(Sold) Simple should never be confused with compelling. This early Chinese checkerboard is the perfect example. Although monochromatic, the depth of its singular color is found in the surface's nuance. This mustard colored board was found in New England and likely dates to the 1890's give or take. This is a make-do of sorts being made of what appears to be a repurposed thick pine board measuring 15 1/2" by 16 1/2". It is offered in excellent original condition.

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.

Size and surface make this early wooden bowl most desirable. Sometimes referred to as a butter bowl, this was found in upstate New York. The piece measures 9 3/8” with the grain and 9” against. It is just over 2” deep. This sweet 19th century bowl remains in the very best condition with no cracks or losses of any kind. The original rich red surface, a surface that only comes from years of being used, makes it worthy of any serious collector of color and surface.

(Sold) Although sap buckets are common among sugarmakers, the occasional bucket comes along whose appearance belies its purpose. Such is this 19th century example from Connecticut. The crisp original condition and dry oyster white paint make this a pretty bucket regardless of its original function. The staved construction remains tight as do the metal bands. The strap for hanging on the tree remains intact. The bucket is 9 1/4" tall and 12 1/4" across the top.

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) Fresh from a Connecticut home, we are pleased to make available this mid 19th century lidded bucket. This New England firkin features early nails in the construction as well as a tapered handle. These are both characteristics of earlier firkins. It is a sturdy piece offered in original household condition. The original dry creamy white paint is a great neutral for any interior. The firkin is 11" tall and measures 10 1/2" across the lid.

(Sold) This late 19th century game board is best described as being a color among colors with a supreme surface. The piece is made of 2 boards held together with wood cleats. It measures 20” by 26 1/2” overall including the applied surround, which is a full 1” deep. No doubt this checkerboard’s phenomenal surface is a result of heat exposure over many years. The alligatored surface adds another dimension to this amazing game board.

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.

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 wood handle pantry box in 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.

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.

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.

Recycle? YES! This colorful and appealing bottle cap basket from Pennsylvania is made entirely of used bottle caps. It stands 8" high overall and is 7" in diameter. Likely dating to the early 20th century, color and condition make it special. It remains in pristine original condition. Although the color speaks for itself, it is the surface that clinches the 'deal'. It has nicely oxidized and alligatored over the years. This is truly a delightful example of red, white, and blue American folk art.

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!

There's just something about 🍉 🍉 🍉! These two folky wooden watermelons were just added to the MPF produce stand! Recently found at auction in Maine, these were purchased together and will be sold together for one price. The larger slice measures over 13" in diameter and is 3" at its thickest. Some old repaint can be found on one side. The smaller slice measures 14" by 7" by 3" overall. These display beautifully. They bring a slice of summer wherever they're enjoyed!

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.

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.

(Sold) Miniature doll cradles are not uncommon nor something we typically offer. However, this cradle, is special. Pennsylvania folk art at its best, it measures just over 12" end to end. The tombstone back is 8" high as are the rockers across. It is constructed with rabbet joints and handmade nails suggesting it is late 18th or early 19th century. The condition is as found and sturdy. The crusty painted surface in red, green, and black is folky country and collection worthy.

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.