Small folk art carving of a cat with an arched back. Approximately 5″ long. Circa 2nd or 3rd quarter of 20th century. All original. Found in New Hampshire . Signed KAS on base. (CI-17)
$225
Carving of a milk cow. Very well done. Complete with udder, horns and leather tail. In original condition. 8″L x 5 1/2″ high. (CI-6)
$315
Carved and painted penguin signed “SH” and attributed to Sherman Hensel. 12″ tall. Glass eyes. Probably dates to the latter part of the 2oth century. Nice form and in fine original condition. (CH-30)
$295
Chalk bear in sitting position. Black Forest style. Unusual to find this in chalk. Very good condition with minor restoration to the the very tip of one ear and slight wear. Hollow body. Approximately 12″ tall, including base. Circa early – mid 20th century. (BW – 36)
$295
Very finely carved bust of a naked lady on a plinth carved from the same piece of wood. The wood is probably mahogany. In excellent original condition. 7 3/4″ tall , by 2 1/2″ deep. Plinth is 3 3/4″ wide. Superb detail for such a small carving. Circa 1920′s. (CF-11)
$335
Carved bust of a Confederate soldier, probably an officer, on a carved plinth., in excellent condition. 7″tall by 2 1/2″ wide. Signed “R. Woerpel” and dated 10/95. Fine detail. Love the mustache! (CG-14)
$225
Relief carving of young boy bathing his dog with a hose and a brush. Circa 1920′s-30′s based on attire. 13 1/2″ tall by 12 1/2″ wide. Rigged to hang. Great folk art with interesting subject. All original, including paint. (CG-30)
SOLD
Carved steer in original paint. Left rear leg was broken and has been firmly reset. Line has been touched up and is very difficult to detect. Fine form. Approx. 10″L x 6″T x 2 1/4″W. Circa late 19th – early 20th century. (CE-35)
IOOF (International Order of Odd Fellows) ceremonial hatchet. In our experience hatchets are much less common than Axes and many other fraternal symbols. This one measures approximately 17″ long and is in good condition, (CG-2)
Unique carving of a European stag made by a prisoner of war in a concentration camp in WW II. 19″ tall from bottom of base to top of antlers by approx. 9″ long and 4″ wide. Base is a separate piece and antlers are detachable. One ear was broken some time ago and has been securely reset. Bottom of carving contains an inscription with the name of the carver and the circumstances under which it was done. Schieb is a German name, but he would not have been in a “concentration camp” if he was German unless he was a turncoat. Of course, he could also have been an American soldier of Germanic background captured by the Germans. In any event, it is a distinctive carving with an interesting background. (BY-18)
$225
Great folk art papier mache festival mask with specially constructed display stand. 6 3/4″ tall by 5 1/2″ wide. The mask reputedly is from Mexico, possibly worn in the annual festival celebrating the “Day of the Dead”. The size of the mask suggests that it would have been worn by a child. It is quite early, possibly dating to the 19th century, and has wear and minor losses that are age-appropriate.(CE-27)
Very folky clown fashioned from paper mache’ applied to a bottle. Original paint with wear. Possibly a carnival prize. Found in New Jersey. 12″ tall. Circa early 20th century. (CE – 10)
Large bear carving. 13″ long by 8 ” high by 5″ wide. Similar to Swiss Black Forest carvings, but later and possibly German. Slight wear but no structural damage. Circa mid 20th century. (CE-9)
$295
_______________________________________________
Fine stag carving. Probably European, possibly late Black Forest. All original. One antler tine has been reset and the top of one ear has been restored. The piece looks gilded in the photos but it is not. Circa early to mid 20th century. Antlers are removable for transport. 12 1/2″ tall and 8″ long, including base. More photos available upon request (CA-18)
Superb large wood carving of a howling wolf by noted Canadian carver Denis Dube, who was taught the art of animal carving by his father, Arthur Dube, as a teenager. Ca. probably late 1970′s – early 1980′s. 19 1/2″ tall (including base) by 15″ wide. Purchased at an estate auction in northern N.Y. A fine example of Canadian Folk Art. (CB-24)
$420
Folky hand puppet in the form of a distinguished gent, on stand for display. May have represented a magician or a ringmaster. In very good original condition save for some clothing stains and a small smudge on his nose. 19″ tall excluding stand. Ca. early 20th century. (CC-6)
$155
Stylish large walnut finial in original paint with slight wear. 9″ tall. 19th century, American. Black circular wooden base added for display. (CC-31))
$150
