Fall colors!

Fall is almost here! Get ready for the change of seasons by adding some warm, cozy colors to your home. Small changes like a new area rug in the entryway, a vintage blanket draped over the back of a couch in the living room, or the rich colors of Jaspe pottery in a window sill or on a side table, will help welcome in the new season.  Here are some easy ways to start the transition.

WOODARD WEAVE Woven Rug "Geometric Checkerboard" #90-M.

Shown with one of four Framed Vintage Shoe Advertisements.

WOODARD & GREENSTEIN Hooked Rug "Riverton" #403.

Detail of Vintage Blanket.  Mid-20th Century.

Antique Pieced and Applique Quilt. Circa 1885.

Vintage French Jaspe Pottery pitchers.

"Maple Acres" beautiful handmade sign. Pine and hardwoods. Letters made from beaded moldings. New York State, circa 1900. 

Vintage Painted Wood and Cork Dart Board. Circa 1935.

All items are available as of the date of this blog post. Please inquire for pricing, details and availability by emailing: info@woodardandgreenstein.com 

Antique Trade Signs

Antique trade signs were not only decorative but, more important, identified where one could find specific services and products.  Because they were hand painted, each is an original piece of folk art with a purpose.  Before neon signs came to dominate  commercial areas across the country, these painted wood and metal advertisements hung outside shoe repair shops, department stores, pawn shops and every other commercial space open for business.  Now, with shoppers moving steadily towards sources on the Internet, these pieces from another era have gradually become even more treasured.

Painted wood raised letters on striped background.  Circa 1950.  An artist's palette was a favorite motif of the period, and one can assume that after an appointment at this establishment one will look as beautiful as a painting. Condition: Good, with weathered surface.

Painted wood.  Early 20th-Century.  Straightforward and to the point, one knows immediately what is for sale at this emporium.  Condition:  Good, with some age appropriate wear.

 Founded in 1901, the company is still doing business based in New York, NY.  Insurance companies have always been eager to present a stable and reassuring image to customers, and often produced signs with patriotic and historic themes to give a sense of permanence.  Professional sign painters were assigned to create striking, colorful graphics, some of the most effective for insurance companies with an ample advertising budget.  Condition:  Very good.

Early 20th-Century.  Gold painted letters on textured black painted wood background.  Here is a no-nonsense announcement, with a semi-serious effect.  Condition:  Very good.

Early 20th-Century  New York State.  Painted tin with wood frame.  The owners of this business hung a very distinguished sign which has an authentic patina surface.  Condition:  Weathered, mellowed paint.

Circa 1930.  Painted wood.  A simple, graceful sign that gives the impression that the proprietor was an elegant needle worker.  Condition:  Very good, with wear.

Early 20th-Century.  Painted wood.  A festive advertisement for a poultry supplier, in red, white and blue.  Condition:  Very good, with wear.

Celebrating the Fourth

Over the years Woodard and Greenstein has acquired many rare pieces of Americana, including an extensive collection of 19th and 20th century campaign bandannas, and what more fitting time to showcase these unique and charming finds than on the Fourth of July? Here's a sampling of our favorite pieces paying homage to the red white and blue. As always, these and other American antiques can be found and purchased on 1stdibs.com. Have a happy Fourth!

Applique and Pieced Quilt top: GOD BLESS AMERICA c.1914-1920. A patriotic handmade quilt top mounted on stretchers with 48-star American flag, and a soldier at the pole base.

Campaign Bandanna: Harrison/Morton 1888. Inscribed "Protect Home Industry" with portraits of the candidates.

Political Bandanna: Harrison/Morton 1888. Inscribed "Protection vs. Free Trade / "Pension for Soliders / Aid for Free Schools". 

Political Bandanna: Wendell Wilkie 1940. Wendell Wilkie campaigned against  Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1940 presidential election.

Pair of Campaign Bandannas 1888. A pair of Harrison/Morton bandannas, included in "Threads of History" published by the Smithsonian Institute. 

Antique Quilt: Feathered Star Variation: Late 19th century finely pieced graphic variation of traditional design in red, white, and blue.

Pair of miniature Adirondack chairs and single Adirondack chair c. early 20th century. A charming pair of red and white painted wood miniature chairs, and a single red painted wood  miniature chair.

Trade Sign: National Union Fire Insurance Company c. 1900. Red white and blue patriotic shield with capitol building inspiring trust and confidence.

Paper covered barrel cover c. early 20th century. Patriotic colors and motifs decorate this exuberant advertisement for an American flour company.

Woodard Weave design Georgetown 254 brings our love of Americana to our Woodard Weave Woven Rug collection with bold red, white and blue.