Source: https://digantiques.com/shop/browse/5ace2f09740e26502703ec51
Timestamp: 2019-04-20 10:46:46+00:00

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Update Profile WEST PELHAM ANTIQUES, specializing in Needlework Samplers, both American and English, Early English Ceramics and American Country Accessories in paint. All prices are PLUS POSTAGE. We generally use USPS Priority Mail and do not charge a handling fee.
A very large (and extremely heavy) Chocolate Bunny Mold. 16 tin bunnies (making 8 chocolate rabbits at a time) encased in a large, folding steel frame. Each bunny is about 5 ¾” tall x 3 ¼” wide (at the widest point), and the overall dimensions of the frame are 17 ¼” x 8 ½” x 8 ½” (shipping weight will be over 26 pounds). This mold had to have come from a chocolate factory or large candy shop that molded its own treats. It dates mid-20th century or earlier (I’ve had it about 25 years!) Nice detailing on the rabbits, and it is in fine condition with no cracks or breaks and the rabbits are clean. There is some scattered, light oxidation in places on the frame, and don’t ask me exactly how it works, but in my mind, it is a gigantic mess waiting to happen. I am happy to discuss shipping options with the buyer.
A small and very tidy Vermont Needlework Sampler by E. E. Eaton. Undated, but c. 1830, there is an old, hand-written note on the back indicating that the sampler was “Made by Elilzabeth Eaton, Daughter of Moses Eaton, an early settle of Woodstock, VT. Home was located at west end of the park.” I have not been able to verify any of this information, but the sampler has the look and feel of a Vermont piece. Stitch in 2 colors (green and brown) with silk thread on a linen backing, there are 2 alphabets, a quaint verse (“The Rose is fairest when ‘tis blushing new. And Hope is brightest when it dawns from fears.” Couldn’t find reference to the quotation, either!), and a couple of little birds (I think that's what they are!). The sampler measures 13” x 8” and is framed in an old, but probably not original, wooden frame (16” x 10 ¾”). It is in very fine condition with no missing/pulled stitches, no holes and no staining. A nice Vermont sampler.
A wonderful, homemade Mechanical Bank in original paint and dating c. 1880 or so. Put a coin (I use pennies, but if you wanted to make it really interesting, try $5 gold pieces!) on the heads of each of the figures and challenge people to get the penny in the slot. Once you know the trick (smooth, slow motion), it works every time. The coins can then retrieved by sliding a tray out from the bottom. The 2 figures look like soldiers. The surface retains its original red grained paint. Great working condition with only some paint rubbing. The molding on the side where the tray slides in/out is missing but it does not impede the tray from sliding in or out. 11” x 4 ½” x 8 ¼” (top of the towers).
A very large, 17 ½” diameter wooden bowl (probably maple) with original gray-blue paint on the exterior. The bowl is 5” deep and the wood about ½” thick. It has a small foot rim and is “gently” out of round. Very fine condition with some paint wear on the exterior and a tight line that probably happened in the making. Great as a centerpiece or hang it on your wall. Better yet, use it as a community hot fudge sundae bowl!
A very early (c. 1910, perhaps a bit earlier) printed cloth “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” game (kind of looks like a mule to me, but I grew up in New Jersey!). Gotta love the title: “Your Donkey Party!” The fine linen cloth measures 27” x 25” and is in fine condition, given the kind of use it must have received. There is some minor creasing (probably fixable with a proper ironing), scatter, light staining/soiling and some edge tears. But no major rips or hole. The printing is strong, the “instructions” are very legible and in general, a wonderful piece of nostalgia. The cloth is lacking the “tails” that probably came with the game, but I’m sure people can improvise. Do kids play this game at birthday parties any more? Postage in the US is free on this piece.
Wilson’s Improved Coffee Mill or Grinder to mount on the wall in your kitchen. The grinder dates to c. 1895 (when grinding coffee at home became popular) and includes a tin label that reads “Wilson’s Improved Coffee Mill – Patented.” The grinder is mounted on a wooden block (6 ½” x 5 ¾”) that could be mounted on a wall. The crank turns smoothly and the cast iron mill is in very fine condition but I have not tried to grind coffee in it. There is an age split on the wooden handle knob, but it is not in danger of falling off and has no splinters. A nice decorative accessory for your country kitchen.
