A big-busted beauty that doubles as a beer tap out of the New York area poured for $7,500 in the space of Big Blue, David Pacic, at the All-American Show. Proving that he still deserves the title for his oversized showstopping items, Pacic couldn’t pass up the hand carved wooden beer tap that was carved in the likeness of a ship’s figure head. ”It was used around the turn of the century in Brooklyn probably at a carnival but ultimately ended up in a bar,” he said of the bare-breasted, open mouthed beauty. It may have been carved by one of the master wood carvers of the time, like Looff, who was known for his phenomenal carousel horses. But, Pacic has been unable to prove any rich provenance at this time. ”If you could verify that is was carved by one of the top carousel horse carvers, or even better yet, if you could prove that it was actually a figure head on the front of the ship, it might be worth $20 or $30,000,” he said. However, Big Blue was looking to make a quick buck and was willing to sell the animated and seductive siren for $7,500. Pacic offered another piece of Breweriana in the form of a 1920 or ’30s neon Budweiser sign that imbibed for $1,200. The totally functioning sign glows a bright red. It may have been a back bar piece, but could have lured customers in by glowing a bar window. For more information on either piece, Pacic can be contacted at (805) 493-2953.
Category Archives: Folk Art
Black cloth dolls
The Hatch Collection of folk art black cloth dolls will be the featured exhibit at the fourth annual California Country & Folk Art Show slated for March 21st and 22nd at the Orange County Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. This prized exhibit of black memorabilia (for viewing only) is entitled “No Longer Hidden: An Exhibit of Black Cloth Dolls 1870-1930.” This exhibit of handmade dolls, many with button eyes and clothing made from tattered linens, first appeared at the Harvard Massachusetts Historical Society in the spring of 2007. This is the first time the dolls will be available for viewing outside of New England. On display will be more than 50 black cloth dolls collecting by Massachussetts antique dealer and collector, Pat Hatch. The black cloth dolls are examples of folk art done by American women during times of turmoil and persecution. As the curator, Roben Campbell extensively researched and documented the collection in an exhibit catalog, which will be available for reference and sale at the show. In addition to the unusual doll display, more than 50 dealers will be offering folk art from the 17th to 19th century, ranging from hooked rugs and samplers to rocking horses and old wooden general store displays. Regular Country Show dealers include the Frau of Fishbowls, Carol Mitchell, Al Sala and Sharon Gile, Nancy Cooper, art dealer Roger Genser, the Man’s Man Scott Brake, co-promoter of the All-American Show, Tauni Brustin, and Thomas Field. The California Country Show is open from 10-6 on Saturday, and 11-4 on Sunday. Call producer Tom Baker at (831) 479-4404 for more information. ”Paper Cuts: 200 Years of Black Paper Dolls” will be on exhibit through March 29th at the Craft & Folk Art Museum in Los Angeles. Examining the history and use of black paper dolls, this exhibit provides a revealing look at modern American history and our prevailing stereotypes and social perceptions. Taken from the collection of writer and researcher Arabella Grayson, Paper Cuts, chronicles the story of black paper dolls from the 1800s to the present day. Images of Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Aunt Jemimah, Josephine Baker and Jackie Robinson, and Rosa Parks illustrate a timeline of changing societal viewpoints and demonstrate the power of this childhood pastime to shape the collective American consciousness in how we view ourselves and others in our national “melting pot.”
Matchbook table
A folk art card table covered in Los Angeles-themed matchbooks lit up for $145 in the space of Gary Frederick at the recent All-American Show. Sure to strike up a conversation in a game room, the table was crafted from a vintage card table and vintage matchbooks. The two elements were put together by Frederick to create and exciting, colorful table.
Too cheap to buy a Checkerboard
Elaborately painted and inlaid, folk art game boards will be among the rustic folk art found at the upcoming California Country Antique and Folk Art Show slated for March 21 and 22 in Costa Mesa. Dealer Kim Chambers is known for his colorful handmade boards, some worth thousands of dollars today. However, these boards started out as a way for families to save a couple of bucks at the local general store.
