Cricket bench from Maine. This little bench from the earlier 19th century measures just 11 1/4" by 6" square and 6" tall. Little footstools like this were commonplace in early colonial homes most often found in front of the fireplace. This stick leg example is offered in sturdy original condition. Setting this cricket bench apart is its appealing color. The wonderful surface is a result of old indigo blue over original red showing just the right amount of wear.

This exceptional wall box was recently purchased from a long time New England collector. It is constructed of thin hand planed pine assembled with square and wire nails. The piece likely dates 4th quarter 19th century at the latest. Besides its appealing original surface, the form of this example makes it even better! The tall near 24" high back may have been used for scrubbing given the wear? The box itself measures 9" by 3 1/2" by 6 1/2" deep. The wall box is in original as found condition.

Miniature chairs are something we rarely offer, but rarely do we see examples of this quality. Made by the mid 19th century, this piece was acquired from a well known Virginia dealer. Small in scale it is proportionate in every way with all the hallmarks of a chairmaker by trade. It is sturdily made with mortised joints finished with handmade nails. The chair is offered as found with an early make-do seat attached to the original deep windsor green frame. 17 1/2"x10 1/2" x 8 1/2" overall.

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'.

Small painted bucket complete with its original lid. This sweet little bucket was made anywhere from the late 19th century to early 20th century. Such buckets were common around the house serving a variety of functions. This piece stands 6 3/4" tall with the lid in place. It is 8 3/4" across the lid. This is our first bucket in many years to have its original lid. This and the original ivory paint sets it apart. Small staved buckets of various sizes and colors make wonderful collections!

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.

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.

Homemade ring toss board found in New England. This visually pleasing game dates back to the early 20th century. A great example of accidental art, it is a simple combination of board, paint, cup hooks, and imagination. The game consisting of concentric circles in green and red on a black background are painted on a single thick pine board measuring 18" in diameter. It is offered in original condition complete with the jar rings found with it for playing.

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'.

Occasionally a piece comes along totally unexpected; a one of a kind. Such is this 19th century chair fragment. At only 12" by 13" this thick Windsor plank seat is likely from a child's chair. It was discovered in Connecticut where it has been in a private collection. Making this piece special while adding a certain enigmatic charm are deeply carved initials and the date of 'JUNE 03 1874'. Perhaps this is a record of the children who occupied this seat? This is accidental art at its best!

Small wooden basket in original paint and condition. This piece dating to the late 19th century is constructed with small wire nails. It has a wonderful canted form measuring 13 3/4" by 7 1/2" at the rim and tapering to 12 1/2" by 6 1/2" at the base. Adding to the basket's appealing form is the bentwood handle, which stands 7" high overall. It is, of course, the original dry chrome yellow paint that makes this little basket special! It's small size allows it to be enjoyed anywhere it sits.

Nice bail handle pantry box with original crusty red surface. This box from upstate New York or Vermont dates to the 19th century. It measures 10 7/8" across the lid and stands 6 3/8" high. The box is in sturdy clean original condition. A chip to the rim of the box is visible in the picture showing the lid behind the box. This area is covered with the lid in place. This is simply an honest household bail handle box with appealing original paint. It's great by itself or added to a collection.

There are pig cutting boards then there are PIG cutting boards! This example definitely falls into the 2nd category. Easily dating to the early 20th century, this cutting board was painted when it was made. Cutout from what appears to be maple, this little piggy is offered in a dry surface of rich original green paint. It measures 16" by 7 1/2" overall and is near 1" thick. Besides great original paint, this silhouette is nicely defined with its turned up snout and shapely hooves.

(Sold) Parcheesi game board with a soft butter yellow background. This piece dates to the early 20th century. It is made of 3 thin pine boards set in a frame measuring 26" square overall. Exposure over the years has caused some discoloration to the surface giving the board's color subtle nuances. Fleur-de-lis in 4 warm colors fill each corner. A graphic curvilinear playing field brings all the elements of this artistic game board together.

Delightful small bucket in the most appealing original dry green paint. This little gem stands just 6" tall. The diameter is 5 3/4" at the mouth and 6 3/4" at the base. Easily dating to the mid 19th century, the bucket is offered in remarkable original condition. Its iron bands with hand wrought fasteners remain tight and intact as does the wire bail handle. Of course it is the vivid dry painted surface that sets this apart making it worthy of any serious 'bucket list'.

