Folk Art Toys and Dolls
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
Antique Toy Wind-Up Double Decker Bus by Ferdinand Strauss Toy Co. Circa 1925
By STRAUSS
Located in Incline Village, NV
Antique Wind-Up Double Decker open air bus by the Ferdinand Strauss Toy Company, New York; circa 1925; is quite a large and substantial toy resembling ver...
Category
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
"Lamb" Cast Iron Still Bank, American, Circa 1970
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Lamb" cast Iron still bank is a re-issue of a bank made in 1928. It was made by The John Wright Company in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania in 1970. They...
Category
1970s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
Krampus Companion of Belsnickel Devil Candy Container Figure Antique Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This unique Christmas figurine Candy Container from Austria features a handmade figurine of the Christmas character Krampus, Belsnickel's companion. The vintage piece dates from the ...
Category
20th Century Austrian Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
Vintage French Toy "Les Acrobates", circa 1920
By G. Doloy
Located in Incline Village, NV
Rare 100 year old French toy in it's original box depicting two acrobats attached to a wire frame with brown barrel weights, cascading down a green metal ladder. Once assembled (loop...
Category
1920s French Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Rare 911 Porsche Friction Tin Toy by Bandai Toy Co. Made in Japan Circa 1960
s
Located in Incline Village, NV
Offered here is a whitish/cream colored friction tin toy 911 Porsche circa 1960's, marked at the bottom; "Porsche" in addition to the Bandai Toy Company logo embossed, along with "Made in Japan" designation being noted.
The Bandai Toy Company is a post war toy company established in Taito, Japan circa 1950 and is still conducting business today, albeit, it has shifted from toy manufacturing to video toy accessories.
This is a very rare toy and is coveted by collectors of both toys and fast cars. Except for the odd and minor scratch here and there, the toy is in very nice, all original condition with absolutely no restoration or touch up to the paint or mechanism (see images).
The action and friction functionality works well (see video).
Motor and engine mechanics and nomenclature are colorfully displayed through the plastic rear trunk window (see image); while the colorful interior can be seen through the side window.
Car is all tin, with rubber tires and plastic windows.
Dimensions: 10 1/4" long x 4" wide x 3 1/4" high.
Priced competitively; note that this toy doesn't become available very often and the few that have turned up in recent years , don't work and are several hundred dollars more than mine.
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; important considering 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
1960s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
"Joe Penner" Vintage Clockwork Windup Toy by Louis Marx Co American Circa 1930
s
Located in Incline Village, NV
Fabulous American vintage all tin wind-up toy with attached key and clockwork mechanism, whereby upon winding it up, the character (Joe Penner) waddles aimlessly across the floor, hat flying in the air with notorious cigar in motion (see attached video with listing). The toy is in wonderful and complete original condition with all original parts and authentic factory paint. It is often found incomplete (cigar or hat missing more often than not); and usually doesn't work properly. My example works great and is in nice bright original paint and lithography, in multiple colors of a black and white checkered suit...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Set of 5 Swedish Folk Wooden Dala Horse Toys, circa 1960
By Nils Olsson
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 5 handpainted Swedish wooden traditional Dala horse toy.
Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960.
Materials:
Wood
In original condition, with...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
$3,292 Sale Price / set
25% Off
Antique German Paper Mache Bobble Head Mule Donkey Pull Cart Toy
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique German paper mache composition bobble head mule / donkey / horse pull toy figure standing with a small feed manger on a platform rollin...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Hardwood, Paper
$164 Sale Price
30% Off
Collection of Three Pig in Pot Lucky Charm Figurines Antique German 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful collection of golden pig lucky charm figurines. Made from china porcelain. Such items are given away as good luck charms on New Year's Eve. Nice...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition, Metal
Vintage Toy Wind-Up "Baby L" Speedboat by Lindstrom Toy Co., American Circa 1933
Located in Incline Village, NV
Vintage toy speed boat manufactured by the Lindstrom Toy Company of Bridgeport Connecticut, circa 1933 or earlier; the Lindstrom company having been founded in 1913, made quality tin...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
(Ten) Assorted Metal Still Coin Banks; Circa 1950
s-
70
s
Located in Incline Village, NV
Nine out of these ten banks are of American manufacture, made between the 1950's and the 1970's, while one (the Well's Fargo Stage Coach) was made in China, circa 1990's.
