Allan_Katz_Americana_II

Dog Cane American. Anonymous maker. Carved wood with polychrome paint, varnish, and glass eyes. Circa 1900. Measures: 35¼" H x 7" W This is a beautifully rendered example of American folk carving. Two other canes by the same maker are pictured in: American Folk Art Canes, by George Meyer, page 48, figures 62 and 63. DECORATED CHILD’S SLED American. New England. Maker unknown. A combination of stenciled and free hand polychrome painted wood. Circa 1920. Pristine condition. Measures: 35" L x 13" W x 6½" H “Prancer” clearly refers to the horse incorporated into the design. The flag and the stars on the horse’s blanket combined with the “240” leads us to think that this sled was made as a presentation piece or gift for a child of a soldier who served in the 240th Army Regiment based in Maine. RARE COD FISH WEATHERVANE Attributed to J. Howard & Co. (active circa 1856–1867), West Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Formed copper and cast zinc with verdigris and traces of yellow sizing. No repairs or restorations. Measures: 24" L Howard’s cod fish weathervanes were made in two sizes. This smaller sized cod fish vane is considerably rarer than the larger known examples. LADY LIBERTY PLAQUE American. Signed “F. Carsten.” Carved and polychrome paint decorated wood. Circa 1915. Measures: 30½" H x 18" W x 2½" D This plaque is an expression of American patriotism. It was created just prior to or shortly after World War I. The imagery of “Miss Liberty” holding the torch of hope while embracing the globe is a clear message of democracy and freedom for all. Although this plaque’s maker “F. Carsten” is not known to have a body of work, his ability to both carve and paint at a high level of accomplishment is displayed in this piece. TENTH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TIN HATS American. Unidentified maker. Formed, cut and hammered tin. Circa 1880. Measures: Woman’s Hat: 8" H x 11" D; Man’s Hat: 6" H x 12½" D During the last half of the nineteenth century, tenth wedding anniversaries were celebrated as an important milestone. Couples exchanged and received gifts fashioned out of tin. The variety of these whimsies was almost endless, relying upon the unbounded imagination and skill of the local tinsmith. GAME BOARD American. Unidentified artist. Polychrome paint decorated wood. Circa 1880. Measures: 17¼" x 17¼" The execution and design elements incorporated into this beautifully rendered game board might lead one to conclude that its highly skilled maker might have been employed as a carriage and coach painter.