Decorative wooden watermelon slice in good condition with very minor wear and paint spatter. 12” L x 5 ¼” H x 1 ½” thick at base. American, circa mid-20th century. (CC-39)
Small scherenschnitte (scissors cutting) in form of a plant in an urn with a central heart and a pair of love birds. Probably a gift for a loved one or, possibly, a memorial given the urn. Cutting is in fine original condition save for very minor stains that are scarcely apparent except upon close examination. Frame has age but may not be original. 7 5/8″ H x 5 5/8″ W, including frame. Pennsylvania origin, circa mid 19th century. Fresh to market from an old collection. (LTS)
Small folk art carving of a penguin found in Maine. Inscription on base indicates that the carver, one “T. Richards”, was 94 years old. Nice expression and good detail of wings, bill and eyes. Appears to be standing on an iceberg. 6″ tall. Probably dates to the mid-20th century. (CA-39)
$225
Odd Fellows parade axe with heart in hand and three link chain symbols. 33″ long. Found in southeastern Pennsylvania and probably came from a member of an Odd Fellows lodge there. There is some tape on the handle which may have been added to facilitate carrying because the handle appears to be intact and undamaged. This piece had the heart painted black when we acquired it, with a couple spots of red that we originally thought were droplets of paint spilled on it in the course of some unrelated work. However, when a third spot suddenly appeared we realized the black was over-paint (possibly applied by a disenchanted former lodge member??). We carefully scraped the black off to reveal the original red, as shown above, with the third photo showing the paint as found originally. Circa early 20th century, (BY-37)
Unusual chalk-ware bank in form of a carnival huckster or ringmaster. Likely a prize given to successful carnival game contestants. Approximately 10″ tall. The cork which would have originally been placed in the hole in the base was replaced with a rubber stopper by the previous owner. Has a small chip and some roughness around the base which is hardly noticeable when displayed, but otherwise is in remarkably good condition with great paint. Circa early 20th century. (CC-21)
$295
Cast iron fox shooting gallery target. 12″ L x 4 1/2″ H. Uncommon form. Mounted by prior owner on block of wood. Probably used in a carnival. Has some expected deformation from shot and associated rust, as shown. Circa early 20th century. (CB-29)
SOLD
Very colorful early Adirondack hand-made valuables box. 9 1/4″L x 6″W x 4″ tall at peak. This piece was all hand hewn. Obviously unique and a fine example of early Adirondack folk art. It was in pieces when we acquired it. We replaced the hinges and hasp and reassembled it, adding a small piece at the rear that is finished to match and is virtually undetectable. All of the decorations and paint are original. Circa late 19th century. (CB-18)
Folky carving of a Brook Trout found in Maine. All original, including the paint. Circa early 20th century. Naively carved and boldly painted, capturing the basics of the fish, albeit not the accurate detail of a Lawrence Irvine piece. 9” long. The very essence of folk art. (CB – 8)
$250
Hand carved humidor in the form of a jolly Tyrolean man looking out of the corners of his eyes. Does not appear to have been used much as a humidor, unless there was a liner at one time. One side of the fleur-de-lis has been reset. Probably mid-20th century. 12 1.4″ H (to top of fleur-de-lis) x 8″ W x 7″ deep. (BX-9)
$250
Unusual game board from a Grange Hall in or near Hermon, NY, or owned by someone with the surname “Grange” who lived in Hermon. Hermon is a small town located in the northern portion of St. Lawrence County. Board is dated 1925 and bears stencils of an hour glass and “Father Time” (or the “Grim Reaper”!). Minimal wear from age and use. Two-board construction with some age shrinkage. (BY-32)
$290
Folk art figure of Uncle Sam in very good condition with great hand-made clothing. Approximately 7″ tall and jointed at the hips and shoulders. Traces of cotton fiber under the chin suggest that he may have had a beard or goatee and enlargement of the photo of his face reveals the outline of a mustache, which might have been painted or attached there. We decided not to replace these items, but it would be easy for a new owner to do so if desired. Circa early 20th century. (BZ-36)
Small primitive oil painting on board of a milk cow. Circa late 19th century. Signed “Felty”. In original frame which has some wear. Sight size is 8 1/2″ H x 10 1/2″ W; frame measures 11 1/2″ H x 13 1/2″ W. Painted on real wood board rather than artist board. No in-painting. Great American folk art. (BY-21)
$395
