We are pleased to offer this double sided game board dating c.1880-90. This dovetailed 'book style' piece measures near 17" square. A pleasing 3-color chessboard decorates the outside, while a finely painted 5-color backgammon game decorates the inside. Adding to the appealing design of the backgammon game is the sophisticated palette used in its creation. This Pennsylvania piece is original in every way making it that much more important. It is a great example of 'the art of the game'.

(Sold) We cannot say enough or share enough pictures to do this basket justice. Although it was discovered in Illinois, the construction suggests a southern origin? It is a smaller egg basket measuring 9" by 8" by 7" overall. As to age, this is no doubt the earliest basket we have owned. The handle is fixed with 3 hand made 'rose head' nails; 1 at each 'gods eye' and 1 at the base. This basket could easily be 200 years old! It is in original windsor green paint with age related losses as shown.

(Sold) This hand hooked rug dates to the early 20th century. 36" by 18". The simple phrase, GOOD DAY, in black on tan is framed by multiple 'happy colors' making the salutation at the center the focal point of this folky rug. Minor repairs by a professional were made to maintain the rug's stability. At the same time it was mounted turning a humble floor covering into a wonderful piece of wall art. This somewhat old fashion phrase still resonates and sends a positive greeting coming or going.

19th century Pennsylvania basket in original green paint. Color and construction make this a visually pleasing piece. The oval rim measures 18"x15" and tapers to an 11" square bottom. The carved handle is 11" high. It is in excellent condition. This basket was likely made for gathering fruits or vegetables. The open weave at the base allowed the produce to be rinsed while still in the basket. This also gave the green paint its appealing washed surface. The handle is stamped 'N MOULTON'.

(Sold) This early 19th century beehive bowl was recently acquired from a New England collection. Color, condition, and size makes this piece most desirable. At just 6 3/4" in diameter with the grain, appropriate shrinkage brings that measurement to only 6 1/2" across the grain. The small bowl is approximately 1 1/2" deep. It remains in original dry black surface. Easily dating to the first half of the 19th century, the bowl is in the best condition with no damages or losses of any kind.

Small 19th century bench found in Illinois. Measuring just 14" by 8" by 8" overall, a little footstool such as this is referred to as a cricket bench. These small benches were common in early American homes. They functioned in many ways and were often set in front of the fire for keeping one's feet off the cold floor. Adding extra appeal to this piece is the crazed original paint and wide mortise joint fixing the feet to the top. This wonderful early bench is sturdy and original in every way.

Early egg basket from upstate New York. This smaller 19th century country piece measures 8" by 9" and stands 11" to the carved handle. Adding to the basket's charm is the original green paint including an undisturbed 'barn' surface. Besides color and condition, the basket also has a wonderful form with a round rim and square base. The piece has no breaks or losses with only expected wear to the paint. This is the perfect size basket for hanging on a tree or sitting on a shelf.

Julia Child once said, "With enough butter, anything is good"! We agree! We think nothing makes a butter churn better than original blue paint! This mid 19th century midwestern example is offered in great original condition. Apart from a missing handle to the lid, it is exactly as it was the day it was made. The churn is made of oak staves standing near 23" high. The original dasher stands 23" above the lid. Retired from dashing cream into butter it is now appreciated for its country appeal!

Hingham, Massachusetts has long been associated with the making of early woodenware. This 12 1/2" tall firkin in original deep green paint is marked 'GARDNER - HINGHAM MA' on the lid and is the tallest of the Hingham firkins we've owned. The tapered handle and chamfered fingers are characteristics of these Massachusetts buckets. This is a sturdy firkin showing normal wear to the surface and minor age related imperfections. On its own or as the base of a stack, this is a great early firkin.

We are pleased to make available this 19th century pantry box recently found in western New York state. Apart from a slight bend across the lid, this household piece is in the best possible condition with no losses, cracks, or repairs. Great on a shelf or in a stack, the box is 7 1/4" in diameter and 3 3/4" deep. This bentwood box is made of maple and pine. Giving it appeal is the original dry dove grey paint. Seen in the thin surface are brush strokes and only minor age related wear.

