I purchased this one from an auction in Topeka, Kansas, and found attached to it a note that it was made by a J.Michael Flanagan and had been appraised by Antiques Roadshow during a visit to Wichita, KS in 2008, with an estimated value of $700-900. My guess is that the maker was known because it had been handed down across a few generations in a family; I'd think done late 19th or very early 20th century. And quite a thing it is: I count nine chip-carved layers (of heavier wood than cigar box wood), stacked atop the frame itself, painted a reddish brown and with the bottom and top layers of the stacks painted a now perfectly mellowed gold. Hearts on tramp art pieces always make me happy, and these I think are about as good as it gets, with what almost look like lightening bolts flanking them on all sides. Not a missing bit on the face that I can see; just a few losses on the back side, not visible from the front. Plus what I believe is the original glass, and a wire on the back for hanging.
17” x 14” x 2 1/2”. Very good condition, beautifully aged, study and stable, with losses on reverse side detailed, not visible from the front.
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