Tag Archive for: tramp art

Art Deco ice cream sign a cool addition to May 20 NHADA auction

Once again, the New Hampshire Antiques Dealers Association (NHADA) has offered a strong selection of items, and once again, Clifford Wallach, an expert in tramp art, folk art, and Americana has selected the best for Jasper52. A total of 344 lots comprise the May 20 auction, which commences at 6 pm Eastern time.

Art Deco ice cream sign, circa 1930, estimated at $4,000-$5,000

View the auction here.

Learn more about the auction on Auction Central News.

Jasper52 pitches ‘Mad Men’-style painting Jan. 9

An original oil on board painting depicting workplace scenes from a 1950s ad agency is one of the unique items in a Jasper52 online auction taking place Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m. Eastern time. The painting, which is reminiscent of a storyboard that pitches an idea to potential clients, was done as a gift to a retiring executive. It is expected to sell for up to $1,000.

‘Mad Men’ oil on board of advertising agency by Kelley, 1957, painting is 24 in. x 30 in., frame is 29 in. x 35 in. Estimate: $900-$1,000. Jasper52 image

View the auction.

Learn more about the auction on Auction Central News.

An Americana Auction Filled With Color

Handcrafted tramp art, cast metal figures, and original artwork are highlights of this week’s curated Americana auction.

An early 19th-century school girl painting of a young couple in a bucolic setting. It was once a pastime for well-to-do young courting couples to venture into the countryside under the pretext of tending sheep, which this scene depicts.

Folk art courting scene New England, early 19th century, school girl watercolor, 17 ½ x 20 in. sight. Estimate: $1,400-$18,00. Jasper52 image

 

Figural cast-iron doorstops were popular during the Depression era in American and elsewhere. This collection features an American-made full-bodied pheasant doorstop. The beautifully painted game bird is more than a foot long.

Full-bodied pheasant doorstop in beautiful paint, 1920s-1930s, 9 1/8 in. x 12 ¾ in. Estimate: $1,600-$2,500. Jasper52 image

 

A decorative element from a vintage carousel will turn a lot of heads. The cast aluminum figure of a robed woman is signed “CW Parker, Leavenworth, Kan.,” who manufactured amusement park and fair carousels during the early 20th century.

Early 20th-century cast aluminum carousel figure, original paint, signed ‘CW Parker, Leavenworth, Kan.,’ 29 in. x 17 in. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000. Jasper52 image

 

An unusual hand-wrought copper weather in the sale vane depicts a Viking ship with the bow in the shape of a dragon’s head. Including the directional arrow, the weather vane is nearly 20 inches long.

Handmade weather vane depicting a serpent ship, circa 1920, sheet copper. 13 5/8 in. high x 19 7/8 in wide x 1 ½ in. deep, natural verdigris surface. Estimate: $1,200-$1,500. Jasper 52 image

 

The outstanding example of tramp art in the sale is the large mirror frame highlighted by many finely carved figural decorations. This extraordinary frame is dated 1912.

Tramp art mirror dated 1912 embellished with stars, shields, animals, wreaths, vines, weapons and human forms, 30 in. x 34 in wide. Estimate: $1,900-$3,000. Jasper52 image

 

Noting last month’s solar eclipse that crossed the continental US, the sale features a crescent-shaped cast-iron windmill weight embossed with the word “Eclipse.” Vintage farm-style windmills that pumped water came in two basic varieties. Vaned windmills used a tail, or vane, to guide the wheel into the wind. Vaneless mills depended on a counterbalance weight, perched at the end of a wood beam, to perform that function.

Nineteenth century cast-iron windmill weight. 6 in. high x 10in. long x 2 ¼ in. thick. Estimate: $400-$600.Jasper52 image

 

These artisan objects vary from outsider art, paintings, ceramics and more formal Americana. This collection of 19th-20th century rural life will create a unique sense of welcome in any home.

An Ark Full of Americana Gems

Americana and folk art go hand-in-hand in this week’s curated Americana auction, much like the pairs of animals in a circa-1850 Noah’s Ark play set.

The finely made set, one of the few toys many children knew in the 19th century, consists of the 15 1/2-inch-long ark, seven members of Noah’s family, eight pairs of animals, 17 single animals, 18 pairs of birds and 10 single birds; a total of 86 figures. The figures are top-quality and retain their original colors. Other than having some small repairs, the set is in excellent condition. It is expected to sell for $2,200-$2,500.

Noah’s Ark set, circa 1850, total of 86 figures. The ark on its stand is 15 1/5 in. long x 10 in high. long. Estimate: $2,200-$2,500. Jasper52 image

 

Several gaming wheels are included in this sale. A rather curious example is a spinner arrow on a board with the names of automobile models. It appears to date to the 1940s. This whimsical game has a $500-$600 estimate.

