Surface is earned; not created. This early oval bentwood box is a perfect example. It took over 150 years to give this mid 19th century oval box its desirable surface. Measuring 6 3/4 by 4 5/8" and standing 2 5/8", this wonderful box in original crusty red paint is a recent acquisition from an old Indiana collection. It is a heavy piece for its size. The box is offered in original as found condition with only wear one would expect in such an early piece. Surface sets this box apart!

(Sold) 19th century hand wrought 'heart' branding iron. A first for MPF, this iron was discovered in southern Illinois. It measures just over 29" handle to heart while the heart itself is a full 1" deep and near 3" at its broadest. Branding is a centuries old way of marking livestock. One wonders if this heart represents the owners name or was it just affection for their animals? Whichever, it is a great piece rural American folk art.

19th century bail handle pantry box. 11 1/2" by 6 3/4" tall. This great old box is a recent acquisition from a midwest collection where it has been off the market for many years. We are pleased to make it available once again. It is offered in excellent as found condition including wonderfully worn original paint. The soft celadon green is unusual adding to the appeal of this early pantry box. This is a pleasing addition to an existing collection. It also has a great presence on its own.

(Sold) We are pleased to offer this small homemade weathervane from a midwest farm. At just 7" by 8" this colorful little red rooster has terrific presence in original barn red paint. Details include black eyes and yellow beak. The silhouette was cut from sheet iron, which has properly patinated over the years creating dull edges. Easily dating to the early 20th century, the vane is in original condition sitting on a turned wood base. Size allows this sweet rooster to sit about anywhere.

This 19th century oval bentwood box is made of maple and pine. The lid measures only 4 5/8" by 3 1/8". It stands 2 1/4" high. Construction suggests it may have been made in Hingham, Mass? This is a recent purchase from a long time New England collector. It is in dry original bittersweet paint. The condition is excellent overall. The exception is the tip of the box's tapered finger. Overtime a tiny split developed in the box's tapered finger. This resulted in the loss of one copper nail.

Anniversaries are important to every couple. In the 19th century none was more important than the 10th. Life spans were shorter making 10 years a milestone. A gift of tin is the traditional gift for this anniversary. Creative tinsmiths were able to use this bendable metal for making any number of everyday objects such as this 4-pointed star (6") and swing handle basket (5"). Found together and offered as a single unit, these delightful objects date to the 4th quarter of the 19th century.

(Sold) Discovered in western New York state, this c.1800 box measures 14 3/4" by 7 1/4" square and is 7' high. The piece is made of pine with rabbet joints and wood pegs throughout. Original lock and wire hinges remain in place. Making this early box, however, is its compass decorations on 4 sides. Drawn into the heavy paint surface before it dried, these decorations combined with the alligatored surface makes this box a beauty! If early and crusty was a color this would be among the best.

We are pleased to offer this 19th century bucket with lid. Only recently discovered in New England, this early staved bucket is offered in terrific as found surface and condition. It is obvious one of the buttonhole hoops is missing. Patina suggests this happened many many years ago. The remaining hoops remain and the bucket is most sturdy. The appealing surface comes from a dry putty paint over the original salmon. The piece stands 8 3/4" tall and is 10 3/4" in diameter across the lid.

By definition an antique is 100 years old. Although many objects survive hundreds of years in the same condition as they were made, other things survived by 'divine neglect'. We're not sure if this extra large pantry box was saved or simply survived? Offered in dry crusty original black paint and wonderfully worn as found condition, its wooden bail handle was lost years ago. No doubt deemed worthless at one time, it is now appreciated for its imperfect beauty.

(Sold) Colorful 19th century splint basket. The basket's dry green exterior was enhanced with a bittersweet painted interior, rim, and handle. The piece measures 17" by 12" square with an overall height just over 12". Purchased many years ago by its former owner, the basket is likely from New York or New England. It is offered in crisp original condition with no major losses or damages. Besides color this basket has a wonderful form with its arched bottom and well defined feet.

19th century carpenter's box with drawer in original paint and condition. In typical Germanic fashion, this Pennsylvania piece is sturdily built with dovetailed corners, screws, and small cut nails. The piece measures 24" by 14" square. 8" sides create 2 wells 4" deep on top. The drawer's original brass pulls remain intact. Each side is embellished with red lines and designs. This great old carrier is both functional and decorative.

Early woodlands basket with lid. Purchased from a long time Pennsylvania collection, this colorful basket dates to the 1860-1880's. It is offered in remarkable original condition with only minor losses visible in the bottom right image. It is a great size measuring 10" square and just under 9" in overall height. There is no doubt, however, that the vivid forest green and bittersweet splints give this sculptural basket its appeal. Scale, dimension and color make this an exceptional example.

Wooden roadside sign. 32" by 16". The sign is made of 3/4" solid wood laminate likely dating it to the earlier part of the 20th century. The precise artwork suggests the sign was painted by a professional. Colors of forest green, black, copper, mustard, and 2 shades of white were used to create this 'happy' piece. White drop shadowing used to emphasize 'TWIN OAKS' has greatly faded from exposure over time. This fun sign helps to keep the vintage American roadside alive wherever it hangs!

'DEER XING' Delightful homemade corner shelf found in Illinois. An otherwise simple corner shelf was transformed into a wonderful piece of folk art by the addition of 2 deer standing at attention. The deer stand 11" hoof to antler. The piece is 19 1/2" high overall. It takes a 7" corner for hanging. It is offered in the best original condition. There are minor losses to the finely crazed paint. The shelf likely dates to the 1930's. It is the perfect piece for cabin or camp!

