5 Types of Unusual Americana to Display in Your Home
If you’re looking for a conversation piece for your home that no one else could possibly have, you might want to check out the many subcategories of Americana. You’ll be amazed at the artistry and ingenuity that went into hand-made objects and one-of-a-kind hand-painted signs from the 18th through 20th centuries.
Many of the things modern-day Americana fans covet were never intended to be collectibles of the future; they were meant to be functional items of their own time. Today they’re all part of our cultural history and are charming to us because of their naïveté, including the misspelled words and use of non-traditional materials.
You might choose to display just one piece as an artwork on its own and later find that it becomes the springboard for an entire collection – don’t be surprised if that happens!
Here are five unusual types of Americana you can watch for in online auctions or as you browse through antique shops or flea markets:
Hand-Painted Sleds
Early painted-wood child’s sled with stenciled horse motif and cast-iron rails terminating in figural swan decorations. Image courtesy of LiveAuctioneers and Milestone Auctions
Canine Antiques
Antique dog muzzle of metal and leather. Photo by Catherine Saunders-Watson
Old Store Displays
Unique circa-1940s sheet metal robot used by a hardware store as a mascot and “trade stimulator.” Note the eyes made from lead marbles and the use of screen to help create the illusion of teeth and nostrils. Photo by Catherine Saunders-Watson
Non-Manufactured Signs
Antique hand-crafted wood trade sign used by a farrier to identify his place of business. Photo by Catherine Saunders-Watson
Hand-Painted Game Boards
Chinese checkers game board, circa 1930, hand-painted plywood. Image courtesy of Jasper52
Once you venture into the colorful, often whimsical realm of Americana, you’ll find it irresistible. Our ancestors definitely left us a rich supply of objects from which to choose, an best of all, you can start a collection with relatively little money.
Click to view this week’s curated Americana auction hosted on LiveAuctioneers. Bid today.