{"title":"WORTH A SPLURGE!","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"carlotta-m-huse-double-sided-drawing-page-127-128","title":"Carlotta M. Huse, Untitled (127-128), Double-sided Drawing","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGraphite and colored pencil on ledger paper\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e13 x 8 in (33.02 x 20.32 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eca. 1898-1900\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRecto and Verso\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor more information, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/riccomaresca.viewingrooms.com\/viewing-room\/64\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eclick here.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42383953658110,"sku":"","price":200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/products\/127-128-combo.jpg?v=1643221186"},{"product_id":"carlotta-m-huse-single-sided-drawing-page-166","title":"Carlotta M. Huse, Untitled (166)","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGraphite and crayon on ledger paper\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e13 x 8” in (33.02 x 20.32 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eca. 1898-1900\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor more information, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/riccomaresca.viewingrooms.com\/viewing-room\/64\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eclick here.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42383958409470,"sku":"","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/products\/165-166-onesided.jpg?v=1643221312"},{"product_id":"carlotta-m-huse-double-sided-drawing-page-177-178","title":"Carlotta M. Huse, Untitled (177-178), Double-sided Drawing","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGraphite and colored pencil on ledger paper\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e13 x 8 in (33.02 x 20.32 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eca. 1900 \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRecto and verso\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor more information, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/riccomaresca.viewingrooms.com\/viewing-room\/64\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eclick here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/riccomaresca.viewingrooms.com\/viewing-room\/64\"\u003e.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42383972663550,"sku":"","price":200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/products\/177-178-combo.png?v=1643221593"},{"product_id":"carlotta-m-huse-single-sided-drawing-page-206","title":"Carlotta M. Huse, Untitled (206)","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGraphite and crayon on ledger paper\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e13 x 8 in (32.02 x 20.32 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eca. 1898-1900\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor more information, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/riccomaresca.viewingrooms.com\/viewing-room\/64\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eclick here.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42384015393022,"sku":"","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/products\/205-206-onesided.jpg?v=1643222345"},{"product_id":"carlotta-m-huse-double-sided-drawing-page-237-238","title":"Carlotta M. Huse, Untitled (237-238), Double-sided Drawing","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGraphite and crayon on ledger paper\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e13 x 8 in (33.02 x 20.32 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eca. 1898-1900\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRecto and Verso\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor more information, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/riccomaresca.viewingrooms.com\/viewing-room\/64\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eclick here.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42384069722366,"sku":"","price":200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/products\/237-238-combo.png?v=1643223067"},{"product_id":"super-primitive-antique-handmade-marbles-pinball-game-with-lots-of-nails","title":"Super Primitive Early Handmade Pinball Game with Lots of Nails","description":"\u003cp\u003e(Photos--shot in poor light as it was too large for my photo set up--do this no justice at all.) I found it in Vermont this week and fell in love with it immediately; something about old nails hammered into wood in purposeful patterns really does it for me, and I really love the slightly off center arch of the tombstone top, too. The whole thing is wonderfully primitive, but invested with a lot of love and labor, and was clearly made to be played, as it clearly was. Point values for hitting various marks were written in graphite, and a metal strip encircles the whole thing, attached via fat iron nails. There was never a spring action trigger; rather, one would simply place a ball (a marble it seems most likely) in the alley at far right and I believe simply set a ball rolling, perhaps using a stitch (like a cue) to hit it. The most beautiful detail to me is the elegant tapering of the wooden strip that delineates the alley from the board of play, and then the carved out and well-worn groove where the ball\/s would be lined up before setting them in motion. A beautiful thing for hanging on the wall now, though most certainly it can still be played. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e30 3\/8\" x 16\" x 3\". Good condition, sturdy and sound, and much better in person, well worn and wonderfully primitive. Wired on the back for hanging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*no international shipping\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44373690384638,"sku":"","price":110.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_9188.png?v=1699136060"},{"product_id":"critical-eye-finds-gift-cards","title":"critical eye finds GIFT CERTIFICATES","description":"\u003cp\u003eFinally, gift certificates! A nice gift for those who like to choose their own finds, or for shop regulars, or for anyone you think might enjoy the kinds of things I hunt for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust enter the name and email address of the recipient in the notes field at check out and I'll email the gift certificate directly to them for whatever amount you specify.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'll also be glad to customize however you might wish --- including putting a physical gift certificate in the mail to the recipient along with a personal note using your words, and\/or using a redemption code of your choice. (i.e. HappyBirthday). And of course I'm happy to issue a card in any amount. Just let me know your wishes in the \"notes\" field at checkout, or shoot me an email or message. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"$10.00","offer_id":45475550232830,"sku":"","price":10.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"$25.00","offer_id":45475550265598,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"$50.00","offer_id":45475550298366,"sku":"","price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"$100.00","offer_id":45475550331134,"sku":"","price":100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"$200.00","offer_id":45475550363902,"sku":"","price":200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_4737.jpg?v=1718492817"},{"product_id":"early-continental-painted-box-with-folk-art-needlepoint-top","title":"Charming Hybrid: Early 19th C. Painted Box with Folk Art Needlepoint Cover","description":"\u003cp\u003eJust my sort of thing--a special thing to begin with, made all the more special long long ago with the addition of a very folky needlepoint, secured to the top of the box. The box is c. 1820s-30s I believe, Northern European--I have had a couple similar with dome tops, quite coveted things, but have not seen a slant top example like this--painted with colorful little houses on all sides framed by trees and ground and deep blue sky. Whether it was some damage to the painting on the box lid or simply the want to further decorate it I do not know, but the needlepoint--executed in hand-dyed wool yarn on homespun cloth, and framed in decoratively hand-cut dark gray cloth (reminding me of cut paper valentines)--can't date to much later than the box itself. It looks to me one part star, one part butterfly, and all parts charm! Only one of these in the world and it makes me at super happy. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6 1\/2\" l x 4 1\/16\" w (top to bottom edge of top) x 3 1\/4\" tallest. Lovely  antique condition, with general wear and age, all to the good I think. Wire hinges hold the top tightly. All sound and stable, not fragile. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45707119001854,"sku":"","price":200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_9918.png?v=1723392390"},{"product_id":"super-sculptural-old-bentwood-childs-chair-in-old-cream-over-red-paint","title":"Sculptural Old Bentwood Willow Branch Child's Chair in Old Cream Over Red Paint","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNot too often that I buy something large than will fit in a 12\" cubed box, but I could not resist this child's chair, which reads like pure sculpture to me--and, with a flat, sturdy wooden seat, would be a nice one for hanging on the wall and using as a shelf, too (though it remains very usable as a chair.) Constructed of bentwood willow branches, early 20th century American, with creamy white over red paint, which shows through here and there in a beautiful way. Great surface, great form, very lovely. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e26 1\/2\" t x 15 3\/8\" w x 10 1\/2\". Sturdy and sound, with a couple of extra pieces of old wood nailed to the underside for extra support I believe. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e*No international shipping on this one. For shipping outside of New England, there may be a shipping surcharge, due to size, in addition hipping amount auto-calculated at checkout--(Not more than $25.) Please contact me in advance of purchase for exact shipping cost. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45789178396926,"sku":"","price":145.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_4107.png?v=1725996012"},{"product_id":"wonderful-antique-jig-doll-on-platform-with-hand-crank","title":"Primitive Antique Jig Doll on Platform with Hand Crank","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eNice to find one of these old articulated figures still on its armature, and here with a hand crank that can be turned to suspend him forever mid air, or lower him to do a lurching sort of jig. With a very crudely carved face, great old blue paint on his pine body, and the beam that holds him punched right through his belly. Early 20th century American, all original, with just a small loss to one toe and a great immediacy and potent presence to it all. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e17\" l x 3 3\/14\" d x 7 3\/4\" (with figure lowered.) Good condition, great patina, hand crank turns smoothly, works as it was made to--not a smooth dancer, but with some trial and error one can get him awkwardly moving!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45789851844862,"sku":"","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_4519.png?v=1726155420"},{"product_id":"j-b-justa-joyfully-painted-19th-century-wall-box","title":"J.P Justa, Joyfully Painted 19th Century Folk Art Wall Box","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThis wonderful antique two pocket hanging wall box shows plenty of wear, but for me that just adds to its very joyful, celebratory feeling--and of course I really love the name \"Justa\" front and center--Latin in origin and meaning \"fair and upright.\"  I would guess Pennsylvania Scandinavian or German, based on both the name and the manner of decoration, 3rd quarter 19th century I would guess. Wonderful old paint, hand-forged iron nails, perfectly wonky carved form to the back, and sturdy enough still to hang from the wall, though I might not put a ton of weight inside the pockets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e(I had this one in my hands for a few minutes several years ago before selling it; happily the buyer, who has changed his collecting focus since, offered it back to me...and I must say when I unpacked it I fell in love with it again and found it even better than I remembered! And much better in person!)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e 12 3\/4\" t x 9 3\/8\" w x 3 5\/8\" d. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eOverall wear, a few cracks and surface wear as evident, but overall sound and stable condition, teeming with warmth and charm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45901780254974,"sku":"","price":120.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_8237_ac551e07-1862-42ce-b6db-4e0995dbc61f.jpg?v=1729122481"},{"product_id":"early-20th-century-folk-art-ship-in-mohan-meakin-bottle-with-bridge-houses-and-real-rocky-shore","title":"Early 20th Century Folk Art Ship in Mohan Meakin Bottle with Bridge, Houses and (Real) Rocky Shore","description":"\u003cp\u003eI love an old ship in the bottle, and will always marvel at them, but am fussy about the ones I like, preferring very folky ones, with lots of color and lots packed in, as is the case with this one. Fabulous play of strings on the masts, colorful paint on the hull and houses on the shore behind, plus gray painted mountains, with what I believe are actual stones along the shoreline, and an arching bridge at far right too. With canvas\/burlap rolled up and stuck into the opening (there may be cork at the center of it, a bit hard to tell)--which has done the job very well, as there is next to no dust inside. The bottle is a Mohan Meakin rum bottle, earlyish 20th century I believe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10 1\/4\" l x 2 7\/8\" d and in very good condition, reading bright and clean. Lies upright without the aid of a stand. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47573891711230,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_7049_d47c1297-42b6-4848-9c73-a663420eab75.jpg?v=1764036111"},{"product_id":"beautiful-pair-of-19th-century-inuit-caribou-bone-and-hand-forged-iron-knives-1","title":"Beautiful Pair of 19th Century Inuit Caribou Bone and Iron Knives","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese two 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.) The larger knife here is a \"crooked knife,\" or mocotaugan, an essential tool with hooked end to the blade, used as a draw knife (pulled toward the user) with one hand, for \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehollowing, carving, and shaping wood (f\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eor canoes, sleds, tools, etc) among other things. The function of the smaller one I am uncertain of, but certainly for more precision work, with short blade with hooked tip and one end, and squared tip at the other. The handles are caribou bone, perfectly shaped for the grip of a hand, and the blades hand-forged iron--\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e as I understand it, these were often \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003erepurposed from trade goods like files and saws, brought to North America from Europe by the Hudson’s Bay Company. And indeed, the blade on the small one here bears a partial maker's mark on one side: looks like E\u0026amp;C. A great deal of knowledge and history and life held in these tools, which you can very much feel, very beautiful things.