This is one LARGE trencher. It measures just over 26" end to end and is a full 17" across. No doubt dating to the early 19th century, this wonderful bowl is in the best original blue paint. Notched handles on each end allowed the user to have more control when using. And used it was as indicated by the much worn interior. Although worn, this does not go through to the exterior. This is a wonderful trencher that displays beautifully!

New England wall box in crusty original red paint. This dovetailed box likely dates as early the 18th century and is no later than the early 19th century. Cut nails are used to attach the base. The most unusual aspect of this box are the markings on the front. ‘JH NM02’ is carved above a line reading ‘JH NH ills(?)’. ‘JH’ may be the maker’s initials and NM02 may suggest this was his second box? ‘NH’ may refer to the origin of the box? All this gives this early piece additional character.

Blue painted firkin in excellent original condition. This early 19th century staved bucket is constructed with copper nails and a tapered handle. It stands 10 3/4" tall and measures 10 1/2" across the lid. Giving this firkin its great appeal is the original surface. Although it appears this piece has been painted more than once, it was always painted blue! The result is a rich mottled surface giving the firkin undeniable appeal to any lover of blue paint!

This great old birdhouse has survived many years and many birds. Originally found in Nebraska, it was bought from an Iowa collector. The house is made of wood and tin and sits on a thick platform measuring 14” by 11 1/2”. It stands 17” to the roof finial. The only losses are to the roof, which suggests the house may have been hit by a ‘twister’ many years ago? It has a terrific alligatored surface combined with interesting architecture. Size allows it to be placed just about anywhere.

Small heart in hand cookie cutter dating to the 19th century. This sculptural piece of tinware was found in western New York state and may have originated there or nearby Pennsylvania. This is a smaller piece measuring 4 3/4” by 2 3/4” overall. It is sturdy and remains completely intact. Being tin the cutter oxidized over the years, which is evident by its surface and a few minor losses along the top edge of the fingers.

Although game boards have been around for centuries, their homemade country 'cousins' seem to have had their start in the U.S. in the early Victorian period. By the Civil War such game boards were found in the humblest of circumstances. Such is this simple checkerboard measuring 12" square. Found in Illinois, it easily dates to the 3rd quarter of the 19th century. The board has somewhat 'cupped' over the years, but it remains in wonderful condition with original dry black and salmon paint.

Vintage sign from an earlier time! This sturdy wooden sign likely dates to the 1920's or 30's. It measures approximately 28" by 14" overall making it a great sized to place almost anywhere. The sign was found in the Mid-Atlantic region and remains in terrific as found condition. The dry black on white paint makes this sign a great graphic while the message gives it 'down home' appeal.

Carved wooden tray from New England. No doubt handmade, this piece features a 2” deep tray carved from a single piece of wood measuring 18 1/2” by 10” overall. Notches carved in each end create handles by which the tray can be picked up. Draw marks from the knife used to make the tray are readily felt. They can actually be seen on the bottom in the wear to the original blue paint. The tray is in excellent condition with no cracks for damages.

Keep the home lights burning! Beginning with the advent of kerosene lighting in late 1850’s, kerosene lamps became a fixture in the American home by the 1860’s. Of course these lamps required fuel to be on hand. As the lids states, this 19th century bucket was made specifically for the family. It is in the best original paint and condition. Note there is a lot of great color here, but there is NO kerosene smell. 13” by 12” overall.

Larger mortar and pestle from New England. Recently purchased out of a Connecticut collection, it is signed and dated January 1, 1841 on the bottom. The bulbous mortar features numerous turnings. It stands near 8” high and is 7” in overall diameter. The pestle is 9” in length. Both are in excellent as found condition. The paint is undisturbed and has achieved a most desirable surface over its 180 year lifetime.

Dating to the late 18th or early 19th century, this American clock face was found in Massachusetts. It measures 20” tall and 14” wide. The face was beautifully decorated by hand. The still life in the arch is no doubt the focal point. Painted on heavy sheet iron, the surface has achieved a fine craquelure throughout. No doubt separated long ago from its original case, the face stands alone as a wonderful piece of early American folk art.

This sculptural wooden bowl is a full 22” in diameter and near 7” deep. One can only imagine the size of the tree from which this bowl was turned! Easily dating to the mid 19th century, this extraordinary piece remains in mint condition with no cracks or losses. Although not uncommon, bowls of this size are not easily found and even fewer are found in such condition. This bowl was recently purchased out of a midwestern collection.

(Sold) Great set of authentic juggling pins from a traveling circus act. Found in Pennsylvania, these survivors of the bigtop easily date to the early 20th century. Each hollow wood pin stands a full 20" high. The exterior appears to be wrapped in paper before being painted. Tape was added for grip and decoration. Original storage bags in early ticking accompanies each pin. This is no doubt the reason for their excellent as found condition.

(Sold) Sculptural kinetic trade sign from outside a bicycle shop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Handmade, the sign easily dates to the early 20th century. It is sizable measuring 38” wide from wheel to wheel and near 20” high to the rider’s cap. The free turning turbine like wheels add energy to the sign. Spinning in the wind, the bike has the appearance of motion as the wheels go round. Concept and color make this a truly great sign!

Large horse weathervane in old paint. As pictured the vane measures 37” nose to tail and 24” to the top of the ears. This is a recent discovery found lying on a dirt floor in an Ohio barn. Handmade of sheet iron, the weathervane likely dates to the late 19th century. No doubt painted numerous times, it appears it has always been barn red. The piece has sustained losses over the years none of which take away from the presence of this oversized folky weathervane.

