Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
FOLK ART STYLE
Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.
Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.
Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.
During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.
Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.
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Style: Folk Art
19th Century Indian Pipe – Carved Stone and Silver-Plated Metal
Located in Madrid, ES
"19th Century Indian Pipe – Carved Stone and Silver-Plated Metal"
Dimensions: 15 x 3 x 3 cm
Antique ceremonial pipe of Indian origin, dating from the 19th century, made of finely ca...
Category
19th Century Indian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone, Silver
Vintage Wood 2 Drawer Spool Jewelry Box Chest of Drawers, 1920
s
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming antique spool cabinet, also known as a thread cabinet or country store cabinet. These cabinets were used in general stores and haberdash...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
A Very Good 19th Century Hand Painted Mexican Retablo Dated 1884
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The naïve, hand painted vignette depicts a woman praying to the images of Saint Anthony holding The Christ Child, together with The Holy Mother, all shown hovering above a group of t...
Category
Late 19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Tin
Rare Set of Two Santa Claus Mercury Glass Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set of two. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size always given for the tallest item i...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wire
Call of the Desert The Sahara Hardcover Book by Philippe Bourseiller
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Call of the Desert: The Sahara Hardcover Book.
Philippe Bourseiller
Harry N. Abrams, Nov 1, 2004 - Nature - 424 pages
Photographer Bourseiller embarked on the first truly comprehe...
Category
Early 2000s African Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Christianity Monastery Work Wax Jesus Child in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic early 20th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition.
T...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Large University Chart “Physical Map of Africa” by Bacon
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large university chart “Physical Map of Africa” by Bacon
W&A K Johnston’s Charts of Physical Maps By G W Bacon,
This is colorful Physical map of North America, it is large lithograph set...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Linen
Lot of Five Sheep Nativity Putz Toy Antique German Erzgebirge Christmas 1880s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of five Putz stick-legged sheep. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativity scene figures. As they are all old, most show the expected signs of age and use. This is a fabulous set of stick-legged sheep with dust covered body . The sheep have a sturdy stick leg construction, with all sheep having their original stick legs and have not been repaired. They all have hand-painted composition faces. The Measurements given in the dimensions section refers to the tallest sheep. This extraordinary set dates from around 1880 and was made in the Erzgebirge area (Ore Mountains) in Germany. This is a nice addition to any Christmas Decoration or just for your collection of old German toys.
For explanation:
Putz items, by true definition, were any figures or buildings that when displayed together, told the Biblical story of the birth of Christ. The term today is loosely used for any item that is used under a Christmas tree to create a Christmas “garden” or “yard.” Buildings, homemade or mass produced, composition figures and animals, bottle brush trees and any assortment of various accessories, possibly a toy train and usually a Nativity set at the heart of the display are just a few things that might spark one’s creativity when designing a “putz” for under the tree.
Elaborate “putz” scenes reached their heights in the 1920s and 1940s. Today you will generally find them under the trees of diehard collectors of antique Christmas items...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Composition
Popeye rare cloth rag doll, 1950s
Located in Firenze, IT
Popeye rare cloth rag doll
USA 1950s
Cloth, sponge, plastic pipe
H 100 cm - 56 x 30 cm
Conditions: overall good conditions consistent with age and use
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric
19th Century Painted Dress Model or Doll
Located in Troy, NY
19th Century Folk Art Painted Dress Model or Doll, Beautiful example of a dress model with a sweet, expressive face. The slightly distressed paint adds to its charm.
Our pieces are l...
Category
19th Century Scandinavian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Antique hand made wooden scale model of an 18th century farm cart circa 1920
Located in Central England, GB
This very fine meticulously constructed wooden scale model copies the design of a late 18th or early 19th century full sized working example.
It dates to circa 1920.
This cart is we...
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
19thc Doll Buggy in Original Paint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This amazing all original painted and hand made construction doll buggy or carriage and is in fine condition.
