(Sold) Color safe! Delightful child's wood wash tub and wringer in the best red and yellow paint. This early 1900's piece is presented as it was found in Vermont. The sturdy staved tub measures 9 1/4" in diameter and is 5" deep. The functioning yellow and white wringer is 5" by 7 1/4" overall. Although the wringer is appropriate to the tub it is impossible to know if the two started out together? What's important is they ended up together! Color and form give this piece amazing presence.

We have always been drawn to the color white. Like any other color, white comes in a variety of shades. It is the old dry chalky white of this basket that is our hands down favorite. This piece was found on our recent trip to Pennsylvania. It measures near 11" square and just over 7" high. What was no doubt a simple 19th century lidded woodlands Indian basket was transformed when it was painted white many years ago. It is in excellent overall condition with no losses and minimal wear.

Delightful miniature staved bucket. The bucket measures 4 5/8" across the mouth and stands 3 5/8" tall. Easily dating to the late 19th century, this piece is in excellent condition including the original blue painted surface. The bucket is made with metal hoops, and a wire bail handle attached with early brass knobs. Most likely made for entertaining children in the 1880's or 90's, this simple child's toy continues to entertain collectors of painted country antiques to this day!

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.

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.

This smaller 19th century splint basket was recently bought out of an old midwest collection. Of course with the holiday season upon us, the dry painted surface of red over green makes this basket a natural for decorating. At 13" by 9" it is the perfect size for keeping Christmas cards or creating a country holiday center piece for the table. This is a sturdy basket and is heavy for its size. It is in excellent condition with a single small loss visible in the top left picture of the post.

This is one of the earliest and smallest beehive bowls we've had the chance to own. This piece was found in upstate New York and likely dates to the late 18th century. It is a delightully smaller example at just over 10" in overall diameter, but a deeper bowl at a full 4". It is in the best condition with no issues of any kind. The original reddish brown wash has achieved a lustrous surface from use over the centuries. Besides the early beehive form, it also has a well defined foot and lip.

As much as we appreciate something in perfect condition, we are immediately drawn to a piece that shows its age gracefully. Such is this pantry box just found on our trip to Maine. The box measures 7" in diameter and remains structurally original. The appeal comes from the wonderfully worn down blue paint. The deep blueberry blue color found in Maine shows its 'colors' through its wear. This wear can only result from great use over the last 150 years. It truly is a piece captured in time.

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.

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.

(Sold) Here comes Santa Claus! Brought to us from early German Christmas traditions and found in Pennsylvania, this small German belsnickle stands just 3 1/2" tall. Dating from the late 19th century, this example is in the best possible condition with no damages or losses. Petite size, bright color, and condition makes this piece especially appealing. This early Christmas decoration is worthy of the most discerning Christmas collection.

(Sold) Painted bail handle pantry boxes are one of the most sought after pieces of woodenware. This 19th century example is a recent find from New England. It is a larger box at 11 1/2" in diameter and 6 1/2" tall. Adding to the appeal of this piece is its original teal blue paint. This rich shade of blue is less common than many making it a great addition to a collection. This bail handle pantry box is made of oak and pine and remains in excellent sturdy condition.

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!

(Sold) Delightful painted firkin found in Maine. This earlier 19th century bucket stands only 6 1/2" tall. It is in excellent original condition with only a small age crack in the top tapered finger. It is the color and surface that makes this small firkin special. The original dry mustard paint is a deep rich color. This combined with the large early nails used in its construction makes this piece a great addition to any collection.

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?

19th century bail handle pantry box recently purchased from an old Illinois collection. This sturdy bentwood box measures 9 1/2" across the lid and stands a full 5 1/2" high. Beautiful dry green paint gives this piece special appeal. This pantry box is in excellent original condition with just the right wear to the surface and a single old chip in the lid. Great for adding to a stack or just enjoyed by itself, this is a nice early pantry box for any collection.

I guess it's just the way children are made, but balls of all shapes and sizes have been used to entertain young ones for centuries. None to us is more appealing than the colorful stitched oil cloth balls of the 19th century. This example in deep red and black was recently found in Pennsylvania. It measures just over 4" in diameter. The ball has kept its shape and remains in terrific original condition. There are 2 minor holes from play, but there are no rips or tears.

Simple candle box with square nail construction. This homemade 19th century country pine box was found in Maine. It's a delightful smaller size measuring 11" by 4 1/2" by 3 1/2" high. It has an appealing original surface of dry green paint dating to the period. It is clean and unpainted inside. The early wire closer remains intact. Made with leather hinges, it is apparent these been replaced at some point. This humble country box is a great example of 19th century Americana.

This wooden blackboard c.1900 was recently purchased from a midwestern collector. It was found years ago in a rural Indiana schoolhouse. It is made of 2 boards housed in a mitered frame and measures 32" by 30". The blackboard remains in original surface and condition. The board is 2-sided. The side pictured has the alphabet stenciled across the top of the frame as does the other. However, this side also has Arabic numbers and Roman numerals hand painted down the left and right sides.

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.

Sometimes it is about size! This sweet little basket was recently found at an Illinois farm sale. Measuring just over 5" in diameter and height, this small splint basket has achieved a rich patina giving it a most desirable surface. It is well made with a double wrapped rim and kicked up bottom. Apart from a single small loss as pictured, this miniature country egg basket is in great overall condition. Size and surface make this early basket special and a worthy addition to any collection.

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.

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.

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) Over the years we've been drawn to the various forms of cheese ladders and drain boards. This unusual 19th century walnut piece was recently discovered in the midwest. It's a great smaller size measuring just 14 1/2" by 8 1/2". The board itself is concave allowing the cheese cloth to rest over the drain holes and causing the liquid to run to the center. This curvilinear design adds dimension to the piece. Size and form together serve to create accidental art!

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!

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.

(Sold) Although a mortar and pestle was a common appliance in the early American home this doesn't mean they weren't given attention. This mortar and pestle is as pretty as it was functional. Such is this 19th century example in original dry mustard paint. This substantial mortar stands 7 1/2" to the lip and 6" in diameter. It is offered in excellent condition including its original pestle. Color and condition make this a most desirable piece for any collector.

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.

Simple as it is, honest early country checkerboards are no longer easily found. This great example recently purchased out of a midwestern collection has it all. Color: original bittersweet and black paint. Condition: absolutely as found. Age: thin clear pine, breadboard ends, and square nails. This piece is typical of an early New England game board and easily dates to the 3rd quarter of the 19th century. Measuring 13 1/2" by 13 5/8" square, the game is painted on a single 1/2" thick board.