{"title":"\u003c$100","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"rare-antique-painted-leather-gameboard-with-gorgeous-chippy-but-not-chipping-paint","title":"Antique Painted Gameboard on Vinyl with Gorgeous Chippy (but not chipping) Paint","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eI first took the surface here for leather but I think it is in fact vinyl. The colors are two different shades of blue—one a bit lighter for the outer perimeter, the second a bit deeper for the inner perimeter and squares, though perhaps the squares are another shade deeper—and a salmony pink for the alternating squares, with thin cream lines around each square. But most beautiful is the alligatoring of all of the paint, adding a whole different dimension of pattern to it. The interaction between the vinyl and the paint is such that it is not at all flaking, just held in this state. Most definitely worthy of framing, though it could be hung directly from they corners by a couple of small clips, etc. Really very beautiful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDetails give best sense of color and paint. 17 15\/16” x 18 1\/16”, aging to the paint as evident but not at all flaking. Leather had a nice weight, is in very good condition and lies completely flat. All stable and sound and more beautiful in person. Late 19th\/very early 20th century I believe. Shipped flat, withy great care as always.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43854168228094,"sku":"","price":95.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/products\/IMG_7666_4149626d-6888-497e-aacd-b14bfea9637b.png?v=1675827938"},{"product_id":"fabulous-antique-hand-carved-bible-with-masonic","title":"Fabulous Antique Hand-carved Bible with Inlaid Masonic Square and Compass","description":"\u003cp\u003eFound at a great antiques shop in Paradise, PA--one of several carved folk art  books on this trip, which alone make it a good trip as far as I'm concerned! This I think is an especially cool one, and quite an old one, with Holy Bible carved out letter by letter at the top of the spine, and then the Masonic square and compass inlaid into the face. The \"G\" of the masonic logo is meant to stand both for God -- t\u003cspan\u003ehe \"Grand Architect of the Universe\"--and for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGeometry,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e the foundation of stonemasonry and Freemasonry. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e 5 1\/2\" x 4 3\/8\" x 1 1\/8\". Good condition, w\u003cspan\u003eonderfully aged and worn, with a great objecthood and feel in the hand. A bit of dryness\/cracking to the wood around the edges, not at all detracting. There appears to be a clean loss, maybe original to it, along the very bottom edge on the face side so it does not stand on its own that way--best leaned, or set on a stand, or laid flat. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45586269995262,"sku":"","price":90.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_5714.jpg?v=1766449618"},{"product_id":"exquisite-antique-tintype-of-painting-of-baby-post-mortem","title":"Exquisite Antique Tintype of Painting of Infant","description":"\u003cp\u003eI'm not altogether certain how to untangle this one, but it appears to me to be a tintype photo of an earlier watercolor, I presume a portrait miniature--but perhaps it is a tintype of a daguerreotype of a painting (??) And I love the mystery and ambiguity of it in many respects; while sharing qualities of post mortem daguerreotypes, where infants were carefully laid out in a similar manner--here on what looks like a chaise, with a curtain draped behind--I am not entirely certain if that's the case here, eyes wide open, but it seems quite possible. Whatever the case, exquisitely sharp, rich, striking tintype of a very otherworldly looking child, and with the combination of oval frame, ruffled pillow and drapery making think of a  lily unfurling every time I look at it (especially when vertically oriented.) Someone's flower indeed, which just stopped me in my tracks when I came across it. And with faintly hand-tinted pink cheeks too. Unusual, stunning, and quite special feeling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3 3\/4\" x 2 3\/4\" and in very good condition. Very crisp and sharp and just stunning.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45682237571326,"sku":"","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_9377.png?v=1722530906"},{"product_id":"unusual-early-american-folk-art-still-bank-1","title":"Unusual Early American Folk Art Still Bank","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is quite an old one, early 19th c. American  believe, and also an unusual one, with a whimsy sort of feel, and also a sense of mystery about it.  It is a carved still bank, which also feels like a piece of tabletop architecture, with round cylinder at the center framed by three \"walls\" and two posts, and with a sliding slat that pulls out to expose the slit for dropping coins inside.  I find it curiously compelling, and like a distillation of the very idea of protection\/safe keeping--i.e. walls and bars constructed around the bank at the heart of it, to prevent anyone getting to it! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3 5\/8\" x 3 1\/4\" x 2 13\/16  and in great antique condition, original paint, wonderful patina, square iron nails visible in a couple spots along with tiny wooden pegs, all detailed in photos. Very sturdy and sound.  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45789856235774,"sku":null,"price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_3998.jpg?v=1725732229"},{"product_id":"huge-19th-c-staffordshire-loving-cup","title":"Loving Companions, Huge Bright White 19th C. Staffordshire Transferware Loving Cup","description":"\u003cp\u003eSome things photograph well and some things are vastly reduced in translation--a good part of the beauty of this c. 1830s Staffordshire \"loving cup\" is its grand scale, more the size of a trophy than a mug--and indeed loving cups (two handled, typically oversized vessels) were\/are often awarded to victors of competitions (well suited for lifting overhead!). I of course am partial to the \"loving\" aspect-- a cup to be shared by two, taking turns, one handle for each. And what better image of loving than a child snugging a little lamb? (I do believe this particular child is meant to be John the Babtist and his companion the Lamb of God, but no need to get so specific in reading it!) Bright white vessel in beautiful condition, transfer decorated with hand-painted color, and decoration to the interior of the rim and handles too. Much better in person, really quite stunning.  One small blue smudge to the interior near the rim, original to it. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8 1\/2\" across at handles, 5\" d at lip, 5\" t. Very good condition, bright and crisp, just a bit of surface roughness to the edge of one handle on one side, as detailed, minor. No chips, cracks (aside from a couple of surface hairlines visible from the underside) or repairs and very little crazing. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46003119489278,"sku":"","price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_0311_01722e93-b263-4ccf-b960-d28f43930449.jpg?v=1731622251"},{"product_id":"ships-at-shore-allegorical-feeling-late-19th-c-ink-ink-wash-drawing-on-brown-paper-in-old-frame","title":"Ships at Shore, Allegorical Feeling Late 19th C. Ink \/ Ink Wash Drawing on Brown Paper in Old Frame","description":"\u003cp\u003eMy photos do no justice to this drawing, as I was fighting glare to take them, and the character of the brown paper, which has the quality of a lightweight brown paper bag paper, doesn't come across--but it makes the drawing richer (and the blacks are richer than one has a sense of here, too.) Anyway, I think it is quite a nice drawing, late 19th c. or so, which has an allegorical feeling about it--with the shored boat looking abandoned, and it and its surroundings rather forlorn, while another ship appears to be rolling in, headed straight for it. Meanwhile, a smaller outbound sailboat in the distance points toward the sea. Life goes on, and on and on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11 1\/4\" x 7 3\/4\" framed as found, under glass in a simple black stained period frame. Backed with very old board that I have not touched--stable and sturdy but changing it out with an acid free backing might be a good long term plan:)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46660379836670,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_2967.png?v=1745792017"},{"product_id":"a-gentle-hand-and-short-breeches-19th-c-ambrotype-of-18th-century-painting-in-half-case","title":"A Gentle Hand (and Short Breeches!) 19th C. Ambrotype of 18th Century Painting in Half Case","description":"\u003cp\u003eI wish I knew more about this one--an ambrotype, found in MA, of an earlier painting, which looks Revolutionary War era to me (and him a bit like John Adams!), at the center of which is the gesture of her hand on his cuff with painted gold wedding band on her finger --though I must say it looks a bit to me like the fingers of her other hand, resting in her lap, are crossed! (And the gesture itself feels, perhaps cynically on my part, like a bit of a \"calm down and be quiet\" kind of a pat!) I love it too for how highly rolled up his breeches are--really quite the short shorts. I am sure with some research the artist behind the painting could be identified, and perhaps the subjects too. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a half case, as found: 3 11\/16 x  3 3\/16. One dark patch to the right of his face as evident and lots of wear to the back of the case. .\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46660414734590,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_3845.png?v=1746289156"},{"product_id":"antique-african-coiled-basket-with-ultra-rich-patina-1","title":"African Pokot Coiled Grain Basket with Leather Strap and Ultra Rich Patina","description":"\u003cp\u003eI find this basket a deeply beautiful thing, in very large part for its very rich patina--which is what won the dealer I purchased it from too, who lived with it for some 30+ years. It is African, from the Pokot tribe of Kenya I believe, and would have been used for grain and flour. Clearly very much used, with a leather carrying strap that wore through at center from the weight of carrying things in it. (One broken end was pulled through a hole in the other some time ago and holds in place.) This one is all about presence, which photos can't fully convey. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\" in diameter x 3 1\/2\" t not including leather strap. Stable and sound, with ultra rich patina. Some old losses from use, mostly around the rim, to my eye not at all detracting.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46867319750910,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_5011_c3d0ad54-b91d-45ec-bbba-7fb01a096ba7.jpg?v=1748375226"},{"product_id":"unmatched-pair-of-antique-physiography-notebooks-with-many-diagrams-and-useful-info","title":"Unmatched Pair of Antique Physiography Notebooks with Many Diagrams (and Useful Info!)","description":"\u003cp\u003eI purchased these two separately, but with the marble covered one filled just a portion of the way through (lots of blank pages to put to use now should one wish), I thought they'd be good to offer as a pair. Both are notebooks for Physiography classes--covering \u003cspan\u003eprocesses and patterns in the natural environment such as the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere. (Facts!) Of course I'm always a sucker for the hand-drawn diagrams in notebooks like this, with lots of them here, as pictured. Photos give a good sense. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarble covered notebook 8 1\/4\" x 6 3\/4\", 42 pages numbered by hand--most just filled on one side. Then another 50 or so unused leaves. Webster's notebook: 8 5\/16\" x 6 7\/8\", 25 leaves filled mostly front and back, then 8 unused. Photos show a couple pages from each first, then document one notebook then the other. All in very good condition. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47004210757886,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_7741.png?v=1749427292"},{"product_id":"lot-of-antique-german-powder-paint-pigments-lustre-paint-blocks-and-more-1","title":"Lot of Antique German Powder Paint Pigments, Lustre Paint Blocks and More","description":"\u003cp\u003eI love finding things like this--and so did the dealer I purchased this lot from, who had kept this lot in his own collection for 30 some years. Included are five German paint blocks for various shades of gold lustre (pale gold, bronze gold, etc), as well as two sealed glass bottle of oil (one of them clove oil) and two glass mixing pots. And then eight folded paper envelopes packed full with pure color pigment. Most appear never to have been opened (the ends are folded into the opposite ends of the paper to form tight little packets) but I carefully opened a few to reveal blue and white and gray, and traces of green and orange show on two others. Each one is full, and the colors are written (in German) on the front of each packet. Oh the beauty and romanticism of art supplies from another era. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBottles of oil, for reference, measure 2 3\/8\" t. Envelopes of pigment measure approx 2 1\/2\" x 2\". All full, paint blocks unused, all in very good condition. A bit messy opening the envelopes of pigment--one wants to be prepared when doing so by putting something underneath. Would be beautiful transferred into vials\/bottles, but there's also something quite potent just about those folded paper packets of pigment!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47095822909694,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_3174_19e8204a-362a-4c92-b51b-aba64bdfadd6.jpg?v=1752417724"},{"product_id":"die-beschutzerin-the-protector-victorian-graphite-drawing-of-girl-with-her-pets-in-period-frame-1","title":"Die Beschützerin (The Protector), Victorian Graphite Drawing of Girl with Her Pets in Period Frame","description":"\u003cp\u003eI believe this graphite drawing was based on an engraving by Joseph Beaume (1796-1885) who was French, but the image must have circulated, with the title here written in German, translating to \"The Protector\"--though I have found reference to the original title as \"Jealousy.\" (I've included an image of the print at end of photos). So many of the naive drawings we see were based on prints, and it is the differentiation from the original that is what I love about them, each becoming their own particular thing. Here of course it is most of all the face on the cat that makes it for me--and the fingers of her plump  hand resting next to its very similarly drawn paws!  But the dogs are pretty wonderful too, and I love how sleepy she looks, as if just woken from a nap, her dress falling off one shoulder. Waving her handkerchief like a white flag--as if to call for peace among the creatures and signify her own neutrality in choosing a favorite, putting an end to the jealousy, indeed--though sure looks like that cat is her prized companion to me!  Nice vase of flowers at left, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFramed as found, under glass, period frame: 10 1\/2\" x 8 1\/2\". Good condition, with some losses to the lacquer on the frame along a couple of the edges, as documented. Wired on the back for hanging. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47166508564734,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_4924.png?v=1754335052"},{"product_id":"romeo-y-julieta-betty-heredia-snyder-rees-sculpted-clay-lovers-on-cigar-box","title":"Romeo Y Julieta, Betty Heredia Snyder Rees Sculpted Clay Lovers On Cigar Box","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI purchased this one from a dealer in Maine, who had a number of works that had come from the estate of Elizabeth Heredia Snyder Rees (1919-2011)--not an artist I was familiar with, and much of her work not really my cup of tea, but I found and find this pretty wonderful, and clever, too: a pair of lovers rendered in modeling clay atop an old Cuban Romeo Y Julieta cigar box, with the box doing quadruple duty--as a base, and a stand, and as inspiration--as well as a storage space to stash love notes and momentos inside! And with the reference to Romeo and Juliet suggesting something of a memorial too, lovers entwined forever, which makes me think of Patricia Cronin's marble sculpture, \u003ci\u003eMemorial To A Marriage (2002) \u003c\/i\u003eportraying the artist and her artist wife Deborah Kass recumbent in an entwined embrace on a bed, permanently installed Woodlawn Cemetery.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorn in Philadelphia, Elizabeth (Betty) Heredia Snyder Rees attended Tyler School of Art, Temple University, studying under its founder, Boris Blai, and printmaker, Arthur Flourie, then spent much of her life in California. Her work included \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003esculpture in bronze, wood, marble, cement and papier mache, as well as watercolors, prints, and fiber works. She exhibited frequently in California, including at Stanford University Museum of Art, and in Europe; was active with \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eSan Francisco Women Artists, the Bay Area Printmakers Society, the \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ePacific Grove Art Center, where she taught, and the Monterey Museum of Art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox 8\" x 5 3\/4\" x 1 3\/8\". The relief is executed in oil based clay, so is not hardened. Some age spotting to the clay as evident and a bit of lint accumulated in the recesses. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47516641820926,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_5776_1e295757-b10d-44d5-b162-2226616ce0b4.jpg?v=1762963272"},{"product_id":"antique-olive-wood-relief-carving-with-bible-arrow-club-tools","title":"Antique Olive Wood Relief Carving with Bible, Arrow, Club, Tools","description":"\u003cp\u003eIt took some searching but I am fairly certain this carving was made in Jerusalem, late 19th\/ early 20th century I believe, quite wonderfully carved of beautiful olive wood, with a combination of symbols arranged to form a sort of cross, arrow on one diagonal, what I take for a club on the other, Bible at the center. Someone more knowledgable that I might readily discern the symbolic meaning of each object, but as with Masonic imagery, I'm quite content just to enjoy the very purposeful looking configuration! Really quite a beautiful and also rather mysterious feeling carving. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5 1\/2\" x 3 7\/8\" x 7\/8,\" excellent antique condition. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47573957247230,"sku":null,"price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_6479_3af0feb6-ef67-44fc-a8c5-15c40240672a.jpg?v=1763591643"},{"product_id":"nurse-in-apron-stocking-and-very-high-heels-wonderfully-absurdist-bill-anthony-drawing-1","title":"Nurse in Apron, Stocking and Very High Heels, Wonderfully Absurdist Bill Anthony Drawing","description":"\u003cp\u003eAt some point someone must have turned up a large lot of Bill Anthony drawings, small piles of which surface around these parts now and then. I bought a good handful a few years ago, all since sold, but came across some  more while I was out and about last week and chose two from that pile, both of which I think are great examples--for being of the very specific and therefore rather over the top variety. A wonderfully serious expression on the face of our nurse here as she sits at her desk in her uniform and cap, pencil in hand--all the better to make her very high heels and exposed stocking feel like a transgression. One might not think these would be my sort of thing, but I really appreciate them, including for the feeling one gets that Anthony, a commercial illustrator by day, was really earnest about and committed to them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10 7\/8\" x 7\". Good condition, black ink on paper board, with some surface loss at corners and light stain along left edge, which feels all of a piece with it. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47678851121406,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_0314.png?v=1767707897"},{"product_id":"c-1700-french-pewter-porringer-with-heart-handles-and-monograms-1","title":"C. 1700 French Pewter Porringer with Heart Handles and Monograms","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe beauty of wandering around in the world looking for things (and I tend to look at every little thing) is that one never knows what might strike. Like this porringer. I don't pay a lot of attention to old pewter dishes, but I'll tend to find a heart if a heart can be found, and how lovely a pair of them as cutouts in these monogrammed porringer handles. (Porringers are, as might be fairly evident, shallow bowls, typically with one or two flat handles, traditionally used for consuming\u003cspan\u003e porridge, broth, or gruel.) This one French, c. 1700. With an SR on one handle (with wonderful little star between the initials) and what I'd guess was PSB on the other, with two stars. Quite a charming and special feeling thing I think, which feels disposed toward collecting the keys to the castle now.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10 1\/8\" across at handles. 6\" d. 1 1\/2\" t. Small tears to the pewter to either side of the handles visible on the interior of the bowl, as documented-- as one might expect on a utilitarian bowl over 300 years old. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47678882283774,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_0665_795418e6-6f65-4a90-bc28-2e1c04810f31.png?v=1767799077"},{"product_id":"redware-folk-art-man-in-green-presumed-pennsylvania-earlier-20th-century","title":"Redware Folk Art Man in Green, Presumed Pennsylvania, Earlier 20th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003eI've had this guy sitting around keeping me company for a while, but his green coat--and curious little face too, with a bit of leprechaun-esque mischeviousness to it--made think of St. Patricks day on the horizon, so I thought perhaps a good time to share him. (Also seems he could make a good talisman for cheering on the Celtics!) I purchased him from a great folk art dealer in Pennsylvania, and believe that is likely where he originated, in the long tradition of PA redware folk art sculpture. The form of his hat, especially, makes me think maybe meant to represent a train conductor--and certainly he looks as is waiting around, cross armed, for the train to arrive--or perhaps for the passengers to get on board already so the train can depart! And he's very good all the way around, his face especially revealing different aspects of character from every point of view.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4 1\/4\" t x 1 5\/8\" x 2 1\/16\" d (at base). Very good condition, no chips or flaws, just a little minor hairline surface cracking to the clay, native to it. With some old paper adhered to the underside that I didn't try to remove but looks like it could be soaked off. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47778150383870,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_4152_8efc77f6-0a2d-473b-ac13-8c5e88c34304.jpg?v=1770422195"},{"product_id":"turning-the-corner-and-waving-pair-of-antique-inuit-carved-bone-objects-1","title":"(Turning the Corner and Waving) Pair of Antique Inuit Carved Bone Objects","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThese two, as well as two 19th century Inuit knives, listed separately, I purchased from a favorite family run shop in New Hampshire, a great cabinet of curiosities always filled with interesting things, ancient to modern. They came from a much larger collection of antique Inuit objects that I believe were formerly held in the collection of an academic institution in New England--many many beautiful tools and fragments of tools, most all of which I took the time to pick up and hold, one by one, to  to my great pleasure. (And these two I felt like I could not then put down again.) These two small carvings I know little about, the one at right a very small pulley of some sort, perhaps used on a boat, and the one at left looking rather like a small pipe, but only carved out at one end. Of course I love how the pulley evinces a figure waving hello, and the faceted edges and angle of the other very finely done and just beautiful. Chosen together and feels like they are having a conversation, so sold as a pair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAngle: 1 5\/8\" x 1 1\/4\" x 3\/8\". Pulley: 1 11\/16\" x 3\/4\" x 11\/16\". Both 19th century I believe, with rich patinas. The wire running through the pulley turns about 45 degrees but not all the way around. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47778193473790,"sku":null,"price":95.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_4265_d1d31b6d-b94e-4ffe-9911-39e4d3c67089.jpg?v=1770422573"},{"product_id":"boxless-box-elemental-and-poetic-antique-carved-out-holder-for-straight-edge-and-compass","title":"Boxless Box, Elemental and Poetic Antique Carved Out Holder for Straight Edge and Compass","description":"\u003cp\u003eThere are things the beauty and poetry of which one feels deep in one's gut (or maybe that's the soul?!)