There used to be a woman named Gwen ( I'll leave out the last name- but some folks may be able to figure out the old gal I am going to write about) who lived along the Mississippi River in a little town. I first met her when I was exhibiting at a show in Rochester, Minnesota. She admired things in my booth and once we got to chatting I walked into her booth and she had things I wanted- we did a little trading and I think I ended up with a little cash as well. I think that was August of 1984. I adored Gwen because she was resourceful, knew a lot of folks and had a hardy laugh. We had a lot of fun over the years and she would find incredible things for me- the drawback- Gwen smoked. God took her in 2015. I watched in the years preceding her death- she suffered greatly. It was sad because here was someone with a gifted, skilled eye. She got the subtle nuances that can make something INCREDIBLE, she understood early things and I'm telling you, you would have loved the laugh. She had one daughter- they were not close and Gwen left her nothing- I take that back- I think it was five bucks and the skill saw she borrowed and never returned. Everything went to auction. It was an INCREDIBLE auction. I remember reading the playbill listing in the paper and stopping at my bank downtown and showing my banking buddy the listing- to which he said " This is gonna cost me isn't it?" .It didn't cost him, but the bank covered my ass for almost $22K. Gwen's personal collections were INCREDIBLE. There were painted pieces that went for thousands- I bought a step back cupboard for 7100- the folk art was some of the BEST. I bought wonderful things and a lot of it I kept.
Christmas last year was when I decided it's time to "thin the herd" with a lot of the collections that I have- that said, here is a RARE opportunity to buy a handful of WOW pieces. This listing and three other pieces I am going to list- came out of a four-pane, one door hanging cupboard- which I still have.
This 3rd example Gwen always felt was Swedish in origin. She bought it from me in the late 80's. I got it out of collection in Minneapolis from a lady involved with the Swedish Institute. Gwen LOVED the mane and tail in seagrass. In her 60+ years of dealing in beautiful things- she said she has seen a handful of others ( most in museums) She referred to it as a "Sunday toy" and she related that generally after church on Sunday that children would gather and bring out their favorite- often hand-made toys and play. This horse is a wonderful, early form. The carving is primitive and yet well defined. The surface sports "honest wear" from little hands. Early & Beautiful form. I would date the piece 1875-85. It could be earlier. I am listing three other horse figures from the same collection. This horse figure as well as the other three are all Museum-grade in collecting. This example measures 4 1/2" in length and 6" tall. There is an OLD repair to one of the back legs- but its tight and without issue- nor does it take away from the piece. I love the face on this one and will say- when I bought this at the auction- it was like seeing an old friend again. It's GREAT American Folk-
We ship worldwide, combine purchases & ship lightning quick. Payment is due at the end of the auction. Thanks for looking and Good Luck.
P.S. I am going to start this with ALL of my listing. There is a Buy it Now price- but if you message me- I will give you my BEST price. There are times you will be amazed at what I offer it for-