Finely carved and painted miniature flying drake mallard by Hingham, Massachusetts carver Russ Burr (1887-1955). Professional restoration to one foot and the very tip of one wing feather. Very minor wear to original paint. We have mounted it on a small wood plaque, rigged to hang, but it can be easily removed by the new owner. Burr was described as the “Master of Movement” by Joseph H. Ellis in his book, “Birds in Wood and Paint”, featuring noted 19th and early 20th century American bird carvers, published in 2009 (@pp 92-98). 4 1/2″L x 4 1/2″H. (BX-35)
$250
Pair of southwest Native American-made dolls. Hand-carved and clothed in authentic period fabric. One carries a small woven basket. The other probably also held something in one hand originally, or was made to do so. 7″ and 7 1/2″ high, including stands. The smaller stand may be a later replacement. Possibly children’s toys, or made for sale to tourists. Circa early-mid 20th century. (BY-
$225
Small naive oil on board of a ewe and lamb in the snow, signed “Morey” and entitled “February Lamb” on the reverse side. New England origin. In hand made frame in original robin’s egg blue paint, Circa late 19th – early 20th century. Sight size 5 1/2″ high x 7 1/2″ wide. Frame measures 7″ x 9″. (BY20)
Great “Outsider Art” carving of a Native American man’s head. Life size and in original paint. Carved by noted Monterey, Tennessee folk artist Loranzo Dow Pugh (1906-1993). A section about Pugh in Contemporary American Folk Artists by Elinor Lander Horwitz includes a photograph of what appears to be the same piece (absent a wig which belonged to Dow) at pg. 111 and will be provided to the purchaser. His work has also been featured in a display at the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton, Tennessee and sold at The Shelton Gallery in Nashville. (see also, Moses, Outsider Art of the South @ pg. 229). As is the case with almost all Outsider Artists, he was completely self-taught. He lived alone in a remote area and used hickory, pine, buckeye and poplar from the surrounding woods for his carvings, adorning them with miscellaneous “found” items, such as the olive shells used to fashion the handsome earrings on the subject piece, which he may have gotten from a cousin who lived in Florida. There are age cracks in the head, as shown in the photos, some with old filler, but it is in surprisingly good condition. Circa 1970s. Many thanks to John and Leslie Koelsch for their help in identifying Mr. Pugh as the carver. (BV-1)
$350
Exceptionally well carved giraffe with fine detail. Glass or bead eyes. 7″ tall. Circa 1930′s. On original thin flat base. (BU-21)
$185
Very sculptural hand carved distaff with original paint. Used for spinning wool. Great form and excellent original condition. 12″ tall x 5″ wide at base. Probably dates to the early 19th century. Found in Massachusetts. (BS-33)
$120
Unusual folk art leather monkey. American, circa 1920s-30s. Very finely stitched. Probably made as a child’s toy by a shoemaker or leather worker. 7 3/4″ high (excluding base) and 7″ long.
$220
Finely carved pair of mules found in Kentucky. Carver is unknown, but he or she obviously was highly skilled and devoted much time to detail. Note the detailed carving representing hair on both animals. In addition, while not clearly visible in the photos, one can see multiple hoof prints carved in the earth under the figures. The mules stand head to head as is often seen with horses and mules. 8″ high, not including the oval wood base, which is approximately 12″ long x 9″ wide. Just a great piece of folk art. Circa probably 1920′s – 1930′s. (BU-35)
Very colorful carving of a pair of songbirds on twigs. Species unknown, but birds of this type were often painted whimsically by Pennsylvania German carvers carrying on the European tradition. All original with only very minor paint wear. Made to hang on wall. Probably early-mid 20th century. (BU-38)
$230
Great 19th century carving of a full-sized owl. 15 1/2″ tall, including base. Wood is probably cedar, aged to a nice rich dark brown. Legs and feet were carved separately and attached. Glass eyes. Age split has been stabilized. Found in northern N.Y. State. Just a really nice example of early folk art. (BS-37)
$275
—————————————————————————————————
Unique tramp art picture frame with great applied border consisting of carved hearts and vine fretwork, Crusty original surface. Circa early 20th century. Tiny restoration to border at right bottom corner that one has to look closely at to distinguish. Previous owner has rigged it to hang vertically, but it can easily be hung horizontally if desired. Exterior measurements 16″ x 20″; interior 13 1/4″ x 17 1/8″; sight 12″ x 16″.