Category
Early 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Unusual and truly Incredible Hand carved wood Crucifix c 1930
s
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual and truly Incredible Hand carved wood Crucifix c 1930's... bEST Carving I have ever seen,,Amazing patina, finish . Minor damage to fi...
Category
1930s Unknown Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
20th Century Diorama Folk Art Three Mast Model Ship in a Bottle English, C 1930
Located in Central England, GB
A fine Diorama Folk Art Model ship in a bottle
This skilfully made diorama of a three-mast early 19th century sailing ship at harbour with a raised landscape behind and cottages set...
Category
20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Mechanical Bank Speaking Dog By The Shepard Co Ca 1885; with Original Wooden Box
By Shepard Hardware Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
Manufactured in 1884 by the Shepard Hardware Company in Buffalo, New York, this cast iron mechanical bank measures 7 1/8" long and is in excellent all original condition and paint, especially considering that the Shepard Company did not use a primer rendering their surface more vulnerable than say, the Steven's Company. There is no touch up or repaint, and no restoration of any kind. Colors of bright red on the dress, flesh tones, tan colored dog, and maroon base are all very bright and crisp. The bank is accompanied by the original wooden box in which it was originally shipped; a very special find and charming piece of Americana. Rare to find the original box. The bank and box came directly from an estate and the original owner, and I have owned it since then for over 35 years. The theme of the bank depicts a young Victorian girl playing with her golden retriever. It is one of only four antique mechanical banks...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Santa Claus Belsnickle Chocolate Mold Antique 1910s, Walter, Berlin
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, marked Walter, Berlin and #1714. Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina. The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolat...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
A painted model of a famous English medieval house built from matchsticks C1910
Located in Central England, GB
This superb highly detailed English folk art model dates to the early 20th century and depicts a complicated half timbered and thatched famous Hereford property entitled “The Old Hou...
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Other
Original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Mexican ex voto, due to the effects of time, the writing has been erased.
Category
1930s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
$1,050 Sale Price
30% Off
Vintage Free Wheeling Green Lithographed All Tin Racing Car. French, Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
Circa 1930's free wheeling green lithographed all tin racing car, with attached pressed steel driver; it is probably of French manufacturer (the only time I have seen for sale was from a French toy dealer). This scarce toy has markings resembling early racing cars with the streamlined style graphics in yellow and green; standard grill; exhaust four manifolds to each side, and a spare tire attached to the rear; looks like an early Le Mans type car with the spare (see images). Other markings include the number "3:" on each side; "510 x 1" on the rear tire"; and probably the makers mark and logo, which I can't identify, on the top right behind the driver (see images).
Not being a wind-up or a friction toy, this racing car was pushed across the floor by hand or/and used as an accessory in a toy train layout...
Category
1930s French Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Tin
"Organ Bank" with Cat and Dog, circa 1882, American
By Kyser
Rex Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
This American cast iron bank known as "Organ Bank" (Cat and Dog), was manufactured by Kyser & Rex Company, Frankford, Pennsylvania in 1882. It conforms exac...
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
19th Century South America "Slave" shrine
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
Solid wood, with original patina from the time.
Made by slaves, during the dark slavery times, to worship and pray.
Dimensions: 18,70 inches W x 33,26 inches H x 10,62 inches D.
...
Category
Mid-19th Century Brazilian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Cedar
Original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Mexican ex voto of San Lazaro saint. Guanajuato México 1958.
Damos gracias a San Lazaro por el alivio de mis piernas.
Esperanza Rodriguez y Jesus Amezquita.
...
Category
1940s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Whimsical Santa Hand Blown Mercury Glass Folk Art Christmas Tree Ornament Decor
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is absolutely the cutest thing ever!! The whimsical Santa is made with blown mercury glass balls wired together with an adorable Santa hat on top and a pipe cleaner that winds a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Felt, Blown Glass
$152 Sale Price
20% Off
Table Lamp With 4 Tier Deer Hoof With Nickel Bands And Antler Finial
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century table lamp with 4-tier deer hoof with nickel bands and brass fitted antler finial.
