Frank & Barbara Pollack
American primitive paintings, furniture, textiles, folk art,
and related accessories of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.


An Extraordinary Pair of Full-length Miniature Portraits

Attributed to Justus Da Lee (1793-1878). Watercolor and pencil on paper, circa 1840. Inscribed on the reverse: “Lucia Caroline aged 2 years 6 months and Charles Augustus aged 4 years 4 months, 1840 Feb Albany.” Da Lee took great pride in painting details and in his use of color as seen in Lucia's red dress and black apron. Their delicately drawn faces, hair, and objects they hold are characteristic of his refined stylized work. Sight size 4½" x 2 7/8", 14" x 12" framed.

Illustrated: The Magazine Antiques, July/August 2011, “Side Portrait Painters Differentiating the
Da Lee Family Artists” by Joan R. Brownstein and Elle Shushan, p. 155, fig. 3.


 

An Elegant and Graceful Nine-Light Tin Chandelier

American, probably Connecticut River Valley, circa 1790.

Flowing from a turned wooden shaft are nine gracefully curved metal arms with small wooden balls and decoratively shaped metal work that support the candle cups and form the fixture’s unusual chain. Few utilitarian objects display the incredible beauty of this chandelier. For one made by the same artisan see “Colonial Lighting” by Arthur H. Hayward, pg. 191, plate 44. Note the distinctive way the arms are fixed to the baluster with a sheet iron strap and terminate with the same distinctive scroll as well as the unusual way the drip pans are attached to them. James R. Marsh, author of “The Colonial Chandelier Supplement,” states that there are examples of this work in the ballroom of the Frary House in Old Deerfield, Mass., The Wadsworth Atheneum and two in a church in Connecticut. Diameter 43 inches.


Margaret Perry St. Gaudens, Cornish, New Hampshire

One of a set of four glazed earthenware plates with cockfighting motifs signed “MP,” circa 1940.

Margaret Perry St. Gaudens (1904-1992) was married to Paul St. Gaudens, nephew to the famous American sculptor Augustus St. Gaudens, and was herself a talented ceramist, textile and jewelry designer. The cockfighting motif is very reminiscent of those seen in William Hunt Diederich’s work. Exhibited: St. Gaudens National Site, Aug. 25-Oct. 31, 2001. Illustrated: “Paul St. Gaudens Ceramic Artist” by Henry Duffy, pg. 117, M 31. 10¼-inch diameter.


A Rare and Charming Miniature Painted Tablet-Top Windsor Bench

American, probably Pennsylvania, circa 1820.

A fabulous form in original red paint and retaining its original pillows with printed images of General Lafayette surrounded by American eagles. See “Threads of History, Americana Recorded on Cloth” by Herbert Ridgeway Collins, pg. 191. 9½" x 5"


A Dynamic Painted and Decorated Boot and Shoemaker’s Trade Sign

Salem, Massachusetts: pine, circa 1880. Signed: “Manderbach.”

This boldly and imaginatively painted sign in its dry original untouched condition depicts the nature of Mr. F.J. Arnold’s business and the goods he offered for sale. The U.S. 1880’s census lists Frank J. Arnold (b. 1861) as “working in a shoe shop in Salem, Essex Massachusetts.”

WD 54½", HT 19", DP 2".


An Anniversary Tin Ladies High Button Shoe

American, circa 1880.

Tin objects were given as tenth anniversary presents symbolizing the durability of a successful marriage. This shoe is a most unusual form found in tin and it retains its original untouched patina. Height 9¾ in. Width 9½ in.


“The Volunteer Firemen”

An exceptional pasteboard band box, New York, circa 1835.
Its papers, “The Volunteer Fireman” and “The Castles in Spain,” depict the engine received in 1830 by the Eagle Engine Company #13 of New York and are in shades of browns, whites, and tans on a vibrant blue background. Pasted inside the cover is a trade card that reads: “Joseph L. Freeman at The Old Hat Stand of Joseph S. Tillinghast, Union Street, New Bedford.” 17¼" wide, 11¼" high, 13 1/8" deep.


An Exceptional Cast Iron & Painted Figural Lawn Sprinkler

Signed “Nuydea, Patent D-8 3091.”
A figure of a Wood Duck with a remarkable painted surface, circa 1920s.
A fine example of form and function viewed as today’s folk art.
Ht. 13", Wood Duck 11"


A Warm and Charming Handmade Cloth Doll

American, probably New England, third quarter of the 19th century. LuLu’s painted bright blue eyes, big rosy cheeks, and expressive eyebrows bring a smile to your face. She has a slightly molded head and a plaque of brown velvet on the back of her head, simulating hair. Her costume and construction are all original. Height, 21 inches.
Provenance: Patsy Orlofsky and Gretchen Sharp.


