Centenary Parade Apron, 1790-1890

We love anything that has Stars & Stripes, and we love anything that is a piece of American textile history. And so it was only natural that we were immediately drawn to this wonderful parade apron. This original full-sized apron was made and worn in the parades for the American Cotton Centennial. The apron features cameo portraits of Samuel Slater, father of the Industrial Revolution in America, and pictures of his mill, along with stars and stripes. A parade apron (dare we even think it may have been this parade apron??) was included in the Cotton Centenary Exhibition at the Smithsonian Institute. Treadle stitched throughout; in lovely condition with the merest bit of fade to the lower front near the hem. 35"L with a waistband of 32 1/4" end to end. An exciting piece from an exciting segment of American history. It looks marvelous hanging from a peg rack! Reference: "The Cotton Centennial 1790-1890", Robert Grieve & John Fernald, Publ. J.A. & R.A. Reid, 1891. Need more pictures? We've got lots of them. Need some answers? We've got them, too. Email or call anytime.

$425.00

Wagon Wheels Quilt ~ Pennsylvania c1900

Winter is right around the corner...time to stock your cupboard shelves with good cozy American quilts. This thick, warm Wagon Wheels quilt is from Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania and dates to the turn of the last century. All original and made of assorted wools and cottons, the quilt has deep rich colors. Compass-like embroidered decoration on the blue coins at the corners of each block are delightful. Hand tied; hand embroidered; 75" X 76" and quite heavy. In clean, sturdy, presentable condition, ready to be nestled under. Have questions? Want more pictures? Email anytime!

$600.00

Ex-Exhibition Pewter Whale Oil Lamp, c1810

A handsome whale oil lamp dating to c1800-1820. The touchmark is of a full-body angel, a sign of quality. That mark together with the impressed word PROBZINN places this lamp as having most likely come from the southern part of Germany. Stands just under 10" tall. There is some period repair work to the base of the lamp where it meets the stem, to the base of the spout and to where the handle is joined to the body. There is a small hole in the spout, visible in our picture. Exhibition/collection labels remain on the base. Want more pictures? Have questions? Email anytime!

$95.00

New England Sheraton-Style Looking Glass, c1820-40

An authentic and early New England eglomise or reverse paint looking glass with its original hand painted panel at the top. Framed in wood with turned half-round pilasters in original black paint with gilding that is very nicely worn. Attached gilt bull's eye corners, one bull's eye missing. Original silvered looking glass that has tiny black age spotting throughout, but gives a good reflection. Original single board backing slightly warped at bottom. The paint on the top panel has some minimal flake and lift to it. Dry, oxidized, age toned surface, and gilt worn from handling give this looking glass a warm, charismatic, primitive presence. Have questions? Want more pictures? Email anytime!

$350.00

Fine Old Homespun Wool Blanket, Signed, c1860s

Please don't think summer is not the time to buy wool, especially wonderful, American homespun wool in a fine blanket that dates to our Civil War era, the 1860s. Our blanket is among the best, from New England and signed with the maker's and/or owners' initials MER. Two hand loomed panels are center-stitched, and vegetable dyed threads are unfaded and retain their original bold color. Blanket stitched in indigo blue at the top and bottom edges. Mild age wear to the edge and blanket stitching, and a few scattered holes, no more than 3 or 4, and very small, one being less than 1/4" X 1/8", and the largest, near the initials, 3/4" X 3/8". Easy to mend, if you desire. No rips, tears, stains, odors. So beautifully made, we think this homespun blanket qualifies as Folk Art. Actual colors are an earthy red, a cream or ecru-white and the indigo blue. 62" X 91" and very cozy. Have questions? Want more pictures? Email anytime.

$195.00

Dolly's Quilt Top In Cotton, Early 20thC

A sweet little quilt top made of red and white rough-woven cotton remnants. Treadle-stitched and a little lopsided. 13 3/4" X 13 1/2". Looks swell at the foot of a doll bed. We promise your dolls will love to nestle under it. Just ask them.

$40.00

Grain Painted Doll Bed, Corn Husk Mattress, c1880

A good-sized doll bed for a good-sized doll. Dynamic turnings to the four posts and fluid carving to the head and foot boards. Although in our picture the bed looks black, it is deep brown grain paint. The finish is old, old, old and gives a very dark appearance. Side rails have grooves for the slats; most slats are present. Super-duper corn husk mattress made with ticking and with a sweet buttoned opening, should you want to take out the husks and put in some feathers, or stash your cash or your gold and diamonds for safe-keeping. Two early pillows that came with the bed are included. 20"L X 13"H X 11"D. Your doll will love it. So will your teddy bear. You'll be delighted, as well! Have questions? Want more pictures? Email anytime. We'd love to hear from you.