Game board with car names – some abbreviated, from the 1940s – Nash, Cad’c, Bui’k, Pack, Chevy, 23 in. x 23 in. x 2.5 in . Estimate: $500-$600. Jasper52 image

 

Also having an automotive theme is a wooden whirligig that depicts an early motorist cranking to start his tin lizzie. The whirligig, in old weathered paint, has an estimate of $200-$300.

Whirligig, circa 1920, 18 1/4 in. high (on museum stand) x 20 in. wide x 15 in. deep. Estimate: $200-$300. Jasper52 image

 

A half dozen handmade generic signs are offered, with messages ranging from “fresh eggs” to possibly noting the location of a men’s room.

‘Gents’ sign, incised letters on thick board with good surface & original carefully worked hangers, Boston, 7 in high x 31 in. h x 31 w x 1 3/4 d c 1940s. Estimate: $300-$400. Jasper52 image

 

Several fine examples of chip-carved tramp art are in the catalog, topped by a large frame with mirror, which is adorned with carved stars and maple leaves. It dates to the turn of the last century and is valued at $700-$900.

Tramp art mirror with carved stars and leaves, circa 1900, 25 in. x 28.5 in. x 3 in. Estimate: $700-$900. Jasper52 image

 

For the fireplace, two cast brass andirons, each in the form of a lighthouse, have a mellow-colored oxidized patina.

Vintage cast brass lighthouse andirons, 13 1/2 in. high x 12 in. deep. Estimate: $600-$700. Jasper52 image

 

Check out the full catalog of Americana items and find your next treasure. 

Handcrafted Americana Brings The Charm

Charming handmade items are featured in this week’s expertly curated Americana auction. From tramp art boxes to collectible bird decoys, wooden frames to vintage gameboards, there are treasures galore found in this collection filled with unique origins and histories.

Following the motto “Waste Not, Want Not,” home crafters once made hooked rugs from rags and fabric remnants, useful items which have since become valued as folk art. A fine example that depicts a trotting horse will pace this auction. In excellent condition, the rug has been professionally cleaned and mounted for hanging.

Hooked rug, 1920s, professionally cleaned and mounted for hanging, 22 x 40 in. Estimate: $800-$900. Jasper52 image

 

Another hooked rug in the auction has a nautical theme and pictures a tall ship under a full sail. Also cleaned and mounted for hanging, it has a $400-$500 estimate.

Immigrants to America practiced their carving skills on cigar boxes and other discarded wood in what is commonly called Tramp Art. A fine example is a rather large and elaborately chipped-carved clock case, which is dated 1919 in large numerals across the crest. The inner compartment is accessed through a door on the front.

Tramp art clock case, chip carved, embellished with hearts, a horseshoe and inset rounds, dated 1919, 15 x 17.5 x 6.5 in. Estimate: $300-$400. Jasper52 image

 

Another 20th-century carving features an American eagle, its wings spread, and grasping an arrow. The carved pine plaque is ready to be hung above a mantel.

American eagle carving, 20th century, pine, approximately 23 x 8 in. Estimate: $150-200. Jasper52 image

 

While not necessarily carved by Americans, stone fruit is an attractive handmade collectible. Lifelike and nearly life-size pieces of fruit were carved from stone and carefully painted, mostly by Italian artisans. Nine pieces of 1930s stone fruit in the auction are certain to be hotly contested.

Collection of vintage stone fruit, carved stone, 1930s. Estimate: $200-$300. Jasper52 image

 

As hard as stone is a sewer tile that is nearly a foot tall. Novelties and ornamental items like it were sometimes made in potteries where the primary products were sewer tile and pipe.

Sewer tile dog, Ohio origin, 1920s, 11 1/2 x 7 x 5 in. Estimate: $700-$800. Jasper52 image

 

Collectible advertising in the auction includes a wooden three-dimensional sign listing a variety of Heinz Soups, which was originally a fixture in a 1950s luncheonette.

Heinz Soups café sign, wood, 1950s, 27 x 13 in. Estimate: $300-$400. Jasper52 image

 

View the full collection of Americana and take a trip down memory lane here.

Explorations in Folk Art and Americana

Handcrafted tramp art boxes, carved animal figures, and primitive paintings are a few of the folk art treasures found in this week’s curated Americana auction. These artisan objects – more than 100 choice lots – vary from outsider art, ceramics, and more formal Americana.

In keeping with the Memorial Day holiday is a patriotic painting from the turn of the 20th century. The composition includes U.S. flags, cannons, cannonballs and an American eagle. The farmed oil on canvas painting has a $900-$1,200 estimate.

Patriotic painting, oil on canvas of a traditional battle presentation, 27in x 21in including frame. Estimate: $900-$1,200. Jasper52 image

 

Considerable carving skills were needed to fashion the large folk art horse in the auction. The black beauty stands 23 inches tall and measures 24 inches nose to tail. Leather ears and horsehair mane and tail complement the steed, which is estimated at $1,800-$2,000.