Trade signs have always been among our favorites subjects. This smaller 19th century sign is our most recent discovery courtesy of a long time Michigan friend. Measuring just 32" by 8", the subliminal message of this early sign is easily discerned. This sign thought to have been from a hardware store is double sided with original paint as well as the iron hardware from which it hung. Placement of the sign likely protected it over the years leaving the sign crisp and vibrant.

(Sold) Wonderful early paddle arm whirligig from upstate New York. This 19th century figure represents a Hessian soldier: Germans who fought along side American soldiers during the revolutionary war. This example was recently purchased from an old NY collection. The figure stands 14" tall including the 3/4" wooden platform. The spectacular original surface is undisturbed. The figure is well carved as are the attached hat and feet. Losses are limited to the soldiers right arm.

Dating to the late 19th century, exercise clubs, or Indian clubs as they came to be known, were introduced to western culture by British soldiers returning from India, They provided a popular form of exercise in late 19th century America. Although such clubs are not uncommon, paint decorated examples such as these are. This pair at near 20" in height are painted a total of 6 different colors and feature sponge decorated necks. Sometimes confused with juggling pins, these clubs are solid wood.

Colorful painted firkins have always appealed to us. As all firkins are simply staved buckets, it is the paint and color that gets us excited. Such is this small firkin in unusual original cherry red paint. This 19th century bucket stands 7 1/2" tall. It is 7 1/2" at the lid and 8 1/4" at the base. There is a very old loss to the lip of the lid. This can be found with a closer look at the pictures. Although there, it does little to distract from the beauty of this early painted firkin.

The graphics of a simple country backgammon game are some of the most compelling in game boards. Backgammon was popular during the 19th century Victorian period. As a result hand painted versions were often fancy reflecting the Victorian style. Country versions from the 19th century like this one from Massachusett's eastern shore are particularly compelling. This book style piece measures 17"x18". The dry white background is enhanced with points painted in black and bittersweet.

Wooden doll's chair in original condition. Dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, this diminutive toy chair stands just 10 1/2" tall. It is 6" across and 5" deep overall. There's no doubt the chair's beautifully worn original blue paint gives this piece its individual appeal. Although appearance indicates the toy entertained its owner for hours, this sweet little chair is original and remains as sturdy as the day it was made. This is the perfect chance for you to 'have a seat'!

Charming handmade pin cushion in the form of a gentleman's top hat. Purchased from a long time Pennsylvania collector, this miniature hat measures just 2 3/8" by 3 5/8". Hand stitched velvet in deep teal was sewn over cardboard to shape the piece. Fabric was sewn over the crown of the hat and the inside stuffed thus creating the actual pin cushion. The bottom is finished with early printed cotton fabric. Likely dating to the late 19th or early 20th century, it is in excellent original condition.

Wonderful bail handle pantry box purchased from an old New England collection. This 19th century box is fresh to the market. Condition and the original robins egg blue paint work together to make this a most desirable bentwood box. It is typical in size measuring 11 1/2" in diameter and 6 1/2" tall. Simply enjoyed by itself or added to a collection of early painted boxes, this classic piece of early Americana stands on its own bringing warmth to any interior from modern to country.

Fabulous rooster weathervane with Maine provenance. 19th or early 20th century. This sheet iron 3-dimensional rooster measures 26" by 23" and a full 3" in breadth. This was well made by a skilled metal worker with an eye for form and function. The rooster's full body was finished with a sculptural reinforced 2-dimensional tale. Excellent original condition with no seam separations. The rooster's crusty surface is a combination of old red barn paint over the original white. Cock-a-doodle-do!!!

When it comes to country antiques, make-dos have always interested us. Not only do we find them appealing in their clever design, we're taken by the fact they exist simply from a need to repair and reuse avoiding waste. This is our first early make-do oil lamp. A carved base was made from 2 chunks of wood painted green. The lamp stands 9" high overall. The stem is perfect for gripping. The heavy chamfered base anchors it wherever it's placed. Color and form puts a new 'light' on an old lamp!