Banthrico, Incorporated (Chicago) made four of these banks, while similar type companies made the other six. They manufactured coin savings banks for banking institutions who used them as premiums to those who opened up a savings account. In the case of young children they were given to them to encourage thrift and savings. These (10) banks are a representation of that era 1950 to early 1970's, encompassing enticing savings themes. They were always made of white metal, and typically plated; usually in a copper finish.
All of the banks listed below are pictured front, back, and bottom. Four of the banks lack the coin holding trap, which is quite common, as it was typical for children to toss them or lose them eventually upon removing the money from the bank.
1) "Pirate Bank"
Circa 1950's; depicts a pirate sitting on top of a treasure chest with a parrot on his shoulder, protecting his booty. Typical original copper finish in white metal; measures 5 1/2" high x 4 1/2" wide x 3 1/2" deep. Copyright marking to the rear "55" , perhaps 1955. Has the coin trap holder but lacks the circular coin trap. Very good condition.
Referenced #335 "The Penny Bank Book" by Andy Moore (published 1984)(
2) "Eagle on Cliff"
Made by Banthrico Incorporated and dated 1976 (Americana Bicentennial commemoration bank) portrays a proud American eagle perched on a cliff; nice detail to original copper finish with original coin trap in near mint condition.
6 3/8" high. Made for "United Savings Bank"
Referenced #145 "Coin Banks by Banthrico" by Jim Redwine (published 2001)
3) "Covered Wagon"
Made by Banthrico Incorporated and from the 1950's, by "The Union Banking Company"; depicts a fully loaded chuck wagon with buckets, and a chest ":parked" on western terrain. Finished with copper finish to white metal, with the typical saw tooth coin trap intact, in excellent and all original condition.
4 5/8" long
Referenced #432 "Coin Banks by Banthrico" by Jim Redwine (published 2001)
4) "Well's Fargo Stagecoach Bank"
Later made promotional bank by Well's Fargo banking institution; in all original and complete condition with original paint colors of red, yellow, and black, authentic looking stagecoach; in very good condition with coin trap intact and no repaint, restoration or dents.
4 3/4" long
5) "Three Little Pigs"
Inscribed on front base plate, all original condition with coin trap intact. Slight manufacturing "blow hole" at base of one of the pigs (see image specific to this); unknown manufacture. Made of copper; measures 5" high.
6) "Indian Chief"
Put out by "The Multnomah Bank of Portland,m Oregon; depicts an Indian Chief in full feathered head dress and chieftain regalia; with typical Banthrico Company original copper finish and Banthrico original coin trap to the base.
Measures 5" high. Circa 1962
Referenced #27 "Coin Banks by Banthrico" by Jim Redwine (published 2001)
7) "Shoe House" Bank
Mistakenly called "Old Lady and the Shoe Bank"; this particular bank is of unknown manufacture (could be early Banthrico bank...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Antique French Marionette
Located in Houston, TX
We found this wonderful 19th century French Marionette in Rouen France. The puppet, and its art form, have been a mainstay of French cultural life f...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Fabric, Wood
"Dancing Dog" Vintage Windup Toy. American, Circa 1925
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Dancing Dog" is a fairly scarce toy to acquire, especially in this excellent condition and working order. Windup toy is lithographed and hand painted in colors of black and greenish grey, and the name "Spot" is printed in bold letters on the red collar. This is American made in the 1920's having been manufactured by the Lindstrom Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut; established in 1913. Markings to each side of the dog reveal its genesis; "The Lindstrom Tool and Toy Co.; Made in U.S.A." "Patent
Applied For"; on the other side is "Dancing Dog".
"Dancing Dog" is in excellent condition and is completely original with no repairs or repaint. It works perfectly and is quite amusing. To operate; wind up the attached key on the side, a couple of times; with front legs in the air, place down by his hind legs on a hard surface and watch "Spot" dance. He carries on for quite some time, dancing around in a circle and then side to side. (see attached video accompanying the listing).
Dimensions: 5 1/4" wide x 4" high x 2 1/4" deep.
Provenance: From a recently acquired discerning West Coast Collection of tin toys.
See my other listings of over 100+ vintage toys and antique children's toy savings banks from which to chose.
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. My toys operate properly and are as stated and accurately described.
it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin toys...
Category
1920s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
"Drummer Boy" Tin-wind-up Toy by Louis Marx, New York City, circa 1940
s
Located in Incline Village, NV
This 1940's "Drummer Boy" brightly colored lithographed tin wind-up toy capitalizes on the popularity of marching bands, spawned from World War II and the preponderance of patriotism...