Shade is not included.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Organic Material
Rare Set of Three Santa Claus Mercury Glass Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size always given for the tallest item...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wire
"Old Glory" Children
s Game Picture Blocks by McLoughlin Bros. New York. C.1901
By McLoughlin Brothers
Located in Incline Village, NV
Hard to find children's lithographed game blocks, with scenes and pictures on all six sides of each of the nine blocks featuring several topics with the main theme being formally att...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Paper
Austrian Christmas Krampus Halloween Devil Candy Container Catchall Box, Vintage
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This unique Christmas Box from Austria is handmade and futures a famous Christmas character, The Krampus, Belsnickel's companion. The vintage piece dates from the 1940s or older and ...
Category
20th Century Austrian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Composition
Swedish Folk Wooden Dala Pig Toy, circa 1960
By Nils Olsson
Located in Barcelona, ES
Handpainted Swedish wooden traditional Dala pig toy. Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960. Materials: Wood In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
$413 Sale Price
37% Off
Miniature Corner Shelf Erhard
Söhne Antique German Dollhouse Toy 1900s
By Erhard
Söhne
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German corner shelf is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beau...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Gold Plate
Set of Two Antique Black Forest Deer Antler Trophies, German, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of two antique Black Forest deer antler trophies on hand carved, black lacquered wooden plaques. They are from the 1890s or older. The size given in the dimensions section refe...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Antler, Wood
Munich Child Souvenir Statue Building Ashtray Vintage, German, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A 1930s souvenir building Statue architectural model Ashtray. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal. A beautiful nice desktop item or just a display item i...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Potosi medal Gold Bolivia 1860s
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Important Potosi medal Gold Bolivia 1860s
This beautiful coin/medal has a trutly important history behind it,
all about the Cerro rico in Potosi Bolivia in 1860 years, and it is ex...
Category
1860s Bolivian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Christianity Monastery Work Mother
Child in Glass Display Case Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a fine antique classic late 219th century Glass Display Case with a beautiful Monastery Work inside. A wonderful decorative item, in very nice as is condition.
T...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category
20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Paper
Antique Decorative Cross with Flower and Butterfly Motif - Early 20th Century
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A hand made ornate antique cross featuring intricate floral, butterfly, and leaf motifs. The design showcases a series of raised, textured flowers and leaves arranged symmetrically a...
Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
$667 Sale Price
44% Off
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category
20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Paper
Antique Large Folk Art Handcrafted Wooden Fretwork Crucifix or Cross and Stand
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This extremely detailed and ornately handcrafted wooden Folk Art Crucifix is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Eastern Europe, possibly Aus...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Softwood
Berlin Bear Souvenir Statue Building Ashtray Vintage, German, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A 1930s souvenir building Statue architectural model Ashtray. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal. A beautiful nice desktop item or just a display item i...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Antique Child
s Pedal Toy Car
Located in Oakville, CT
American vintage, antique child's pedal tricycle metal toy car in great working condition.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
19th Century Oversized Huge Folk Art Full Leather Trade Show Sign Balmoral Boot
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A oversized full leather replica of a balmoral boot, likely to of been used in a great exhibition/trade show when the balmoral boot was made popular after it was created for Prince A...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Germany vintage Hausser Children
s Tricycle 1950s / 60s - Old toy - Collectible
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Hausser Toy Company (also known from the Elastolin Figures) Germany blue red and beige children's tricycle, in iron, sheet metal and tubes -
This tricycle has small rotating pedals o...
Category
1950s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Seated "Cat with a Bow" Still Bank, American, circa 1922
By Grey Iron Casting Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Cat with a Bow Seated" cast iron still bank is a difficult bank to acquire and is listed in Andy Moore's "The Penny Bank Book" as #364 and rated a "D" (A to F rarity scale--A most c...