$275.00

Cut Silhouette With Gilding, c1830

One of the finest silhouettes we've seen, of the most gracefully posed subject. Dating to the 1830s, the piece is a cut silhouette with gilding accenting the figure. Superbly done and exquisitely detailed. Mounted behind glass and an acid-free mat in an antique ebonized wooden frame with a gilt interior surround. 6 1/2" X 6" framed.

$495.00

Pennsylvania Painted Tin Document Box, c1850

A handsome document box, large size for all your important documents. From Pennsylvania, this piece dates to the mid-19th century. The original paint was covered by an early shellac, either at the time of painting or later within that period. This finish has alligatored with time, leaving the piece with a crackled finish and preserving the rich colors beautifully. With its original lock clasp and interior chain; in very good condition. Although due to the camera flash this box looks shiny in our picture, it is not at all shiny in real life. It has a flat matte appearance. 13 1/2"L X 7"D X 8 3/4"T. Want more pictures? Have any questions? Please email us.

$525.00

The Rooster Spice Box, c1870s

A delightful taste of Americana, this spice box is a wall mount and dates to c1870s-80s. Early red paint is over the original cream paint and the interior is sectioned into three spice compartments. Cocky little roosters push at the lollipop hanger. Cotter pin hinges and 19th century nails and lots of personality! 9"> X 4 1/4"D > 7 3/4"T. Want more pictures? Need more answers? Email anytime!

$575.00

School Girl Redwork Pillow Sham, c1820

A classic American schoolgirl embroidery from c1820, this is a sweet redwork white muslin pillow sham. This sort of sham sits atop a pillow. An exceptional find...they so rarely lasted the generations. Hand chain-stitched with a herringbone embroidered border. In attic condition with two 1/4" X 1/2" frayed holes in one corner, scattered foxing and a few age spots to the border. A piece well worth restoration, or to use as it is because of its simple American heritage and beauty. 26" X 31". Have lots of questions? Want lots of pictures? Please email us anytime; we'd be happy to hear from you.

$125.00

Roses In Peacock Feathers, c1900

A charming hand-hooked wool rug from Berks County, Pennsylvania. Dating to c1900, nice graphics, nice color. To us, the central flower looks as if its petals are peacock feathers, each with a stemmed rose within. A bit rough around the edges, but at 100+ years old, who wouldn't be? As nice on the back as on the front. 34" X 20 1/2". Have lots of questions? Want lots of pictures? Please email us anytime; we'd be happy to hear from you.

$195.00

A Very Long (And Old) New Hampshire Rug

19th century, from New Hampshire, this runner is 23' long and 33 1/2" wide. We bought it from the home of a local Americana & Shaker collector. She included this rug in her collection as having been made by the Canterbury Shaker community. We have no paperwork regarding this, so we call it our New Hampshire rug, not our Canterbury Shaker rug. The rug is in really good, sturdy and clean condition with the occasional scattered age flaw. It's really wonderful. And really long! (Ref: SHAKER TEXTILE ARTS, Gordon, New England Press) Have lots of questions? Want lots of pictures? Please email us anytime; we'd be happy to hear from you.

$285.00

Triangular Trivet, 17th - 18th Century

From England, dating to the late 17th/early 18th century. A rare large size trivet for pots and pans by the fire. The iron surface is black from genuine age and delamination. 13 1/2"W X 2 1/2"H. This piece has a powerful presence and is in very fine condition. Have lots of questions? Want lots of pictures? Please email us anytime; we'd be happy to hear from you.

$275.00

The Paris Coaster

A delightful painted wooden Paris Coaster child's wagon, dating to the late 19th century. Wooden wheels with forged iron rims (one rim missing) and a pull handle. All original surface, paint and stenciling. A printed stamp on the bottom reads PARIS MANUFACTURING CO., SOUTH PARIS, ME, U.S.A. NO._13, the first numbers being obscured by age. The Paris Manu. Co. was founded in Maine by Henry Morton in 1861, and has produced items of enviable and lasting quality. Condition of our wagon is good with paint on one side strong, the other side faded. Honest wear to the wagon, appropriate for a well-loved toy. The wheels and axle work smoothly. 32"L X 15"D X 14 1/2"H, with a 25" pull handle. Need more pictures? Need answers to questions? Email anytime!

$650.00