$245
Superb folk art carving of lion head with open mouth signed “S. Edwards”. Not a mask. Origin unknown, but believed to be American, circa late 19th or early 20th century. Has a stable age crack as shown. 12″ wide by 10″ high. All original. (Inv. BQ-5)
$985
Great folk art carved eagle with outstretched wings. 13″ tall x 14″ wide (to wing tips). one wing was reattached and the beak reset some time ago. Very boldly carved. Found in upstate N.Y. Circa late 19th century. (Inv. BQ-31)
Folky carving of an eaglet. 8 1/2″ tall. Signed on base, but difficult to decipher name. Pennsylvania origin, circa 19th century. Reminiscent of Schimmel carvings. In fine original condition. (Inv. BQ-36)
$130
Leather match case with a remarkably well executed incised decoration depicting a drake mallard landing in a marsh. Contains old match box. Wear and minor losses due to use, but in good condition for a small item that was obviously used regularly and a nice original piece of folk art. Probably owned by a duck hunter. 2 5/8″ long by 1 3/4″ wide. Circa early to mid 20th century.
$35
Pair of life size feeding chickadees carved and signed by the late noted Massachusetts carver, Russ Burr. Extraordinary life-like poses. Some paint wear on one bird as seen. 5″ tall. Made to hang on wall. Plaque added for display. Circa 1920-40′s.
$495
Rare English folk art piece. Bullock vertebrae painted to represent a preacher delivering a sermon, probably John Wesley, popular 18th century Anglican clergyman credited with founding Methodism. These pieces surface occasionally, but are often crudely painted and in poor condition. This one is very well executed and has only minor paint loss. The condition of the vertebrae where the hands would be is natural. Circa early to mid 19th century.
Folk Art
Small folk art carving of a cat with an arched back. Approximately 5″ long. Circa 2nd or 3rd quarter of 20th century. All original. Found in New Hampshire . Signed KAS on base. (CI-17)
$225
Carving of a milk cow. Very well done. Complete with udder, horns and leather tail. In original condition. 8″L x 5 1/2″ high. (CI-6)
$315
Carved and painted penguin signed “SH” and attributed to Sherman Hensel. 12″ tall. Glass eyes. Probably dates to the latter part of the 2oth century. Nice form and in fine original condition. (CH-30)
$295
Chalk bear in sitting position. Black Forest style. Unusual to find this in chalk. Very good condition with minor restoration to the the very tip of one ear and slight wear. Hollow body. Approximately 12″ tall, including base. Circa early – mid 20th century. (BW – 36)
$295
Very finely carved bust of a naked lady on a plinth carved from the same piece of wood. The wood is probably mahogany. In excellent original condition. 7 3/4″ tall , by 2 1/2″ deep. Plinth is 3 3/4″ wide. Superb detail for such a small carving. Circa 1920′s. (CF-11)
$335
Carved bust of a Confederate soldier, probably an officer, on a carved plinth., in excellent condition. 7″tall by 2 1/2″ wide. Signed “R. Woerpel” and dated 10/95. Fine detail. Love the mustache! (CG-14)
$225
Relief carving of young boy bathing his dog with a hose and a brush. Circa 1920′s-30′s based on attire. 13 1/2″ tall by 12 1/2″ wide. Rigged to hang. Great folk art with interesting subject. All original, including paint. (CG-30)
SOLD
Carved steer in original paint. Left rear leg was broken and has been firmly reset. Line has been touched up and is very difficult to detect. Fine form. Approx. 10″L x 6″T x 2 1/4″W. Circa late 19th – early 20th century. (CE-35)
$195
___________________________________________________
IOOF (International Order of Odd Fellows) ceremonial hatchet. In our experience hatchets are much less common than Axes and many other fraternal symbols. This one measures approximately 17″ long and is in good condition, (CG-2)
$295
___________________________________________________
Unique carving of a European stag made by a prisoner of war in a concentration camp in WW II. 19″ tall from bottom of base to top of antlers by approx. 9″ long and 4″ wide. Base is a separate piece and antlers are detachable. One ear was broken some time ago and has been securely reset. Bottom of carving contains an inscription with the name of the carver and the circumstances under which it was done. Schieb is a German name, but he would not have been in a “concentration camp” if he was German unless he was a turncoat. Of course, he could also have been an American soldier of Germanic background captured by the Germans. In any event, it is a distinctive carving with an interesting background. (BY-18)
$225
Great folk art papier mache festival mask with specially constructed display stand. 6 3/4″ tall by 5 1/2″ wide. The mask reputedly is from Mexico, possibly worn in the annual festival celebrating the “Day of the Dead”. The size of the mask suggests that it would have been worn by a child. It is quite early, possibly dating to the 19th century, and has wear and minor losses that are age-appropriate.(CE-27)
$325