A most unusual iron tobacco or herb chopper showing a horse and groom. Dating to the late 19th/early 20th centuries, the chopper has a wooden handle and can be mounted on a wood block (that will come with it if the buyer would like it; it will just jump postage costs up a couple/3 dollars). The chopper is painted gray on one side and solid black on the other. The gray-painted side shows some black details (horse’s eye and mouth, mane and tail and cap on the groom), while there is no detailing on the other side. It measures 14” x 7” (overall) with the metal chopper measuring about 10 ¼” x 7”. (The block, is anyone is interested, measures 11” x 7” x 1 1/8”). It is in good, used condition with some paint rubbing but no cracks, breaks, rust, etc. The handle is solid. As noted, it will be shipped without the block, unless the buyer would like to have it. A most unusual chopper: you see horses from time to time, but this is the first one I’ve seen with a human figure.
A printed handkerchief from the 1884 Presidential Election Campaign showing images of Republican Candidates James G. Blaine (of Maine) and John A. Logan of Illinois. Blaine was Speaker of the House of Representatives and Logan was a US Senator from Illinois. Blaine and Logan lost the election to Grover Cleveland. The election took place in the middle of what is called The Age of the Robber Barons and you might be amused to read some of the allegations made against all the candidates! The handkerchief measures 19” x 18 ½” and in addition to the images of Blaine and Logan, there is an Eagle. It is in fine condition: clean with no holes, tears, etc. The printed images are strong and there is only one noticeable stain, right at the Eagle’s mouth. Insured postage in the US will be free for this item.
A 19th century, grain-painted, decorated, dovetailed Dresser Box. The free-hand decoration includes 2 green hearts on the lid and gold swirls, etc. There is gold wavy line decoration on the front and red edging throughout. The dovetails are small and precise. Interior is clean and unpainted and while there is a receptical for a lock on the bottom of the box, there is nothing in the top to fit into it. The box also has 4 little metal feet. The box measures 12” x 6 ¾” x 4” (high). It is in good condition with some small bumps and bruises on the top and some pint rubbing on all sides. Shipping weight will be about 3 ½ pounds.
3 early gilt letters: D A. D. The Ds measure 9 ¾” high x about 8 ½” wide; the A is 10 ¾” high and 9 7/8” across at the bottom. Gold painted surface with rounded edges. Reverse side is painted white (almost like a whitewash), and the edges are dark blue. The Ds are in very fine condition; the A is solid but there is a split/crack in the cross-bar and 2 in the right side (but the letter holds together and is not wobbly. The letters have been mounted on something, as there are nail holes in the back but these hole are not visible on the front. A great gift for the “Dad” in your life.
A folksy pictorial hooked rug showing 2 gray cats sitting on a roof, surrounded by pastel-colored flowers. The rug measures 34" x 27" and is hooked in gray, purple, rose, blue, dark green and pink. It has a black cloth binding and there is a dark blue sleeve across the top of the back side for a hanging rod. Hand-hooked, probably from the mid-20th century, the rug is in very fine condition with no holes, tears, staining, etc.
A pair of very folksy and primitive Shore Bird Decoys mounted on wooden blocks and dating to the first half of the 20th century. Each bird is perched on a wire coming out of the block and each has a long nail bill. One has male plumage and the other female coloration. Each bird is just under 17” tall, including the wooden base, and each measures about 11 ½” from tip of the bill to the tip of the tail. They are about ½” thick. Very fine condition. The painted surfaces are dry and show nice age. There are no splits or cracks in the birds. The posts and bills show oxidation but are solid. The white bases show paint wear. The female has some buckshot marks, but the male seems to have escaped being shot! A very funky pair!
A small (desk or dresser top size) 19th century Comb or grain painted Document Box with wonderful swirl paint decoration. The box measures 11 7/8" x 6 7/8" x5 1/8" (H). It retains its original dry painted surface and hinges. The front escutcheon is present, but the latch that fits on the underside of the lid is gone (box still closes tightly, you just can't lock it if you had a key). New England, origin, most likely, probably Maine. Nailed construction. Minor staining inside and some light rubbing along the edges and some minor bumps that do not detract. Great color and great combed paint pattern. A very classy place to keep your papers or personal items.
About a straight and right a piece of early 19th century (perhaps late 18th century) woodenware as you will find: a small piggin in original brown painted surface and original banding. Piggins were small barrel-like containers where one stave was left long to serve as a handle. They had a variety of uses, from scooping grain to slopping the pigs and have become very hard to find in their original condition. This example measures about 5 ¼" in diameter and 6 ¾" to the top of the handle (4 ¼" to the top of the container). The steel bands holding the piece together, and the rivets, appear to be hand-forged. The piggin is in very fine condition: tight with only minor bumps and paint rubbing.
A very early, c. 1800, perhaps a bit earlier, 3-Finger Oval Box with iron tacks and natural wood stain. The box measures 4 ½” x 3 3/8” and is 2 ¼” high. Nut brown surface, nice shadowing under the lid and what may be the original cloth liner on the bottom. Very fine condition with no cracks or splits, only some very slight roughness along the bottom edge. Lid fits snugly. A great box for the top of your stack.