Category
1940s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Vintage Tin Wind-up Toy "Clown in A Barrel" by J Chein
Co. American Circa 1935
By J. Chein
Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
Made by J. Chein & Company Circa 1935 in New York City; originally inventoried as #258 (same number as similar looking Popeye toy dated 1932) and was named "Mechanical Clown Barrel Walker". The name of the maker "Chein" is stamped as a logo to the rear of the barrel (see image). This is one of the earlier toys that Chein made.
The lithography and hand paint are in gorgeous original condition with bright colors of red and gold to the barrel, flesh tones to the clown, who sports a multi colorful smiling face.
The toy works great; simply wind the attached key wind in the back 1/2 revolution; place on the hard surface----the clown waddles across the floor, back and forth, while shaking his head to and fro (see accompanying video with this listing to see it work)
In addition to being quite a scarce toy it is even more difficult to find in this fine condition. Often times the head is lacking or replaced from rough usage and surface rarely maintains this beautiful finish. This particular example is completely original with no restorations, repairs, or touch up paint of any kind. There is a small 5/8" superficial indentation to the front top of barrel (see image). This would make a proud addition to any collection of vintage toys or Americana.
Dimensions: 7 1/2" high x 3 1/4" wide x 4" deep
See my other listings of over 100+ vintage toys and antique children's toy savings banks from which to chose.
Provenance: From a recently acquired West Coast collection of fine quality tin toys.
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. My toys operate properly and are as stated and accurately described.
it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage...
Category
1930s Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Vintage Tin Wind Up Toy "Boy Skier" by J. Chein
Co. American Circa 1950
By J. Chein
Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
Very nice condition all tin, vintage wind up toy by J. Chein Company, New York City, circa 1950, "Boy Skier"; in all original paint and lithography; in ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Mechanical Bank
Sentry
, circa 1925
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Sentry" tin mechanical bank is very difficult to find, having been made in Germany by the company Saalheimer & Strauss for the British market. The rif...
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
"Magic Mouse" Mechanical Bank, Japan, circa 1964
Located in Incline Village, NV
For the mechanical bank and toy enthusiast, listed is a tin, lithographed and painted, all original 1960s mechanical bank made by the Yone Company of Japan (see image of logo on side panel). The company was founded in 1950 and is typical of the post war companies who produced outstanding children's toys. The action is unique, clever, and encourages saving money. With the bank wound (attached key wind on the underneath (see image); place a penny on the spot provided on top of the bank. The mouse dashes out of the grey shoe...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
1950
s Aurora Toys Ring A Bell Carnival Style Toy
By Aurora
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An iron carnival style toy with wooden bead and original paper litho with pounds of pressure. Made by Aurora Toy Sales, Aurora, Illinois. A good hit will ring the bell.
Dimensions: ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
Spelter Still Bank "Seated Cat with a Bow" German, circa 1920
Located in Incline Village, NV
The term "spelter" refers to a zinc/lead metal compound used to pour and make castings. Because of the thinness of the castings there is great detail to the subject matter of these banks. Spelter banks...
Category
1920s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Spelter
Vintage Toy Wind-Up "Johnny" The Dancing Clown by Lindstrom Toy Co., Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a hard to find pre war vintage, Made in America wind up tin toy by The Lindstrom Toy Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut, circa 1928-1932. The action is fabulous; when wound ...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
American Salesman Sample Late 19th C. Wooden Hay Wagon
Located in Incline Village, NV
SALESMAN SAMPLE: Late 19th C. American (4) wheeled hand carved all wooden horse drawn hay wagon, in excellent condition with original gold stenciling to carr...
Category
1890s American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
1920
s German Airplane Penny Toy by Kellerman (Mounted on Marx "Lucky Stunt")
Located in Incline Village, NV
Great item for toy collectors and those who collect aeronautical items. Being offered is a very rare German Penny Toy from the 1920’s, manufactured by the well known, and quality toy...
Category
1920s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Pair of Reindeer Antique Still Banks, American, circa 1910
Located in Incline Village, NV
These two authentic cast iron antique still banks depict a large reindeer and a smaller one standing nearby. Together, they make a wonderful Christ...
Category
1910s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
1930s Austrian Horse Toy
By Craft and Folk Art Museum
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Beautiful 1930s Austrian horse toy. Wonderful patina.