Folk art carved wood horse in old paint, 23in high x 24in long, 1920s–1930s. Estimate: $1,800-$2,000. Jasper52 image

 

Workers at sewer tile factories, primarily in Ohio in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sometimes made figurines and vases, which are now considered folk art. A nice example in this week’s collection is a seated dog, which imitates the form of a Staffordshire pottery spaniel. In natural red-brown clay, the dog should fetch between $900-$1,200.

Sewer tile dog, Ohio origin, 1920s, 11 1/2in high. Estimate: $900-$1,200. Jasper52 image

 

A “Old Salt” cast-iron doorstop made by the Eastern Specialty Manufacturing Co. (Boston 1893-1930) weighs in with a $700-$900 estimate.

‘Old Salt’ cast-iron doorstop 14 1/2in tall, Eastern Specialty Mfg. Co., Boston. Estimate: $700-$900. Jasper52 image

 

Tramp art is a form of folk art that is usually made from chip-carved wooden cigar boxes. Examples range from small boxes and picture frames to much larger items, such as the 16-inch high piece feature here. The object consists of a covered box atop a drawer. A carving of a man’s head serves as the handle on the lid. This impressive work is estimated at $1,000-$1,200.

Tramp art box with carved head finial, circa 1900, 16in x 8in x 8.5in. Estimate: $1,000-$1,200. Jasper52 image

 

Sideshows, the tantalizing added attractions that were once an integral part of a circus, have all but disappeared across America. This colorful form of entertainment is recalled in banners and signs that have become collectible. One such piece is a sign by 20th-century show painter Jim Hand. One of his signed works titled “Strange People” is expected to attract a $700-$900 winning bid.

Sideshow carnival signed by ‘Jim Hand,’ 32in x 32in. Estimate: $700-$900. Jasper52 image

 

Peruse the full catalog of creative Americana items here.

Recalling Rural Life in This Americana Sale

Handcrafted tramp art boxes, figural weather vanes, and colorful game boards are just a few of the historical treasures offered in this week’s Jasper52 Americana sale. These artisan objects vary in function from decorative, utilitarian and even entertainment, though all are threads of 19th-20th century rural life that will create a unique sense of welcome in any home.

This winning polychrome game board dates to the 1880s and features superbly detailed gilded birds and leaves in an Eastlake design motif. It bears a double set of elaborately flourished initials, one set surrounded a lady’s boot cornucopia of blooms, suggesting that one of the game participants was a woman.

Polychrome game board, wood, 1880s, 32 inches x 21.5 inches wide, double-sided. Estimate: $1,200-$2,000

Polychrome game board, wood, 1880s, 32 inches x 21.5 inches wide, double-sided. Estimate: $1,200-$2,000

 

The 120-lot auction features no less than seven weather vanes, including this late 19th-century handmade weather vane of sheet iron depicts Halley’s Comet.

Handmade sheet-iron weathervane depicting Halley’s Comet, circa 1870, 42 inches x 12 inches. Estimate: $1,500-$2,000

Handmade sheet-iron weathervane depicting Halley’s Comet, circa 1870, 42 inches x 12 inches. Estimate: $1,500-$2,000

 

Animals were favorite subjects of factory-made weather vanes. A copper horse vane by W.A. Snow Iron Works in Boston has zinc ears for ballast and bears a desirable natural verdigris. This relic from the turn of the 20th century is equipped with a museum mount.

Ethan Allen Jr. horse weather vane, W.A. Snow iron works, Boston, 26.5 inches wide x 15.75 inches high, 1885-1910, Estimate: $2,400-$3,200

Ethan Allen Jr. horse weather vane, W.A. Snow iron works, Boston, 26.5 inches wide x 15.75 inches high, 1885-1910, Estimate: $2,400-$3,200

 

From a New England collection comes a diminutive late 19th century eagle full-body weather vane on a custom-made iron stand.

Diminutive eagle full-body weather vane on stand, 1880-1890, 22 inches high x 19 inches wide x 15 inches deep. Estimate: $1,675-$3,850

Diminutive eagle full-body weather vane on stand, 1880-1890, 22 inches high x 19 inches wide x 15 inches deep. Estimate: $1,675-$3,850

 

Also in cast iron is a doorstop in the form of a swan. This double-sided example is featured in the The Doorstop Book by John and Nancy Smith, page 91.

Cast-iron swan doorstop, double sided, made by Spencer, Guilford, Conn., 7 7/8 inches x 13.5 inches. Estimate: $2,700-$3,100

Cast-iron swan doorstop, double sided, made by Spencer, Guilford, Conn., 7 7/8 inches x 13.5 inches. Estimate: $2,700-$3,100

 

All of these spectacular items and more are featured in this week’s Americana and Tramp Art auction. Click here to view the full catalog.