A tidy Connecticut House Sampler by Elizabeth Yale of Canaan, CT., dated August 19, 1839. The sampler includes 2 houses (one large, one small – as if “down the road”!), 2 trees (near and far) and a basket/urn of flowers. Elizabeth stitched her name, her age (12), date and Canaan after the 4 alphabets and numbers 1-0. There is also a short, uplifting verse: “Let virtue be my greatest care, And Study my delight. So shall my day be always fair and Peaceable my night.”. It measures 15” x 12” (sight) and is framed in a contemporary wood frame; frame size is 16” x 13”. The sampler is in fine condition: there are no tears, holes and the only stain is a small spot to the left of the house. A nice modest example from an important Connecticut family. Limited Genealogy attached.
A pristine miniature splint Buttocks Bottom Basket (probably ash splint) with a ½” wide bentwood handle. Single-wrapped rim. Nice nut-brown color and no splits, breaks or missing pieces. Tight and well made. 5” x 4” (at the top) and about 5 ½” high at the handle. A great addition to your miniature basket collection!
Here is a hanging Match Box or Holder in original crusty Red Paint. The box, which dates to the middle of the 19th century has an arched back and small area of ribbing on the front panel (I assume where the matches would have been struck). It is 8 ¼” high to the top of the arch, 3 ¾” wide and 3 ½” deep. The red surface is dry and crusty; and the piece has some age and use appropriate wear, but no cracks, breaks, etc.
This item is a most unusual figural Tobacco or Herb Chopper in the form of a Beaver, mounted on its original wooden block. The chopper is steel and it chops down on a copper plate mounted to a wooden block (which is why I think it is probably a tobacco chopper rather than an herb chopper). The beaver’s head is attached to a metal post. The chopper, including handle, is about 12 ½” x 3 ½” and the wooden block is 14” x 7 ½” x 1 ¾” (thick). The whole mechanism is very heavy, weighing over 7 pounds (shipping weight will approach 10 pounds in an oversized box). I have not attempted to remove the chopper from the block. It shows signs of use but no damage and there is no rust or splits/breaks in the metal.
This 19th century cast iron Pilot House Eagle is displayed on a custom wood stand. It has measures 7 ½” high (10 ½” including stand), and the wingspan measures about 15 ½”. Significant molded detail on the body (front and back) and the wings. Weight including the stand is about 7 ½ pounds, making the shipping weight close to 10 pounds. Very fine condition with no splits, breaks or rust. Found in New. Hampshire, but I do not know where it originated. A nice piece of late 19th century folk art!
A small red and black painted 19th century box with a divided tray interior and stars on the lid. The box retains its original painted surface (sides are covered in a light varnish), it is dovetailed and very solidly built. It measures It measures 11 ¾” x 7” x 6 ½”. The top is decorated with 5 stars: one large one in the middle and a smaller one in each corner. There is good storage space under the divided interior tray. A great box for jewelry or other keepsakes. The box is in very fine condition. There is a split on the bottom but the sides and top are solid. The painted surface, especially the top and the molding, show nice age crackle. The stars have faded a bit, and there is some splotching on the top, but no crakcs or breaks and the lid closes snugly (no key for the lock). The bottom and tray have square nails throughout. Shipping weight will be 6-7 pounds.
2 similar Duck Silhouette Carnival Knock-Down Figures, probably from the mid-20th century. Not a pair (they are slightly different shape and size and one is thicker than the other), these black and white birds have red bills, red button eyes (one eye on each is a button, 1 has a painted red eye and the other only has an visible eye on one side). Note the tails are different, also. I’m not sure exactly how they were mounted, but there are drilled holes (2) along the bottom edge of each. As noted, one is about ¾” thick and the other about ½” thick: I am assuming the extra thickness was a trick to make them more difficult to knock down and therefore prevent the Carnival Game operator from having to give away more than a minimum number of prizes. The ducks are approximately 14 ½” x 11” with the thickness as noted above. A really funky example of Carnival memorabilia.
A most unusual, small New England Hanging Pipe Box with shaped top and a drawer, c. 1820. The box retains its original red painted surface. It is only 11 ½" tall, and 5" x 2 ¾". It has a small drawer at the bottom and a lollipop finial at the top; the front and sides of the opening at the top are shaped. Although the box is not dovetailed, it is held together by early, tiny nails. Very good condition, with no splits or cracks; there is a small piece out of the base in the lower left back corner which is not noticeable when the box is hanging. Some use-appropriate wear to the painted edges, and the paint is tight and mellow. I have not seem this form pipe box in this small size previously. Out of a house in Northern Vermont.