Category
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Lot of Three Putz Toy Gnomes Antique German Erzgebirge Christmas 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of three Putz toy Santa gnomes. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas scene figures. As they are all old, most show the expected signs of age and use. This is a fabulous set of toy figures. The Measurements given in the dimensions section refers to the tallest item pictured. This extraordinary set dates from around 1920s - 1930s0 and was made in the Erzgebirge area (Ore Mountains) in Germany. This is a nice addition to any Christmas Decoration or just for your collection of old German toys.
For explanation:
Putz items, by true definition, were any figures or buildings that when displayed together, told the Biblical story of the birth of Christ. The term today is loosely used for any item that is used under a Christmas tree to create a Christmas “garden” or “yard.” Buildings, homemade or mass produced, composition figures and animals, bottle brush trees and any assortment of various accessories, possibly a toy train and usually a Nativity set at the heart of the display are just a few things that might spark one’s creativity when designing a “putz” for under the tree.
Elaborate “putz” scenes reached their heights in the 1920s and 1940s. Today you will generally find them under the trees of diehard collectors of antique Christmas items...
Category
1920s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Composition
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category
20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Paper
Stunning Nuremberg Gingerbread Candy Container, Antique German Christmas 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Amazing and rare round shaped box, hand crafted in cardboard dating from the 1910s or older. The top of the box shows i view of the Nuremberg Castle in 3d optic.
This antique box is ...
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Composition
19th C Original Painted Checkerboard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C Original painted checkerboard.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Paint
$780 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Malacca Walking Stick With Finely Carved Boxwood Handle
Located in Bilzen, BE
Malacca walking stick with finely carved palm wood (boxwood) handle from the 19th century.
Antique patina.
Total length 93.3 cm, handle diameter 4 cm.
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
19th Century Napoleonic Prisoner of War Folk Art Corpus
Located in London, GB
19th century Napoleonic Prisoner of War Folk art Corpus
A rare and unusual example of a 19th Century hand crafted Napoleonic folk art prisoner of war corpus Christi. Later added ...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bone
Vintage Pre-War Wind-Up Toy "Boy on Motorcycle Delivery Truck" by Marx
Located in Incline Village, NV
This brightly lithographed tin wind-up toy in colors of red, yellow, and blue, with a driver dressed in appropriate motorcycle clothing, depicts a young man driving a delivery cart with "Speed Boy Delivery" printed on each side of the wagon. The manufacturers logo is clearly marked on both sides of the stake wagon and on the right shoulder of the driver "MAR" with a circle around it and "Made in The United States of America, New York, N.Y." around the circumference (see images). The license plate number is "268", which, along with the red painted inside of the drivers arms (as it should be!) indicates this earlier version and authenticity.
Nearly 100 years old, it still operates fine and, upon winding the attached wind-up key a few times and placing the toy on the ground, the motorcycle and driver move across the floor on the way to their deliveries; do not over wind. (see video attached to this listing).
The toy is completely original and in very good condition, with no repairs or restorations of any kind and no touch up or repaint. The arms and steering handle bars are also original (sometimes replaced) and they have the appropriate paint and markings.
This would make a welcome addition to a collection of pre-war Americana.
Dimensions: 9 7/8" long x 5 7/8" wide x 5 3/4" high
After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys...
Category
1930s Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Tin
Vintage Bavarian Traditional Costume Jewelry Charivari with Hunting Pendants
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Bavarian Traditional Costume Jewelry Charivari with Hunting Pendants
A Bavarian Charivari from the middle of the 20th century. A beautiful piece of historical Bavarian folk ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
American Salesman Sample Late 19th Century Wooden Flat Bed Cargo Wagon
Located in Incline Village, NV
Salesman Sample : Late 19th century. American (4) wheeled hand carved all wooden horse drawn flat bed cargo wagon, in excellent condition with original red st...
