(Sold) This 19th century game board is country in its purest form. Handmade and hand painted, it is somewhat bold, but its simple composition gives the checkerboard its country appeal. A dry barn red background is complimented with trim in deep dark green at either end with alternating black squares at the center. This classic American piece is just 14" wide and 24" tall. Size makes it easy to display virtually anywhere. Original surface and condition makes it real!

(Sold) Nice earlier 19th century firkin in original indigo blue paint. This bucket stands 9 1/2" high. Diameter is 9 1/2" across the lid and 10" across the bottom. The firkin is in sturdy condition with all the original nails intact in the tapered fingers. The surface show appropriate wear from age and use. There are some minor losses to the lip of the lid also from use as opposed to abuse. Condition and appealing color makes this a great piece on its own or added to a stack.

(Sold) Small 19th century box. This piece stands a mere 1 5/8" high. It is 3" in diameter across the lid. Although these small boxes are not uncommon, it is the painted examples such as this one that receive the most attention. This small box from a New England collection is offered in the best original condition. Of course it is the original vivid red paint that gives this little gem its appeal. The dry surface shows only normal and expected wear for such a box approaching 150 years in age.

19th century Pennsylvania basket in original green paint. Color and construction make this a visually pleasing piece. The oval rim measures 18"x15" and tapers to an 11" square bottom. The carved handle is 11" high. It is in excellent condition. This basket was likely made for gathering fruits or vegetables. The open weave at the base allowed the produce to be rinsed while still in the basket. This also gave the green paint its appealing washed surface. The handle is stamped 'N MOULTON'.

Size matters! This sweet little homemade game board measures just 11" by 8". Five different colors were used to create the 7 1/2" star positioned at one end of the board. The game of Chinese checkers is typically played with marbles. To accommodate the small scale of this piece, this game was designed to be played with pegs. The game Chinese checkers was created early in the 20th century. This example was likely made in the 1920's or 30's. It is offered in excellent condition and original paint.

Small 19th century bench found in Illinois. Measuring just 14" by 8" by 8" overall, a little footstool such as this is referred to as a cricket bench. These small benches were common in early American homes. They functioned in many ways and were often set in front of the fire for keeping one's feet off the cold floor. Adding extra appeal to this piece is the crazed original paint and wide mortise joint fixing the feet to the top. This wonderful early bench is sturdy and original in every way.

19th century wall box in dry ivory paint. This simple homemade box is constructed of 5 small hand planed boards held together with early nails. The box itself is 7" by 9" square and is 5" deep. These dimensions make it quite functional. The folky tombstone back is 11" top to bottom giving the wall box its pleasing form. Each edge of the piece has been rounded softening the box's overall appearance. This simple yet functional piece is perfect in any country room.

We are pleased to offer this double sided game board dating c.1880-90. This dovetailed 'book style' piece measures near 17" square. A pleasing 3-color chessboard decorates the outside, while a finely painted 5-color backgammon game decorates the inside. Adding to the appealing design of the backgammon game is the sophisticated palette used in its creation. This Pennsylvania piece is original in every way making it that much more important. It is a great example of 'the art of the game'.

Small painted bucket complete with its original lid. This sweet little bucket was made anywhere from the late 19th century to early 20th century. Such buckets were common around the house serving a variety of functions. This piece stands 6 3/4" tall with the lid in place. It is 8 3/4" across the lid. This is our first bucket in many years to have its original lid. This and the original ivory paint sets it apart. Small staved buckets of various sizes and colors make wonderful collections!

(Sold) Hingham, MASS has long been associated with the making of early woodenware. This 12 1/2" tall firkin in original deep green paint is marked 'GARDNER - HINGHAM MA' on the lid and is the tallest of the Hingham firkins we've owned. The tapered handle and chamfered fingers are characteristics of these Massachusetts buckets. This is a sturdy firkin showing normal wear to the surface and minor age related imperfections. On its own or as the base of a stack, this is a great early firkin.