--this is very much one of those for me. A box that is not a box, custom carved long ago to carry a ruler\/straight edge on one side and a drafting compass on the other, with carved out recesses into which each would surely have perfectly fit, and then two thinly woven straps stretched all the way around to hold them in place. I am not sure that I could envisage a purer embodiment of the verb \"to hold\" than this. (And it embodies \"to carry\" pretty well too.) A very beautiful gesture of an object.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e13 5\/8\" x 1 7\/8\" x 7\/8\". Very good antique condition, much better than photos--my camera picks up too much of the undertones in wood. Super rich patina to the dry pine.  Third quarter 19th century I would guess. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47813902991614,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_5085copy.jpg?v=1771279250"},{"product_id":"hubley-cast-iron-eagle-gas-range-stove-1920s-original-paint-great-patina-no-legs","title":"Hubley Cast Iron Eagle Gas Range Stove, 1920s (Original Paint, Great Patina, No Legs)","description":"\u003cp\u003eI don't go out searching for old cast iron toy stoves, but I stumbled across this 1920s Hubley Eagle range in much weathered original paint, and it was just the thing I wanted! It lost its screw on iron legs at some point, which to my eye makes it much better, and each of the three doors on the right side open, such that one could treat it as a box of sorts and hide small things inside! Of substantial scale, much more salesman sample-ish than dollhouse miniature, but it was definitely produced as a toy. A satisfying thing, all the more so for the EAGLE arching across that mossy green painted middle door.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8 5\/8\" x 6 1\/4\" x 4 5\/8\" d and heavy. Much weathered, with paint loss, surface rust, etc, and original screw on legs long gone--all to the good to my eye. Solid and sturdy and I'd say indestructible. Top door on right side slides open upward like a bread box and does not hold open--I propped something inside to photograph it open (7th photo.)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47866873676030,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_5682_358a378b-1780-4489-a6d9-b48dd9da0e18.jpg?v=1772113996"},{"product_id":"no-a1-early-milton-bradley-watercolor-tin-with-excellent-graphics-blotter-papers-and-well-used-colors-c-1890","title":"No. A1: Early Milton Bradley Watercolor Tin with Excellent Graphics, Blotter Papers, and Well Used Colors, c. 1890","description":"\u003cp\u003eYum. As you may know, I have a special love for early Milton Bradley products, with Milton Bradley having been the largest American producer of Froebel kindergarten materials. And this beautiful gold lettered watercolor tin dates to that early and best era, c. 1890 I believe--though I can't find another example of this-- No. A1--set out there. I would have purchased it empty for the wonderful box alone, but happily a very painterly interior with the (clearly well used) original watercolors in it. And a pair of folded papers used for blotting, as early as the box itself I believe, themselves to my eye quite lovely found paintings of sorts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Box 5 1\/2\" x 3\". Paints well used as evident, but lots still there, and box in very good condition, closing tight. With initials EMS scratched a number of times into the underside of the box, which of course I like. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47866922926334,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_6492_419d8f46-f024-4af8-b027-154d5fa8452c.jpg?v=1772672545"},{"product_id":"scarce-1802-fables-of-aesop-with-engravings-throughout-great-bedtime-reading-1","title":"Scarce 1802 Copy, Samuel Croxall's Fables of Aesop, First Wilmington Edition, with Engravings Throughout (Great Bedtime Reading!)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis one made me very happy to find--an 1802 copy of Aesop's Fables, translated into English by Samuel Croxall, this copy specifically \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ethe \"First Wilmington Edition,\" printed and sold by Peter Brynberg, Wilmington, De. Seems quite a good time to revisit these allegorical tales delivering moral instruction, and I must say the tales take on a special sort of gravitas when delivered in a book more than 200 years old, the reading of which requires one to navigate the \"long s\" among other things. Spending some time with this makes me wish I had children around; it would be a great one to read from out loud at bedtime, and with woodcut engravings animating most every page. These are not stories for the faint of heart, though--no sugar coating to cruel behaviors and betrayals--which makes them feel quite right for reading right now. The front cover is detached, but otherwise it is in quite good shape\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e5 1\/2\" x 3 5\/8\". 316 pages + index. Front cover detached as shown and plenty of exterior wear but the pages in overall good condition, general toning but no notable tears, all pages well bound, paper not brittle. Engravings throughout, illustrating each fable, with table of contents at front and index at back.