Antique 19th C Wood Iron Game Utensil Rack Folk Art Primitive BIRD Designs NR
Item History & Price
Reference Number: Avaluer:3901149 |
One of the most charming attributes of this particular rack is the top two carved in love birds, kissing with a heart at the center. Similar designs were a popular motif of the Pennsylvania German culture, often appearing on the sides of barns, on frakturs, etc. Lovely old paint on this example as well - a vibrant polychromatic assortment of orange, green, red and yellow.Today game racks make perfect ways in which to hold and display period hearth articles, especially those with hanging loops including tasting spoons and other blacksmith made utensils. The piece would also serve to compliment any other pieces in a country home, from dried herbs to molded candle pairs etc.Overall the piece measures 2 3/4" deep, 17 1/4" tall and 19" wide. I can't be exactly sure of the wood grain, thought it appears to be grained like pine and is of a lighter variety, possibly poplar.There is some paint loss and crackling from age. Most of the paint has flaked from the broad area of the board above the hooks from wear. There is some additional paint loss from age on the joints of the back board meeting the top frame area, the sides of the center of the board, some paint loss to the decorative face of the birds at the center heart decoration and near the wings. All paint loss again age related. At some point someone punched in two holes on the body of the piece 6-7" above the last hook on either end to serve an area to hang the piece on two pegs or nails, these holes measure 15 1/2" across from one another. The style of the hook nails on the bottom places the age estimate to the later part of the 19th century. Overall about good/very good- condition, all aforementioned age wear and paint loss expected of age. Again please click the images for specific enlargements. The hooks retain a slight bit of oxidation and pitting from age, though are in solid shape.It presents itself in a currently state ready to grace a period interior and showcase an assortment of period items off it's hooks. Personally we feel the crazing and flaking to the paint gives it a wonderful appearance. Just a great Hand Carved piece of early Folk Art - Likely a marriage or anniversary gift with the subject of the love-birds!Up for a five day long auction with no reserve and a low starting amount!