Easily one of the most enigmatic pieces of pottery that I’ve ever seen. An unglazed red ware bookend with what appears to be a black man (circa 1920/30) sitting crossed legged with a pot on his lap and one behind. The tool marks and pattern that surround him seem to mimic a kiln/fireplace.
Scribed at the bottom in print I AM A POTTER. Measures 6″ tall and 6″ wide. The image shows great detail, the edges of the bookend are raw. $225.
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Found in a 19thc funeral home here in Western PA, an exceptionally rare chill chest – likely to transport a body across the rails back home. Galvanized tin coffin, with copper overlay on the lid. Thumb tightened screw locks every few inches held the lid in place. Likely c1900, maybe a touch earlier. There is period writing on the lid that while very hard to make out clearly reads “prepaid” and “return to” among other words. Important study piece to the timeline of the early funeral industry. Measures 78″ x 22″ x 11″. Missing one thumbscrew mechanism. $295.
 Galvanized Tin & Copper Dome Top |
Say it With Printing
Great old trade sign! Probably 1930s. Heavy cardstock / masonite painted over in orange, blue and white to read “Say it with Printing – Dance Tickets – Business Cards.” Image measures 22″ x 24″. Is in original frame, which I believe was used as the top of a cabinet door. There’s a latch on one edge still. Overall measures 32″ x 36.” Killer display piece. Two bumps to sign, $95.
 Hand Stenciled Pair of 40s/50s NO PARKING FUNERAL blockades. Both in bright yellow paint with black stenciling, one reads “J.H.J” on the ends and the other “Police Dept.” Each measures 40″ long, 19″ high and 14″ wide. Stable but certainly with some wear and chips over the years, great display. Entirely made of wood – nice age. $135. |
Circus or carnival equipment trunk, for hauling spotlights, paint decorated with elephants and tigers in red, white and blue! Measures 50″ long, 13″ deep and 17″ high. Very sturdy wood and iron construction that was probably 1940s and repainted in the 1950s/early 60s. It is webbed inside to hold spots in place with a chain that closes the front. This trunk does have two heavy cracks to the top, and I think I know why. I think this doubled as an animal stand. $195.
I like to handle only one of a kind things, and I can be certain that these fall right in my niche. A pair of canvas screenprinted banners (white, with black trimmed red lettering) that measure 26″ high by 120″ long (each) x 2. Reads: Walter L. Main 3 Ring. The Walter L. Main circus operated on and off from the 1880s up to the 1940s, I’d pretty much guarantee these are 1930s/early 1940s. These are absolutely classic, railroad car advertising banners to drape outside the show’s cars as they traveled. Own a little piece of an iconic dustbowl era scene here. Here’s what looks to have happened, they look to have been printed “Erie Litho” (a recognized circus poster printer) as back ups and never used. They clearly saw water damage to the bottom – perhaps 10″ – years ago. Would frame beautifully, or clean them up and hang as they are. The top 2/3rds looks to be new old stock, and the bottom 1/3 has some canvas flaking and staining. SOLD.
Plaster casting of a Crocodile’s jaw/snout that measures 31″ long by 10″ wide and approx 10″ tall. It appears to be from the 1930s or 40s based on the paint and the aging. I was told that it was de-accessioned at auction by a local college, with a fine history. There is very little damage to it given the age, just some very minor chipping (mostly just to the paint, not to plaster itself in most cases) along the edges. Does have a museum or college collection number painted on the jaw. $195.
I honestly cannot date this piece, but am guessing that its the first part of the 20thc – carved of a fruitwood obviously. Absolutely stunning death mask representation of Ludwig van Beethoven with menacing creases around the eye and puff to the cheeks…the detail is incredible, particularly because of the height of the relief. He measures 12″ wide by 12″ high, but the relief actually stands 3″ at its deepest, away from the wall – quite imposing. Every bit is carved beautifully, to include his wild hair. Please see photos, the piece is a bit darker in reality – because the flash lights it up, there is also more depth in real life…very hard to describe, I can simply say that it will not disappoint and I’ve never seen another like it. Ready to hang. $150.
Purchased in SWPA, his provenance is West Virginia. Stands 45″ tall and approximately 11 round, very impressive visage. I’d date him to the 1930s or 40s at the latest, the split in the tree trunk base and the wear on his varnish shows at least that much age. Striking piece, with damage to the pipe, arm and scythe. As with all folk art, who cares, you can’t have another;) $395.
