Small 19th century pine wall box in original chrome yellow paint. The box is 9 3/8" by 6 1/4" square. It is 4 1/4" deep. Its pleasing form comes from the tombstone back, which stands 6 1/4" high overall. This pleasing piece is in excellent original condition with all its original square nails in place. The dry surface shows appropriate age related wear. A slight cupping has occurred to the tombstone back over time.

This exceptional wall box was recently purchased from a long time New England collector. It is constructed of thin hand planed pine assembled with square and wire nails. The piece likely dates 4th quarter 19th century at the latest. Besides its appealing original surface, the form of this example makes it even better! The tall near 24" high back may have been used for scrubbing given the wear? The box itself measures 9" by 3 1/2" by 6 1/2" deep. The wall box is in original as found condition.

Born in the early 1950's we can still remember a set of red and white BURMA SHAVE signs just up the road on US 61 north of town. This example was recently found in Alton, Illinois. Orange and black signs were phased out in the 1930's in favor of the classic red and white signs. Typically posted in a series of 6 signs along the roadside, this is a single sign advertising the brushless shaving cream on both sides. It is in great original paint and condition. 40" by 11 1/2" overall.

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'.

This colorful homemade double-sided game board was found in Pennsylvania. Easily dating to the early 20th century, this Chinese checkers game measures 20" square including the wide frame. Lipstick red serves as the vibrant background for a 6 pointed star painted in 6 different colors. The paint has achieved a wonderful alligatored surface from exposure to heat over the years. This also caused some paint loss, which is primarily limited to one side.

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.

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 19th century cricket bench with exuberantly shaped skirt and feet. 11 1/2" x 7" x 7". The surface is old dry black over original red. It is made from pine assembled with square nails. Particularly appealing are the shapely oversized feet with heart cutouts in between. Although well over 100 years later, this little stool has the feel of an earlier William and Mary style. This sweet little bench was no doubt influenced by different styles yet fits in comfortably with any country interior.

Smaller oil paintings have always been a favorite of ours. This is the first example we've had in some time. At just 9 3/4" by 7 3/4" overall, much is captured by the artist in this compelling yet simple painting of a treelined path. Rich color and perspective give this unsigned painting its warm appeal. Easily dating to the 1880's, the art remains in excellent original condition. It appears to be painted on linen. It is offered in what is likely the original lemon gold frame.

We are pleased to make available what is one of the finest early painted wooden trays we have ever offered. This 19th century New England piece measures 23 1/2" by 14 3/4" square at the rim. The dramatically canted sides taper to a base measuring just 19 1/2" by 12" to the lip. Sides are 3" deep. It is made with rabbet joints and square nails. The tray is in the best sturdy condition and original dry blue paint. The original black painted bottom shows wear from many years of use.

A most favorite recent discovery is this early 19th century homemade washboard. Found in central Missouri German country, this utilitarian yet sculptural object is accidental art at its finest. A 1" thick hand carved walnut frame both mortised and pegged is built around a graphic iron washboard. The piece measures 16" by 21" overall. Whether drawn to antique washboards or visual art, this compelling piece of Americana is both country and contemporary.

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.

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.

Among our favorites are simple utilitarian objects with wonderful painted surfaces. This 19th century egg crate is a perfect example. It may be the one the earliest egg crates we've seen. The piece measures 14 1/2" by 12 1/2" square and 13 1/2" tall. In excellent condition, it is clean inside and out and a perfect piece for storing most anything that needs stored. It is, of course, the wonderfully worn original salmon painted surface that gives it warm country appeal.

Delightful little box in original blue paint. 19th century. New England origin. Hand carved of pine, the swivel lid is attached by a single early wire nail. Both angled and beveled underneath, the lid is secured when slid closed. The piece measures 7 1/2" by 2" by 5/8" overall. The compartment inside is 3/8" deep. There is no wear to the interior suggesting this was never used? Perhaps made as razor box, it is the perfect size to hold a modern day ink pen on a country desk!