An Exceptional Miniature Portrait of a Young Lady Holding a Flower

Watercolor and ink on paper, circa 1840, attributed to David Hershey of Pennsylvania. Hershey has a very distinctive style of portraiture giving importance to detail and the use of vivid color as depicted in the sitter’s intricately patterned dress, waistband and hair comb in bold mustards, reds and greens. Characteristic also is the three-quarter-length pose, the wide almond shaped eyes, the tight wavy line for a mouth, the big rosy cheeks and his signature hairdo.

All original untouched condition with toning in the background area most likely due to an old backboard.

For a signed example by David Hershey see: Freeman’s “The Estate of Esther H. Ludwig,” Nov. 21 & 22, 2005, sale #1235B lot 1312.

A second example appeared on the back cover of the magazine, “Folk Art”, Fall 1997, picturing a lady with the tattoo “ER” on her arm and hair comb.

7½" x 6" framed 6 1/8" x 4 5/8" sight size


A Rare Miniature Blanket Chest

A Unique Miniature Paint-Decorated Blanket Chest
American, possibly New York State, pine, circa 1825. This “little gem” has exquisite form with its exceptionally tall and delicately turned legs. It is beautifully painted in shades of salmon, red, green and mustard yellow on a dark green background. Variations of the central motif have been found on boxes attributed to New York State. H. 11¼ in. W. 16¾ in. D. 7½ in.


An Unusual and Dynamic Oval Hooked Rug

New England, circa 1930. Centered, as the focal point, is a red and black ship at sea surrounded by a border of bold and colorful concentric bands in shades of rust, yellow, green, and black. A creative and striking composition in wool. 106½" x 69½".


An Unusual Pair of Paint-Decorated and Stenciled Stools

American, probably Connecticut; cherry, circa 1825-40. Most unusual size and form with very stylish rolled edges to the tops and splay to the legs. 14¼" high, 14¼" wide, 11" deep.


A Unique Painted Fan-Back Windsor Arm Chair

New York, circa 1770-1800. Mixed woods; oak, hickory, maple and poplar with 19th century black paint with yellow striping and decoration over original green. This rare and important braced-back armchair is a unique example of form displaying elements of chair-making found both in Philadelphia and New York. OH 43½ in., SH 17¼ in. Illustrated: “The Windsor Style in America, Vol. II” by Charles Santore, pg. 70, fig. 40.

A Charming Portrait of a Lovely Young Girl

Attributed to Thomas Ware (1803-1826) of Pomfret, Vermont. Oil on canvas, circa 1820-25. A paper label affixed to the back of the canvas identifies Harriet Newell Keyes (1816-1832) of Vershire, Vermont, as the sitter whose brother, Henry Wilder Keyes, was Governor and U.S. Senator of New Hampshire. Descended in the family of the sitter. 26¾" x 24¾" framed.


A Maine Decorative Pieced and Appliquéd Wool Table Rug

Made by Abigail Voter, born 1820, New Vineyard, Maine, circa 1840. A dynamic textile expressed by the artist’s imaginative composition and use of color. The center is divided into fifteen squares with bursts of flowers and leaves in shades of red, blue, green and tan on a dark brown background. The border has berries, flowers and leaves and is surrounded by a scalloped outer border. 58½" x 86" mounted.


An Exceptional Painted and Decorated New Hampshire Tall-Case Clock

Attributed to Elisha Smith Jr. (1795-1847), Sanbornton, New Hampshire, maple, circa 1825. A beautifully painted and stenciled case with a brass eight-day weight-driven movement with strike and calendar and a rocking ship and moon phase in lunette. Distinctive to these clocks is the shape of the hood with its stylistic freestanding columns. 93½” high, 18½” wide, 12½” deep

Literature: See New Hampshire Clocks and Clockmakers by Charles S. Parsons, p. 113, for a similar example.


An Exceptional Carved Cane
with a Man’s Head Atop a “Whimsy” Staff

Signed and carved on all four sides of the staff: “Abram Cook, Maker, 1906, Canisteo New York.” Wood in untouched original surface. The carved, small objects move freely within the staff. This cane is an example of form and function that transcends into a strong expression of folk art in wood. Height 36".


An Exceptional Paint Decorated Tilt-top Candlestand

Pennsylvania; pine, circa 1840-50. Wonderfully shaped top decorated with an elaborate feather and circle design which tilts above a ring turned shaft ending in scrolled legs and all in reds, greens, and black on mustard yellow.

Inscribed “Leonard M. Bennetch 1907. Penja Dutch Tilt-top candle stand Old Bennetch Family Heirloom inherited by Emma Mary Bennetch b 1871 d 1968 from her ancestors.” Height 41 5/8", top 18¾" square.


A Dynamic Raised-Work Table Cover of Exceptional Intricacy and Sophistication

American, found in Maine; Third quarter of the 19th century.
A wool-on-wool embroidered and appliqued raised and stuffed work table cover depicting bold and colorful baskets and bouquets of flowers. The artist has created a “painting on fabric” with imaginative techniques, designs, and choice of colors. 54 inches square.


