1800s Original Odd Fellows Papier Mâché Skeleton Bust

This is one of the best locksmith trade signs we have offered. It’s early and all handmade in iron with original paint. It's very well done and a wonderful piece of Folk Art.

Unusual Odd Fellows snake staff. Stitched leather snake and carved wood with original paint. American, late 19th century. H 79".

Unique papier mâché bust of a man. Massive scale. Great piece of hand painted folk art in good vintage condition with wear as shown.

This amazing 19thc original blue painted bail handled pantry box in fine as found condition. This fine pantry has a wonderful undisturbed patina and early nails.

Early 1880s Odd Fellows Lodge all-seeing eye banner from Centerville, Dakota. Excellent hand painting and lettering. Centerville was platted in 1883. Dakota became the states of North and South Dakota in 1889. The area is now part of the Sioux Falls...

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...

9” Open round salmon painted Nantucket Lightship basket with wooden ears and original paint. The nails on the interior bottom indicate this was probably used as a vegetable baske...

Nice, whimsical Folk Art chain whittled from one continuous piece of wood (spruce, in this case). One end features a hook, the other a clasp. The wood h...

Wonderful, whimsical folk art chain whittled from one continuous piece of wood (pine, in this case). One end features what resembles an arrow fletching,...

Folk art mangle board from northern Sweden. This is a typical proposal gift to the would-be bride from the groom. If he had the skill the groom would make...