This curated auction showcases an impressive collection of 18th and 19th-century American folk art, primitives, and early American housewares.

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Bid online at alderferauction.com now through Thursday, January 16th. This auction will begin closing at 8:00 PM at a rate of 5 lots per minute. Active bidding will be auto-extended 3 minutes for each lot once it begins to close.

At the heart of the collection are several pieces of coveted Lester Breininger redware pottery from Robesonia, featuring both sgrafitto and slipware designs. Each Breininger piece bears the maker's mark and date, representing significant examples of Pennsylvania German ceramic traditions.

The auction features a rich selection of early American kitchen and household items. Notable pieces include hand-carved wooden cookie molds, showcasing the artistry of early American folk craftsmen. Yellow ware mixing bowls with distinctive triple blue band designs complement wheat sheaf and corn cob molds, alongside period-appropriate tin nutmeg graters and various designed cookie cutters.

English ironstone pieces feature prominently, with white pitchers adorned with elegant wheat patterns demonstrating the refined tastes that coexisted with rustic American craftwork. The stoneware collection includes notable pieces from Fulper Bros., featuring two-tone brown and striped designs that showcase the evolution of American pottery techniques.

Textile enthusiasts will appreciate the selection of homespun fabrics, including rare examples of early American workmanship. Primitive wooden items include painted firkins from Kennedy Bros., round carved butter molds, and traditional butter paddles that speak to early American dairy processing methods.

Of particular interest is a painted wooden chest dated 1854, featuring original wire hinges and period-appropriate initials, representing the personal craftsmanship of early American furniture making. The collection also includes well-preserved stoneware crocks adorned with cobalt designs, primitive wooden step stools retaining original paint, and specialized items like a cast iron double spool holder mounted on a wooden base.

Additional highlights include antique splint baskets with bentwood handles, articulated wooden artist hand models, cast iron collectibles and various utilitarian items that paint a vivid picture of early American domestic life. Each piece in this collection tells a story of American craftsmanship, from the refined to the utilitarian, offering collectors and institutions an opportunity to acquire authentic pieces of American material culture.

Buyer’s Premium: 23%

In-Person Preview by Appointment Only
Tuesday, January 14th from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday, January 15th from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Schedule a Preview via preview@alderferauction.com or call 215-393-3000

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Pick-Up
Successful Bidders will be notified to schedule a pick-up following the auction.

Pick-Up Location
Alderfer Auction
501 Fairgrounds Road
Hatfield, PA 19440

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Third party shipping is available for this auction. Please contact shipping@alderferauction.com or see our terms and conditions for a list of recommended local shippers.

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