Rare African American Pipe of Southern Origin

African American Pipe $ 1,400

Rare African American pipe fully carved and portraying a small child caught in the jaws of an alligator. The work, by an African American wood carver, is a true gem and dates from the 1920's-30's time period. The piece was found in Georgia, but is likely to have come from a Gulf state due to the subject matter and the well rendered likeness of the  alligator. The piece has a nice patina and is in good condition considering its age. It should be noted that the pipe has never been used and the hollow bone stem has been broken. Such personal items, like this, are labors of love reflecting the regard the carver has for his work. The pipe is mounted on a museum stand and measures 9" by 9" by 3"

Outstanding Antique American Birdhouse

American Bird house 10" x 9.5" x 8"

A rare and unusual American birdhouse found on the Eastern Shore of Virginia more than 20 year's ago. Entirely hand made by a member of the Coard family, the piece is shown in as found condition. From the collection of a noted private collector in Richmond, this piece was featured in an exhibition of Raised Panel Furniture of Virginia at the Chrysler Museum, Norfolk. The birdhouse bares the distinctive style of 18th C. homes often found  on the Eastern Shore. A true gem and a piece that would enhance any collection.

1940's round table, probably handcrafted.

1940'sTable 22" high x 22" top $ 685

This table, dating from the 1940's, is supported on a tripod base made of cut and fitted plywood, then attached to the top which is covered in painted streatched canvass. The piece is bound with a wide section of hammered copper, held into place with carved wooded fasteners. The piece is in, as found, condition and is as sturdy as the day it was conceived. The only mar is an old cigarette burn on the top, visable in the photograph. A truly visual piece.

1920's Painted steel medical examining table-Fantastic!

This fantastic piece was discovered at a local gallery, Lewis Trimble Decorative Arts & Antiques. The piece was mentioned in an earlier blog. It is shown in, as found condition, but it is soon going to be stripped and buffed to perfection. The piece is of steel construction with nickle plated adjusting knobs (See close-up) and still has the original caster wheels. I thought it would make a great bar, maybe a library table stacked with books, or you could attend medical school and open up your own practice...

Great salesman's sample from the 1950's

Salesman sample 15" x 11" x 14" $850

A great small scale salesman's sample chair dating from the 1950's. It measures 13" at the back and is upholestered in a fine grain black leather. I ran across this about a year-and-a half ago at a friends gallery, Lewis Trimble Decorative Arts & Antiques. Lewis always has prime goodies to tempt you. It was at his gallery that I found a great 1920-30's medical examining table.

A great find I discovered

Fish plaque 27" x 10.5" x 4" $ 825

Not being a freshwater fisherman, trout seemed to appeal to me more on a plate then on the end of a line, but not this one. Walking through a local mall I spotted this beauty tucked on the lower shelf of a bookcase. It is completly handcarved and painted. It shows a trout lying on a bed of carved stream rocks mounted on a shapped board and is signed by the artist on the back. It was a great visual and knowing that a lot of guys are into fishing, I had to have have it...Just shows you what you can find when you're not even looking. 

Some on my own work you might be interested in seeing. Repurposed bits and pieces...

'Solar Calendar' This was shown hiding behind the black retro sofa...

Solar Calandar 42" x 65" 9.5" $3,500

'Cat Face' 18th C wrought iron grill I enearthed and stuck on a block.

Cat Face 28" x  6" $935 

'Top Hat' Old foundry patterns given a new life...Yes, you've seen it before.

Top Hat 27" x 12" x 12" $1200

Group of old European washboards on stands. Great visuals...Looks tribal. 

Set of 5 paddles tallest 29" $925

'Static Ball' Looks very Zen...Like one hand clapping. 

Static Ball 30.5" x 6.5" $1,050

'Oil Cans' A mix of a red folk art stool and a group of great cans and funnels.

Oil Cans 12" x 10" x 17" $735

'Totem' No, not African, just a super old pattern found in England.

Totem 45" tall $945

'Race Day' Game board with horses at each corner, plus cast iron horse toy.

Race Day 30" x 2.5"  $2,300 

'Stevedore Trilogy' Wire plant stand, child's red hand cart and carnival game pins.

Stevedore Trillogy 57" x 11" x 11"  $725