We are pleased to make available this 19th century pantry box recently found in western New York state. Apart from a slight bend across the lid, this household piece is in the best possible condition with no losses, cracks, or repairs. Great on a shelf or in a stack, the box is 7 1/4" in diameter and 3 3/4" deep. This bentwood box is made of maple and pine. Giving it appeal is the original dry dove grey paint. Seen in the thin surface are brush strokes and only minor age related wear.

(Sold) Early egg basket from upstate New York. This smaller 19th century country piece measures 8" by 9" and stands 11" to the carved handle. Adding to the basket's charm is the original green paint including an undisturbed 'barn' surface. Besides color and condition, the basket also has a wonderful form with a round rim and square base. The piece has no breaks or losses with only expected wear to the paint. This is the perfect size basket for hanging on a tree or sitting on a shelf.

Colorful Chinese Checkers game board from the 1920's or 30's. This 18 1/2" square game is made of a thin piece of wood set in a narrow frame backed by a great old piece of linoleum. The game of Chinese checkers was among the most common of homemade games after its invention in the early 20th century. Few examples can boast the 8 different colors as seen in this piece. It is in overall excellent original dry paint and condition. Note a small section of the frame has been replaced as shown.

Colorful painted firkins have always appealed to us. As all firkins are simply staved buckets, it is the paint and color that gets us excited. Such is this small firkin in unusual original cherry red paint. This 19th century bucket stands 7 1/2" tall. It is 7 1/2" at the lid and 8 1/4" at the base. There is a very old loss to the lip of the lid. This can be found with a closer look at the pictures. Although there, it does little to distract from the beauty of this early painted firkin.

The graphics of a simple country backgammon game are some of the most compelling in game boards. Backgammon was popular during the 19th century Victorian period. As a result hand painted versions were often fancy reflecting the Victorian style. Country versions from the 19th century like this one from Massachusett's eastern shore are particularly compelling. This book style piece measures 17"x18". The dry white background is enhanced with points painted in black and bittersweet.

This small paint decorated pantry box dates to the early 19th century. It is a recent find from an old New England collection. The box measures 4 1/2" in diameter and stands only 2 3/4" tall. This little gem is in original green paint. Adding to its appeal is the decorated lid. A hand painted black hex star set in a circle takes this little pantry box to the next level. The box is in sturdy original condition with only minor age related wear all of which can be seen in the images.

(Sold) Here's the scoop! Wonderful 19th century carved wooden scoop from New England. 15" by 7" by 2+" overall. This much used tool shows appropriate wear from being used for its intended purpose. What makes it special is the old painted surface. It appears the scoop was originally red. At some point well over 100 years ago it was repainted the blue you see now. At that time the 2nd surface was done in such a way as to leave a star in the original red underneath.

The best way to describe this 6" by 4" 19th century oval box from New York state is it's just a plain honest household piece. Although sound and solid in constriction, it shows wear that only comes from everyday use. Beginning with the original deep rich green painted surface that shows brush strokes and even a fingerprint, to the particular wear on one end from repeatedly removing the tight lid, this is just the real thing. Color and character make it a worthy piece for a collection of boxes.

We were first taken by the original bittersweet color of this box. Next we were taken by its form and small size. Just 15" by 10" by 7" overall. But after one look inside we were sold! This gentleman's box with an arced top was specifically made for carrying shirts, stiff collars, and cuffs. From the Albany, NY area, the newspaper inside dates 1838. The box is made of pine with early cut nails. It is in remarkable original condition. Only the cloth strap securing the lid has been replaced.

Vintage pressed metal rooster sign right off the farm. Early 20th century. Made from a piece of sheet iron, the edges have dulled indicating its age as does the colorful crusty surface most likely achieved from years of hanging outside on the barn or henhouse. This little chicken measures just 10" across and 11" tall. Made purely for decoration more than a 100 years ago, it continues to bring a bit of old country charm wherever it's hung today.