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrooked knife: 7 1\/4\" l measured on the square, 15\/16\" w end of handle, visible blade 3 9\/16\" l . Smaller knife: 4 3\/4\" l, 7\/8\" w handle, blade 1\". Both in very good antique condition with obvious long histories of use which is much of what makes them so beautiful. Good structural condition, sturdy and sound.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47778194194686,"sku":null,"price":165.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_4291_09deb070-65f8-44b7-8d12-523c2eb96e65.jpg?v=1770423111"},{"product_id":"character-full-c-late-19th-century-end-of-the-day-sewer-tile-folk-art-high-heeled-shoe","title":"Character-full c. Late 19th Century End of the Day Sewer Tile Folk Art High Heeled Shoe","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn excellent example of an end of the day sewer tile whimsy of sorts, and an early one, late 19th century I believe. Sewer tile creations of this sort, easy to recognize my the character of the clay (and in this case the clay is especially, wonderfully craggy and the dark brown glaze richly applied), were made by factory workers, especially in and around Ohio, using leftover (hence, \"end of day\") clay from industrial sewer pipe production. Like the macrame baskets of sailors, and the spruce gum boxes of loggers, often these were sweetheart gifts, as I would think was likely the case here--and of course I am always delighted by the image of a factory worker sculpting something quite delicate. I don't always jump on sewer tile pieces but this one sold me immediately--excellent form (especially the shape of that heel!), surface, color, scale (I've seen a few tiny examples but this is not; perhaps it was made to hold matches), and detailing of seams, lace holes, etc. Terrific presence, too, feels singular and substantial. And a perfect fit in a lineage of folk art shoe shaped creations, from carved snuff boxes to pin cushions. (And then there are the salesman samples!) \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3 7\/8\" x 2\" t x 1 5\/16\" w. Excellent antique condition, no chips or any other issues at all that I can see. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47813894832382,"sku":null,"price":165.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_5015_39ed12bd-2dfc-49c2-9f0c-02d41f6b31f9.jpg?v=1771347040"},{"product_id":"huge-old-crown-of-thorns-whimsy-garland-in-red-white-blue-and-gold-in-two-parts","title":"Huge Old Crown of Thorns Whimsy Garland in Red, White, Blue and Gold, (in Two Parts)","description":"\u003cp\u003eI recently learned that some wooden wreaths constructed of interlocking carved wooden bits were Scandanavian in origin, used for the preservation of yeast in beer and mead making. This is not one of those, but I have to imagine the former informed the construction of later \"crown of thorn\" type frames and whimsies or garlands like this one, which I might guess was fraternal (Masonic or Odd Fellows?) in origin, earlier 20th century. Definitely it was once all one piece, running 53 inches long, and perhaps even longer to make a complete loop, but I am not certain of that. As found it is in two parts, with one loose (half-broken) piece, the cause of the rupture I presume. (Someone smarter than I am might manage to rejoin the two parts--that's beyond my skill set!) As is, the smaller one is itself of a nice (manageable!) scale at a little over a foot, and the larger could probably run the whole length of a mantle (evoking flames in the fireplace as it does!) at about 40 inches. They are quite fun to arrange and to twist and curl, revealing different colors and facets as one does. In two places are painted what appear to be accession numbers: Acc. 6859. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e53\" long total (40\" + 13 1\/2\") Approx 3\" wide and 3\" tall. Good condition, crisp and bright. There is one single piece in the larger that is shows a partial loss--noticeable really only when searching for it. One broken piece as shown in last photo which I believe is why it has split in two pieces. One wants to be gentle handling the longer one--it is a somewhat unwieldy! \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47867032338686,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_5720_e848f86a-7503-4efd-a7c4-1b5ee4b05efe.jpg?v=1772116852"},{"product_id":"glorious-1850-pennsylvania-german-fraktur-watercolor-bookplate-with-pointing-hand-berks-county","title":"Glorious 1850 Pennsylvania German Fraktur Watercolor Bookplate with Pointing Hand, Berks County","description":"\u003cp\u003ePhotos don't quite do justice to the richness and radiance of the color on this 1850 Pennsylvania German fraktur bookplate--I find it just glorious. The lower half reads \"In Ober [Upper] Bern Township, Berks County, 1850.