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Welcome to Raven's Way Antiques. 
​ The home of historic antique duck decoys and shorebird decoys, early American stoneware and country
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DECOYS

Over-sized, Turned Head, Hollow Maine Eider Drake Decoy by an Unknown Maker from Coastal Maine, probably the Casco Bay Area, circa Early 1900s. This Eider was Hollowed out from the Bottom and then a Sheet of Tin was Carefully Tacked to the Bottom. Eventually, the Salt Water caused the Tin to decay from the front and rear of the bottom, rendering the decoy no longer seaworthy. The Nails appear to be quite early, many with square heads. Also of interest is the Wide Body (10 ½”) which has a Carved Upward Slant in the Front and Rear which would allow the decoy to Ride with the Wave Action. The Head is Dowelled into the Body at about a 45-degree Angle, rather than Inletted. It further displays an Appealing Old Working Repaint with Minor Wear. Measurements: 18” in length, 10 ½” in width, and 9” in height. A Very Cool Hollow, Turned Head, Eider Drake Decoy.
(DX772)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.
Price $3200 plus shipping

Excellent Red-Breasted Merganser Drake Decoy by Harry Vinuckson Shourds (1930 – 2017), Seaville, New Jersey, circa 1980. Shourds was named after his Grandfather (1861 – 1920) who “is one of the acknowledged master makers of New Jersey decoys”. Shourds never met his grandfather, but he was well versed in the tradition by his father and became a well-known carver in his own right. As a Wildlife Carver, he was selected as a 1989 Natural Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts. This Hollow Carved Merganser is very much indicative of his grandfather’s work (See Fleckenstein’s color photo of the Red-breasted Mergansers in New Jersey Decoys.), though the younger Shourds maintained that he would develop his own style. This Merganser displays Excellent Original Paint and Condition, even the back of the decoy usually represented in simple black paint displays subtle feathering when viewed closely. The Bottom, with the classic coastal New Jersey Inlaid Weight, is Branded “H.V.  Shourds” and Signed “H.V. Shourds / 1980”. All with Very Minor Wear. Measurements: 16” in length, 5” in width, and 7” in height. An Outstanding Coastal New Jersey Decoy by Harry V. Shourds.   
  (DX795)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.
 Price $450 plus shipping

Outstanding Black Duck Decoy by Jasper Dodge, J.N. Dodge Factory, Detroit, Michigan, circa Middle Period 1880s. A great deal of important information on Petersen, Dodge, and Mason can be found in the Sharpe and Dodge book, Detroit Decoy Dynasty. A photographic example of a similar Dodge Black Duck can be found on pg. 160 and the detail of characteristics for this Middle Period design is found on pg. 325. This Decoy displays Excellent Original Paint and Condition, even the neck filler has not been replaced. It displays the Mandible Bill Cut, circa 1885 – 1886; Black Glass – Shoe Button – Eyes; the Pointed Tail of the Period; and Fine Feather Painting. It also retails its Original Rigging and came from a hunting rig on Long Island. It Measures 16” in length, 5 ¼” in width, and 7” in height. Please note that there is a tight line in the bill, see large image #7. It shows some very minor wear from use, but Remains an Excellent Example of a Jasper Dodge Black Duck Decoy.
(DX763)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.
Price $1500 plus shipping

A Hollow Carved Black Duck Decoy by the Famed William Harnden Foster (1886 – 1941), Andover, Massachusetts / South Freeport, Maine, circa 1920s +. Foster is known widely for his paintings and illustrations from the “Golden Age” of Illustration. Foster studied with Howard Pyle and was friends with N.C. Wyeth. As was once said, “Nothing, tough, topped his love for hunting, fishing, guns and dogs.” While among sportsmen, he may be most well-know for his publication, New England Grouse Shooting, which he both wrote and illustrated, he was also an avid waterfowler. He built his summer camp in South Freeport in 1908, became friends with L.L. Bean, and illustrated the cover of Bean’s first catalog. Amidst all this, Foster was a decoy carver of considerable skill, making at least 4 duck species of coastal Maine. This Black Duck Decoy represents the Quality of Foster’s work. The Decoy is Hollow Carved, displays Full-Body Carving with pronounced Wing Patterns, Incised Secondaries, Raised Split Tail Primaries, and Incised Tail Feathers. The Head is Dowelled into the Body and can be Placed in Various Positions, or removed. Foster uses Painted Tack Eyes, Bill Separation, and Mandible and Nostril Carving. The Paint is a Worn Original, one speculum shows loss of coloration, with Subtle Coloration enhanced by lightening. Measurements: 17” in length, 7 ¼” in width, and 7” in height, no stand included. A Wonderful New England Black Duck Decoy.
(DX784)   Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.                       
Price $1950 plus shipping  