This small paint decorated pantry box dates to the early 19th century. It is a recent find from an old New England collection. The box measures 4 1/2" in diameter and stands only 2 3/4" tall. This little gem is in original green paint. Adding to its appeal is the decorated lid. A hand painted black hex star set in a circle takes this little pantry box to the next level. The box is in sturdy original condition with only minor age related wear all of which can be seen in the images.

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 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.

Great old homemade cubby organizer from a Maine country store. Made of clear white pine, the piece dates to the late 19th or early 20th century. It is a nice size measuring 28" wide by 5" deep. It is 10" high overall. The sweeping tombstone back and scalloped front give this utilitarian piece character, Adding to the appeal are hand lettered labels in mustard paint 'LETTERS, PAPERS' and so on. The form is such that this country store piece can be hung or sat on a counter or desk.

Vintage pressed metal rooster sign right off the farm. Early 20th century. Made from a piece of sheet iron, the edges have dulled indicating its age as does the colorful crusty surface most likely achieved from years of hanging outside on the barn or henhouse. This little chicken measures just 10" across and 11" tall. Made purely for decoration more than a 100 years ago, it continues to bring a bit of old country charm wherever it's hung today.

We were first taken by the original bittersweet color of this box. Next we were taken by its form and small size. Just 15" by 10" by 7" overall. But after one look inside we were sold! This gentleman's box with an arced top was specifically made for carrying shirts, stiff collars, and cuffs. From the Albany, NY area, the newspaper inside dates 1838. The box is made of pine with early cut nails. It is in remarkable original condition. Only the cloth strap securing the lid has been replaced.

Early cloth rag balls have always been of interest to us based on color and form. These 3 examples found together in Midcoast Maine have both color and form. Each elliptical rag ball of neutral colors and blues measures near 8" by 5". Made from hand wrapped scrap cloth, they are substantial and tightly woven. This is how pieces of fabric were saved for the later making of scrap rugs. Appreciated now for their warm country appeal. these display great on a shelf or in a bowl.

Clean country bail handle pantry box from the 19th century. This larger box measures 11 5/8" in diameter across the lid. It is 6 1/2" tall. Fresh from a New England collection, the box is offered in excellent original condition with no losses or damages. The interior is clean as well. No doubt its appeal comes from the rich original ruby red paint. The surface is dry and shows only minimal wear appropriate for the age of this wonderful old pantry box.

The making of cheese was a common task on early American farms. This basically involved cheesecloth and a specially made basket. Cheese baskets, as they came to be known, were created by making a loosely woven bowl shape basket. Made in various sizes, this 19th century example from Ohio with its dry white painted exterior measures 14 1/2" by 7 1/2". It is in excellent condition. The 3-D geometric form gives this country basket its graphic appeal.

19th century country game board found in Massachusetts. Made of a single thick board in a 1 1/4" deep frame attached with square nails, it is 16" by 19" overall. Done in 3 colors, it is the choice of colors that makes this game board so appealing. With a checkerboard on one side and the game of Fox & Geese on the other, it is the graphic design of the Fox & Geese that catches the eye. Criss crossing lines of black on mustard make a pleasing visual statement. This board is original in every way.

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.

(Sold) Simple graphic red and white checkerboard dates c.1900. It is a recent find from upstate New York. A narrow 15" board measuring 29" long is set in a red molded frame creating a border much to the affect of the border on a quilt. This frame was replicated in 2 short strips then applied at either end of the playing field giving definition to the face of the piece. It remains in excellent original condition as well as surface, which has achieved a wonderful craqualure.

Homemade game boards were typically made with one thing in mind; to be played. The actual "Art of the Game' was left to the maker. This example dating c.1900 is made of wood laminate measuring 19" by 31" including the narrow frame. It's likely the checkerboard came first as the cleats are on the reverse. At some point a wonderful Parcheesi game was added to the back. It is this game that makes the board special. Using varying shades of mustard and yellow, the alligatored surface is the best!

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.

Surface, surface, surface! What a simple country Chinese checkerboard this is. To be monochromatic, there is so much depth of color to be found in the simple mustard surface. This board was found in New England and likely dates to the 1920's give or take. The game is a make-do of sorts being painted on what appears to be a repurposed thick pine board measuring 15 1/2" by 16 1/2". It is offered in excellent original condition.