\" The upper portion is the name of its owner--I read it as Eleisa Mager, but I think I may have a letter or two wrong as I've not found a match; perhaps Mayer? (Surely someone better at reading fraktur lettering than I am can figure it out!) Best of all that green pointing hand at upper right, known as a \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003emanicule (\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003efrom Latin \u003cem data-processed=\"true\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" class=\"eujQNb\"\u003emanicula\u003c\/em\u003e, \"little hand\"), typically used to highlight important information, but here pointing toward the blank page opposite (to my mind the void!--but I presume as intended toward the contents of the hymnal.) I also like how the hand itself almost looks as though lettering the word \"of.\" The volume itself is \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eDas Gemeinschaftliche Gesangbuch\u003c\/i\u003e (\"The Joint Hymn Book\") printed in 1846 in Philadelphia by Mentz und Rovoudt, with the text in German, fraktur style lettering throughout. I would be inclined to remove the cover to frame it, a lovely example. Note the way in which Township [Tounschip] is spelled and wraps from one line to the next.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEndboard with fraktur: 6 1\/8\" x 3 5\/8\". Book overall 6 1\/98\" x 3 7\/8\", 374 pages. Dark green leather cover with gold title on spine. Pages show a good bit of toning\/spotting, but bookplate is in good condition, color very strong and bold, much better in hand. A bit of bleeding to the ink and watercolor here and there (as on the decorative dots around \"Ober\", minor and original to it. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48007701037310,"sku":null,"price":110.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_8660.png?v=1774445826"},{"product_id":"nailed-heart-hand-tooled-details-c-early-19th-century-leather-and-wood-snuff-shoe","title":"Nailed Heart, Hand-tooled Details, c. Early 19th Century Leather and Wood Snuff Shoe","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eI love a carved shoe, and especially a carved shoe shaped snuff box, but I look at a whole lot of them and mostly let them go. I purchased this and a second today on Ebay from a seller who seemed to have come into a very good small collection of them, all fine early examples-- I think this one c. late 1700s based on form and materials and compparison to related examples out there. A fairly unusual one, hand-tooled leather rather than wood, every inch (centimeter!) animated with decorative detail, including (and very much so!) the sole. My favorite of course the heart nailed out in pique (or probably more correct to call these studs, with larger heads than pique decoration) on the hinged leather lid. Quite a charmer, and the survival of these, especially one made of leather like this, always feels like a small miracle to me, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3 1\/8\" x 1 1\/8\" x 1 7\/8\" t. Very good antique condition, 200+ years old. Wear and dryness to the leather along the hinge of the lid, but it remains well attached. No losses and not fragile overall, though I would be gentle opening and closing the lid, which plugs the opening very snugly.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48030099144958,"sku":null,"price":130.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_9415_832e23d1-1dab-4250-8701-fd258f5dcc49.jpg?v=1775075603"},{"product_id":"woman-in-finery-with-hand-drawn-face-wonderful-late-18th-early-19th-century-silk-embroidery-on-paper","title":"Woman in Finery with Hand-drawn Face, Wonderful Late 18th\/Early 19th Century Silk Embroidery on Paper","description":"\u003cp\u003eI purchased this one from a very knowledgable, longtime dealer of antique textiles and folk art with an exquisite eye. A few years ago I purchased a marvelous silk embroidery of a very folky bird on brown paper just like this, in original frame under very thin blown glass--one of my favorite things ever, and which immediately came to mind when I saw this. This is very early 19th century or perhaps even late 18th, American I believe, and the dealer speculated that the finely dressed woman portrayed here is black, based on her features and face appearing a slightly darker shade than the paper. I'm not certain, but sure love that graphite-drawn face whatever the case, and her very wonderful hat, which looks rather like a picket fence in front of a bank of trees! Every inch terrific, deftly communicating structure, texture and material as well as form \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ethrough the way the stitches were pulled (see the folds of her golden skirt, for example) --about as pure an example of drawing with thread as it gets. Really radiant, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFramed overall: 12\" x 10. Paper approx 7 3\/4\" x 6\". Period frame, under glass, as found, with wood back to frame. Water stain to the paper along right edge and toning around the edges, embroidery itself in excellent condition. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48030099505406,"sku":null,"price":300.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_9439_ac2c32e6-29f3-45f6-8eac-6d896990a81f.jpg?v=1775078739"},{"product_id":"c-1850s-native-american-finely-beaded-wool-pouch-seneca-or-wabanaki","title":"C. 1850s Native American Finely Beaded Wool Pouch, Seneca or Wabanaki","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is an early one, mid 19th century I believe, glass beads on red wool ground, with green silk border and light blue interior, polished cotton I believe. There was a great deal of similarity between Wabanaki (especially \u003cspan\u003eMi'kmaq) \u003c\/span\u003eand Iroquois (specifically Seneca) beadwork during this period; I am not expert enough to attribute definitively. (There is an excellent blog devoted to just this: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/iroquoisbeadwork.blogspot.com\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/iroquoisbeadwork.blogspot.com\/\u003c\/a\u003e) I am forever swooning at examples like this, which I see on occasion at shows around New England and are much prized; this one I went to Pennsylvania to find, and shows some losses, particularly to the red ground (no surprise, it being wool), but remains a beautiful and very special thing. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4 1\/2\" x 4 7\/8\". Small scattered holes in the red wool ground as evident. Some bead loss on the opening side as pictured, largely to white beaded border just inside the green silk, and to beading along the flap closure. Clasp detached, but saved, inside pouch). Stable sound but one wants to handle with care. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48141088293118,"sku":null,"price":175.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_1666_f034316b-110a-4f06-bad1-e29138593f2f.jpg?v=1777467195"},{"product_id":"gorgeous-large-antique-french-minnow-bait-bucket-with-wire-latch-lid-and-best-original-paint","title":"Gorgeous Large Antique French Minnow (Bait) Bucket with Wire Latch Lid and Best Original Paint","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a beautiful thing, whether or not one has ever cast a fishing line in one's life. It is a large antique bait bucket\/minnow pail in original green (beautifully worn and aged) paint,  French I believe, early 1900s. With a very lyrical, perfectly working wire clasp mechanism locking the lid, as detailed--that loop of wire raises as a handle for locking\/unlocking it, then lies flat once closed.  Great form, nice bail handle, perfect patina, just lovely. Makes me want to be a kid heading to the creek to catch ever evasive tadpoles--or frogs!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBucket itself (vessel;) 11\" w x 7 1\/8\" t. With handle 12\" w x 12\" t. Very good antique condition, just right patina.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48167249346814,"sku":null,"price":110.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_2959_c831f924-75ca-43a5-af4e-46ab9ad4942d.jpg?v=1778075474"},{"product_id":"mended-and-mended-and-mended-again-very-much-loved-19th-century-wooden-carrier","title":"Mended and Mended and Mended Again, Very Much Loved 19th Century Wooden Carrier","description":"\u003cp\u003ePerhaps not everyone will appreciate the beauty of this, but I love an object that has had it life extended many times over, one repair after another layered on top of the last. Photos give a good sense here, including of the original fat dovetailed corners of this carrier, and its wonderfully shaped original high rising handle. Over time, pieces added to extend over splits, nails reinforcing older nails, metal strips extending across the bottom to keep it from falling through. And a warm dry patina to the wood, pine I believe, all over. I used it to carry a bunch of small things out of the Hudson River Valley shop where I found it, so would say it has a lot of life in it yet. Highly empathetic and also cuts quite a fine silhouette. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e16 1\/4\" x 9 1\/8\" x 8\" t. Much worn, much aged, much mended, all to the good in my opinion. Sound and fairly sturdy still. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48167249576190,"sku":null,"price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_3444_11af719d-5785-44d4-8b3b-0444dafd32d0.jpg?v=1778106643"},{"product_id":"wonderful-antique-graphite-portrait-of-man-with-blue-eyes-and-beard-fenced-above-elbows","title":"Wonderful Antique Graphite Portrait of Man with Blue Eyes and Beard, Fenced Above Elbows!","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe more time I spend with this folk portrait, American c. 1880s I believe, the more I love it. Looking closely, it appears that there is just a very subtle bit of pale blue used for the irises of his eyes. And this wonderful care given to the brushy hairs of his beard. And this very sweet little bowtie. But what really makes if for me are the curlicue lines encircling his arms and demarcating the bottom edge of the drawing--evincing a barbed wire fence tightly constraining him, but, as those lines are pretty joyful!, it feels somewhat more of a lovingly protective gesture. (Likely, the portrait was drawn after a print or photograph, which ended right there--so the looping lines were the maker's way of resolving it!) \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e 11 1\/2\" x 9 1\/2\" framed, under glass, in old (nicely mellowed) gold painted wooden frame. Good condition, with some stains to the paper as evident, all very much of a piece with it, not detracting.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48244901183742,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_3714.png?v=1779127278"},{"product_id":"his-sign-is-the-lion-pennsylvania-german-1803-fraktur-watercolor-birth-announcement-in-brilliant-color","title":"His Sign is the Lion, Pennsylvania German 1803 Fraktur Watercolor Birth Announcement in Brilliant Color","description":"\u003cp\u003eI just cannot walk away from color like this. And I find it a very wonderful thing that the birth of a child should be recorded and celebrated in such a glorious way.  Here: Johannes Esjchleman \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eborn on March 31, 1803. (I believe I've got it right--often names were spelled phonetically; I've found a record for a \"John\" \u003cspan itemprop=\"familyName\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/familyName\"\u003eEshleman born on the same day in \u003c\/span\u003eLancaster, PA to father Johannes, certainly this is he.) Best here is the following inclusion: \"und sein zeigen ist der lowe,\" translating to \"and his sign is the lion.\"  Born on March 31, it seems his sign was not really that of the lion (Leo), but from what I understand, the sign of lion was often invoked on fraktur birth and baptismal certificates, carrying associations of\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);'\u003e strength, courage, and the \"Lion of Judah,\" intending to place the child under spiritual protection. It appears our Johannes lived to the age of 72 and had five children, all his life in Lancaster County, PA. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"T286Pc\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" data-sfc-root=\"c\" data-sfc-cb=\"\" data-complete=\"true\" data-copy-service-computed-style='font-family: \"Google Sans\", Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);'\u003e8 1\/2\" x 6\" framed, original frame and glass I believe. Fraktur and frame both in good condition, ink and watercolor strong and bright. Some general toning\/soiling to the paper, all of a piece. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48244909900030,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_3786_a10bf635-6666-499f-ac4b-b315ebffd988.png?v=1779231870"},{"product_id":"excellent-first-generation-c-1930-engraved-bakelite-white-on-black-backgammon-doubling-cube-1","title":"Scarce and Prized First Generation (1930) Engraved Bakelite White on Black Backgammon Doubling Cube","description":"\u003cp\u003e2,4,8,16,32,64. Though clearly a (very excellent looking) die, with each side a mathematical doubling of the next, I did not know exactly what this was when I found it. Didn't take long to learn that die like this were and are made for use in backgammon-- specifically for raising (doubling) the stakes in a game.  I've learned with a bit of research that the first doubling cubes were introduced in 1930, and this is an iconic very early example, perhaps the very first to be produced. Made of bakelite, with the \u003cspan\u003eengraved numerals filled with a white inlay material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e so to be flush with the surface of the cube. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/nebackgammon.org\/index.php\/early-doublers\/\"\u003eHere is a link\u003c\/a\u003e to a page on the website of the New England Backgammon club devoted to the history of doubling cubes, with a photo including this specific cube. These early examples appear to have become quite precious--a perfect gift for a backgammon aficionado, but also just a great, and very graphically satisfying object.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 3\/8\" cubed. Very good condition, reads crisp and sharp, with minor loss of white inlay in a couple of spots (mostly on the 4).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"critical EYE Finds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48308212465918,"sku":null,"price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/5022\/1382\/files\/IMG_5305.png?v=1780066795"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.criticaleyefinds.com\/collections\/worth-a-splurge.oembed?page=2","provider":"critical EYE Finds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}