_____________________________________________________
Very folky clown fashioned from paper mache’ applied to a bottle. Original paint with wear. Possibly a carnival prize. Found in New Jersey. 12″ tall. Circa early 20th century. (CE – 10)
$350
_______________________________________________________
Large bear carving. 13″ long by 8 ” high by 5″ wide. Similar to Swiss Black Forest carvings, but later and possibly German. Slight wear but no structural damage. Circa mid 20th century. (CE-9)
$295
_______________________________________________
Fine stag carving. Probably European, possibly late Black Forest. All original. One antler tine has been reset and the top of one ear has been restored. The piece looks gilded in the photos but it is not. Circa early to mid 20th century. Antlers are removable for transport. 12 1/2″ tall and 8″ long, including base. More photos available upon request (CA-18)
$315
_________________________________________________________
Superb large wood carving of a howling wolf by noted Canadian carver Denis Dube, who was taught the art of animal carving by his father, Arthur Dube, as a teenager. Ca. probably late 1970′s – early 1980′s. 19 1/2″ tall (including base) by 15″ wide. Purchased at an estate auction in northern N.Y. A fine example of Canadian Folk Art. (CB-24)
$420
Folky hand puppet in the form of a distinguished gent, on stand for display. May have represented a magician or a ringmaster. In very good original condition save for some clothing stains and a small smudge on his nose. 19″ tall excluding stand. Ca. early 20th century. (CC-6)
$155
Stylish large walnut finial in original paint with slight wear. 9″ tall. 19th century, American. Black circular wooden base added for display. (CC-31))
$150
Decorative wooden watermelon slice in good condition with very minor wear and paint spatter. 12” L x 5 ¼” H x 1 ½” thick at base. American, circa mid-20th century. (CC-39)
$195
______________________________________________________
Small scherenschnitte (scissors cutting) in form of a plant in an urn with a central heart and a pair of love birds. Probably a gift for a loved one or, possibly, a memorial given the urn. Cutting is in fine original condition save for very minor stains that are scarcely apparent except upon close examination. Frame has age but may not be original. 7 5/8″ H x 5 5/8″ W, including frame. Pennsylvania origin, circa mid 19th century. Fresh to market from an old collection. (LTS)
$100
_________________________________________________________
Small folk art carving of a penguin found in Maine. Inscription on base indicates that the carver, one “T. Richards”, was 94 years old. Nice expression and good detail of wings, bill and eyes. Appears to be standing on an iceberg. 6″ tall. Probably dates to the mid-20th century. (CA-39)
$225
Odd Fellows parade axe with heart in hand and three link chain symbols. 33″ long. Found in southeastern Pennsylvania and probably came from a member of an Odd Fellows lodge there. There is some tape on the handle which may have been added to facilitate carrying because the handle appears to be intact and undamaged. This piece had the heart painted black when we acquired it, with a couple spots of red that we originally thought were droplets of paint spilled on it in the course of some unrelated work. However, when a third spot suddenly appeared we realized the black was over-paint (possibly applied by a disenchanted former lodge member??). We carefully scraped the black off to reveal the original red, as shown above, with the third photo showing the paint as found originally. Circa early 20th century, (BY-37)
SOLD
_________________________________________________________
Unusual chalk-ware bank in form of a carnival huckster or ringmaster. Likely a prize given to successful carnival game contestants. Approximately 10″ tall. The cork which would have originally been placed in the hole in the base was replaced with a rubber stopper by the previous owner. Has a small chip and some roughness around the base which is hardly noticeable when displayed, but otherwise is in remarkably good condition with great paint. Circa early 20th century. (CC-21)
$295
Cast iron fox shooting gallery target. 12″ L x 4 1/2″ H. Uncommon form. Mounted by prior owner on block of wood. Probably used in a carnival. Has some expected deformation from shot and associated rust, as shown. Circa early 20th century. (CB-29)
SOLD
Very colorful early Adirondack hand-made valuables box. 9 1/4″L x 6″W x 4″ tall at peak. This piece was all hand hewn. Obviously unique and a fine example of early Adirondack folk art. It was in pieces when we acquired it. We replaced the hinges and hasp and reassembled it, adding a small piece at the rear that is finished to match and is virtually undetectable. All of the decorations and paint are original. Circa late 19th century. (CB-18)
SOLD
_________________________________________________________
Folky carving of a Brook Trout found in Maine. All original, including the paint. Circa early 20th century. Naively carved and boldly painted, capturing the basics of the fish, albeit not the accurate detail of a Lawrence Irvine piece. 9” long. The very essence of folk art. (CB – 8)