An Excellent Example of a Swimming Black Duck Decoy by Gerald C. Robertson (1913 – 1989), Blue Hill, Maine, circa 1940s. Robertson was a painter in Blue Hill and is especially well-know in the decoy world for his Black Duck Decoys. This Decoy displays a Slightly Turned Head in laid into the Body and Accented with Glass Eyes; the Bill shows a clear Delineation from the Head with Nostrils and Nail clearly carved; the Body displays Strong Raised Wing Carving and an Appealing Separation of the Primaries from the Extended Tail; the Overall Presentation is Quite Bold. Added to the Body is Exceptional Original Paint with Elaborate Feathering. As a Working Decoy, there is some wear to the body, a tight age line on one wing, and a minor chip to the tail. Measurements: 19 ½” in length, 6 ½” in width, and 5 ½” in height. A Fine Swimming Black Duck by Bill Hill Carver Gerald Robertson.
(DX785)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.
Price $895 plus shipping

Early Canvasback Drake Decoy by Paul Gibson (1902 – 1985), Havre de Grace, Maryland, circa 1940s. Gibson was a well-known carver from the Havre de Grace School of carving and this decoy came out of a Bushwhack Rig used on the Susquehanna Flats. Jimmy Fry (did some decoy shows with Jimmy in the Late 1980s – Early 1990s) was one of Gibson’s students and his decoys reflected that history. (See Hagan’s Upper Chesapeake Bay Decoys and Their Makers.) This particular decoy displays a Classic Gibson Form, a Strong Original Paint by Gibson and the Typical Gunning Wear, down to the Wood in some places, and Bumps to the Body and Lines to the Neck that these decoys experienced from use on the Flats. A Classic Example of a Susquehanna Flats Decoy by Paul Gibson. Measurements: 15 ½” in total length, 6 ¼” in width, and 7 ½” in height. Specific measurements consistent with McKinney’s work. No Stand Included. Classic Gibson.
(DX777)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.
Price $450 plus shipping

SHOREBIRDS

ALL your Shorebirds listed here
Glass Eye Yellowlegs Shorebird Decoy by the Mason Decoy Factory (1896 – 1924), Detroit, Michigan, circa 1900 – 1905. According to Goldberger & Haid’s Mason Decoys, this Glass Eye – Iron Bill Model with the Extensive Paint is considered “Fall Plumage”. This Example displays Excellent Dry Original Paint, Original Eyes and Bill, and Very Little Wear. There is a Minor Blemish of “white paint” below one eye and there is a Small Imperfect in the Wood on the back which was filled in the factory before the Paint was put on. The photographs represent the Quality Condition of the decoy. Measurements: 12” in length, 2 ½” in width, and 11” in height, including the stand. A Fine Yellowlegs Shorebird Decoy by the Mason Factory.
(DX399)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.
Price $2300 plus shipping

​Very Appealing Greater Yellowlegs Shorebird Decoy by an Unknown Maker identified as from Somers Point, New Jersey, circa 1890, on pg. 96 in Levinson & Headley’s Shorebirds. Some members of the Long Island Decoy Collectors Association have indicated that Robert Staniford, owner of Wildfowler at Quogue, Long Island, found 2 of these decoys at the Thorne Boathouse in North Hampton, suggesting they are Long Island decoys. Whatever the origin, this shorebird does have a Strong New Jersey Form, displays Excellent Original Paint, has Carved Eyes circled in a Worn Yellow, and an Iron Bill that may or may not be original. There is a Chip out of the back where the stick hole drove through the wood, partially covered by a dowell. The Decoy was in the Levinson Collection and was therefore incorporated into the book on shorebirds. As a Greater Yellowlegs, it measures 13” in length, 2 ¾” in width, and 12” in height, including the stand. A Very Appealing Shorebird Decoy.
(DX395)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.
Price $1350 plus shipping