Fresh from a home in western New York, we are pleased to offer this delightful homemade checkerboard. The piece measures only 13" by 25 1/2" overall. The red and black game itself is just 8" square. This diminutive playing field sets on a deep rich blue background giving this humble game board undeniable country appeal. Easily dating to the latter 19th century, 3 pine boards are held together by breadboard ends. The solid blue back features a simple mill game.

This 19th century horse pull-toy was recently found in an Illinois estate. This is a larger piece standing 19" overall. It is also 19" muzzle to tail. This early German toy is in terrific sturdy condition. The original tack does show age related wear. Remnants of the real horse hair tail remain. This charming toy has a delightful character and a pleasing presence wherever it sets.

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.

Wonderful early bottle doll from a great old Missouri collection. Made from a sock stretched over an old bottle, the doll is dressed in her apron with a nice old blue bandana for her shawl. The piece stands just over 12" tall overall. The bottle itself is filled with sand giving the doll weight. The head and arms are filled with cotton. The hand sewn facial features give this piece of American folk art its charming character. The doll is offered in original as found condition.

The pineapple has long been associated with hospitality in America. It is considered a symbol of warmth and friendliness in the American south. This piece standing 10" high is made of chalk fixed to an octagonal wooden base. It likely dates to the early 20th century and was used simply as a means of welcoming guests into the home. This sculptural fruit is offered in as found condition with only minor wear to the original putty surface.

(Sold) In general pantry boxes are not uncommon. However, early boxes are much less common. This small mid 19th century example. measures just 6 1/8" by 3 1/4" but weighs 8oz. This is a full half pound! Such boxes feature thick walls of oak. And although the top and bottom are pine they are also thick. The bottom is constructed with copper nails while the lid is made with wood pegs. Adding to its appeal is the original dry red paint. If early boxes are your preference here's your box!

Large 19th century bentwood pantry box in original dry green paint. It is a sizable box measuring 13 3/4" across the lid and standing a full 9" tall. Adding to its colorful country appeal is the history found on the bottom of the box. The owner's initials 'MC' are hand lettered as well as his place of residence, 'Ottsville', a community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This is a nice box on its own or the bottom of a stack.

The making of cheese was a common task on early American farms. This basically involved cheesecloth and a specially made basket. Cheese baskets, as they came to be known, were created by making a loosely woven bowl shape basket. Made in various sizes, this 19th century example from Ohio with its dry white painted exterior measures 14 1/2" by 7 1/2". It is in excellent condition. The 3-D geometric form gives this country basket its graphic appeal.

Trade signs have always been among our favorites subjects. This smaller 19th century sign is a discovery courtesy of a long time Michigan friend. Measuring just 32" by 8", the subliminal message of the early sign is easily discerned. This sign thought to have been from a hardware store is double sided with original paint as well as the iron hardware from which it hung. Placement of the sign likely protected it over the years leaving the sign crisp and vibrant.

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.

Over the years we have owned many game boards. What a treat it is to find one distinctively different. Such is this earlier 19th century game, 'Nine Mens Morris'. It was later commonly called the Mill or Old Mill game. This piece found in Ohio has the distinction of having triangular pockets at each end for collecting captured tokens. This gives an extra dimension to this simple early game. Adding appeal is the original dry black surface. This smaller board measures just 13" by 15".

Early 19th century wood handle pantry box in original dry oyster paint. 11 3/4" by 7 3/4" overall. This is a heavy box with thick walls and lid. It is also a sturdy box made with a single long tapered finger on the lid. Possibly dating as early as the 1850's, there is age related wear to the surface and in the wood. The middle image on the right side shows minor loss at the bottom. Note this is on the backside and has no affect on the box's appearance from the front. This displays beautifully.

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!

We are pleased to make available this unusual 19th century wall box. It is unusual to us in that we are not familiar with this form? Perhaps you are? If so, please share! The collector described it as a candle holder and although this would certainly serve that purpose, we see no wax residue to support that? No matter, this wonderful New England piece is real and right down to the original red paint and square nails with which it was made.

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.