Delightful hand painted sign from New York. This ‘reverse glass’ sign measures 17 1/2” X 13 1/2” and is in great condition with some minor stains and a small loss to the paper background. Who knew sign painters also did graining? Not only is this a terrific sign it's also a look into America’s past. It remains in its original paint decorated frame. What a great sign for those who collect ‘All Kinds of SIGNS’!

19th century heart in hand from an Indiana Oddfellows Lodge. This icon of the Oddfellows was found in a storage cleanout in Lafayette, Indiana. It is absolutely untouched and as found including its original stand from the lodge. The staff measures near 65" overall. Heart in hands are highly prized and this is a great example with a fully developed hand including finger nails and knuckle details.

Country oil painting in original frame. Purchased from a Connecticut collector, this bucolic rural scene features a classic New England clapboard house sitting across the road from the barn. A bridge over a crystal blue creek fills the foreground. Framed by Eben Smith in Boston, the frame has a patent date of Oct 7 '84. The 7" by 8" insert sets in a gold gilt frame measuring 12" by 11" overall. It is offered in the best possible original condition.

Early double-sided game board. 14 1/2" square. This game board from the 3rd quarter of the 19th century is made of a single thin pine board with a shaped molding. The 4 color pachisi game features olive, bittersweet, and black with cream outlines. The checkerboard features bittersweet and black in a mustard frame. Although some nails have been added, the piece was made with small t-head nails. It has achieved the best surface over the year. This is a country game board at its best.

Great figural trade sign from a 19th century farrier’s shop. This fully dimensional carved sign was found in New York state. A skilled carver created the lower portion of a horse’s leg from a single piece of pine measuring 23” overall. The horseshoe is separate and attached with early t-head nails. Nails were added over the years to keep the shoe in place. Apart from a loss to the shoe, the sign is in excellent condition with original surface and hardware.

Large dough board with gallery. 25" by 20". The gallery is a full 3" deep. This 19th century kitchen piece is made from a single wide pine board. The gallery as well as the bottom side are in rich original green paint. Doughboards like this are perfect on kitchen counters for organizing or table centerpieces for decorating.

Great old splint basket dating to the 19th century. This sturdy work basket basically measures 10" by 10" by 10". It is in excellent as found condition, which is obvious given the dust coated interior. Making this heavy little basket special is its original dry sage green paint. It is a great form to set anywhere and the perfect smaller size for hanging.

19th century wood measure with the best sculptural handles. Found in Pennsylvania, this larger piece is 14 3/4" in diameter and stands 7 1/2" high. It is in excellent as found condition with no losses or breaks. The original dry olive paint shows normal wear. Setting this early piece apart are the bentwood handles on each side. These gracefully arched handles are attached with square nails. Utilitarian in purpose, appealing in color and form, this is great piece of early country woodenware.

Honest 19th century splint basket found in Maine. This simple gathering basket is as real as it gets. It's a nice size for a peg rack or simply for holding flowers atop a table. It measures 11" in diameter and 8" to the bentwood handle. This humble work basket is in amazing original condition with only minor and expected wear. The surface has achieved a wonderful patina over the past century plus. It will no doubt will bring a little bit of country anywhere it sits.

This recently discovered firkin stands somewhere between country and art. The 19th staved bucket is country all the way. However, the original blue and black paint combined with dry attic surface serve to create a work of art. Although the lid is long gone, the bucket itself is in solid condition. It is a larger piece standing 11" tall. This appealing early firkin is a statement on its own and will look great wherever it sits.

Swordfish weathervane found on a structure along the Connecticut coastline. This great handmade weathervane likely dates to the 19th century. Wear to the wood shows extensive exposure to the elements. The old repair done with tar was accomplished much the way a seamen would patch a boat. The weathervane is 41 1/2” long and 12”high as displayed. The body was reinforced with iron straps top and bottom while the delicate sword was sheathed in copper for protection.

Wonderful miniature flour chest made by an Amish craftsman in Indiana. This delightful 19th century piece is made from poplar with square nails throughout. It is a true miniature measuring 12 1/2" x 6 1/2" x 7 3/4" overall. It is original in every way including the ochre and bittersweet paint and porcelain casters. The interior is divided and contains the original miniature breadboard. The note found inside refers to this piece as a 'flower chest comb box'.

This simple country checkerboard gets its appeal from an unusual color combination. An ochre background is embellished with salmon squares, which are all outlined in dove grey. Close examination shows the surface to have a fine craquelure. The result is a subtle yet sophisticated game board. It measures near 15 3/4” square including the attached molding. This game board was found in Pennsylvania and easily dates to the mid 19th century.

Baseball, hotdogs, and apple pie! Great figural printer's block from the late 19th century. An early baseball player in full 'regalia' complete with a bat on his shoulder was carved in relief on a single pine board measuring 18" by 6". It could be this was used for printing posters, which advertised upcoming baseball games? Details include boots and stockings as well as neckerchief and hat. This terrific piece of baseball memorabilia / folk art is in excellent original as found condition.

(Sold) Colorful early 20th century wooden sign from upstate New York. This sign predates 'School Bus Yellow',which was created in 1939. Iron straps on each end enabled this sign to be fit on a wagon side. This suggests the sign is considerably earlier than 1939. The sign itself measures 36" long and near 5" wide. It remains in great original paint and condition.