Category
1920s Austrian Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Bentwood
$2,800
"George The Drummer Boy" Tin windup Toy by Louis Marx, New York City. Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
This circa 1930 "George, Drummer Boy" brightly colored lithographed tin wind-up toy capitalizes on the popularity of marching bands, spawned from the military and World War I victory...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Vintage Cast Iron Book of Knowledge Mechanical Bank, Punch
Judy, 20th Century
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hand-painted cast iron mechanical bank "Punch and Judy Bank."
A vintage book of knowledge Punch & Judy mechanical bank offers polychrome cast cons...
Category
Early 20th Century Taiwanese Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
Antique French Marionette
Located in Houston, TX
We found this wonderful 19th century French marionette in Rouen France. The puppet, and its art form, have been a mainstay of French cultural life f...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Antique German Folk Art Spun Cotton Wool Santa Claus Ornament Doll Figurine
Located in Dayton, OH
Large antique German spun cotton wool Santa Claus Christmas ornament doll with hand painted composition face.
Measure: 9".
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Ceramic, Wool, Cotton
$325 Sale Price
30% Off
19th Century Child
s Platform Rocking Horse "Glider". American. Circa 1875
Located in Incline Village, NV
Of American manufacture, circa 1875, this authentic children's platform rocking horse "glider" is hand carved of hard wood, and has a hand craft...
Category
1870s American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood, Leather
Marx "Wonder Cyclist" American Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
Marx "Wonder Cyclist" is the earlier version of this wind-up "Boy on a Tricycle" toy; and not to be confused with the later version by Unique Art called "Kiddy Cyclist". This toy featured is MUCH more rare and more sought after by collectors of early tin wind up toys...
Category
1830s American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Wooden Hand Crafted Trench Folk Art Toy Castle Medieval Knight, German, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Offered is an absolutely stunning toy castle, it is a beautiful example of early 20th century trench folk art, German handmade craft. The architectural detailing in the crenellated t...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
English Jigger Doll
Located in London, GB
English Jigger Doll
We are proud to offer an early 20th century hand carved folk art English jigger doll example. Carved from pine and joined with brass supports. Jig dolls are traditional wooden or tin-plate ‘toys’ for adults or children. Obtained from a private collection in London and untouched in form with all its original featured intact. They are dolls with loose limbs that step dance...
Category
1920s British Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Pine
$1,707
Sheep Shepherd Grulich Christmas Nativity Figure Lot, mid 19th Century Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Antique Grulich Nativity Figures — Late 19th Century Shepherd, mid 19th Century Sheep
This rare and culturally significant set of nativity figures originates from the his...
Category
Late 19th Century Czech Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
"Cat Boat" Mechanical Toy Penny Bank, American, circa 1968
By Utexiqual Products
Located in Incline Village, NV
In near mint and all original condition this vintage mechanical bank appeals to both sailing enthusiasts and bank collectors; perhaps a collector of "cat" memorabelia as well. The theme depicts two sailors riding their boat in full sail. It is quite substantial in both size and weight. To operate, (with the lever pushed all the way in from the left); place a coin vertically above the left arm of the sailor in red; from the right; push the lever all the way in. The sail and Boom hits the sailor, knocking him over as the coin drops into the bank. The other sailor moves forward while manning the tiller.
The bank is named "Cat Boat...
Category
1960s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Aluminum, Iron, Tin
1920s Harold Lloyd Litho Tin Toy
Located in Peekskill, NY
This rare pre- WW II German made tin toy is seldom seen.
Lloyd, Harold (Clayton) (1893–1971), U.S. movie comedian. Performing his own hair-raising stunts, ...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Rare Antique Wooden Child
s Ride on Wooden Toy Boat by Nautilus Toy Co. London
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare antique wooden child's ride on wooden toy boat by Nautilus Toy Co. London wonderful Folk Art object. 1920s ride on toy made by the Nautilus Toy Compan...
Category
1920s English Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
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 Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
"Boy Riding An Alligator" Vintage Wind-Up Toy by J. Chein Co., N.J., Circa 1935
By J. Chein
Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
Manufactured circa 1935 by The J. Chein Company in Harrison, New Jersey, this vintage tin toy, when wound up, depicts a young boy in islander garb, trying to ride an alligator who da...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Little Wooden Horse, Pull-Along and Rocker A superb folk art piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Little Wooden Horse, Pull-Along and Rocker
A superb folk art piece, home made and a very clever construction, he is made in pine with a real mane and tail.
