Every so often we acquire an antique that completely beguiles us. That is what happened the moment we saw this circa 1900 rustic planter whose elaborate decoration includes 12 bird figures.

FEATURED FINDS, AccessoriesKassMay 21, 2019rustic accessory, rustic furniture, allpg1

Historical Canoe Trip Journal

This small (3” x 5”) leather-bound journal documents a canoe trip taken by five men in two birch bark canoes in the Moosehead Lake region of Maine during the Civil War.

FEATURED FINDS, AccessoriesKassDecember 7, 2018history, allpg1

Birding with Bookends

Although these particular spring arrivals are bookends made of cast iron, they do an excellent job of evoking the living essence of the two song birds they portray: a Blue Jay and an Eastern Towhee.

FEATURED FINDS, AccessoriesKassMarch 20, 2017bird bookends, Bradley & Hubbard, allpg2

Blowing Rock Rustic Accessories

These two accessories were created by a rustic craftsman working during the early 1900s near Blowing Rock, NC where he sold such pieces to rusticators visiting the region's mountain resorts.

FEATURED FINDS, AccessoriesKassJanuary 20, 2017Blowing Rock NC, Charles Dobbins, rustic accessory, rustic furniture, allpg2

Figural Burl Frame

This large, late 19th century root burl frame attains not only rustic allure, but also folk art appeal by incorporating a figural element - an iconic antlered buck.

FEATURED FINDS, AccessoriesKassFebruary 22, 2016root burl, rustic decor, rustic accessory, allpg3

Early Canoe Club Sign

This substantial sign dates from the 1890s, so was made during an era of widespread enthusiasm for the new sport of recreational canoeing. We present some history on the sign, plus insights into the early days of canoe club establishment around the country.

FEATURED FINDS, AccessoriesKassNovember 17, 2015canoeing history, folk art signs, folk art, allpg3

Large-Scale Canoeing Photograph

This early 20th century photograph is dramatic both in subject matter and scale. It has inspired us to trace and recount the three strands of historical associations it evokes.

Historic Boat Maker's Signs

These two signs hold historic significance not only because they advertised the shop of a long-gone boat maker, but also for the Revolutionary War era event that the name of the shop commemorates.

FEATURED FINDS, AccessoriesKassNovember 19, 2014vintage signs, folk art, allpg3

Fabulous Floral Andirons

These circa 1900 polychrome wrought iron andirons are an uncommon and jubilant form. They are expertly crafted to bring the presence of summer flowers indoors year round.

FEATURED FINDS, AccessoriesKassMay 1, 2014decorative wrought iron, figural andirons, allpg3

Owl Bookends

Bookends are useful, cast iron is collectible, but owls reign supreme. These owls are an uncommon, mint pair of bookends made by Albany Foundry circa 1925.

FEATURED FINDS, AccessoriesKassDecember 30, 2013Albany Foundry, cast iron bookends, owl bookends, rustic decor, allpg4

Hand-Painted Tourists Sign

This multi-color, hand-painted, wooden sign dates from the 1920s and was made to beckon early automobile travelers towards a lodging house.

FEATURED FINDS, AccessoriesKassJune 26, 2013folk art, tourists signs, vintage signs, allpg4

Canoeing Lithograph on Linen

In the late 1800s, women of leisure were enjoying the freedom to pursue genteel sporting activities such as canoeing. These same women popularized fabric lithographs like this one, which were often made into pillows that celebrated their outdoorsy pursuits.

Super Cool Aquaplane

This tall wooden water-skiing board is a piece of aquatic sports history. But it is its graphic red, white and blue paint decoration that puts it over the top as stunning decor for a lakeside home.

FEATURED FINDS, AccessoriesKassApril 29, 2013aquaplane, vintage sports equipment, allpg4

Vintage Canoeing Photograph

This framed early 20th century photo captures a classic scene of a solo paddler in a wood-and-canvas canoe on a serene northern lake.

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