This 8 ½” Oak Splint Handled Basket is about a tight and pristine as you will find. About 9 ½” high to the handle, the basket is slightly out of round, measuring 8 ½” x 8 ¾” (at the handle), Double-wrapped rim and solid bent-wood handle. Push-up bottom. The rim has early green paint and the side is decorated with what appear to be human figures (I’ve had this basket for over 25 years and I always thought the decoration on the side was just splotches of color; after looking at the photos, I have decided that they are people, don’t by a very unsophisticated hand!) The basket has a rich nut-brown color and probably dates to the early 20th century.
Probably the nicest miniature paint decorated blanket box I have ever handled, this dovetailed example retains its original salmon sponge swirl decoration, initials hand-done in the lid, a till, original hinges and lock (no key). The box measures 11 ¼” x 7 ¾” x 6” high. Dating c. 1840-1860, the box was found in New England, but its origin is unknown, possibly Pennsylvania. All 4 sides and the lid have frame lines in the paint decoration and the initials on the lid (“H M”) appear to have been done with a finger – like a child would do finger painting. The dovetailing is tidy and precise, and the box is in excellent condition. Paint is virtually complete with only some minor edge rubbing, and there are no cracks, breaks, rot, etc. One thin sliver of wood on the back side of the lid (near one of the hinges) has been replaced, leading me to suspect that there was an “oops” with the top at some point, and one screw from one of the hinges is missing. Additional photos available.
A very neat and tidy American Needlework Sampler, dated 1838, by Charity Jane Kyle, La Grange, New York. Charity Jane included a verse by Abolitionist and Scottish Poet James Montgomery and stitched a small sailing ship at the top of the verse. The sampler is stitched in dark green, tan and white (possibly silver). There are 5 motifs under the signature block including a flying bird (dove?) and there is a bold zig-zag border with baskets of flowers. Sight size is 17 ½” x 16 ½” and it is nicely frames in a contemporary but appropriate frame (frame size is 19 ¾” x 18 ¾”). Excellent overall condition: neat and tidy stitching, no stitch lost, clean linen backing without stains, holes, tears, etc.
A small Schoolgirl Watercolor Theorem on silk, dating to the 1840s. The theorem depicts a small basket of fruit on a textured white silk background. It was painted by Olive Hall of Gorham, Maine (according to a paper label on the back), and there is a small paper insert at the lower right of the theorem that reads "A Present." The theorem is 7 ½" x 5 ¾" and is framed in an old, perhaps original frame; frame size is 9 ¼" x 7 ¼". It is in excellent, original condition: very clean with no rips, tears or stains to the silk. The painting, in blues, greens, and yellow is nicely done. Clearly, Olive took a great deal of pride in her work.
A rare and all original oval Shaker Pincushion Box, dating to the early to mid 19th century. The box has 3 fingers, its original natural wood surface and the original red cloth covering the pincushion. It measures 5" x 3" x 3 1/8" (high). Nice shadowing under the lid and the original banding at the base of the pincushion. Very fine condition: mellow color and no cracks, splits or breaks in the box, only a tiny finger-nail gouge along the bottom edge (under the fingers). There are some scattered, small losses in the red cloth covering, the largest being about ½" (all visible in the photo). A rare Shaker find in original condition like this one. Additional photos available upon request.
One of the most graceful wood carvings of a running horse I have ever encountered: a mid-20th century Running Horse Weathervane fragment, painted black and exhibiting incredible form. The fragment is 22 ½” x 9”x ¾”. There are minor imperfections: 2 small chips on the ears, and some repairs to where the hooves, but nothing detracts from the incredible form. The painted surface is probably mid-20th century also. This one is special!
A fascinating American Needlework Sampler by Hannah Potts, aged 10, and dated 1833. The sampler includes 2 buildings, one appears to be a church (the red building) and the other a school house or town hall with a flag pole, flying the American Flag. Hannah stitched “Executed by Hannah Potts of Peru in the 10th year of her sage October 3th 1833. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to determine is WHICH “Peru” she meant: there are Perus in Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana (along with a number of others in states that were still frontier in 1833). In addition to the 2 buildings, the flag pole with the flag (the red and the blue on the flag are hand-colored in), her signature block, and several alphabets, the sampler has an inter The sampler is in very fine condition: there are no rips, tears or holes and the stitching is completel. A couple of minor, faint stains, but nothing that detracts from this piece. A very charming, naïve American needlework sampler.