Early Black-bellied Plover Shorebird Decoy by an Unknown Maker from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, circa 1880s – 1900. This Fine Shorebird Decoy which has seen use in the field, displays Strong Original Paint with Wear to the Wood in some places. The Whiteish Paint appears to have been put on rather thinly with no primer; whereas, the Black Paint was placed much more heavily, though both areas show wear. The Decoy is Quite Full-bodied and rather heavy compared to the majority of Shorebirds. A reasonable guess suggests that the bird was made from Mahogany or Walnut, most likely Mahogany. The Decoy is nicely carved down to a Pointed Tail and Each Side of the Tail is Incised to Suggest Primary Wing Separation. The Bill was Dowelled into the Front Head and Held in Place with a Dowell through the Top of the Head. After the Bill was carved down, apparently chip carved, it was split in use and reattached. That Split has been professionally restored and retouched. The photographs should help clarify the description. Measurements: 11” in length, 3” in width, and 13 ½” in height, including the stand. A Fine Cape Cod Black-bellied Plover Decoy.
(DX388)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.
Price $1375 plus shipping

An Excellent Example of a New England Lesser Yellowlegs Shorebird Decoy in a Somewhat Flat-sided Form by an Unknown Maker, probably Northern Massachusetts or New Hampshire, circa 1910. This Rare Shorebird displays Strong Original Paint, Tiny Shoe Button Eyes, and the Original Wooden Bill, all with Some In-Use Wear. The Construction is interesting in that the Decoy is Made in Two Vertical Parts with the Sides Apparently Glued Together because there are no signs of dowels or pins. The Decoy measures 9 ½” from the Tip of the Bill to the Tip of the Tail, 1 ¾” in width, and 9 ½” high, including the stand. A Fine Example of a Lesser Yellowlegs Decoy in Strong Original Paint.
(DX347)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information
New Price $650 plus shipping

​Outstanding Solid Body Reaching Ruddy Turnstone Shorebird Decoy in the Eugene Cuffee Style with a Carved Deer Antler Bill by Lyle G. Smith, Shinnecock, Long Island, New York, circa 2019. This Native American Shorebird Decoy has carved Wings and Eyes, a Deer Antler Bill, and a Highly Stylistic Paint Pattern, accenting the Turnstone’s Field Marks with a Traditional Shinnecock Decorative Pattern. The Decoy is Signed on the Bottom with a Carved Name and an Ink Signed Name: “Lyle G. Smith / 12/ 2006 - Shinnecock, NY". Measurements: 10 1/2" in length, 2 3/4" in width, and 7 1/2" in height, including the original stand. We have worked with Lyle over the years, and when he has an opportunity to carve decoys for Raven’s Way, we are always appreciative. An Outstanding Native American Shorebird Decoy.
(DX362)   Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information .
Price $325 plus shipping

Early Golden Plover Shorebird Decoy from the Eastern Shore of Virginia, circa 1900. This Terrific Golden Plover at first appears to be a Hand Carved Black-bellied Plover in a Worn Original Paint. A Closer Inspection of Feather Coloring – splotches of Black and Yellow – on the Back and the Enhanced White Brow suggest that the Maker was creating a Golden Plover Decoy. While a Somewhat Primitive Hand Craved Decoy, the Maker Carefully Delineated the Raised Primaries, Crossed Wing Tips and Split Tail Feather Pattern. The carving, in turn, displays a Characteristic Form for Plover from the Region. Much of the Paint has Worn with Use and Age; yet it’s also clear that the Paint Work was Limited to Begin With. The Bill is a Replacement and there is touch up to that area. It appears that there was some type of iron carrying attachment which is now gone leaving two inserts under the tail and an early collector’s item number on bottom. The Decoy measures 8 ½” in length, 2” in width, 11 ¼” in height, including the stand. A Terrific Shorebird Decoy and a Definite Symbol of Early American Functional Folk Art.
(DX403)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information . 
Price $1150 plus shipping

