Monday, November 30, 2009

Early 20th Century Folk Art Carved Man with Two Arms





I first posted this figure, along with a companion piece by the same artist, here.

At that time, I assumed because of the angle of the shot that this figure was missing it's left arm. Well, I was lucky enough to recently acquire the piece and I'm happy to report that both arms are indeed intact. I thought I'd post some detail pictures as well.

If anyone's interested, the companion piece is currently available at One Good Eye Antiques. I would love to reunite them, but my funds are a little low right now....as always.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

A Rare Schimmel Soldier Carving Starts at $.01


As an old pro of eBay, I'm used to avoiding the plethora of Wilhelm Schimmel fakes out there on the market. But this figure caught my eye this morning especially because it comes from a dealer that I've never seen offer anything but authentic pieces.


It's a rare form and looks good. It starts at $.01 and it will be fun to see where it finally lands at.


Available here.

Update: Sold for $2950.00

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Mechanical Skeleton Political Stickpin for William Jennings Bryan



A painted brass shell skeleton dangles from a spring. On his chest is a shield reading "16 to 1 is dead," which opens to reveal Bryan's portrait.

Available here.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Alfred E. Neuman Before Harvey Kurtzman



The Lost Ransom Money of D.B. Cooper








An 8-year-old boy named Brian Ingram discovered three bundles of deteriorating $20 bills on the shore of the Columbia River near Portland, Ore., in 1980. The money turned out to be some of the $200,000 ransom D.B. Cooper was carrying when he parachuted from a plane after a 1971 hijacking.

Fifteen of the bills will be auctioned through Heritage Auction Galleries.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The Lost Art of Whirligigs by Ben Thal





CLICK ON EACH PICTURE TO VIEW THE WHIRLIGIGS IN ACTION!

Ben Thal has been making these whirligigs for over 20 years now. These are just a few samples of his incredible creations.

View the rest here.

An article on Mr. Thal can be found here.

1918 RPPC of an American Soldier