Saturday, April 27, 2013

Boston Hot Air Balloon Advertisements

"On Boston Common. Messrs. Stearns and Bryne's Balloon, Mr. Allen, Aeronaut, Labor Day, 1889".

Available here.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Mr. Lawson's Homemade Robot


Circa 1930's press photo of a homemade robot.

Labeled on the back: "This 7 ft. man of steel has been constructed by Mr. C. Lawson, a Kettering Radio Engineer. It is claimed that the Robot can control traffic, sing, light and smoke a cigarette and sit or stand. The Robot's friend here gives him a light."

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

George Dean Tin Man





George Dean was a tinsmith and folk artist who created this ten foot high tin man as a trade figure for his shop. It stood on top of his shop until it closed in 1985. The collector and antique dealer Elli Buk bought it shortly thereafter. This, and thousands of other items in the Elli Buk collection, are going up for auction in a few days.

Available at Grogan & Company.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Folk Art Directional Man







Circa 1930's folk art directional man. Possibly from an old roadside trade sign. He's always telling me where to go.

Available at Anonymous Works.

American Indian Beaded Bag and Photo of it's Maker



Sold for $1,080.55 on eBay.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Dated 1945 Folk Art Carved Tiger


Possibly a circus carving or part of a trade sign. Sold for $888.00 on eBay.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Monday, April 1, 2013