(Sold) Nice earlier 19th century firkin in original indigo blue paint. This bucket stands 9 1/2" high. Diameter is 9 1/2" across the lid and 10" across the bottom. The firkin is in sturdy condition with all the original nails intact in the tapered fingers. The surface show appropriate wear from age and use. There are some minor losses to the lip of the lid also from use as opposed to abuse. Condition and appealing color makes this a great piece on its own or added to a stack.

This 19th century game board is country in its purest form. Handmade and hand painted, it is somewhat bold, but its simple composition gives the checkerboard its country appeal. A dry barn red background is complimented with trim in deep dark green at either end with alternating black squares at the center. This classic American piece is just 14" wide and 24" tall. Size makes it easy to display virtually anywhere. Original surface and condition makes it real!

Small 19th century bentwood box. This piece stands a mere 1 5/8" high. It is 3" in diameter across the lid. Although these small boxes are not uncommon, it is the painted examples such as this one that receive the most attention. This small box from a New England collection is offered in the best original condition. Of course it is the original vivid red paint that gives this little gem its appeal. The dry surface shows only normal and expected wear for such a box approaching 150 years in age.

19th century Pennsylvania basket in original green paint. Color and construction make this a visually pleasing piece. The oval rim measures 18"x15" and tapers to an 11" square bottom. The carved handle is 11" high. It is in excellent condition. This basket was likely made for gathering fruits or vegetables. The open weave at the base allowed the produce to be rinsed while still in the basket. This also gave the green paint its appealing washed surface. The handle is stamped 'N MOULTON'.

(Sold) A single picture is all it takes to see this wheel of fortune is special! Found in Indiana, the game board dates to the late 19th century. It is made of 2 thick pine board with 2 wood cleats on the reverse attached with screws and square nails. This game wheel is minimal yet vibrant due to the spectacular chrome yellow background. This compelling color is complimented with green embellishments creating a simple yet sophisticated game board. This is the 'Art of the Game' at its best!

Small 19th century bench found in Illinois. Measuring just 14" by 8" by 8" overall, a little footstool such as this is referred to as a cricket bench. These small benches were common in early American homes. They functioned in many ways and were often set in front of the fire for keeping one's feet off the cold floor. Adding extra appeal to this piece is the crazed original paint and wide mortise joint fixing the feet to the top. This wonderful early bench is sturdy and original in every way.

19th century wall box in dry ivory paint. This simple homemade box is constructed of 5 small hand planed boards held together with early nails. The box itself is 7" by 9" square and is 5" deep. These dimensions make it quite functional. The folky tombstone back is 11" top to bottom giving the wall box its pleasing form. Each edge of the piece has been rounded softening the box's overall appearance. This simple yet functional piece is perfect in any country room.

We are pleased to offer this double sided game board dating c.1880-90. This dovetailed 'book style' piece measures near 17" square. A pleasing 3-color chessboard decorates the outside, while a finely painted 5-color backgammon game decorates the inside. Adding to the appealing design of the backgammon game is the sophisticated palette used in its creation. This Pennsylvania piece is original in every way making it that much more important. It is a great example of 'the art of the game'.

Small painted bucket complete with its original lid. This sweet little bucket was made anywhere from the late 19th century to early 20th century. Such buckets were common around the house serving a variety of functions. This piece stands 6 3/4" tall with the lid in place. It is 8 3/4" across the lid. This is our first bucket in many years to have its original lid. This and the original ivory paint sets it apart. Small staved buckets of various sizes and colors make wonderful collections!

(Sold) Hingham, MASS has long been associated with the making of early woodenware. This 12 1/2" tall firkin in original deep green paint is marked 'GARDNER - HINGHAM MA' on the lid and is the tallest of the Hingham firkins we've owned. The tapered handle and chamfered fingers are characteristics of these Massachusetts buckets. This is a sturdy firkin showing normal wear to the surface and minor age related imperfections. On its own or as the base of a stack, this is a great early firkin.

