Thread Folk Art

19th Century Extra-Long Brass Sleigh Bells on Leather Belt: 39 Jingle Bells, Nearly 8 Feet Long A spectacular and highly authentic set of original 19th-century brass sleigh bells, featuring an impressive 39 hand-cast bells mounted on a nearly 8-foot-long leather strap. This exceptional antique offers not only a beautiful historic presence, but also the perfect traditional “Jingle Bells” sound, bright, rich, and unmistakably festive, just as sleigh bells should be. Each bell is solid brass, tightly fastened and fully functional, producing that magical tone that modern reproductions rarely achieve. The leather strap retains its original metal buckle and remains surprisingly supple and pliable for its age. With simple annual conditioning, it should continue to remain strong and flexible for years to come. The strap appears handmade and hand-stitched, and while there are small areas of thread loss consistent with age, the original workmanship was so solid that these minor imperfections do not compromise the structural integrity of the piece. The leather has developed a beautifully worn patina that speaks to more than a century of use, adding depth and authenticity to its appearance. In the 19th century, long straps of sleigh bells like this were affixed to horse harnesses so travelers could be heard approaching through winter snow, helping prevent collisions on narrow rural roads. Over time, this cheerful sound became woven into the imagery of the holiday season and ultimately inspired the classic Christmas carol, “Jingle Bells.” Today, authentic sets like this capture the warmth and romance of Victorian winter travel and embody the nostalgia of an old-fashioned Christmas. Because of its impressive length, this sleigh bell strap lends itself beautifully to holiday decorating. Many collectors enjoy hanging it on a door so it jingles each time someone enters or exits, while others drape it across a mantel for a warm, traditional seasonal moment. It also looks wonderful wrapped around a staircase railing, stretched along a festive tablescape as a conversation piece, or even displayed on a wall as a piece of functional folk art. However it’s arranged, the authentic sound and historic character bring instant Victorian holiday charm to any space. Original 19th-century sleigh bell straps in this size and condition have become increasingly difficult to find, especially with such a full complement of bells still attached. Modern reproductions, while decorative, seldom replicate the deep, resonant sound of genuine antique brass or the rich patina only time and use can create. For lovers of Americana, equestrian history, Victorian Christmas...

Hand-sewed rice straw art by Arko. Title: A head-sea over the night sky (Small model) This work has the feelings of contemporary, tribal art, contempora...

Hand-sewed rice straw art by Arko. Title: Composition Accelerando #01 This work has the feelings of contemporary, tribal art, contemporary craft art, ...

Step back to the 19th century with this exceptional pair of antique moccasins attributed to the Salish (Flathead) peoples of the Plateau region, circa 1880. Expertly handcrafted from...

Hand-sewed rice straw art by ARKO. Title: Composition Marcato (B) This is one of the series named "Composition XX" Her works have the feelings of...

Hand-sewed rice straw art by ARKO. Title: Composition Marcato (A) This is one of the series named "Composition XX" Her works have the feelings of...

Hand-sewed rice straw art by ARKO. Title: Composition Rinforzando This is one of the series named "Composition XX" Her works have the feelings of...

A lovely square framed hand embroidered wall hanging of a peacock and roses. This beautiful piece has been cross stitched by hand in a variety of bright and bold colors. A peacock ta...

Hand-sewed rice straw art by ARKO. Title: Composition Rubato This is one of the series named "Composition XX" Her works have the feelings of cont...

An incredible collection of 17 Folk Art pin cushions. The group comprising pansy flowers, strawberries, boots, mittens, a rolled cushion, 2 books, a pear form, a bell form, a carrot, and a heart. In varying materials including silks, wools, and cottons. The carrot is the newest, made from an early synthetic fiber. Some are filled with cotton batting, some with sand or sawdust. From the personal collection of a long-standing, well-regarded Virginia antiques...

Framed in a folk art Starburst style wood frame, this embroidered sampler is a beautiful testament to the craftsmanship of artisans of the early 20...

Hand-sewed rice straw art by ARKO. Title: Composition Sostenuto This is one of the series named "Composition XX" Her works have the feelings of c...

Set of four woven placemats in purple. A fabulous addition to any brunch, dinner, or dinner party. Woven from natural fiber, each piece features a wove...

Hand-sewed rice straw art by ARKO. Title: Composition Allargando This is one of the series named "Composition XX" Her works have the feelings of ...

1940's Ninon Standard Twelve Colour Card Thread - New Old Stock - Set Of Ten. We recently came across a large hoard of new old stock hardware and general merchandise items, laying ...