$250
Hand carved humidor in the form of a jolly Tyrolean man looking out of the corners of his eyes. Does not appear to have been used much as a humidor, unless there was a liner at one time. One side of the fleur-de-lis has been reset. Probably mid-20th century. 12 1.4″ H (to top of fleur-de-lis) x 8″ W x 7″ deep. (BX-9)
$250
Unusual game board from a Grange Hall in or near Hermon, NY, or owned by someone with the surname “Grange” who lived in Hermon. Hermon is a small town located in the northern portion of St. Lawrence County. Board is dated 1925 and bears stencils of an hour glass and “Father Time” (or the “Grim Reaper”!). Minimal wear from age and use. Two-board construction with some age shrinkage. (BY-32)
$290
Folk art figure of Uncle Sam in very good condition with great hand-made clothing. Approximately 7″ tall and jointed at the hips and shoulders. Traces of cotton fiber under the chin suggest that he may have had a beard or goatee and enlargement of the photo of his face reveals the outline of a mustache, which might have been painted or attached there. We decided not to replace these items, but it would be easy for a new owner to do so if desired. Circa early 20th century. (BZ-36)
$280
_________________________________________________________
Very unusual carving of a bottle of Coca Cola. Approximately 12″ tall. Carver is unknown, but obviously was highly skilled. Dated 1971. (BZ-7)
$195
_________________________________________________________
Small primitive oil painting on board of a milk cow. Circa late 19th century. Signed “Felty”. In original frame which has some wear. Sight size is 8 1/2″ H x 10 1/2″ W; frame measures 11 1/2″ H x 13 1/2″ W. Painted on real wood board rather than artist board. No in-painting. Great American folk art. (BY-21)
$395
Finely carved and painted miniature flying drake mallard by Hingham, Massachusetts carver Russ Burr (1887-1955). Professional restoration to one foot and the very tip of one wing feather. Very minor wear to original paint. We have mounted it on a small wood plaque, rigged to hang, but it can be easily removed by the new owner. Burr was described as the “Master of Movement” by Joseph H. Ellis in his book, “Birds in Wood and Paint”, featuring noted 19th and early 20th century American bird carvers, published in 2009 (@pp 92-98). 4 1/2″L x 4 1/2″H. (BX-35)
$250
Pair of southwest Native American-made dolls. Hand-carved and clothed in authentic period fabric. One carries a small woven basket. The other probably also held something in one hand originally, or was made to do so. 7″ and 7 1/2″ high, including stands. The smaller stand may be a later replacement. Possibly children’s toys, or made for sale to tourists. Circa early-mid 20th century. (BY-
$225
Small naive oil on board of a ewe and lamb in the snow, signed “Morey” and entitled “February Lamb” on the reverse side. New England origin. In hand made frame in original robin’s egg blue paint, Circa late 19th – early 20th century. Sight size 5 1/2″ high x 7 1/2″ wide. Frame measures 7″ x 9″. (BY20)
$225
_________________________________________________________
Great “Outsider Art” carving of a Native American man’s head. Life size and in original paint. Carved by noted Monterey, Tennessee folk artist Loranzo Dow Pugh (1906-1993). A section about Pugh in Contemporary American Folk Artists by Elinor Lander Horwitz includes a photograph of what appears to be the same piece (absent a wig which belonged to Dow) at pg. 111 and will be provided to the purchaser. His work has also been featured in a display at the Museum of Appalachia in Clinton, Tennessee and sold at The Shelton Gallery in Nashville. (see also, Moses, Outsider Art of the South @ pg. 229). As is the case with almost all Outsider Artists, he was completely self-taught. He lived alone in a remote area and used hickory, pine, buckeye and poplar from the surrounding woods for his carvings, adorning them with miscellaneous “found” items, such as the olive shells used to fashion the handsome earrings on the subject piece, which he may have gotten from a cousin who lived in Florida. There are age cracks in the head, as shown in the photos, some with old filler, but it is in surprisingly good condition. Circa 1970s. Many thanks to John and Leslie Koelsch for their help in identifying Mr. Pugh as the carver. (BV-1)
$350
Exceptionally well carved giraffe with fine detail. Glass or bead eyes. 7″ tall. Circa 1930′s. On original thin flat base. (BU-21)
$185
Very sculptural hand carved distaff with original paint. Used for spinning wool. Great form and excellent original condition. 12″ tall x 5″ wide at base. Probably dates to the early 19th century. Found in Massachusetts. (BS-33)
$120
Unusual folk art leather monkey. American, circa 1920s-30s. Very finely stitched. Probably made as a child’s toy by a shoemaker or leather worker. 7 3/4″ high (excluding base) and 7″ long.
