(Sold) There's always a first time! This interesting kitchen piece is from Iowa. We liked it for the wonderful original paint and intrigued by its unusual small design. This is a unique wheat mill from the 19th century. Grain dropped in the hopper was milled as the wheel turned clockwise (see arrow) filling the drawer with flour. Measuring 9" tall, it is 7" end to end. The total width is 8" to the wheel's handle. The mill is made of brass, cast iron, and a wooden dovetailed case.

This exceptional wall box was recently purchased from a long time New England collector. It is constructed of thin hand planed pine assembled with square and wire nails. The piece likely dates 4th quarter 19th century at the latest. Besides its appealing original surface, the form of this example makes it even better! The tall near 24" high back may have been used for scrubbing given the wear? The box itself measures 9" by 3 1/2" by 6 1/2" deep. The wall box is in original as found condition.

Cricket bench from Maine. This little bench from the earlier 19th century measures just 11 1/4" by 6" square and 6" tall. Little footstools like this were commonplace in early colonial homes most often found in front of the fireplace. This stick leg example is offered in sturdy original condition. Setting this cricket bench apart is its appealing color. The wonderful surface is a result of old indigo blue over original red showing just the right amount of wear.

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'.

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!

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.

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 19th century cricket bench with exuberantly shaped skirt and feet. 11 1/2" x 7" x 7". The surface is old dry black over original red. It is made from pine assembled with square nails. Particularly appealing are the shapely oversized feet with heart cutouts in between. Although well over 100 years later, this little stool has the feel of an earlier William and Mary style. This sweet little bench was no doubt influenced by different styles yet fits in comfortably with any country interior.

Smaller oil paintings have always been a favorite of ours. This is the first example we've had in some time. At just 9 3/4" by 7 3/4" overall, much is captured by the artist in this compelling yet simple painting of a treelined path. Rich color and perspective give this unsigned painting its warm appeal. Easily dating to the 1880's, the art remains in excellent original condition. It appears to be painted on linen. It is offered in what is likely the original lemon gold frame.

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.

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.

Early woodlands basket with lid. Purchased from a long time Pennsylvania collection, this colorful basket dates to the 1860-1880's. It is offered in remarkable original condition with only minor losses visible in the bottom right image. It is a great size measuring 10" square and just under 9" in overall height. There is no doubt, however, that the forest green and bittersweet splints give this sculptural basket its appeal. Condition, dimension and color make this an exceptional example.

Delightful little box in original blue paint. 19th century. New England origin. Hand carved of pine, the swivel lid is attached by a single early wire nail. Both angled and beveled underneath, the lid is secured when slid closed. The piece measures 7 1/2" by 2" by 5/8" overall. The compartment inside is 3/8" deep. There is no wear to the interior suggesting this was never used? Perhaps made as razor box, it is the perfect size to hold a modern day ink pen on a country desk!

Among our favorites are simple utilitarian objects with wonderful painted surfaces. This 19th century egg crate is a perfect example. It may be the one the earliest egg crates we've seen. The piece measures 14 1/2" by 12 1/2" square and 13 1/2" tall. In excellent condition, it is clean inside and out and a perfect piece for storing most anything that needs stored. It is, of course, the wonderfully worn original salmon painted surface that gives it warm country appeal.

We are pleased to make available what is one of the finest early painted wooden trays we have ever offered. This 19th century New England piece measures 23 1/2" by 14 3/4" square at the rim. The dramatically canted sides taper to a base measuring just 19 1/2" by 12" to the lip. Sides are 3" deep. It is made with rabbet joints and square nails. The tray is in the best sturdy condition and original dry blue paint. The original black painted bottom shows wear from many years of use.

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.

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) Early painted pantry box with wooden swing handle. This great bentwood box is an honest household piece right down to the undisturbed newspaper lining inside. 11 3/4" by 7" overall. Giving this pantry box its appeal is the original dry teal paint. It remains in excellent sturdy condition with only minor age related wear and loss to the wood and surface. This unusual color makes a special addition to a collection of painted swing handle pantry boxes.

