Surface! Surface! Surface! This early 19th century bail handle box has an amazing blue on blue surface. Found in Massachusetts, the box measures 9 3/4" in overall diameter and stands 6" tall. The original lighter blue and can be seen at the rim under the lid. The darker blue which is also early and equally dry has left the box with a most appealing deep rich textured color. Simply put this is an early country box with a sophisticated presence.

American looking glass with colorful reverse painting. c.1840-50. This piece has been in an Ohio collection for years. We are pleased to bring it to the market once again. The mirror remains in as found original condition including a vividly painted home in chrome yellow and orange. Minor flaking can be found in the painting and the mirror, neither of which distract from the piece. Adding to the presence of the mirror is the molded frame in original red paint. 19 1/8" x 12".

Early mortar and pestle in vibrant original red paint. Fresh from a New England collection, this piece has nice turnings, which add appeal to the graceful vase shape. The base measures only 4 3/4" in diameter. From there the piece opens up to 6 1/4" at the mouth while it stands 7 5/8" high. The original mortar measures 10 3/4" in length. Form, color, and condition come together making this early example of country woodenware worthy of any collector of painted smalls.

(Sold) Late 19th century game board found in Pennsylvania. This is a substantial piece made of thick maple with a wide frame attached by square nails. The checkerboard measures 17" by 18" square overall and is a full 1 1/2" thick at the edge. It is offered in original as found paint. Although I will describe it as black and soft grey, it is truly more soldier blue. Photographed on a grey background, the variation is visible. It is offered as found with some fading and wear to the paint.

If bigger is better, this may be close to the best! This wonderful 19th century trencher measures 27" end to end and 17 1/2" across. It has survived the centuries in remarkable condition with only a single tight age crack in the lip. Besides its great size, the trencher also features nicely carved grips on either end. Of course the original dry red paint makes it undeniably appealing. This is certainly a trencher among trenchers!

(Sold) PRIMITIVE: having a quality or style that offers an extremely basic level of comfort, convenience, or efficiency. No doubt this homemade 19th century highchair from Missouri fits this definition to a T. However it is the very primitive design that gives this humble piece its appeal. 20" to the seat and near 32" to the back, this simple chair is both pegged and mortised in construction. Apart from an old repair to the seat the highchair is as sturdy as it was the last time it was used!

(Sold) If color is your game here's your board! Graphic 20th century Parcheesi game in original colorful paint. Painted on a single thick piece of hardwood measuring about 15" square, 7 different colors are used to lay out the game's graphics on a mellow white background. This combination give the piece its crisp look and a feel of modern graphic art. Such truly is the 'art of the game'. Found in New Hampshire, this graphic game board will add punch to any collection!

Game wheel from the late 19th century. Commonly referred to as a 'wheel of fortune', these wheels were manufactured using wire spoked bicycle rims at the center. They were made in any number of color combinations. However, blue as seen here seems to be the least common. The oxidized metal rim has the effect of a 3rd color complimenting the white and blue wheel. This piece is in original paint and condition with a wonderful alligatored surface. 32" diameter. 35" high overall.

Colorful handmade wooden fan blade from the mid 20th century. This visually pleasing piece was recently found in Illinois. It may have been intended for a whirligig? Regardless, it doesn't appear it was ever used at all. It remains in excellent original condition. The piece measures just over 33" in diameter. Besides its colorful presence, a center star adds to the overall design. The fan makes a wonderful graphic hung on a wall.

(Sold) Late 19th century storage box in dry blue paint over red wash. This highly functional piece easily dates to the late 19th century. Measuring 22" wide, 17" deep, and 32" high overall, it is the perfect size for sitting anywhere it's needed. The original red wash on the backside makes it appealing from any side. The pine box features a slant lid for easy access. It is offered in sturdy original condition. Simply put this is an appealing piece of functional yet pretty country furniture.

BULLSEYE! Wonderful 3-dimensional vintage homemade cabinet with iron target and carved wooden bird. Measuring 21"x 9"x 31" overall, this piece signed and dated 1927 was found in the Berkshires near Great Barrington, Mass. It may have been made for the once mighty Great Barrington Fair? Regardless it is an excellent example of carnival midway folk art. It is offered in original as found paint and condition.

(Sold) Bench or table? The size of this piece is perfect for either. Standing just over 23" tall it is high enough for a side table by a chair. And with the top measuring 29 1/2" by 12" it is great for displaying anything from stoneware to firkins and pantry boxes. Likely dating to the late 1800's, the bench was found in western New York state. Country by definition, the splayed apron and legs with dry white paint gives it undeniable sophistication. It is in excellent original condition

Small painting of an early Georgian style house with gambrel roof. Late 19th century. 12" by 8 1/2" with frame, it is crisp in appearance. Although somewhat academic in composition, the linear flat house gives the art a folky quality. A maiden outside the gate adds a bit of charm. Depth comes from sunlight on the left face of the house, which is brighter and anchored with a vibrant red door. Oil on linen, this little house painting is in original condition in an appropriate frame.

(Sold) Beautifully turned maple bowl from New England. This bowl, dating as early as the late 18th century, has defined turnings due to wear over the centuries. It also features a nicely developed lip and a single turning inside the bowl. The piece has appropriate shrinkage measuring 16 1/4" one way and just over 15 1/2" the other. It stands slightly over 4". A single tight age crack has developed over the years as shown in the top right image. If blue is your color this is your bowl!

(Sold) Some things we rarely buy and dolls are one of them. But then one comes along so compelling that we must! Such is this doll found in Indiana likely dating to the late 1800's. It is hand stitched of heavy cotton gabardine and vigorously stuffed with rags. Legs, shoulders, and elbows are jointed. Other details include facial features, parted hair, and delineated fingers. Standing 15" tall, we guess this to be a boy given the leggings. He is offered in excellent as found condition.

