the period and undamaged.

Ex. Dutch Private Collection. ...