A Unique Pair of Exceptionally Tall Queen Anne Side Chairs in Original Red Paint

Connecticut, probably New London County or Stratford. Maple and ash, circa 1790-1800. The chairs in their untouched original paint and condition are pure sculpture with their remarkably tall and elongated shaped splats and posts. Their exceptional form shows the hand of a craftsman taking a standard form and elevating it to a superior quality.

Height 46" | Seat Height 18¼" | Width 20"


Portraits of Mr. C.C. Clark and Mr. H.R. Coffer’s Prize Bulls and Cows

Signed and initialed: “From Life by J.F. Stephens, 1912, Savannah, Missouri.” Oil on academy board in original untouched condition and frames. Described in a scroll on the paintings are the names, weights, and owners of each animal. 22¼ x 28 inches the largest.


A Hooked Rug Depicting a New England House Flanked by Stylized Trees

Found in Wilmot, New Hampshire, circa 1900. Most likely the rug maker was painting a portrait of their house using wool on burlap and hooked an imaginative border possibly imitating a picture frame. Height 34", width 80¾"


A Group of Three Miniature Watercolor Portraits

New England, probably New Hampshire, circa 1840. Watercolor, ink and pencil on paper. Inscribed on verso, “Asa Brown, Aunt Amanda wife of Asa Brown and Aunt Betsy.” In addition to the delicately drawn faces, the artist took delight in painting costumes, hair, and details, as seen in the colorful and patterned neck scarf and hair bow and the jewelry and tortoiseshell hair combs. Originally found in a family album, now in a period gilt frame.

3½" x 2½" each; 10¾" x 9½" framed.


A Large Molded and Sheet Copper Rooster Weathervane

Found on a home in Manchester, New Hampshire. Sheet copper and cast zinc, circa 1880-1900. The beauty of the rooster’s sculptural form is enhanced by its untouched original weathered verdigris surface. Retains three bullet holes and one “farmer’s repair” at the top of its head.
Height 30", width 24".


A Monumental Slat Goose

Attributed to Joseph Whiting Lincoln (1859-1938), Accord (Hingham), Ma., circa 1910. Lincoln’s slat geese or “loomers” were used to attract the attention of high-flying flocks. While the horizontal slats formed a crude body, the head was skillfully carved, giving this decoy an almost majestic quality. Provenance: originally purchased from Joe Lincoln by Colburn C. Wood Jr., Plymouth, Ma. Length 36¼", height 21", depth 15".


A Portrait of a Lady in a Green Dress Wearing an Elaborate Bonnet

Oil on canvas, circa 1835. A beautiful portrait in wonderful, original untouched condition.
29½ in. x 24 in. sight size. 34¾ in. x 30 in. framed.


A Charming Pair of Portrait Miniatures of Ella and Elliott Baker, Springfield, Mass.

Attributed to James Sanford Ellsworth (1802-1873). Watercolor on embossed valentine envelopes, circa 1853. These wonderful portraits are superior examples of Ellsworth’s work and illustrate his use of vivid colors seen in the children’s dresses with yellow and black polka dots, the fanicful blue-green and yellow chairs, and the cloverleaf clouds that frame the sitters’ faces. Rarely seen are the children’s names stamped in blue ink under each portrait. 3-3/16" x 2" sight size each, 5¼" x 6¼" framed.
Exhibited: The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, Oct. 13–Dec. 1, 1974.
Illustrated: James S. Ellsworth, Portrait Painter by Lucy B. Mitchell, p. 53, figs. A5 and A6;
Art in America
, October 1954


CLASSICAL IN MINIATURE
An Exceptional Miniature Carved Classical Sofa

American, possibly Philadelphia, circa 1825-30. This graceful and delicate “little gem” is exquisitely carved in mahogany with pine as the secondary wood and retains its original fabric and tacks. Said to have descended in the family of Thomas Madden Adams (1836-1912) and retains an old label that reads “Parks M. Adams 1211 Stevenson Lane, Baltimore 4, Md.” Width 15¾" Height 7½" Depth 5¼"


An Exceptional Painted and Decorated Maine Box

Attributed to Salmon Brewster, Curtis Corner, Leeds, Maine, circa 1830.
This very graphic box simulates in painted decoration a paneled trunk with nine panels on each face outlined in black and red on a yellow ground, complete with a faux painted bail handle on the lid. 24" wide, 9¼" high, 11½" deep. Maine at its very best in untouched original condition.

 


Frank & Barbara Pollack
American Antiques & Art

American primitive paintings, furniture, textiles, folk art, and related accessories of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.

Member: Antique Dealers’ Association of America
1214 Green Bay Road
Highland Park, Illinois 60035
By Appt. 847-433-2213
Cell: 847-922-5141

I will be in Sunapee, New Hampshire, until late August where I will have a representative selection of my inventory available. Please call me at 603-763-2403.

Box 344, Sunapee, New Hampshire 03782 | 603.763.2403 | Cell: 847.922.5141

www.antiquesandfineart.com/bpollack
E-mail: [email protected]