This is one of our favorite finds from our last trip to Maine. As 'newbies' in the antiques business in the 80's we used to pull our trailer to Wiscasset and park at the corner of Summer and Main Street to visit Doris Stauble. We still remember sitting in her kitchen and visiting to this day. Besides her eye for antiques there were her arrangements, which are legendary. This example in a green splint basket is offered as found. Although it shows its age it remains as wonderful now as then!

Big black Parcheesi game board from New England. At 29" square this graphic piece of game board art makes a statement. Minimal in design but powerful in color, the simple statement in rich mustard and deep red on a black background says plenty! Dating to the late 1900's, this game began life as a tabletop. It was found in New Hampshire and may have been from a lodge or club? Then there's the surface! Alligatoring throughout takes this piece to the next level!

Fresh from a New England home, this 19th century still life is a recent discovery in absolute untouched as found condition. It has not been cleaned nor are there any restorations. The painting measures 23 1/2" by 19 1/2" overall in its original lemon gold frame. Some minor flaking has occurred, but this fails to deter from the appeal of this early oil on linen. The glass compote at the center anchors a variety of fruit giving this composition its pleasing appearance.

Pumpkin nice! Wonderful old game board painted on the bottom of a barrel. Likely dating to the late 19th century, someone created their own checkerboard by laying out a unique game of checkers in black and pumpkin paint. Bare pine serves as the 3rd color in the alternating squares. The thin pine barrel fragment measures 15 1/2" in overall diameter. This graphic game board is offered as found with some minor loss to one edge. Tracings of another game are found on the reverse.

(Sold) For sale by owner: 20th century one room farmhouse. 204 square inches (12"x17") plus porch (6"x14"). Constructed with clapboard in original green paint with white trim, the house also features a shake shingle roof. It sits on a 'red brick' foundation. A red 'brick' chimney extends above the roofline for an overall height of 19"+. Sturdy original wood construction throughout makes this a wise investment. As with all homes it does show wear and a minor loss or two. Ready to move in!

A true survivor, this small diner sign appears to be one made of necessity more than ability! A pine board measuring 27" by 7" was transformed into a diner sign complete with arrows indicating where to park and likely where to enter. Silver radiator paint suggests this was a depression era make-do sign from the late 1920's or early 30's. No doubt the board was scrap and the sign painted with paints on hand. This is a great piece of real roadside Americana.

Undeniably simple but undeniably practical; this is country furniture at its best! Small pine bench in original red paint. Vermont origin. Late 19th or early 20th century. Measuring 23"x11"x10" tall, this humble piece can be used in so many ways in so many places from low side table to bucket bench, which was likely its intended purpose. The bench is made using early wire nails. It is well constructed and remains in sturdy original condition and dry surface.

Extra large 19th century firkin in original windsor green paint. Standing a full 13 3/4" tall, this sturdy bucket measures 14" in diameter across the lid and 15" at the base. This is the perfect size for the base of a stack or a wonderful piece on its own. The firkin was found in a midwestern collection and remains in the best original condition. It is constructed with copper nails throughout. The lid was mended at some time to keep it solid.

Large 19th century wooden trencher found in New Hampshire. This larger piece is offered in excellent original condition with no cracks, chips, or holes. The trencher has a bold form measuring 19 1/4" by 14" square. It is slightly 5" deep overall. Giving the piece appeal is its unusual teal blue paint. This rich original surface makes it a great addition to a collection of painted bowls or an excellent place to start one!

Game board? Art? Art of the Game! Early 20th century Parcheesi game painted on 2 thick pine boards. Found in the midwest, this piece measures 19" by 24" overall. A small 12" Parcheesi game in vibrant jewel tones appears to 'float' above a soft celadon green background. This game board has the rare combination of country folk art and sophistication all in one.

It is said that of all musical instruments the banjo is connected to the early American experience more than most. With humble beginnings on plantations and rural America, the instrument grew in popularity where it remains today. This unfinished 5 string banjo likely dates to the late 19th or early 20th century, Skillfully made, it measures 37" end to end. Its sculptural quality is undeniable. With the barest of bones, the eye 'sees' a banjo where there is not!

Over the last 30+ years it has been our privilege to own hundreds of game boards. The vast majority of these boards date from the Victorian period through the early 20th century. We are thrilled when we come across an earlier checkerboard like this just found in Connecticut. Likely dating to the 1850's, this simple country piece measures 12 1/2" by 12 7/8" inside a carved frame. It is in as found condition including an old age crack and a center chip from a square nail?

(Sold) The real deal! Great vintage sign offering 'CABINS'. This wooden sign from the earlier 20th century was found in Pennsylvania. It measures 28" by 5". Block letters made of wood were applied to the backboard making this a 3-dimensional sign. And if that didn't get your attention, the letters were faced with red reflector tape. Perhaps for attracting a late night traveler in the woods? Offered as found in original green paint, this small sign is loaded with color and character.

(Sold) Given the condition we often find things in it seems impossible they were ever used. When we found this early 19th century trencher with scorch marks on either side we were so taken by its authenticity. No doubt too close to the candle not only once but twice, the marks are so very old and stable with no loss or weakness to the piece. It's just the real thing! And so is the vivid red paint. It's a nice usable size measuring 20 1/2" by 10 1/2" square and 4" deep.

Among the humblest of objects in the early American home was the cricket bench or footstool. As a child's seat or a place for adults to rest their feet on a cold night, these were a part of daily life. This piece from a Connecticut collection likely dates to the 18th century. Small by definition, it measures 11" by 7" by 6" tall. Often covered in the Victorian period, this piece wasn't. The original windsor green paint has a great worn surface, and it stands as sturdy as the day it was made.