Spice cabinet dating to the late 19th century. This was found in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Made of clear white pine, it measures 33” square and 8” deep. The piece is offered in original red wash and remains in excellent as found condition right down to the porcelain knobs. Each of its 45 drawers are stenciled with the herb found within. This is a great country piece that looks wonderful hanging or setting atop a low cupboard or bench.

Homemade rooster weathervane from Illinois. 22” tall and 19” wide as shown. Dating to the early 20th century, this guy was no doubt boss of the barn yard given the strutting nature of his pose. This strut gives a folky appeal to the piece. Adding to its charm is the surface achieved by being repainted over the years with old barn red paint. Exaggerated tail feathers adds a somewhat caricature characteristic. There’s little doubt this was the ruler of the roost.

This small, but graphic game board was cleverly designed for playing multiple games. Made of two 7” square framed boards hinged together, one side presents checkers the other offers the game of ‘Nine Mens Morris’. Opened the game of backgammon is revealed. This piece was made in 19th century Germany for the American market by the same cottage industry that made arks and other wooden toys. Aside from an old age crack, this game is in excellent original condition with an untouched surface.

19th century mortar and pestle in original indigo blue paint. Standing 7" to the lip of the mortar and a full 17" with the pestle standing upright, this is an appealing example of early American kitchenware. This piece is offered in great as found condition, which does include a single tight age crack visible only upon close examination. Great original paint makes this a nice addition to any collection of early American woodenware.

Classic coach painted game board found in western New York. Coach decorated game boards such as this were often done in shops by artists. Decorations including striping, cartouches, and use of gold gilding were characteristics found in other painted objects from boxes to trade signs. Dating to the 4th quarter of the 19th century, this example has the hallmarks of such a piece. This is a heavy board measuring 18 1/2" square. Although there is surface wear to this piece, its color is vibrant.

The circus has come to MPF! This great old homemade stuffed elephant dates to the late 19th or early 20th century. This pachyderm is quite sturdy and substantial even after having been played with all its life. The old toy measures a full 13” tail to trunk and is 6” across the back. Height is 10” overall. With button eyes and felt for tusks, this playful piece of folk art is wonderfully conceived and constructed. There is expected wear throughout including old mends.

Figural trade sign. New Jersey c.1900. This great old wooden sign from an early locksmith measures 54” long overall from the bow to the end of the shaft. It is fully dimensional measuring an inch thick. It is well made with an iron band surrounding the bow. The ‘bit’ is mortised through the shaft. Notice there is a small loss to one of the ‘key wards’. Original hardware for hanging is intact. Some original gold gilt can still be found.
SOLD: September 17th, 2020

Small painted berry basket from a New Hampshire estate. 8 3/4" diameter by 7 1/2" tall. It easily dates to the early 20th century if not slightly before. This utilitarian piece remains in excellent original condition. However, it is the original deep blue paint that makes this small basket the gem it is! This is a great size for displaying fall flowers on a country table.

Figural tradesign from a 19th century blacksmith’s shop. Found in the northeast, this wooden sign in the shape of an anvil measures 17" by 5" by 3" overall. There's no indication it was ever permanently attached to anything. However, a single hole at one end suggests the sign may have hung out when the blacksmith was available. It is hand carved and retains its original dry pewter grey wash.
SOLD: September 13th, 2020

It's all about the color! Pine carrier in great original blue paint. This smaller piece measure 13" by 8 1/2" and is 5" to the handle. It is simply constructed with wire nails. Color combined with condition makes this a great little piece of country woodenware for any lover of blue.
SOLD: September 6th, 2020

Wooden sheep weathervane from the late 19th century. This handmade sheep measures 18” by 12” and 3/4” thick. Placed on a contemporary iron stand made specifically for its display, the piece is 18” tall overall. Weathering suggests this sheep spent most of its life outside, which sheep generally do. LOL. A testament to its meticulous construction is that all four legs are individually carved and attached with wood pegs. This piece is offered in original as found condition.

This 19th century box was purchased from a Portsmouth, NH estate. The piece appears to be made of pine or poplar. Its maker was no doubt skilled as it is constructed with exacting dimensions of 32" by 12" by 12". The maker's ability is also apparent by the use of 'blind' dovetails, which is seen in the corner image. This keeps joints from showing, which give the front of the box its clean lines. It remains in excellent as found condition with original hinges and lock. There is no key.

