Tramp art, the term applied to a type of chip carving used to decorate wooden utilitarian objects, is recognized as a form of folk art.
The craft, popular in the U.S. from the late 1860s through the 1930s, was practiced by European immigrants and to a much lesser extent hoboes and tramps, despite the name.
Forms included boxes, frames, shelves, wall pockets and small chests of drawers, often fashioned from crates and cigar boxes.
Tramp art is usually identifiable by layered pieces of wood with chip-carved edges assembled in built-up pyramids, circles, stars and other geometrical shapes. The objects were usually finished with stain or paint.
Chip carving decoration could be accomplished by anyone who could take a pocketknife to scrap wood.
Last Chance by LiveAuctioneers will sell a fine collection of antique tramp art at an auction on June 11. Here are five outstanding examples:
Vanity
A superb example of the craft is this vanity on turned legs, which was made in Illinois, circa 1920s. The heavily carved case contains three drawers and the top opens. It is illustrated in Tramp Art: Another Notch, Folk Art from the Heart, page 184. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000.
Frame
A central lone star is flanked by small inset mirrors on this pictured frame from Lancaster, Pa., circa 1915. Heavily chip carved, this painted frame measures 21 1/2 inches high by 24 inches wide by 2 1/2 inches deep. It is estimated at $1,500-$2,500.
Clock Case
Decorated with curtains and flowerpots, this clock case in the form of a house exudes a folky charm. It was crafted in the Northeast circa 1915-1930 and measures 13 1/2 inches high by 15 1/4 inches wide by 5 1/4 inches deep. It is illustrated in Tramp Art, One Notch at a Time on page 135. Estimate: $500-$750.
Sewing Box
Dozens of antique buttons and clasps come with this sewing box from Massachusetts, circa 1910. The carving includes punched stars and other decorations. The box measures 5 1/2 inches high by 12 inches wide by 8 inches deep and has a $500-$750 estimate.
Utility Box
One of the earliest pieces in the auction is this circa 1890s box topped by carved heads in profile of a man and an Indian. It measures 7 inches high by 14 inches wide by 12 inches deep. Estimate: $400-$800.