We are pleased to make available this 19th century pantry box recently found in western New York state. Apart from a slight bend across the lid, this household piece is in the best possible condition with no losses, cracks, or repairs. Great on a shelf or in a stack, the box is 7 1/4" in diameter and 3 3/4" deep. This bentwood box is made of maple and pine. Giving it appeal is the original dry dove grey paint. Seen in the thin surface are brush strokes and only minor age related wear.

(Sold) Early egg basket from upstate New York. This smaller 19th century country piece measures 8" by 9" and stands 11" to the carved handle. Adding to the basket's charm is the original green paint including an undisturbed 'barn' surface. Besides color and condition, the basket also has a wonderful form with a round rim and square base. The piece has no breaks or losses with only expected wear to the paint. This is the perfect size basket for hanging on a tree or sitting on a shelf.

(Sold) Found in an old Maine collection, this 19th century oval box is an example of early American woodenware. Construction suggests this box may have been made in Hingham, MASS also known as 'bucket town'. Measuring 5 7/8" by 4 1/4" across the lid, the small box is just 2" tall. Of course the original blue paint gives this example undeniable appeal. The surface is original as is the condition overall. There is a single old sliver missing in the lid where a wood peg attaches the rim.

The graphics of a simple country backgammon game are some of the most compelling in game boards. Backgammon was popular during the 19th century Victorian period. As a result hand painted versions were often fancy reflecting the Victorian style. Country versions from the 19th century like this one from Massachusett's eastern shore are particularly compelling. This book style piece measures 17"x18". The dry white background is enhanced with points painted in black and bittersweet.

Colorful painted firkins have always appealed to us. As all firkins are simply staved buckets, it is the paint and color that gets us excited. Such is this small firkin in unusual original cherry red paint. This 19th century bucket stands 7 1/2" tall. It is 7 1/2" at the lid and 8 1/4" at the base. There is a very old loss to the lip of the lid. This can be found with a closer look at the pictures. Although there, it does little to distract from the beauty of this early painted firkin.

(Sold) Wooden doll's chair in original condition. Dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, this small toy chair stands just 10 1/2" tall. It is 6" across and 5" deep overall. There's no doubt the chair's beautifully worn original blue paint gives this piece its individual appeal. Although appearance indicates the toy entertained its owner for hours, this sweet little chair is original and remains as sturdy as the day it was made. This is the perfect chance for you to 'have a seat'!

The best way to describe this 6" by 4" 19th century oval box from New York state is it's just a plain honest household piece. Although sound and solid in constriction, it shows wear that only comes from everyday use. Beginning with the original deep rich green painted surface that shows brush strokes and even a fingerprint, to the particular wear on one end from repeatedly removing the tight lid, this is just the real thing. Color and character make it a worthy piece for a collection of boxes.

(Sold) Wonderful bail handle pantry box purchased from an old New England collection. This 19th century box is fresh to the market. Condition and the original robins egg blue paint work together to make this a most desirable bentwood box. It is typical in size measuring 11 1/2" in diameter and 6 1/2" tall. Simply enjoyed by itself or added to a collection of early painted boxes, this classic piece of early Americana stands on its own bringing warmth to any interior from modern to country.

We were first taken by the original bittersweet color of this box. Next we were taken by its form and small size. Just 15" by 10" by 7" overall. But after one look inside we were sold! This gentleman's box with an arced top was specifically made for carrying shirts, stiff collars, and cuffs. From the Albany, NY area, the newspaper inside dates 1838. The box is made of pine with early cut nails. It is in remarkable original condition. Only the cloth strap securing the lid has been replaced.

Vintage pressed metal rooster sign right off the farm. Early 20th century. Made from a piece of sheet iron, the edges have dulled indicating its age as does the colorful crusty surface most likely achieved from years of hanging outside on the barn or henhouse. This little chicken measures just 10" across and 11" tall. Made purely for decoration more than a 100 years ago, it continues to bring a bit of old country charm wherever it's hung today.

