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Salmon Painted Sconces
New England, ca. mid 19th century.
Tinsmith made, elevated considerably by authentic period dry salmon paint applied at the time of making or very shortly thereafter.
The tinsmith created D-shaped wells, fitted with slotted candle cups (the slots for removing stubs) rising to tall narrow back plates with rolled edges and rounded crimped tops. One a bit more used than the other showing a more darkened candle-cup and more soot/wax buildup.
19th century tinsmiths were challenged to meet demand, yet still managed to create objects in which the form was useful and made their purchasers proud to use. This pair of sconces was then made distinctive by the beautiful salmon paint.
About 16 inches tall. They may be hung or rested on a chest, table, or shelf. From a northeast collection, purchased in 2014 from Chuck White at the NHADA Show.
RARE FORM
“SCALLOPED”
BLUE BOX
New England 1820–1840
Visually compelling.
A striking large round box in thick-walled ash with pine top and bottom. Original dry paint in contrasting shades of blue, in a charming scalloped or swag design that I have not seen before. The whimsical motif wraps gracefully around the sides and is echoed on the lid.
Its bold scale—approximately 13 inches in diameter by 5½ tall—amplifies its visual impact.
While the painted surface shows wear from age and use, it doesn’t diminish the box’s charm.
This is a powerful example of early American folk art, with a form and decoration that may well be a unique survivor.
ELEGANT HANGING CANDLEBOX
WITH HEART
.....sale pending
Likely New England, ca. 1800.
Soft wood in original smoothly rendered black paint. Made by a skilled “high-country” cabinetmaker, with tall slender case joined by crisp tiny dovetails, fronted by a chamfered sliding lid. The candlebox has terrific verticality accentuated now by period wear on outer edges.
The design further elevated by the beautifully carved-heart hanger. Although intended to be hung, may also be placed standing or flat. Excellent condition with a minor early sliver of wood loss upper right side. Little brass pull appears original.
About 15 3/4 inches tall x 5 wide x 3 1/4 deep. Distinctive, direct, stylish. From fine Midwest collections. .
RALPH CAHOON
Oceanside
Family Outing
Featuring his
Hallmark Mermaids!
Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Signed lower right: R. Cahoon, 1979. Oil on Masonite.
Commissioned by the J.S. Harmon Family.
Ralph Cahoon (1910-1982) is celebrated as one of America's most beloved folk art painters, renowned for his vibrant and whimsical depictions of life in nineteenth-century coastal New England settings. His iconic artworks are highly coveted by both antique and contemporary collectors alike.
In this enchanting family scene, a majestic whale.....
Fine DaLee
Portrait Miniature
Likely Massachusetts, Connecticut or New York State, ca. 1840.
Watercolor, graphite, ink, and gum arabic on wove paper. Precisely painted showing a pleasant looking, smartly attired, husky young gentleman seated in half-length.
The portrait has the distinctive look of itinerant artist Justus DaLee and his family, painted by Justus-or possibly by his oldest son Amon-who accompanied Justus on his travels. In the research paper by Joan Brownstein and Elle Shushan, Magazine Antiques: “Side Painters-Differentiating the DaLee Family Artists”, a documented Amon DaLee portrait has the subject sitting in an identical chair as in this portrait.
Excellent condition with just minor abrasions at the bottom. Presented in a beautiful molded gilt frame that is probably original. The “package” of the frame and portrait is unusually appealing. Frame size about 5 inches x 4 ½. .
Sensational
Parcheesi Gameboard
with Soft Palette
.....SOLD
Ohio, ca. 1870-1880.
High visual impact from a bold yet quiet presence from a harmonious blend of eight colors.
The inventive design is distinguished by large, balloon-like circles in each corner, separated by delightful salmon-colored ladders. At the center, a bright blue field creates a compelling contrast against the salmon. The board's oyster-white base provides backdrop for the vibrant hues, which include a reddish-black frame, orange, dark blue, green, mustard yellow, and a bright light blue. The deep frame appears to be square nailed with a few later tightening nails.
About 24 x 20 inches. Has been in a private collection since 2011. A stunning forward-looking piece of American folk art. .
MINIATURE
Red-Painted
Blanket Chest
New England, ca. 1769
.....SOLD
Authentic early miniature pine six-board blanket chest in original dry crusty patinated deep-red paint, just the way collectors of early Americana love it.
It opens to twin lidded tills (unusual for a chest this small to have two), carved 6 and 9, almost surely for the date 1769.
Applied reeded moldings decorate the front, with tall feet and bootjack ends. Retains the original lock and snipe hinges (one of the hinges a bit loose). Without cracks or repairs; a gouge out of the wood on the left sidewall happened long ago as evidenced by the dark patina within. Note how pure underneath.
About 14 1/8 inches long x 5 7/8 deep x 7 ¾ tall. This little chest likely held important family documents, money, and valuables. Given the period, it is fun to imagine what those contents were. From a fine Midwest collection.
Outstanding Windsor Lighting Stand
.....SOLD
New England, ca. late 18th century. Remarkable state of preservation with red/brown painted surface on what appears to be birch and maple, retaining the often lost tin candle cups joined with cut nails.
Expertly lathe-turned with bamboo-shaped legs leading to a round block, baluster-turned column, round tray with raised rim, hand-cut screw turnings, and a shaped double candle-arm that may be easily raised and lowered. Nuanced features elevate it further, including the finial-like terminations, and incised lines of decoration throughout.
Exceptional design executed by a skilled turner. Makers in the late 18th century used bamboo-shaped legs, a popular design at that time inspired by Chinese aesthetics which were becoming fashionable in the West.
Top-shelf condition and surface. Made when candles in country homes were sparingly used as a bit of a luxury. Beautiful and functional, I like to use it next to a sofa to hold coffee. About 33 ½ inches to the top of the finial.
Brilliant Folk Art
Hooked Rug
Probably Northeast,
Civil War period
ca. 1860-1870.
.....sale pending
Wools and cottons.
Clearly the maker loved flowers. Fortunately for us she also had the vision and the skill to transform that love into art. Not formulaic like so many, but unique, from her own imagination. She used fragments of repurposed materials, likely scraps from worn-out clothing or discarded by weaving mills. The result is a folk art triumph with timeless elegance that also fits a simple modern aesthetic, making it a perfect fit for both historic or contemporary homes.
I can’t adequately describe what she created better than your own eyes can see, so I will not try.
Professionally mounted and ready to hang. About 53 inches tall x 32 wide. This authentic antique folk art thriller will transform your room , as it did mine, with boldness, color, and a soft texture. .