An item commonly found in the typical 19th century home was the wall box. Most often this simple wooden box was of modest design offering access to candles or other household things. This 19th century example measures 11" wide and 10" to the tombstone back. The box itself is gently canted measuring 5 1/2" at the lip. The lip itself is wonderfully worn from years of use. The original red paint is crisp with expected wear. All of this works together to create a most desirable early wall box.

Nice old pantry box in original crusty red paint. This bentwood box found in upstate New York dates to the latter 19th century. The box measures 10 7/8" across the lid and stands 6 3/8" high. It is in sturdy clean condition. A chip to the rim of the box is visible in the picture showing the lid behind the box. This is unseen with the lid in place. Simply stated this is an honest everyday bail handle box with appealing original surface that displays well on its own or as part of a collection.

(Sold) Name that game! This colorful 19th century checkerboard found in Maine measures 18" by 16". Circles and triangles decorate the ends while names are painted on each side. '•BARK•MODENA•'is lettered on one side and '•KIMBLE•RYDER•' on the other. Best guess is these are last names of the players? No matter, they add an appealing personal touch to this anonymous game. The game is made on a wonderfully painted work board with breadboard construction. This gives double sided a new meaning!

Shelves aren't just for clocks anymore! This nice larger pine shelf was found in upstate New York. The shelf measures 22" wide and 8 1/2" deep making it suitable for baskets and boxes! Giving the shelf character is its beautifully detailed 12" apron. (Note the maker had drawn the cutout on the bottom of the shelf as well.) The surface is the most desirable original dry red paint. Early iron brackets in dry gold paint serve as supports. The piece likely dates to the late 19th century.

The best way to describe this 6" by 4" 19th century oval box from New York state is it's just a plain honest household piece. Although sound and solid in constriction, it shows wear that only comes from everyday use. Beginning with the original deep rich green painted surface that shows brush strokes and even a fingerprint, to the particular wear on one end from repeatedly removing the tight lid, this is just the real thing. Color and character make it a worthy piece for a collection of boxes.

This 4-color sign was found in Connecticut. It was most likely used to advertise a tourist camp along the early 20th century New England roadside. The sign was painted on an old salvaged pit sawed pine board measuring 19" by 9". Besides its appealing message and arrow, the fact that it was painted in 4 colors raises the sign to the next level. It is offered in excellent and original paint and condition. Small size and colorful presence makes this a great sign for enjoying wherever it's hung.

A homemade country game board through and through, this old painted checkerboard dates to the late 19th century. It is made from a single board and measures 18 1/2" by 20 1/2" square overall. The surface of dark sage green and mustard paint has heavily alligatored. The partial frame on this board is original and a bit mysterious. For whatever reason, this is how the piece was made. There is no indication of loss or damage. All edge surfaces have the same sage green paint.

Fresh to the market from an old collection, we are happy to make available once again this 19th century Pennsylvania splint basket. Woven in the traditional melon shape, this early piece is in excellent original condition with a single minor loss to the rim. This is visible in the top left image. The basket measures approximately 13" by 14" and stands 12" to the thick bentwood handle. The original grey paint shows appropriate wear with the best dry surface and a desirable overall craquelure.

We find clam baskets to be wonderfully compelling in form. Some are made from chicken wire stretched over a wood frame, others are completely made of wood. The purpose of this was to allow drainage as clams were loaded into the basket. This late 19th century example in original paint and condition measures 14" by 12 1/2". It is 11" to the top of the thick bentwood handle. Copper fasteners attach the handle. Wood slats are fixed with early nails. Both have oxidized from exposure to saltwater.

The simple wall box remains one of our favorite things. Like so many things, early ones are getting hard to find. This example was recently purchased from a long time collector. The box itself measures 7" deep and 9" wide. It is 11" in overall height. The piece was homemade in the 19th century from what appears to be maple. The wood in this box is all hand planed and hand chamfered. The tombstone back is carved and slightly off center. The ivory surface adds appeal to this country wall box.