A large, hollow and very unusual Chalkware figure of General George Washington astride a white horse. Washington has his sabre drawn. He is wearing a blue waistcoat with gold trim and a blue hat. They sit on an elaborate base decorated with 5-pointed stars. The figure is 12 ½” tall and the oval base is 8 ½” x 3 ¼”. Very fine condition: no cracks breaks or obvious repairs. The paint is worn (typical of these painted pieces), but the wear just adds a mellowness to the figure. I date this to the late 19th century, possibly as early as the Centennial in 1876. It is a most unusual Chalkware form and the size makes it special.
An early 20th century splint fishing creel, in original red paint and decorated with a black fish (either free-hand or stenciled) on the front. It has a shaped body, including curvature on the back to allow it to fit against the fisherman's hip. There is no lid (it probably had a solid wooden lid), and although the original leather hinges are still there, there is no strap or way to attach it to the belt (note that the bailing twine was added so the basket could be displayed). Overall measurements are 11 ½" wide x 5" deep x 6 ½" high. The basket is in used, but not abused condition. The paint shows evidence of wear with the sides and back either never having been painted or having most of the paint worn away. The basket is solid, but there are scatted broken splints and some breaks to the top edge wraps. And as mentioned, the lid is gone. The leaping fish decoration is quite funky. This basket was found in Western Michigan over 30 years ago and has been hanging in our collection.
An early 19th Century - perhaps a bit earlier - dovetailed wall box in the original dry red painted surface. The box has a lift-lid, divided interior and shaped back panel. Untouched, and all original. Beautifully crafted dovetails and only minor edge wear and corner bumps in a couple of places. The box itself is 12" x 7" x 9 ¼"; the lift-lid, which has a slight overhang, is 13" wide. There is a small area of loss on the back side, lower right and that may have happened in the making. And there is minor shrinkage around some of the dovetails. As nice a wall box as I have ever handled. Shipping weight will be 6.5 pounds.
A wonderful, small 19th century Paint Decorated Dometop Box with tumbling blocks in mustard yellow and brown decoration. Box is dovetailed (crisp dovetailing), with brass handle and escutcheon, strap hinges and little brass feet. It is lined in black velvet. 10 ½” x 6 ¼” x 5” high. Very graphic and in excellent condition with only widely scattered, minor paint bumping. Box is constructed out of a heavy, dense wood. What an elegant way to store your jewelry.
This mid-19th century New England Redware Mug or Porringer has splotches of manganese decoration. It is 4 ¾” in diameter at the top, 3” in diameter at the bottom and just over 4” tall. The piece is in fine condition: nice shiny glaze and attractive blue splotching. There are 2 small, shallow edge chips on the top edge (both about ¼”) and there is a very thin hairline associated with one (more obvious in the photos than in person). There is also some glaze wear at the bottom of the handle, but it is not a crack or a hairline; the handle is solid. Additional photos available.
A round, splint handled basket, 9 ½” in diameter and about 10” to the top of the handle (the sides of the basket are 2 ½” high). Solid double-wrapped construction with a push-up bottom. Thick, original red paint with appropriate wear. Very fine condition: the basket is solid; the handle complete and securely attached, although it does have a slight cant to it. There is one break in the double rim-wrapping, but no other damage to the splints on the side or bottom. This basket probably dates to the early 20th century, perhaps a bit earlier. It was probably a market basket, or used to gather vegetables in the garden.
A late 19th century helmeted butter mold in an unusual 2 pound size (most that you find are either ½ pound or 1 pound). The plunger on this mold is decorated with a carved strawberry and 2 leaves. The helmet w/ plunger down is about 6 ½" tall and 3 ½" in diameter; the decorated pusher/plunger is slightly less. Wonderful mellow patina with no chips, cracks or breaks in the helmet; the plunger has some staining and a small edge chip that is worn smooth with age and use. Very hard wood, probably maple.
I’m not sure what to call this pair of cast iron Heart Decorated Gear Cogs from, I am told, a large piece of Farm Equipment (I grew up in a city, so don’t ask me!): Industrial or Mechanical Folk Art? Country Primitives?? Whatever you call them, they are wonderful: each gracefully shaped cog is adorned with a large heart-shaped cutout. I don’t know that the heart had any function, other than being purely decorative. And they are mounted on Custom metal stands, and they display very nicely. Each gear cog 7 ¼” x 4 ¾” with a 3 ½” shaft. With the stands, they are 9” tall (and heavy – 8+ pounds shipping weight). The pieces are in very fine condition: no splits, cracks, breaks, etc. They are clean (not greasy), with only some very light and minor surface oxidation, which is enhanced by the digital photographs.
