Tag Archive for: punch and judy

Why This Americana Auction Charms Bidders

“They don’t make them like that any more.” The remark commenting favorably on handcrafted made-in-America over the past two centuries certainly applies to more than 50 items in this weekend’s Americana auction. Below you’ll find a few standouts from the eclectic collection.
Highlights range from a hand-painted tin sign pointing the way to an office

Tin trade sign, circa 1880, New England. Estimate: $700-$800

Tin trade sign, circa 1880, New England. Estimate: $700-$800

…to a hand-carved pine watch hutch large enough to hold a Big Ben alarm clock.

Carved pine watch hutch, 1880-1900. Estimate: $825-$1,100

Carved pine watch hutch, 1880-1900. Estimate: $825-$1,100

Textiles include an unusual kaleidoscope circular rug and a patchwork quilt depicting row after row of American flags.

Handmade kaleidoscope rug. Estimate: $150-$250

Handmade kaleidoscope rug. Estimate: $150-$250

Twentieth-century quilt with graphic rows of American flags. Estimate: $200-$300

Twentieth-century quilt with graphic rows of American flags. Estimate: $200-$300

Collectors of mechanical cast-iron toys will be entertained by the Punch and Judy bank in the auction.

Punch and Judy mechanical bank, cast iron, late 19th century. Estimate; $500-$700

Punch and Judy mechanical bank, cast iron, late 19th century. Estimate; $500-$700

From a music box playing Christmas carols, to a woodpecker whirligig, these collectibles describe everyday American experiences. They bring a sense of welcome to any home and weave together the threads of rural life.