(Sold) 19th century bucket from New England. This sturdy bucket is in great original condition. It is made with oak staves. Original iron bands remain intact as does the wire bail handle, which is attached with unusual hardware. The bucket is 12 1/2" tall and 10" across the mouth, Making all this special is the original dry bittersweet paint. Although this was likely made for carrying water, its decorative possibilities and multiple uses in a country home are innumerable!

19th century country game board found in Massachusetts. Made of a single thick board in a 1 1/4" deep frame attached with square nails, it is 16" by 19" overall. Done in 3 colors, it is the choice of colors that makes this game board so appealing. With a checkerboard on one side and the game of Fox & Geese on the other, it is the graphic design of the Fox & Geese that catches the eye. Criss crossing lines of black on mustard make a pleasing visual statement. This board is original in every way.

Small wooden basket in original paint and condition. This piece dating to the late 19th century is constructed with small wire nails. It has a wonderful canted form measuring 13 3/4" by 7 1/2" at the rim and tapering to 12 1/2" by 6 1/2" at the base. Adding to the basket's appealing form is the bentwood handle, which stands 7" high overall. It is, of course, the original dry chrome yellow paint that makes this little basket special! It's small size allows it to be enjoyed anywhere it sits.

(Sold) Classic game board from New York state. This early game board is painted in 3 quiet colors of Spanish brown, black, and brick red. The piece likely dates from the 3rd quarter of the 19th century. A chess/checkerboard on one side is backed by the game of fox and geese on the reverse. The game board is made from one 12" square pine board. It set in a 1 1/4" wide frame attached with early square nails. The game board is 13" square overall and is in crisp original paint and condition.

Delightful small bucket in the most appealing original dry green paint. This little gem stands just 6" tall. The diameter is 5 3/4" at the mouth and 6 3/4" at the base. Easily dating to the mid 19th century, the bucket is offered in remarkable original condition. Its iron bands with hand wrought fasteners remain tight and intact as does the wire bail handle. Of course it is the vivid dry painted surface that sets this apart making it worthy of any serious 'bucket list'.

Homemade game boards were typically made with one thing in mind; to be played. The actual "Art of the Game' was left to the maker. This example dating c.1900 is made of wood laminate measuring 19" by 31" including the narrow frame. It's likely the checkerboard came first as the cleats are on the reverse. At some point a wonderful Parcheesi game was added to the back. It is this game that makes the board special. Using varying shades of mustard and yellow, the alligatored surface is the best!

This 4-color sign was found in Connecticut. It was most likely used to advertise a tourist camp along the early 20th century New England roadside. The sign was painted on an old salvaged pit sawed pine board measuring 19" by 9". Besides its appealing message and arrow, the fact that it was painted in 4 colors raises the sign to the next level. It is offered in excellent and original paint and condition. Small size and colorful presence makes this a great sign for enjoying wherever it's hung.

Surface, surface, surface! What a simple country Chinese checkerboard this is. To be monochromatic, there is so much depth of color to be found in the simple mustard surface. This board was found in New England and likely dates to the 1920's give or take. The game is a make-do of sorts being painted on what appears to be a repurposed thick pine board measuring 15 1/2" by 16 1/2". It is offered in excellent original condition.

(Sold) If ever size mattered it certainly does when it comes to this delightful 19th century miniature mortar & pestle. A recent acquisition, the mortar stands just 3 1/4" tall. It is near 5 1/2" high with the original pestle in place. Note there is a single tight age crack in the mortar, but given the rare size and wonderful original blue paint, this minor imperfection does little to affect the overall beauty of this delightful miniature piece of early American woodenware.

Fresh to the market from an old collection, we are happy to make available once again this 19th century Pennsylvania splint basket. Woven in the traditional melon shape, this early piece is in excellent original condition with a single minor loss to the rim. This is visible in the top left image. The basket measures approximately 13" by 14" and stands 12" to the thick bentwood handle. The original grey paint shows appropriate wear with the best dry surface and a desirable overall craquelure.