The horse has normal bow ...
Category
1930s Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Pine
Early Vintage Chein Company All Tin Toy Wind-Up Limousine, American, Circa 1930
By J. Chein
Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is one of the earlier, New York City based, J. Chein Company, tin toy pieces. They started doing lithography in 1930.
This toy wind-up sedan was made circa 1930 and is brightly ...
Category
1930s American Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
American Pottery Pig Bank, Circa 1880
s
Located in Incline Village, NV
American pottery still bank in the shape of a pig, used for saving coins (usually pennies) to encourage children the importance of thrift. Pottery still banks are somewhat scarce since the typical way to remove coins was to smash the bank open, albeit, with this particular example, perhaps a knife was used for coin removal (note the wear to the coin slot---see images) or perhaps the additional wear is also from many coins having been deposited.
The bank is in good all original condition , from an unknown potter (unmarked) circa 1880's, and probably a variant of #633 "Two Toned Pig" in Andy Moore's "The Penny Bank Book" written in 1984 when collecting pottery banks...
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Pottery
Pig
Chimney Sweep Lucky Charm, Candy Secret Chamber Container, Antique, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful golden pig candy container or container with secret chamber. Made from white metal, hand painted with cold paint like the bronze Vienna minia...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
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 Toys and Dolls
Materials
Fabric
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 Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
Lot of Five Deer
Hunter Putz Toy Antique German Erzgebirge Christmas 1880s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of five Putz stick-legged Deers and a Hunter. 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 deers with dust covered body. The animals have a sturdy stick leg construction, with all of them having their original stick legs and have not been repaired. The Measurements given in the dimensions section refers to the Hunter figure. This extraordinary set dates from around 1880 - 1890s 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 Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
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 Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
19th C Original Painted Checkerboard Game Board
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C original painted checkerboard game board. Board has great Grungy paint. Great Pitina.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
$1,596 Sale Price
20% Off
Collection of Pig
Chimney Sweep Lucky Charm Figurines, Antique Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful collection of golden rabbit, pig and Chimney Sweep lucky charm figurines. Made from white metal, pewter or composition (putz) and hand painte...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition, Metal
Beautiful Santa Claus Figure Vintage German Christmas
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare "walking" Santa figure with a tree in his hand. Nice beard and moveable arms. Glitter on the ground symbolized the snow. Velvet clothing. Not a ...
Category
1930s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
Rare Original Cody Foster Folk Art Pink Wool Rabbit Easter Bunny Doll Strawberry
Located in Dayton, OH
One of Cody Fosters early original works. Folk art style stuffed animal figurine in the form of a pink rabbit wearing a bow tie and holding a yellow velvet...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wool, Velvet, Plaster, Paint
$245 Sale Price
30% Off
Set of Three Vintage Duck Easter Candy Container Bobble Head, German, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A Collection of three German Easter candy containers made of cardboard, bobble heads and some other parts.
Candy box made of cardboard. Nice ad...
Category
1950s German Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Japanese Puzzle Bank Portrays A Building Bank "National Savings Bank" Circa 1948
Located in Incline Village, NV
Quite an unusual piece for bank collectors or just for those seeking a unique collectible. This is a coin bank made of all wood; walnut and inlay here and there with a green painted ...
Category
1940s Japanese Vintage Folk Art Toys and Dolls
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 Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
$956 Sale Price
20% Off
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 Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
19th C Original Painted Checkerboard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C Original painted checkerboard.
Category
19th Century American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood, Paint
$780 Sale Price
20% Off
"Billiken" Cast Iron Still Bank, American, Circa 1909
Located in Incline Village, NV
Original "Billiken" cast iron still bank patented in 1908 by Florence Pretz (patent number on the back in raised letters "NO39BO3". It was manufa...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
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 Toys and Dolls
Materials
Composition
"Peg-Leg Beggar" Mechanical Bank, American, circa 1880
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Peg-leg Beggar" 19th century cast iron mechanical bank was probably inspired by the many disabled Civil War veterans begging for their subsistence. The bank was manufactured by the ...
Category
1880s American Antique Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Iron
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 Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Folk Art toys and dolls for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique folk art toys and dolls for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage toys and dolls created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art toys and dolls made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 toys and dolls differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $475 and tops out at $2,800 while the average work can sell for $1,388.
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