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Rare Stoneware Beer Jug From Raeren, Circa 1680–1720
Located in Bilzen, BE
A rare and fully handmade stoneware beer jug attributed to Raeren, a historic pottery center in present-day Belgium. Dating from around 1680 to 1720, this jug is a striking example o...
Category
Late 17th Century Belgian Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stoneware
German Tinplate Clockwork Wind Up Toy by the Lehman Co. "Balky Mule" Circa 1909
Located in Incline Village, NV
Perhaps the wildest action of all the Lehman toys, said to resemble Ernest Paul Lehman's temperament (founder of the company), "Balky Mule" was first manufactured in 1897 in Berlin (Brandenburg), and had a multi decade run; this example is from around 1909 (see image with markings to the rear of the carriage). The toy is catalogued as "EPL #425" and documented on page 59 and 60 of the book "Lehman Toys" by Jurgen & Marianne Cieslik, published in 1982.
To operate the toy; wind up the attached clockwork key on the underneath of the carriage and place the toy on the floor. Do not over-wind and be gentle, as the toy is aggressive and over 100 years old. The toy will go backwards and forward, and the clown will pop up and down as the cart goes in several different directions across the floor until it winds down (see video accompanying the listing for guidance).
The toy is found broken and/or inoperable, more often than not, because of the rough action, and typical abuse by children (after all, it was a toy).
This example is in very nice original condition and works well. The lithography and hand paint is bright and original with no touch up or repaint. The hand paint is; flesh tones to the face of the clown, red trousers, orange hair, and grey paint to the seat of the carriage. The clothing to the clown figure is still intact and all original. The lithography to the wheels features brightly colored clowns and a German marking logo. What is really unusual is the fact that the donkey still has all four of its loosely attached original legs, considering the aggressive action of the toy. The metal on the donkey is actually treated with "fabric like" paint, to simulate fur.
All in all this is a really cool toy and a "must have" for the collector of tin toys, or someone who simply wants a wonderful example of an early, "turn of the century" iconic wind up toy.
Provenance: Recently acquired from a prominent toy collection in Los Angeles, California
Dimensions: 7 1/2" long x 3" wide x 5" high
Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and children's playthings; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace
it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Tin
Vintage Bavarian Traditional Costume Jewelry Charivari with Hunting Pendants
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Bavarian Traditional Costume Jewelry Charivari with Hunting Pendants
A Bavarian Charivari from the middle of the 20th century. A beautiful piece of historical Bavarian folk ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Mechanical Bank "Fishing Bears" Battery Operated with Original Box, circa 1950s
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a later (1950's), albeit often overlooked and important mechanical bank that is quite rare, and highly sought after by collectors. Iconic bank collector F.H. Griffith wrote a...
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Tin
Folk Art Steamship of Large-Scale
Located in Buchanan, MI
Charming Folk Art steamship of impressive scale.
Category
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
19th Century Spanish Colonial Religious Folk Art Santo Altar Figure
Located in Forney, TX
An antique Spanish Colonial period hand carved and painted santo church altar figure. Born in Mexico in the first half of the 19th century, the religious...
Category
19th Century Mexican Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Paint
Traditional Wooden Artist Mannequin Model Doll Vintage Italy, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A handmade wooden Artist mannequin model - all joints move as they should. Found on a Estate sale in Verona, Italy.
Shows some wear - but looks beautiful on display! Some scratches a...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Rare Chenille Cotton Basket Christmas Ornament Antique, German, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament. It was made from Chenille, wire and cotton, this would be a great antique addition for your Christmas or feather tree.
Category
1910s German Vintage Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wire
Santa Claus Belsnickle on Donkey Mule Chocolate Mold Antique 1900s Germany
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, not marked. Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina. The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolate production and cons...
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Folk Art collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, folk art, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include Berber Tribes of Morocco, J. Chein
Co., Louis Marx and Company, and Nils Olsson. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $29 and tops out at $45,000 while the average work can sell for $652.
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