$220
Finely carved pair of mules found in Kentucky. Carver is unknown, but he or she obviously was highly skilled and devoted much time to detail. Note the detailed carving representing hair on both animals. In addition, while not clearly visible in the photos, one can see multiple hoof prints carved in the earth under the figures. The mules stand head to head as is often seen with horses and mules. 8″ high, not including the oval wood base, which is approximately 12″ long x 9″ wide. Just a great piece of folk art. Circa probably 1920′s – 1930′s. (BU-35)
$420
________________________________________________________
Very colorful carving of a pair of songbirds on twigs. Species unknown, but birds of this type were often painted whimsically by Pennsylvania German carvers carrying on the European tradition. All original with only very minor paint wear. Made to hang on wall. Probably early-mid 20th century. (BU-38)
$230
Great 19th century carving of a full-sized owl. 15 1/2″ tall, including base. Wood is probably cedar, aged to a nice rich dark brown. Legs and feet were carved separately and attached. Glass eyes. Age split has been stabilized. Found in northern N.Y. State. Just a really nice example of early folk art. (BS-37)
$275
—————————————————————————————————
Unique tramp art picture frame with great applied border consisting of carved hearts and vine fretwork, Crusty original surface. Circa early 20th century. Tiny restoration to border at right bottom corner that one has to look closely at to distinguish. Previous owner has rigged it to hang vertically, but it can easily be hung horizontally if desired. Exterior measurements 16″ x 20″; interior 13 1/4″ x 17 1/8″; sight 12″ x 16″.
$245
Superb folk art carving of lion head with open mouth signed “S. Edwards”. Not a mask. Origin unknown, but believed to be American, circa late 19th or early 20th century. Has a stable age crack as shown. 12″ wide by 10″ high. All original. (Inv. BQ-5)
$985
Great folk art carved eagle with outstretched wings. 13″ tall x 14″ wide (to wing tips). one wing was reattached and the beak reset some time ago. Very boldly carved. Found in upstate N.Y. Circa late 19th century. (Inv. BQ-31)
$235
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Folky carving of an eaglet. 8 1/2″ tall. Signed on base, but difficult to decipher name. Pennsylvania origin, circa 19th century. Reminiscent of Schimmel carvings. In fine original condition. (Inv. BQ-36)
$130
Leather match case with a remarkably well executed incised decoration depicting a drake mallard landing in a marsh. Contains old match box. Wear and minor losses due to use, but in good condition for a small item that was obviously used regularly and a nice original piece of folk art. Probably owned by a duck hunter. 2 5/8″ long by 1 3/4″ wide. Circa early to mid 20th century.
$35
Pair of life size feeding chickadees carved and signed by the late noted Massachusetts carver, Russ Burr. Extraordinary life-like poses. Some paint wear on one bird as seen. 5″ tall. Made to hang on wall. Plaque added for display. Circa 1920-40′s.
$495
Rare English folk art piece. Bullock vertebrae painted to represent a preacher delivering a sermon, probably John Wesley, popular 18th century Anglican clergyman credited with founding Methodism. These pieces surface occasionally, but are often crudely painted and in poor condition. This one is very well executed and has only minor paint loss. The condition of the vertebrae where the hands would be is natural. Circa early to mid 19th century.
$265