Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 16

Handmade WWII Era Folk Art Battleship Child s Toy

$1,500
£1,144.46
€1,302.88
CA$2,108.27
A$2,317.50
CHF 1,216.68
MX$27,556.72
NOK 15,624.88
SEK 14,232.58
DKK 9,734.61

About the Item

This handmade folk art battleship from the early 1940s is a remarkable example of wartime craftsmanship, reflecting both the patriotic spirit and resourcefulness of the era. Crafted entirely from wood, it features a combination of crude yet detailed construction, with numerous small wooden pieces carefully assembled to create turrets, smokestacks, and other intricate elements. Hand-painted with attention to detail, the battleship showcases the artistry of its maker, likely a skilled hobbyist, craftsman, or even a shipyard worker or sailor influenced by the powerful naval vessels of World War II. The paint has aged beautifully, and the overall wear suggests it was well-loved—possibly as a cherished child’s toy or a folk art display piece. Due to material shortages during the war, many toys were handmade rather than mass-produced, making this battleship a unique artifact of its time. Whether built for play or as a tribute to the naval forces, it stands as a testament to the creativity and historical significance of folk art during the wartime years. The overall condition is very good with a general aged cracqueleur to the paint and minor loss and chips. The guns are made of nails partially hammered into small swiveling wood pieces. All pieces remain firm and structurally sound.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 3.75 in (9.53 cm)Width: 2.94 in (7.47 cm)Depth: 17.75 in (45.09 cm)
  • Style:
    Folk Art (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1940 s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
  • Seller Location:
    Red Lion, PA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10258243866022

More From This Seller

View All
Handmade WWII Era Folk Art Battleship Child s Toy
Located in Red Lion, PA
This handmade folk art battleship from the early 1940s is a remarkable example of wartime craftsmanship, reflecting both the patriotic spirit and resourcefulness of the era. Crafted ...
Category

Vintage 1940s American Folk Art Nautical Objects

Materials

Wood

1940 s Solid Brass Don Fernando Nautical Ship Fireplace Tool Set
Located in Red Lion, PA
This exceptional 1940s solid brass fireplace tool set is distinguished by a finely rendered full-profile depiction of the Don Fernando ship, a motif inspired by several 19th- and ear...
Category

Vintage 1940s American American Colonial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Early 1900 s Decorated Child s Pencil Box with Multiple Sliding Compartments
Located in Red Lion, PA
This delightful early 20th-century decorated child’s pencil box is both functional and full of character. Crafted from hand-cut wood with a slightly rustic charm, the box bears a lit...
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Folk Art Toys

Materials

Wood

Extremely Tactile Rare Original 19th Century Billy Club, Excellent gift!
Located in Red Lion, PA
19th Century Turned Wooden Billy Club, Perfectly Weighted with Rich Dark Patina A beautifully crafted 19th-century wooden billy club, lathe-turned from a single solid piece of hardwood, showcasing the fine craftsmanship and functional design of the period. Perfectly weighted for balance and control, this antique club was made for durability and ease of handling. The surface has developed a gorgeous deep brown patina, highlighting the smooth grain and character of the wood. Its gently tapered form and rounded end make it both visually striking and tactilely satisfying, a testament to the skill of its original maker. The piece remains strong and structurally sound, with just the right heft, ideal for display, collection, or personal / theatrical use. A small section of the rim near the handle has been intentionally flattened, likely to allow the club to rest securely on a flat surface without rolling. This antique billy club...
Category

Antique 19th Century American Victorian Arms, Armor and Weapons

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Hand Carved Wood Trompe l œil Realistic Colt .45 Revolver Gun Sculpture
Located in Red Lion, PA
Folk Art Hand Carved Wood Trompe l'œil Realistic Colt Revolver Gun Sculpture: Modeled After the Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army U.S. Revolver "The Pea...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Handheld Tally Number Counter with Addictive Clicking Button
Located in Red Lion, PA
Early 20th Century Nickel-Plated Brass Handheld Tally Counter, Machine Age Streamline Design This early 20th century handheld tally number counter combines Machine Age style with sa...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Models and Miniatures

Materials

Brass, Nickel

You May Also Like

Early 20th Century Folk Art Scratch Built Ship
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Folk Art Scratch Built Ship Without doubt, one of the nicest examples of an early 20th Century English folk art ship model named Victoria. Amazing detail and charm...
Category

Vintage 1920s British Folk Art Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Scratch-Built Ship Model, Circa 1900
Located in Doylestown, PA
A wonderful scratch-built ship model of a steam-sailer with full rigging, on a stand, circa 1890
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Nautical Objects

Materials

Wood

Very Decorative Antique Ship Model with Beautiful Wear and Tear
Located in Beerse, VAN
Beautiful antique ship model made of different types of painted wood. It was most likely made as a toy as we can tell by the less detailed construc...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Folk Art Nautical Objects

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Scratch build folk-art ship model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Scratch build folk-art ship model Stood on a hand-crafted gesso painted sea effect, which is framed by an ebonised pine base. This is an charming example of an ea...
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Folk Art Nautical Objects

Materials

Pine

Folk Art Ship Model
Located in Doylestown, PA
A naive Folk Art ship model in carved wood with fabric sails and elaborate rigging, American, circa 1900.
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Nautical Objects

Materials

Wood

Large 19th Century Presentation Half Hull Model of a Whale Ship
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century Presentation Half Hull Model of a Whale Ship, circa 1850, a large plank on frame model of a bluff-bowed and wide abeam whale ship. The model wa...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Folk Art Nautical Objects

Materials

Pine