Great old homemade cubby organizer from a Maine country store. Made of clear white pine, the piece dates to the late 19th or early 20th century. It is a nice size measuring 28" wide by 5" deep. It is 10" high overall. The sweeping tombstone back and scalloped front give this utilitarian piece character, Adding to the appeal are hand lettered labels in mustard paint 'LETTERS, PAPERS' and so on. The form is such that this country store piece can be hung or sat on a counter or desk.

Architectural elements often in the form of fragments have always interested us. Their form and surface add a special presence to most any vignette. This pair of balustrades from the stairway of a 19th century Connecticut house are a great example. Their height at just over 24" along with a slender form makes them the ideal compliment to a setting. Besides height, the original oyster white surface adds the warmth of country to any collection of objects old or new.

Nice bail handle pantry box with original crusty red surface. This box from upstate New York or Vermont dates to the 19th century. It measures 10 7/8" across the lid and stands 6 3/8" high. The box is in sturdy clean original condition. A chip to the rim of the box is visible in the picture showing the lid behind the box. This area is covered with the lid in place. This is simply an honest household bail handle box with appealing original paint. It's great by itself or added to a collection.

Large 19th century bentwood pantry box in original dry green paint. It is a sizable box measuring 13 3/4" across the lid and standing a full 9" tall. Adding to its colorful country appeal is the history found on the bottom of the box. The owner's initials 'MC' are hand lettered as well as his place of residence, 'Ottsville', a community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This is a nice box on its own or the bottom of a stack.

By definition antiques are survivors of 100 years. We are pleased to make available a Connecticut beehive bowl that has survived closer to 250 years! This early American bowl wears those years with character including the original dry red surface, assorted age cracks, and a loss in the foot. Despite the wear this bowl was considered worth saving. This is a special piece with a presence for collectors who have appreciation for the beauty of antiques and the stories they tell.

Trade signs have always been among our favorites subjects. This smaller 19th century sign is a discovery courtesy of a long time Michigan friend. Measuring just 32" by 8", the subliminal message of the early sign is easily discerned. This sign thought to have been from a hardware store is double sided with original paint as well as the iron hardware from which it hung. Placement of the sign likely protected it over the years leaving the sign crisp and vibrant.

The making of cheese was a common task on early American farms. This basically involved cheesecloth and a specially made basket. Cheese baskets, as they came to be known, were created by making a loosely woven bowl shape basket. Made in various sizes, this 19th century example from Ohio with its dry white painted exterior measures 14 1/2" by 7 1/2". It is in excellent condition. The 3-D geometric form gives this country basket its graphic appeal.

Over the years we have owned many game boards. What a treat it is to find one distinctively different. Such is this earlier 19th century game, 'Nine Mens Morris'. It was later commonly called the Mill or Old Mill game. This piece found in Ohio has the distinction of having triangular pockets at each end for collecting captured tokens. This gives an extra dimension to this simple early game. Adding appeal is the original dry black surface. This smaller board measures just 13" by 15".

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.

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!

Miniature chairs are something we rarely offer, but rarely do we see examples of this quality. Made by the mid 19th century, this piece was acquired from a well known Virginia dealer. Small in scale it is proportionate in every way with all the hallmarks of a chairmaker by trade. It is sturdily made with mortised joints finished with handmade nails. The chair is offered as found with an early make-do seat attached to the original deep windsor green frame. 17 1/2"x10 1/2" x 8 1/2" overall.

Surface, surface, surface! What a simple country Chinese checkerboard this is. To be monochromatic, there is so much depth of color to be found in the simple mustard surface. This board was found in New England and likely dates to the 1920's give or take. The game is a make-do of sorts being painted on what appears to be a repurposed thick pine board measuring 15 1/2" by 16 1/2". It is offered in excellent original condition.