Hand carved miniature cigar store Indian. 10 1/2" tall. Dating to the late 19th or early 20th century, the figure was found in western New York state. It is well carved and highly detailed. The polychrome surface is original and untouched. Apart from some minor loss at the front of the base, the piece remains in excellent original as found condition. No doubt dating from the heyday of cigar store Indians, this is the only miniature example we've seen in our travels.

Delightful miniature splint basket. New York State. Late 19th or early 20th century. The basket is 3 1/2" tall to the top of the handle as well as 3 1/2" end to end. It is basically in mint condition with no breaks or losses. Baskets such as this are often thought to be made simply to show its maker's skill. Mission accomplished! 20" by 14" by 11" overall.

Great old homemade sign offering maple syrup for sale. The message is hand lettered in rusty red on a dry grey background.
It is painted on a near 1" thick board measuring 27 1/2" by 15" overall and likely dates to the early 20th century. What the sign maker lacked in lettering (note the backward F's) was more than made up by the quality of the product! This is a terrific old sign with a quintessential New England subject and is as sweet in its own way as the very thing it advertises!

Finely painted 19th century 3-color game board. 19"x17". Alternating squares of black and red are separated by fine yellow stripes. The entire surface has beautifully crazed over the past 150 years. A one inch black frame surrounds the piece. An equally crisp game of nine mens morris is painted on the reverse. This game is made of concentric yellow squares on an oxblood background. The game board is guaranteed original in every way.

Great wooden sign dating to the 1920's offering, "Ice . Cream And . Other Refreshments...". 31 1/2" by 16 1/2" overall. The Shadow River is referred to in the 1916 book 'The Campfire Girls In the Maine Woods' by author Hildegard G. Frye. The white lettering hand painted on a black background gives the appearance of a blackboard. The custom of emphasizing text with periods, which was prevalent at this time adds to the charm of this already appealing sign.

Great old needlepoint depicting a black cat on a crimson background. Grey eyes peer out from under glass in an old gold frame in which the needlework has been mounted for display. Measuring less than 5" by 7" overall, this minimal piece is a wonderful example of feline folk art.
SOLD: January 17th, 2020

Great early field basket from New York State. This is a heavy handmade splint basket. Based on where it was found it was likely used for gathering apples, which may also account for its wonderful original apple red paint. The basket's unusual form adds to its appeal. Dating to the late 19th or early 20th century, it stands 17" tall and measures 12" square at the base. It is offered in terrific as found condition.

Chinese checkers game board from the early 20th century. This handmade game board was meticulously made in layers using thin wood from crates. Graphically decorated in 6 colors, it has achieved a fabulous overall surface. A thin wooden frame of indigo blue surrounds the 6-pointed star. The piece measures 16" square and 3/4" thick. This is another example of country Americana that's home in a contemporary setting.

Visually pleasing handmade hooked rug found in Maine. Early 20th century. This vintage piece incorporates 5 salmon stars amidst a variety of a free form shapes. Besides salmon other colors include an assortment of neutrals as well as reds, olives, browns, soft blue greys, and more. The rug is finished with a black border. Mounted for display, it measures 30" by 40" as shown.

We've always been attracted to old chalkboards in painted frames. This one in original chrome yellow measures 20" by 19" and dates c.1900. Not only is this a decorative piece, it's functional for making grocery or to do lists. These painted chalkboards also look great on any wall when grouped in various colors.

Painted produce basket from Michigan. This typical slat basket from the early 20th century is anything but typical given its wonderful paint decoration. Standing 13" tall this basket was saved years ago. It is interesting to note that this basket has some old damage, which was mended. The paint you see now was done after this repair and may well have been done at the same time. Decoration on this midwestern piece gives it a feel of the southwest.

Double-sided 19th century game board. Vermont origin. The game is made on a single 17 1/2" square pine board. A 1 1/2" deep frame brings the size to 18 1/2" overall. A much loved and well worn Parcheesi game is backed with a backgammon game. The original red and salmon paint gives this board both sophistication and a minimal appearance.

This pine carrier is one of the finest such totes we've owned. 19"x11"x7" overall. Massachusetts origin. Early 19th century. It was likely made by a highly skilled carpenter to carry the tools of the trade. Each joint fits perfectly and is finished with early cut nails. It remains in original deep windsor green paint. Note the paint line on the handle. The interior of this piece was left unpainted so as not to be scarred in use. This is the reason for the carriers crisp condition.

