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

(Sold) Spectacular wooden dough or noodle board. This hard pine piece is made from a single board measuring 24" wide and 26" end to end. This includes offset breadboard ends used to 'hook' the board to the counter to keep it from sliding while the dough is being worked. Besides it 'counter top' size, the original blue paint makes this perhaps the nicest early dough board we've ever owned.

Fabulous rooster weathervane with Maine provenance. 19th or early 20th century. This 3-dimensional sheet iron rooster measures 26" by 23" and a full 3" in breadth. This was well made by a skilled artisan with an eye for form. The rooster's full body was finished with a sculptural reinforced 2-dimensional tale. The piece is in excellent original condition with no losses or damages. The rooster's crusty surface is a combination of old red barn paint over the original white. Cock-a-doodle-do!

Delightful little box in the best original blue paint. Connecticut. 19th century. Hand carved of pine, the swivel lid is attached by a single early nail. Both angled and beveled underneath, the lid is secure when closed. This sweet small homemade piece measures 7 1/2" by 2" by 5/8" overall. The compartment inside is 3/8" deep. It may have been made for holding a man's razor? No matter its purpose, this is a delightful if not unusual piece of Americana with wonderful color and appealing form.

(Sold) There are game boards then there are game boards! We are pleased to offer one of the best country Parcheesi boards we have had in many years. This early 1870's piece was found in Pennsylvania. It is painted on a single thick 23" square hard pine board with chamfered edges. Many years ago the board split along a knot. This was properly repaired with handmade staples making the board sturdy as ever. It is the surface and color, however, that makes this piece. May we suggest a closer look!

Popularized near the end of the 19th century, lighthouse whirligigs gained prominence through the 1880's and 1890's. This figural whirligig is indeed an earlier example possibly dating to that period. The lighthouse is solid wood as is the base and 3-tiered roof. There is no plywood. It remains original from the large tail and propellor to the iron hardware. The mustard paint complimented by green and white accents has a wonderful dry surface. Enjoy your seaside inside or out!

Among the hallmarks of early Americana is finesse in design. This small cricket bench dating to the first quarter of the 19th century has just such delicate qualities. This include the gently curved aprons front and back and small button feet. This sturdy pine stool measures 13" by 5" by 6" overall. It is made with mortised legs and early nails. Remnants of the original black can be seen under the old well worn ochre paint. Paint history adds a warm personality to this early Maine cricket stool.

How easily we forget that 19th century homes were much different than today's home. Mass produced objects we take for granted were not as easily attained and so given care to insure a long life. Residue from the butter whipped in this early 19th century New England bowl can still be felt in the wood. This small piece is appropriately warped measuring 11" at its widest. It is in excellent condition and original rich red paint.

Wonderful 19th century Pennsylvania basket in original oyster grey paint. Woven in the traditional melon form, this early piece is in excellent original condition with a single minor loss to the rim. The loss can be seen in the top left image. The basket measures approximately 13" by 14" and stands 12" to the thick bentwood handle. Adding to the basket's presence is its desirable dry crusty surface.

Utilitarian country pieces have always appealed to us. These often transcend their intended purpose with form that is simple yet compelling. Such is this early cutting board found in a Connecticut estate. What is nothing more than a circular slab of wood has not only graphic appeal, its silken surface appeals to the touch. It is proportionately pleasing at 11” in diameter and 1 1/2” thick. Chamfered edges along with the original hand wrought hook give the cutting board its finished appearance.

This is one of the most authentic roadside signs offering 'ROOMS' we've seen. Found in Silver Creek, New York located on Lake Erie, the sign as shown dates to the1920's. Early nails in the frame suggests the sign itself could easily date to the 19th century. As was often the case at that time, the sign shown was painted over an older sign. There is even a 'ghost' sign on the reverse. The piece measures 38"x9". This is as real and charming as it gets!

Long known for our love of American country antiques in original paint, we are excited when we find a piece in a color we rarely if ever see. This smaller 19th century firkin in original cornflower blue is a recent purchase from a New Hampshire estate. It is 7 3/4" tall. The diameter is 7 1/2" at the top and 8" at the base. This is a sturdy household piece made with tapered fingers attached by iron brads and staples. The firkin is finished with a single oxidized metal band.

(Sold) As mundane as the task was for the lowly scouring box that in no way suggested the box itself be mundane. This early 19th century piece was used for scrubbing utensils with various abrasives. Repeated use ultimately lead to the worn area seen on the back board of these kitchen appliances. This sculptural example measures 14 1/2" by 6" and is 3 1/4" deep. Of course the original blue paint makes this scrub box most desirable. This early piece was well made with early 't' nails.

Dating to the 4th quarter of the 19th century, this visually pleasing game board was recently purchased from a Pennsylvania collector. Measuring 18" square, it took just 4 colors to create the dynamic pattern of this Parcheesi game. Subdued orange and grass green are painted on a background of VanDyke brown. Pale yellow pinstriping defines the game's layout. 'HOME' is elaborately spelled out at the game's center. There's no doubt this was crafted by a professional. It is original and as found.

(Sold) Early 19th century trencher in the most appealing original dry oyster white paint. This New England country piece is offered in fine condition and desirable earned surface. It is well carved with a defined foot and a 'duck bill' handle at each end. This trencher is also a nice smaller size making it easy to place. It measures 21" end to end and is 12 1/2" across. The bowl is 4" deep overall to the top lip.

Nice smaller 19th century firkin in original paint. This sweet bucket stands 8 5/8" tall. It is 8 1/8" across the lid. The piece is in sturdy clean condition with a few old nails added many many years ago. Besides its appealing size, the dry two-color surface in sage green and wheat sets it apart from most firkins. Whether by itself or added to a stack of buckets, this is a great firkin for any colorful country interior.

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.

Smaller scale country things in paint have always interested us. Such is this 19th century slide lid box. A pine cube measuring just 6" by 4 1/2" by 4" is fitted with a shapely carved slide lid. Not seen are remnants of a paper label that likely noted the original contents. This piece is in original paint with a clean interior. The ochre painted surface has finely alligatored throughout. Perfect for keeping small necessities handy but out of sight, this country box looks great any place it sets.

We have always favored small oil paintings. So much is contained in so little area that the viewer is drawn in by the scale. At just 9 3/4" by 7 3/4" overall, the artist has captured the essence of a rural treelined path on linen. Perspective and color give this unsigned painting its inviting presence. Easily dating to the 1880's, the art remains in excellent original condition and in what's likely the original lemon gold frame.

We are pleased to make available this unusual 19th century wall shelf. 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 shelf is real and right down to the original red paint and square nails with which it was made.

Who doesn't like a little country bucket; especially one in original crusty yellow paint? This small staved bucket is a recent find from New England. Likely dating to the late 19th or early 20th century, this example has been around long enough for the original yellow paint to acquire its appealing dry surface. The wire bail handle and metal bands are crusty from oxidation. It stands 6 1/2" tall and is 8 1/2" across the mouth. This sturdy little bucket is original in surface and condition.