A very graphic 19th century Inlaid Mahogany 1-Drawer Sewing Box. There is a round spool holder incorporated into the top and curved legs Overall height is 8 ½” and the box (including the splayed legs) is 7 ¼” square. Nice mellow surface with a great patina. Nailed construction on the drawer and the legs are screwed in place. It has been gently used: there Is some edge bumping and minor chipping, one leg shows an old and barely noticeable repair and of the rods that holds the spools may have been replaced. Purportedly to have been sailor-made, but I have no way of verifying that.
Unusual and deeply carved double-sided butter print. The top is carved with initials (“O W” or “M O”) and the bottom side includes geometric designs, etc. The flat surface has several different free-carved birds and 2 large hearts. These were clearly done for decorative purposes. The print measures 4 ¼” x 4 1/2” on the round side and 2 ½” x 1 3/8” at the top; it is just over 3” high. Hard wood, probably maple, it probably dates to the last quarter of the 19th/first quarter of the 20th centuries.
Margaret Gregory’s needlework sampler, dated 1850, with a strawberry border. Margaret lived in Portsmouth, NH and was born c. 1834 (sampler states that she was 16 when she stitched it). In addition to a nice script alphabet, Margaret included a short verse and a wonderful riverfront view of the Strawbery Banke section of Portsmouth (hence the strawberry border!). The sampler measures 15 ¾” x 16 ½” (sight) and is framed in a nice contemporary frame (19” x 19 ¾”). The colors on Margaret's sampler are very vibrant, especially the reds! The linen backing is clean and free of holes, tears and stains. There is some very minor stitch loss, in single letters in the verse, and the capital "A" at the top, left. The river scene and the strawberry border are complete.
A hump-back Redhead Duck Decoy from Harsen's Island, Michigan in working repaint. The bird has glass eyes and a heavy lead keel. Note the 'squared-off" chest. It measures 14 ½" x 7 ½" x 8" high; the hump-back is about 6" high. A nice worker with a solid paint and a couple of thin, shallow age cracks. "Harsen's Is" written on the bottom in pencil; Harsen's Island is at the mouth of Lake St. Clair. There also a label taped to the bottom that reads "Michigan Lake Erie.
A c. 1840 or earlier tin, single candle Wall Sconce with crimped crest and traces of the original decoration. The sconce is 9 ¼” tall and about 3 7/8” wide at the tray. The edges are folded overIt is all original, without any repairs, but the paint is well-worn and the decoration mostly gone. There are 2 small (less than ½”) splits where the crimped crest curves up from the sides, and the candle holder is slightly separated at the joint, but as you can see from the photo, it still holds a candle. Finally, there is a small punched hole about 2 ¼” up from the bottom (looks like a nail hole). A straight and honest tole candle sconce.
An extremely competent mid-19th century Watercolor and Gouache drawing of a woman holding a small book (in her right hand). She is wearing a long, black dress and a cap. Her head and hands are done with watercolor; the dress in gouache. The piece is framed in a wonderful period, if not original, grain painted frame with lemon gold liner and old glass. Although too faint to read, at least for my eyes, there appears to be something written in the lower right corner (it would not photograph). Sight size is 6 ½” x 10 ½” and the frame size is 12” x 15 ½”. Very fine condition with no tears or crease. Strong color with only some minor rubbing in her hair, and a wonderful frame. The glass has a small bubble just to the left of her right elbow.
A small, dovetailed Dometop Document Box in original green painted surface. 8” x 5” x 4 ¾” (high). Leather strap hinges (may be replacements). Fine condition with strong color. Clean inside, some minor bumping and paint rubbing on the edges. Nice little dresser sized box.
A group of 4 early 20th century glass ink bottles, including a nice turtleback example. These are the ink bottles that used to fit into the inkwells in school desks (and yes, I remember them well). The turtleback example is light green, embossed on the side”J & I E M” and is 1 ¾” high and about 2” in diameter. There is some smoothed roughness around the opening, which may have been in the making. The 3 others also have molded lettering: 1) tall light green example (3” high, 1 ¾” sq. base), marked in fancy script “SMCo”; 2) short, squat clear (2” high, 1 ¾” sq. base), molded lettering on one side (“Diamond Ink Co. 1 ¼ oz.) and on the bottom (“Pat. 12-1-03 Made in U.S.A.”); 3) larger clear (2” high, 2” sq. base), molded mark “Carter’s 9 Made in U.S.A.” All are undamaged. In addition to these 4, I will include 2 additional bottles, about the same size, but with lines. Price INCLUDES Priority Mail Postage in the US.
A 9 ½” Gray-painted Pantry Box with initials (LBW) on the lid. The gray painted surface is original and shows nice shadowing under the lid. The box is 4 ½” high and is in very fine condition. It is solid and there are no major splits or breaks. There are a couple of small rough spots along the bottom edge, a ½” split, also on the bottom edge, and split (about 3”) where the side is tacked together and some roughness along the joint. The inside is clean and the box can be used for storage as the lid fits snugly. A great size and color for your stack.
