NEW YORK – Americana and folk art go hand-in-hand in a Jasper52 online auction that will be conducted on Aug. 20, much like the pairs of animals in a circa-1850 Noah’s Ark play set. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.
The finely made set (above), one of the few toys many children knew in the 19th century, consists of the 15 1/2-inch-long ark, seven members of Noah’s family, eight pairs of animals, 17 single animals, 18 pairs of birds and 10 single birds; a total of 86 figures. The figures are top-quality and retain their original colors. Other than having some small repairs, the set is in excellent condition. It is expected to sell for $2,200-$2,500.
Several gaming wheels are included in the 88-lot sale. A rather curious example consists spinner arrow on a board with the names of automobile models. It appears to date to the 1940s. This whimsical game has a $500-$600 estimate.
Also having an automotive theme is a wooden whirligig that depicts an early motorist cranking to start his tin lizzie. The whirligig, in old weathered paint, has an estimate of $200-$300.
A half dozen handmade generic signs are offered, with messages ranging from “fresh eggs” to possibly noting the location of a men’s room (below).
Several fine examples of chip-carved tramp art are in the catalog, topped by a large frame with mirror, which is adorned with carved stars and maple leaves. It dates to the turn of the last century and is valued at $700-$900.
For the fireplace, two cast brass andirons, each in the in the form of a lighthouse, have a mellow-colored oxidized patina.
A grouping of nine different examples of hand-carved stone fruit, all different, is in season with a $150-$200 estimate.
The auction will begin Sunday at 11 a.m. Eastern.
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