Rarely have we found an example of miniature furniture as finely made as this. It is a great example of an Amish flour chest. The piece is made of hand planed poplar and is square nailed throughout. Hardware and castors are original as is the dry sepia and bittersweet paint and the dough board inside. A note found inside the piece defines it as a 'flower chest comb case'. It is offered in the best original as found condition. 12 1/2" by 6 1/2" by 7 3/4" high overall.

Small set of drawers in multi color surface. 13" by 9 1/2" by 12 1/2" tall. No doubt handmade, 3 divided drawers with chamfered front are set in a mortised case. These were likely made to use on a countertop. Although they could easily be hung there is no evidence they ever were. Found on a trip to New Hampshire, the piece likely dates to the 1920's or 30's. Along with color the paint has achieved a wonderful surface over the years.

A picture is worth a thousand words and this diminutive painting has a lot to say! Small 19th century oil of a farmer standing in front of his home. Painted on heavy artist board, the piece measures only 12 1/4" by 7 1/4". Although small it is intricately detailed from the trees to the hay and the fence to the house. This is a sweet oil painting that draws the viewer in with its simple straightforward depiction of early New England farm life.
SOLD: January 4th, 2020

Vintage wooden sign found in the midwest. These eggs are available in a variety of sizes at market price. Due to fluctuations in the market, prices are subject to change, which is duly noted right along side the corresponding size. The sign likely dates to the 1930's or 40's and measures 24" by 18" overall.

19th century firkin in original deep windsor green paint. 9 1/2 tall as well as 9 1/2" across the lid. The diameter is 10" at the bottom. It is offered in excellent and original as found paint and condition. This is a sturdy bucket constructed with copper brad nails on all 4 tapered fingers. It would make a great addition to a stack and is equally appealing all by itself.

19th century firkin in dry oyster white paint. This is a larger bucket standing 14 1/4" tall. The lid measures 14 3/4" in diameter. Size gives this piece great presence while its color is soft and sophisticated. The firkin remains in sturdy as found condition.

Late 19th century firkin in original blue paint. 9 1/2" across the lid and 10" tall. It is a sturdy piece constructed with copper brads and a single copper staple at the end of each finger. The piece remains in great as found condition. It is stamped 'STANDARD EXTRA' on the lid by its maker.

Sweet small pine checkerboard in original paint. Late 19th century.
Basically the size of a sheet of paper the piece measures 9 1/2" by 12 1/4". It is painted on a single 3/4" thick board. The mitered frame is attached to the face of the board as opposed to surrounding it. This gives the game board an interesting outer edge. The small red and white squares show brushstrokes giving the board a painterly appearance. This checkerboard will be a nice addition to any game board collection.

Large covered basket. 14" in diameter and 14" to the handle. This finely woven basket was Indian made in Maine and most likely dates to the early 20th century. It is in original oyster white paint and remains in mint condition with no breaks or losses. It does show wear to the carved handle from being held and the lid is dust covered as it should be given its age. This is a wonderful example of a native Maine basket.

Nineteenth century paint decorated game board. 16" by 19". A dry black background is decorated with cartouches and swags in dry bittersweet paint. The overall affect is 'country formal'. The single pine board is finished with a rounded molding attached with early square nails. It is offered in absolute original as found condition. This is a great example of an earlier game board worthy of any serious collection.
SOLD: January 18th, 2020

Old sign from an Amish community is advertising a 'SALE' on 'BAKED GOODS' as well as 'STOVE & COAL' for baking your own! This sign made from an old hide board, likely dates to the early 20th century. It is a small piece measuring about 23" by 7". The number '1894' is also stenciled on the sign, which could be a date, but is more likely an address. This is a quaint old sign in dry pine and paint and the perfect piece for decorating a country kitchen.

Larger firkin in original blue-grey paint. 11 3/4" tall. Diameter is 11 3/4" across the lid and 12 1/2" across the bottom. This is a solid staved bucket constructed with copper brads and a single copper staple at the end of each tapered finger. The firkin is tight and offered in sturdy original condition. It is a great size for a stack being the size most often used 2nd to the bottom.