Saturday, August 20, 2011
RANDOM 341 OBJECT
Antique MINIATURE BLANKET / SUGAR CHEST, Old Paint OHIO-$406
There are three very important facts you should know right up front:
First: It is from a local estate and had descended through the family.
Second: The blue milk paint with stenciled decoration on three sides is original and in nice condition.
Third: The white flaky paint is on top of the original paint, and it has mostly worn off. Fourth: The maker signed it and wrote the name of the Ohio town/village in which he lived.
Fifth: It has not been monkeyed around with since I got it from the estate a few weeks ago. I haven’t even dusted it. It is 100% original in “as found” condition.
I had no intention of ever selling this piece, primarily because they are nearly impossible to find in this size and in untouched condition. I had planned to sit down and remove the old white paint. Recently, I’ve realized I’m not longer able to do that kind of work any longer.
The exquisite piece was made somewhere within ten years either way of 1840. Folk art? You bet it is!
In the past, I’ve removed up to three or four coats of paint to find fabulous paint decoration. It’s actually quite fun to do and definitely the most rewarding task in the field of antiques.
The signature and location is written in pencil inside the lid. “Ohio” is easy to decipher, and so is the first name of the maker: “Samuel.” However, even though the estate was over near Harrison, Ohio, I can’t be certain of either the town or the last name. It looks like “Samuel Giest, but I’ll let your younger eyes figure it out. It descended to a lady named Marie Sparks. I’ve only done some cursory genealogical research and found several names in her heritage: Powell, Barton, etc. – So little energy – so many fun things to be done.
From inside you can see the tops of the feet where they exposed on the four corners of the inside bottom.
Both hinges are original, strong and only one screw is missing. (not seen)
That is where the key would have worked the lock. Don’t start picking around on that white paint with your fingernail unless you’ve got a free day. It’s hard to stop. My best advice would be to take it to a professional restorer. I know one in Indiana, by the way.
The entire case, including the molding, is secured by square nails.
In case you’re wondering; Yes, it is very hard letting go of such a wonderful piece of Americana.
Once you get it cleaned up and expose the decoration across the front and on both ends, it’ll be the kind of thing you see at those big city fancy-smancy auctions bringing enormous dollars.
That’s the top of the lid – worn just exactly as you’d hope.
That’s the top of the lid – worn just exactly as you’d hope.
RANDOM SEARS
i am trying to find some nice hankies. or napkins at estate sales.
RANDOM 341 OBJECT
Antique VESTA CASE Washington, DC – POCKET MATCH SAFE-$56
We’re in trouble here in the U.S., but we’ll come out the other end just as soon as we all relearn that “divided, we fall.”
The case is nickel plated brass, and it has worn to a mellow perfection – by my way of thinking.
I’ll bet some ole boy carried this for many years. My guess? He smoked a pipe.
Where is the wisdom of ideological arrogance in a global community?
Friday, August 19, 2011
RANDOM NUEST NEW HOARD
it just was added to my hoard wed. now i gotta find room w/ my other potato smooshers. this is a fine old smoosher. i washed it + then baconed it.