Early 19th century Shaker oval box in original blue paint. 6" by 4" by 2". This small box is attributed to either the Sabbathday Lake or Alfred, Maine communities. It is offered in as found condition showing some wear to both the paint and the box. However, there are no cracks, repairs, or replacements to the piece.
This wonderful blue box still offers the simple beauty of Shaker craftsmanship after nearly 200 years.
SOLD: September 2nd, 2020

Black beauty! This early carved farm horse was found in Wisconsin complete with harnesses for plowing. Not sure how it would translate into ‘hands’, but this wonderful equine measures 14” head to tail and 12” to the top of the head from where its leather ears have long disappeared. But not to worry, the genuine horsehair tail remains intact. Who knows but what this example of farm folk art was a tribute to a special animal who helped plant crops year in and year out.

19th century shoefoot quilt stand found in New Hampshire. This sweet homemade piece measures 29" wide and 39" high overall. 4 carved cross members are pegged into 2 carved upright posts, which are pegged into chamfered feet. Each shoefoot measures 9" by 3" wide giving this piece a solid stance. It has an old crazed eggshell paint over what appears to be original soft blue. The result is a creamy white country quilt stand ready to do its intended job for many years to come!

Early 19th century checkerboard in original mustard and black paint. 13 3/4" by 13 1/4". Found in western New York state, this piece is a great example of a mid 19th century homemade game board. It is stenciled 'FRED. E. GRAY.' on the reverse. A simple 'mill' game is scratched into the back as well. It is offered in worn original condition with a great crusty surface.

Early 19th century double-tombstone wall box. This divided piece likely served as a candle box in a colonial home. It measures 11 3/4" wide and 9" deep. It stands 6 3/4" high overall. The box is made of pine and constructed with cut nails. It remains in original paint including faux birdseye maple decoration across the front. Found in western New York state, it is offered in the best original condition with no losses, damages, or restorations of any kind.

This visually appealing piece of cast iron is from a machine found in a midwestern dairy barn. Mounted horizontally on a wall, a crock container would rest in the large ring while milkers would be hung in the slots on either side. Set upright it stylistically spells W O W. It is shown sitting on an iron base specifically made for its display. 'MADE IN THE USA', it is offered as found with remnants of original red paint. The piece measures 18" by 7" as shown.
SOLD: September 13th, 2020

This great early pediment window is from the dormer of a 19th century Missouri house. Made of pine, it is square nailed throughout. The window is in original sturdy condition with the glass still intact. It measures 26" by 28" and is 7" deep including the frame. Both condition and age are appealing, but it is the original blue and white paint that makes this piece the beautiful object it is.
SOLD: September 1st, 2020

It’s hard to imagine why folks made whirligigs? But we’re glad they did! They are whimsical by nature bringing entertainment to the viewer with their clever designs and conjure motion even when sitting still. This carved man with his top hat and cutaway coat stands at attention paddle arms at the ready. Found in northern Illinois, he appears to have been made of found material and is in great original condition. Likely dating to the early 20th century, the figure stands 13” by 17” as shown.

Small sheet iron rooster silhouette. Vibrant paint makes this rooster 'crow' with its red body and yellow accents. Measuring approximately 12" by 16" overall, it is likely this was was made to sit atop the hen house to stand guard. Fading to one side suggest this was not a weathervane, but simply a stationary ornament. It was found in New England and most likely dates to the 1920's or 30's.

Pintsized diorama from Maine. A 12 1/2" by 7 3/4" shadow box measuring 2 1/2" deep houses a small white half hull tugboat. The wheelhouse and cabin are detailed with windows and an open door while the mast stands tall closer to the stern. A chip carved ocean gives the impression of choppy seas. This delightful piece of nautical folk art likely dates to the early 20th century. It is offered in original as found condition including the original glass.

Hand carved and jointed dancing figure. This wonderful dancing toy likely dates to the early 20th century. Skillfully carved, the man stands just over 15" head to toe. Delicately carved arms and legs are hinged to a substantial torso. Originally suspended to a board, the man would dance on the board as you raised your knee up and down.
SOLD: August 28th, 2020

19th century figural trade sign found in central Illinois. At a time when an unshod horse was like having a flat tire, a clever blacksmith made sure everyone knew his trade by hanging his sign in the shape of a horseshoe. He would indeed have been the 'FARMERS FRIEND'. This piece remains in excellent original condition. It is made of wood with an iron band affixed to the outer edge to keep the sign from warping and hooks for hanging.
SOLD: August 24th, 2020

Delightful homemade sewing basket. The wicker basket with decorative rope trim measures 9" in diameter. The folky carved gentleman bearing thread stands 11" tall. The piece remains in excellent condition including the figure's original paint. This piece was found in Maine and likely dates to the first quarter of the 20th century.