A very small hanging Wall Box, scraped down to the original green painted surface. It has a boldly arched backboard. It probably was used for matches or perhaps keys and dates to the second half of the 19th century. The green surface, which looks blue in certain light, is dry and crusty; it was covered with shiny black paint when I got it, and traces of that black paint remain. It measures 7” to the top of the arch, 4 ½” wide and 3” deep. Very fine condition with age and use appropriate light wear: no cracks, chips or breaks.
A late 19th century/early 20th century figural nutcracker in the form a large dog. It is mounted on a wooden base for stability and ease of use. When the dog's tail is lifted, the mouth opens. Unshelled nuts can be inserted into the mouth and "Crunch" - shelled nuts. Heavy and smoothly operating but not harmful to anything unless you are an almond shell, etc. 6" high including the base, 12" from nose to the tip of the tail. The wooden base is approximately 7" x 4" x 1". Heavy, cast iron construction. Excellent, operating condition: no cracks, breaks, rust, etc. Only a couple of very small areas of paint rubbing. Shipping weight will be approximately 8 pounds.
A very unusual pewter ice cream mold from the early 20th century: a Bicycle and Rider. The mold, especially on the inside, has nice detail and although I cannot find a name, the numbers 431 are visible on the rider's right hip. The mold stands 4" tall and about 4 ½" from front to read (including the hinge). It is clean and free of rusts, etc., but the hinge is slightly bent, meaning it does not close tightly. But since I doubt if anyone will use it for ice cream, that should not be much of an issue. There are no cracks or breaks.
A mid-20th Century Sign "Studio of the Dance, Mrs. C. B. Worthen" in original surface. Saw-tooth ends with mustard yellow background and black and white shadow letters. 20" x 9 ½" x ¾" thick. Single board. Very fine condition with no splits, cracks or significant losses. Some very minor edge bumping (top-left being the most noticeable) and a little rubbing on the left side of the sign on the letter "D" of Dance. Nice, mellow patina. Will fit in one of the new "Large Flat-Rate Priority Mail" boxes.
This box is very definitely a "Wow"! A 19th Century (c. 1840 or so) Wallpaper Trinket Box decorated with its original pincushion theorem (flower decoration). This all-cardboard box would most likely have been use for sewing notions. It measures 4 ¾" x 3 ¼" x 2 ½" (height to top of pincushion). It retains its original ribbon hinges and bright pink interior paper. Excellent condition: solid with no splits, tears, etc. Wallpaper (inside and out) is complete with only slight lifting at the top-edge in the front. Pincushion bordered by original cotton yarn. This one looks like it spent the last 150+ years buried in a trunk and was hardly used when it was new.
A late 19th century Chalkware Dog (a spaniel) in a sitting position in original painted surface. The dog is about 8 ½” tall and the octagonal base measures 5 ½” x 3 ¾”. Nicely molded detail on the face and the dog’s fur. Hollow and the sides are about ¼” thick. The dog is in fine condition: there are no chips, cracks or breaks and except for some minor and scattered areas where the painted surface has worn down to the white chalk, the surface is original and not re-painted. I don’t know if the dog was originally this color or if it has soiled from being handled, etc. (well-loved). Note the collar with a locket. Strong resemblance to the Staffordshire Dogs of the period.
A wonderful wooden elephant pull toy with applied ears and a scowl. Not sure of the exact age, but it most likely dates to the early 1950s, perhaps 1940s; and I don't know if it is a home-made piece or was available commercially. In either case, the elephant is wonderful, and so is its scowl. Original red and black painted surface, the elephant and platform are about 12" long, 11 ¾" high and ¾" thick; wheels are 2 ½" in diameter. Excellent condition with original rope tail and painted surface. The rear leg may have been either pieced-in, or it has an old repair, probably dating to when the toy was made. A great example of a toy from the days when life was much simpler!
2 small Wooden Sieves, 5 ¾” and 4 ½” in diameter. The 5 ¾” sieve retains its original horsehair strainer; the strainer on the smaller sieve is a very fine metal mesh. The horsehair sieve is 2 7/8” high and the other sieve is 2” high. Both are in fine condition: the horsehair strainer is tight, but there are several small holes; the metal mesh strainer is complete with only a very tiny hole. The frames on both are sound, with mellow natural wood color.
A single-tube tin candle mold dating to the late 19th century. The mold is 10 ½” tall (the tube itself is 9 ¼” long) and the crinkle-edge plates top and bottom are 3 ½” in diameter. The hollow tube is 1” in diameter at the open end, tapering down to a point. The handle is soldiered I place. Very fine condition with no dents or cracks. Surface oxidation, although enhanced by the digital photograph, is minimal. Single-tube candle molds are not common and this is an unusual form with the top and the bottom trays.
