Antique Folk Art Identification and Value Guide

From decorative accessories to toys, folk art takes many shapes and forms. These antiques and collectibles were generally handmade by untrained artists in the classical sense, although techniques like whittling or carving used may have been passed on from generation to generation. Many times the origin is unknown, but these pieces tend to reflect the culture of the region where they were produced. This is one area of collecting where beauty and craftsmanship are subjective, and values can vary widely.

The carved wooden horses' pictures above are by Peter Brubaker (1816 - 1898). They were sold with a letter providing provenance that the horses have been in the Ebling family for five generations. They had minor age chips and cracks. Otherwise, it was in excellent condition.

Selling Price: $21,600 (Morphy Auctions - 2/12)

Note: Selling price does not include buyer's premium. 

Unsigned carved wooden folk art tree with 12 birds all intact, but the cat at the bottom is missing one of his ears.

• Condition: Excellent Overall
• Size: 20" tall
• Selling Price: $230 (Morphy Auctions - 1.11)
• Note: Selling price does not include buyer's premium. 

The dolls head and torso were made from a wooden brush. The face was hand-painted. The right arm was made from a wooden spoon, and the left arm was missing.

• Condition: Very Good
• Size: 20" tall
• Selling Price: $230 (Morphy Auctions - 5/08)
• Note: Selling price does not include buyer's premium. 

Here's a wooden elephant with dimensional ears, hooded with art deco design and bone tusks.

• Mark on Bottom: BF 12/15/27
• Condition: Very Good
• Size: 21" W x 16" tall
• Selling Price: $460 (Morphy Auctions - 10/08)
• Note: Selling price does not include buyer's premium.

Vividly colored wooden folk art birds on a tree.

• Condition: Excellent
• Size: 26" tall
• Selling Price: $345 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)
• Note: Selling price does not include buyer's premium. 

It is made of wood. It depicts an African American figure holding a balancing beam on a pedestal with multicolored paint.

• Condition: Very Good to Excellent
• Size: 10"
• Selling Price: $143.75 (Morphy Auctions - 5/08)
• Note: Selling price does not include buyer's premium. 

A cloth doll with oil painted life-like features. It's wearing original handmade clothes.

• Condition: Very Good
• Size: 22" tall
• Selling Price: $1,150 (Morphy Auctions - 10/08)
• Note: Selling price does not include buyer's premium. 

This antique includes eight figures of men, one child, a pig, a dog, and birds. It's damaged, with a loss to shingles and minor losses to carved figures.

• Size: 19" x 21 - 1/2"
• Selling Price: $805 (Morphy Auctions - 11/08)
• Note: Selling price does not include buyer's premium. 

This antique is an ornate Victorian handpainted folk art mirror.

• Condition: Excellent 
• Size: 45" x 32"
• Selling Price: $345 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)
• Note: Selling price does not include buyer's premium. 

One of the White Fleet ships Teddy Roosevelt sailed around the world after the Spanish American War. Glass case included. Excellent condition.

• Size: 25" x 39"
• Selling Price: $1,265 (Morphy Auctions - 12/08)
• Note: Selling price does not include buyer's premium. 

A painted scene reminiscent of early 1900s postcard art. All original with unreadable paper label.

• Condition: Very Good to Excellent
• Size: 36" long
• Selling Price: $1,150 (Morphy Auctions - 5/08)
• Note: Selling price does not include buyer's premium. 

Open wagon with three people and two horses — marked "Baine" on the wooden platform. Nice detail.

• Condition: Very good to excellent
• Size: 26" long
• Selling Price: $540 (Morphy Auctions - 6/12)
• Note: Selling price does not include buyer's premium.