From the time folks took to the road there's always been a need for a place to rest while traveling. This was the case 100 years ago when this double sided sign offering TOURISTS ROOMS as well as a BATH was handmade. Recently discovered in Ohio, it is a great example of vintage roadside Americana. The sign is painted on tin sandwiched in a wood frame measuring 34" by 20 1/2" overall. Pieced from sheets of tin and wood lathe give it the look of assemblage art. Sign. Art. Maybe both?

Colorful staved bucket found in the midwest. This larger firkin stands 12 1/4" tall. It is 13 1/4" in diameter across the lid and a full 14" across the bottom. Dating to the late 19th century, the piece is constructed with iron bands and staples. It is color, however, that makes this bucket. Offered in original dry yellow paint, the overall condition is sturdy and clean with no damages or losses.

If it involves real maple, we're there! A true New England treat, maple syrup in its many forms makes anything better! Of course it would be impossible to gather the sap without a bucket for collecting. So how about a real old painted sap bucket? Sturdy and intact this 12" tall bucket was tightened over the years by securing the original metal straps. Adding to its appeal is the quiet shade of celadon. Functional in many ways, this bucket brings New England country with it anywhere it's sits!

Great 19th century firkin originally found in Indiana. This sturdy 10" bucket is made with copper nails and a single copper staple at the end of each finger. Giving the firkin distinction is the word 'EMERY' stenciled across the front. Emery is a granular mineral used for scouring among other things. Not only is it labeled across the front, EMERY was also scribbled into the wet paint on the lid. We like the way words painted on boxes and firkins define a piece giving it its own personality.

Vintage roadside sign advertising FRESH FRUIT. Found on our recent trip to Maine, this double-sided metal sign measures 24" by 18". Besides the simple appeal of its message, the happy colors of strawberry red on white make it even that much more appealing. There is no indication the sign was ever hung suggesting it was likely used in season for a roadside 'pop up' fruit stand. This fun sign with nice graphics likely dates mid century.

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.

(Sold) Unusual round splint basket in original red paint. 12" diameter and 11" to the handle. Late 19th or early 20th century. This is a heavy basket due primarily to its double solid wood bottom; one inside and one out. It also features a carved bentwood handle as well as a double wrapped wooden rim. This was no doubt made as a work basket, however the perfect condition suggests it was never used? Little Red Riding Hood would be pleased to own this. So will you!

Recently purchased from an old midwestern collection, this beautiful maple trencher is offered in the best original surface and as found condition. Form adds to the appeal of this piece. It is slender in overall appearance measuring 24" end to end yet only slightly over 10" wide. A depth of more than 4" completes the sculptural nature of the trencher as do the carved duckbill handles. The early red paint is the final touch making this a great piece for any collector of American country.

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".

It has been our good fortune to have purchased 2 of the best miniature boxes recently. This second example was found in Ohio. 12" by 7" x 9" tall. It is made of maple, wood pegs, with some square nails. It features early construction including corner post legs finished with 'turnip' feet and mortised joints. It is decorated in 3 colors with smoke decorations. This box likely dates 1st quarter 19th century. It remains in perfect original paint and condition as well as original hardware.

There are things we rarely if ever have available. This leather fire bucket is just such a piece. In all our years this is the first example we've ever owned. Recently purchased from an Ohio collector, the fire bucket was originally purchased from the family in Massachusetts. This particular bucket belonged to 'JA's HAZARD'. Clearly dated 1813, there is no doubt as to its age. It remains in absolutely original as found condition with no handle. This is a great piece of early Americana!

(Sold) These 3 small vintage brooms were recently found together and are being offered as a collection. Whisk brooms, also known as hand brooms or dusters, became a common household tool after broom making was perfected by the Shakers in the 19th century. The brooms pictured here measure 6" or less. Easily dating to the late 19th or early 20th century these sweet little brooms are in excellent condition. Variety and miniature scale make these brooms a delight to collect.

One of the most common uses of small buckets was for the packing and shipping of food stuffs. Although many buckets survived, rarely did the labels. This painted staved piece is a great example of a bucket with its labels intact on both sides. This alone suggests the firkin's excellent condition. It also gives us some history with the Philadelphia maker's name and the success of their product at various expeditions throughout the 1870's. It stands 6 1/2" high and is 6 1/8" across the lid.

Treen string holder in original red paint. Delightfully turned in the form of a barrel. the piece measures approximately 3 1/2" by 2 1/2" overall. Dating to the late 19th century, this sculptural 2-piece barrel is in the best original surface and condition. Adding to its authenticity is the spool of thread from the Glasgo Lace Thread Co. of Glasgo, Connecticut tucked away inside. This colorful piece of treen will make a great addition to any collection of painted woodenware.

Although not collectors in the truest sense of the word, we sometimes become enamored with a piece. Such is the case with this 19th century handmade bank found in Indiana. Chip carved and made in the form of a bench, this bank measures a mere 7 1/2"x 3 3/4"x 4 5/8". It is embellished throughout with brass tacks, rosettes, and stars. A diamond escutcheon on the top marks the coin slot. Still functioning as a bank, small brass screws keep the removable bottom in place. It is 100% original.

Shave and a haircut! Vintage solid wood barber pole found in the midwest. The pole measures 36" long and near 42" overall including the original iron hardware. Likely made to hang off a porch, the paint loss at the top shows proper wear for a piece that has been exposed to the weather for many years. The barber pole is in great original as found condition including the colorful red and white pole and gold painted orbs. Few signs are more iconic than barber poles or display any better!