A small, 19th century tin dust or crumb pan. Not sure how or if you can distinguish “Shaker Tin” from normal tin of the period, but this one sure has a Shaker look and feel to it. 7” wide at the bottom, 7 ½” to the top of the handle and about 1 ¼” thick at the top; the hollow handle is 2 ½” long. Soldiered edges and joints, it is in very fine condition with no splits, cracks or breaks and only minimal surface oxidation (which is heightened by the digital photo.
An early Maple Scoop with a nicely shaped handle in original, worn surface. The scoop is about 8" high and 4 ¼" across at the bowl. The handle section is 6 ¼" high. Edges of the handle are beveled, and the bowl portion is about 7/8" deep at the handle. Very fine condition with no crack, breaks, splits, etc. Just a well-used surface and some very slight rubbing on the front edge of the bowl.
A graduated set of 5 conical shaped tin ice cream scoops, all with heart-shaped key mechanisms on the top (the key that you turn to scrape the ice cream out of the scoop. Although the handles are different on 4 of the 5, the heart-shaped key is the same, and I am assuming they were by the same maker. The largest one is marked "Royal" in the handle and the smallest has a "1 G" also in the handle. The others are not marked. The scoops measure 3 ½" in diameter (4 ½" to the top of the key), 3 ¼" (3 ½"), 2 ¾" (3 ½"), 2 ¾" (3 3/8"), and 2 ¼" (2 ¾") for the kiddie scoop. Handles are all in the 4 ¾" to 5" range and the largest and smallest are pinned to the scoop while the others are soldiered. All 5 scoops are in working condition (I'd clean them up good if you planned to use them!). There are only very minimal dents from use, no splits ore cracks and surface oxidation is minimal and confined to where the scraper key meets the peak of the scoop.
A large Bluebill Decoy (reportedly from the Wisconsin area) with original surface, heavily carved wing tips and tack eyes. There is nice detail carved into this bird, not only on the wind tips and tail, but also around the chest, the wings on the side of the body and the bill. Unknown (to me, at least) carver. There is a tapered wooden keel on the bottom with attached weight, and a leather rig hook. 16" (bill to tail) x 6 ¾" (wide) x about 7" high at the head. Very fine condition with only minor paint loss and some slight nicking on the tail-tips. The bottom (only) may have been repainted.
A rarity among rarities: a 19th century Miniature 6-Tube Tin Candle Mold with an arched base and applied handle. Each of the 6 tubes is 5 ¼" long and 7/8" in diameter. Overall height of the piece, including the arched base, is 7" and the mold is 5 ¾" x 3 3/8" at the base. Soldered construction and the edges of the base are rolled around a wire. Excellent condition with no splits, cracks, separations, etc. Surface oxidation is at a minimum, and the piece has a wonderful feel to it, with a dark and mellow patina. This example is one of the more unusual miniature candle molds that I have handled.
A wonderfully detained Pen and Ink drawing b y John Graham, reportedly of Ludlow, Vermont, c. 1835. "Pen Drawings and Writing by John Graham" the piece reads, along with an excellent sketch of a man and woman, on horseback, the man holding a falcon; there is a small dog running alongside of them. The whole piece has a very neat and tidy double line border. Sight size (without the mat) is 6 3/8" x 6 ¾" and it is framed in a molded contemporary frame (10" x 12"). I believe this piece to be an advertising piece or broadside (the equivalent of a business card) for a John Graham, who may have been a school teacher, artist or perhaps a sign maker offering his services as someone who could write or draw for people who could not. The piece is in excellent condition: nicely framed, with no rips, tears, creases or wrinkles. There is a short, faint vertical stain between "Writing" and "John" but it does not detract.
A large and fascinating Wooden Scoop, noteworthy for its rectangular shape and unusual canted bottom. Instead of coming straight down to meet the bottom, the sides slant-in about 7/8”. The scoop is constructed out of 3 pieces of wood: the bowl with the open ends, the back section and the handle. The construction is almost seamless, although there are a couple of nails holding the back-board to the bowl. Overall length is 15” including the handle; the bowl is 10 ½” x 6 ½” x 2 ¾” high. Overall condition is very fine. The wood (not sure what type – very little graining) is smooth and mellow and at some point it may have had paint on it (wouldn’t that be nice!). The bowl itself is free of chips, cracks, etc; there is a thin line in the back board that extends about ¾” on both sides, but does not reach the bottom and does not threaten the integrity of the piece. One assumes this comes from a General Store.

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