(Sold) 19th century bucket from New England. This sturdy bucket is in great original condition. It is made with oak staves. Original iron bands remain intact as does the wire bail handle, which is attached with unusual hardware. The bucket is 12 1/2" tall and 10" across the mouth, Making all this special is the original dry bittersweet paint. Although this was likely made for carrying water, its decorative possibilities and multiple uses in a country home are innumerable!

(Sold) We are pleased to offer this delightful 19th century miniature basket in original blue paint. Measuring just 5" square and 4" high, this piece is in the best original condition. It features a heavy well developed god's eye at each side of the bentwood handle. The single wrap remains fully intact along the rim. Adding to the appealing form of this basket are the noticeably higher ends as well as its round mouth and square bottom. Like it blue? Like it small? This basket has it all!

Classic game board from New York state. This early appealing game board is painted in 3 quiet colors of Spanish brown, black, and brick red. The piece likely dates from the 3rd quarter of the 19th century. A chess/checkerboard on one side is backed by the game of fox and geese on the reverse. The game board is made from one 12" square pine board. It set in a 1 1/4" wide frame attached with early square nails. The game board is 13" square overall and is in crisp original paint and condition.

This beautiful 19th century bail handle pantry box is a New England find. The box is large measuring 14 1/2" in diameter. It is 5 1/2" deep. Although the box has no lid, what remains is just as pretty and most functional. The larger size of this piece makes it useful in many ways, not the least of which is a country centerpiece filled with whatever suits your fancy! Wherever it sits or however it's used, the appeal of this early blue bail handle box is undeniable.

(Sold) This 19th century solitaire game board was found in Pennsylvania. Measuring just 9" square, the various geometric shapes resulting from the game's design work to create a most interesting game board. General Grant was said to have played this game to the extent it is referred to as 'The Grant Marble Board'. The solitaire game is similar in design to the early game of "Fox & Geese'. This example in 4 different colors is offered in excellent original condition.

This 4-color sign was found in Connecticut. It was most likely used to advertise a tourist camp along the early 20th century New England roadside. The sign was painted on an old salvaged pit sawed pine board measuring 19" by 9". Besides its appealing message and arrow, the fact that it was painted in 4 colors raises the sign to the next level. It is offered in excellent and original paint and condition. Small size and colorful presence makes this a great sign for enjoying wherever it's hung.

Homemade game boards were typically made with one thing in mind; to be played. The actual "Art of the Game' was left to the maker. This example dating c.1900 is made of wood laminate measuring 19" by 31" including the narrow frame. It's likely the checkerboard came first as the cleats are on the reverse. At some point a wonderful Parcheesi game was added to the back. It is this game that makes the board special. Using varying shades of mustard and yellow, the alligatored surface is the best!

(Sold) Two drawer chest found in upstate New York. This small country chest has appealing form, surface, and size. It measures just 10 1/2" by 8 1/2" by 15 1/2" overall. Easily dating to 1840, it is in excellent as found condition. The original red paint has alligatored nicely giving the piece character. The chest features dovetailed drawers, delicately turned feet, and a pleasing cupid's bow backsplash. Size makes this little chest easy to place. The capacity of the drawers makes it functional.

Fresh to the market from an old collection, we are happy to make available once again this 19th century Pennsylvania splint basket. Woven in the traditional melon shape, this early piece is in excellent original condition with a single minor loss to the rim. This is visible in the top left image. The basket measures approximately 13" by 14" and stands 12" to the thick bentwood handle. The original grey paint shows appropriate wear with the best dry surface and a desirable overall craquelure.

Pennsylvania pumpkin painted checkerboard. A date of 1929 is scratched into the reverse side of this 1/2" thick pine board. The board is 16" by 14" square. Colors of orange and black are combined to create this simple yet vividly colored game board. It is offered in original condition with a nice dry alligatored surface. Adding dimension to the checkerboard is the faux mitered frame created by the alternating orange and black border. It's not 'pumpkin spice' but we think it's just as nice!