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47924890075390,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_7120_1792ee48-4e5c-40a4-a3e9-967e5ccc3dea.png?v=1773411978"},{"product_id":"19th-century-small-size-handmade-school-slate-with-charming-etched-monogram-stars-and-shapes-1","title":"19th Century Small Size Handmade School Slate with Charming Etched Monogram, Stars and Shapes","description":"\u003cp\u003eLots of different reasons for falling in love with antique school slates--beautiful old mends, carvings into the wood, or, in this case, etchings into the surface of the slate itself. It's a lovely, unusually small, 19th century example to begin with, with wooden pegs at the jointed corners, but it is the work of R.P.T that really sold me, between those dimensional block initials, and cubes for periods, and stars and shapes and flourishes surrounding. Detail photos give the best sense. Feels as if executed while staring at a pile of geometric solids, while also imagining their own future stardom! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8 1\/2\" x 6 3\/8\". Loss to front of frame at lower left corner as documented, still holding together fine but one wants to be a little gentle and the slate as a whole has a little wiggle. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48007700218110,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_9057_c0befd48-9a87-45f6-92f4-956c1b25d399.jpg?v=1774645986"},{"product_id":"excellent-looking-antique-victor-safe-lock-co-interior-safe-door-panel-with-patent-dates-on-slate-1","title":"Excellent Looking Antique Victor Safe \u0026 Lock Co. Interior Safe Door Panel with Patent Dates on Slate","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA little research tells me this was the interior panel on the door of a Victor safe, last decade 19th century. I just thought--think--it's a great looking thing, to hang as a sign of sorts now, with a sort of trompe l'oeil aspect to the \"silent\" slate bearing the years of patents in a calligraphic font. Graphically satisfying, an icon of safe-keeping, and somehow it all feels a bit Duchampian to me. And of course I love a school slate! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e13 15\/16\" x 8 7\/8\". Lithograph on what I believe is steel, it is quite heavy. Some surface scratches as evident, but still very sharp looking; photos don't quite convey either the visual punch or the objecthood of this, but it is substantial and really quite a nice thing. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48407065362686,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_7409.png?v=1781900778"},{"product_id":"the-third-gift-scarce-e-steiger-nyc-late-19th-century-froebel-kindergarten-blocks","title":"The Third Gift. Scarce E Steiger, NYC Late 19th Century Froebel Kindergarten Blocks","description":"\u003cp\u003eIt has been a while since I found a nice early set of all original Froebel kindergarten blocks, so I was especially glad to find these at a shop in Adamstown, PA. The Third Gift, a set of eight wooden cube blocks, distributed by E. Steiger \u0026amp; Co, 25 Park Place, NYC, late 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteiger \u0026amp; Co. was named for founder \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eErnst Steiger (October 4, 1832 – August 2, 1917), a prominent German-American bookseller, publisher, and bibliographer, whose business thrived on importing German books and periodicals while exporting American ones--so no great surprise that these should end up in a heavily Pennsylvania German area. Steiger produced educational materials, including kindergarten materials, at 25 Park Place between \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e1879 and 1910, when the firm moved to 49 Murray Street. These clearly date to that period. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBox 2 11\/16\" x 2 11\/16\" x 2 1\/2\" t. Blocks 1\" cubes. Box and blocks in very good condition. General wear, toning and small losses to paper label as evident, which remains very well adhered. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48531650150654,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_8924_3fbe987f-3c2f-4eba-8f3f-542ae52446d6.jpg?v=1783037993"},{"product_id":"roaring-yellow-lion-great-much-loved-old-wooden-pull-along-toy","title":"Roaring Yellow Lion, Great, Much Loved, Old Wooden Pull Along Toy","description":"\u003cp\u003eI'm not sure the maker of this old pull along toy lion--I am sure not a one-off, though it doesn't feel at all a far cry (or roar!) from folk art examples of the early 20th century. A boldly painted and terrifically graphic charmer in any case, and still rolling along, with a wooden tail (if a bit worse of the wear) that still raises and lowers. Great on a high shelf, guarding the room!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11 1\/2\" l x 6 1\/4\" w x 10 3\/4\" t. One piece of loss to mane on one side just above the eye, as documented, and one spacer missing between rear wheel and leg on one side. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48531670040830,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_8891_64c02016-db6a-45f0-8810-c660e1b8c083.jpg?v=1783016603"},{"product_id":"h-shutt-sun-ship-new-favorite-photo-id-badge-c-1940s","title":"H Shutt, Sun Ship: New Favorite Photo ID Badge, c. 1940s","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eTo my eye, this one as good as it gets as far an old employee photo ID badges go, between the SUN and SHIP and sunny yellow, and the H SHUTT and large mug shot style numbers and of course the headshot itself. I can't help but to imagine this as just the sort of ID badge that aliens manning a UFO would make for their abductees as they beamed the onto their Sunship! (Shutting in our H Shutt and taking him away!)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sun Ship here in fact stands for the Sun Shipbuilding \u0026amp; Drydock Company, a major American shipyard located in Chester, Pennsylvania, especially active during World War II. I believe this badge dates to that era. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\" in diameter. Genera wear and age toning as evident, all of a piece with it. Pin back in good condition, closes and clasps as it should. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48531671777534,"sku":null,"price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_8819_e680672f-fa49-4c96-9b1f-8f86d5b04d4b.jpg?v=1783010886"},{"product_id":"especially-lovely-antique-diamond-shaped-twig-basket-with-old-string-mend-copy","title":"Especially Lovely Antique Diamond Shaped Twig Basket with Old String Mend","description":"\u003cp\u003eI don't always jump on an old folk art twig baskets--they can be a bit unwieldy, and often a bit worse for the wear--but I fell in love this one: just the right scale, and with the handle arching across the \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ediamond shaped basket from corner to corner, lending a dynamism and lyricism to the whole thing. Perhaps best of all, a very old tightly wrapped string\/twine mend\/reinforcement to the center of the handle, lending extra tenderness and reading as dark blue, so adding a bit of color too. Very sweet thing. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7 3\/4\" x 6\" measured across from corner to corner, 7 1\/4\" tall at handle. Good condition, stable and sound. Very early 1900s I believe. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48531686162686,"sku":null,"price":95.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_8309_0ec23ccf-cddb-43ee-812d-fb4643efa35b.jpg?v=1783000712"},{"product_id":"line-and-form-1880s-pennsylvania-german-ink-drawing-of-cabin-with-conical-roof-and-perfect-picket-fence-1","title":"(Freehand) Line and Form: 1880s Pennsylvania German Ink Drawing of Cabin with Conical Roof and Perfect Picket Fence","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI know this ink drawing dates to right around 1880, and came from a ledger held by a young Burt Gemberling of \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSelinsgrove, Snyder County, PA who also drew the portrait of the Native American chief listed today. I love a painstakingly rendered portrait of an architectural structure in this manner, attention given to every beam and, best of all here, to each post of the picket fence to either side. Looking closely, none of the very straight looking lines is actually perfectly straight, such that I don't believe a ruler\/straight edge was employed in the making of this. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12 7\/8\" x 7 3\/4\". Excellent condition, black ink on laid paper, with a folded over top edge of the paper. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48531704414462,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_9121.png?v=1783098231"},{"product_id":"beautiful-19th-century-chip-carved-flat-back-oval-butter-cookie-stamp-with-rich-patina-and-monogram-on-reverse","title":"Much Handled Earlier 19th Century Chip Carved Flat Back Oval Butter\/Cookie Stamp with Rich Patina and Monogram on Reverse","description":"\u003cp\u003e(First photo is a composite, showing front and back.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike game boards (mostly) and painted signs (mostly), I mostly leave old carved butter and cookie presses to dealers committed to them, but occasionally I come across one I can't let go as was the case here, this found at an antique shop in Lancaster County where I tend to turn up an unexpected treasure or two. Beautiful surface to the wood, wonderful carved design, rich patina, and though it took me a while to notice, there is a lovely hand-inked monogram on the  reverse too: EP. The surface is very well smooth from much use, making it an objet one just wants to hold in hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4 7\/16\" x 3 5\/16\" x 3\/4\". Surface worn very smooth, very rich patina. A few small losses along perimeter edge of back side as detailed--minor and not evident from front. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48531730366718,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_8200_ba01b90d-cac3-463c-94c3-a7caafc5c247.jpg?v=1783084291"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.criticaleyefinds.com\/collections\/100.oembed?page=3","provider":"critical EYE Finds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}