​Excellent Long-billed Dowitcher Shorebird Decoy by Timothy P. Stevens (1948 – 2008), Salisbury, Massachusetts, circa 1970s. Decoys Stamped “STEVENS” are often associated with Samuel A. Stevens (1917 – 1998), Salisbury, Massachusetts. Research indicates that Timothy was Samuel’s son and both of their obituaries indicate that they were decoy carvers. In this case, the attribution to Tim Samuels is simply because the Original Stand is Signed “Tim Samuels / Salisbury, MA”. Aside from following his father in the decoy carving tradition, Timothy also continued to run the Christmas Tree Farm started by his father. Without the signature on the stand, distinguishing between the work of the father and the son is best left to the experts. Interestingly, when this decoy was first photographed, it was assumed that this was a Steven’s Yellowlegs, but in studying the size of the decoy, the length of the bill, the color of the paint pattern and the feathering, it appears the Timothy Stevens had a Spring Plumage Long-billed Dowitcher in mind, a common bird for his area along the coast. The Decoy measures 14” in length (the bill 4 ¼”), 3” in width, and 12 ½” in height, including the stand. The Decoy displays Strong Original Paint with minor wear, Glass Eyes, an Original Bill, and a Slight Split Tail sometime seen on older Massachusetts shorebirds. While obviously carved as a decorative, it is a Fine Massachusetts Shorebird Decoy.
(DX397)   Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information .
Price $495 plus shipping

​Hollow Carved Greater Yellowlegs Shorebird Decoy with “Lincoln-Type” attributions, Massachusetts, circa Pre-1900. This Old “War Horse” is clearly an historical artifact. It is Hollow Carved and Vertically Attached; it has Original Glass Shoe Button Eyes, Raised Wing Carving and Finely Carved Wing Tips (see photos). It displays a Very Early Working Repaint with Considerable Aging, In-Use Wear, and a Few Shot Marks. At least five decoys from two rigs of these shorebird decoys are documented. One pair of these shorebirds in Original Condition appear in Delph’s New England Decoys (see photos) and a group of three similarly carved with slightly different paint and Baleen Bills in Vinal’s Joseph W. Lincoln. All of these decoys are Massachusetts in Origin and made by a Highly Skilled Carver. Taking into account shorebirds that were definitely made by Lincoln, we are doubtful that this decoy or those documented were made by him. Yet, this Old Hollow Carved Yellowlegs clearly has a story to tell. Measurements: 11 1?2” in length, 2 ½” in width, and 13 ½” in height, including the stand. A Highly Appealing Yellowlegs Shorebird Decoy.
(DX402)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.
Price $950 plus shipping

​A Classic Yellowlegs Shorebird Decoy by Herbert S. Randall (1900 – 1971), Seabrook, New Hampshire, circa 1950s – Early 1960s. Herbert was the son of Herbert L. Randall (b. 1867), a “market hunter”, a shoe maker, and a decoy carver. Herbert grew up working with his father in the market hunting arena, eventually working as a shoe maker, and a decoy carver. In some way Herbert was a jack of all trades, working as a hunting/fishing guide, in construction at the Navel shipyard in the 1940s, and finishing up as a carpenter, all the while carving shorebirds and duck decoys for the local population and the tourist industry. Randall’s work with shorebird decoys is well-known, so identifying the age of particular decoys is a bit difficult. While his style is fairly consistent, some decoys have his classic carrying staple on the bottom (this decoy the staple has been removed), others include his name carved with a linoleum cutter, and still later others are found with the name stamped with individual letters (as with this decoy). His early work from the 1920s, ‘30s, and ‘40s appears to be more refined and toward the end of his life the work is less developed. The condition of this Yellowlegs indicated that it was likely one of his later shorebirds carved for tourists and collectors in the style of his earlier decoys. The Form is quite Full-bodied with the Breast Carving drawing to a Firm Neck Line. The decoy displays Tack Eyes and a Dowelled Bill. The Paint is Fully Original, Simply Presented, and the “Aged” to appear as an older decoy. “Randall” is Stamped just passed the stick hole. The decoy measures 10 ½” in length, 2 ½” in width, and 12 ¼” in height, including the stand. “He was well-known in the Seacoast area as a carver of wooden decoys birds.”
(DX405)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.      
 Price $325 plus shipping

Wonderful Early Peep – Sandpiper -- Shorebird Decoy by an Unknown Maker from Newburyport, Massachusetts, circa 1875. This Peep was apparently used quite frequently in hunting around the Newburyport area, especially the Plum Island beaches. The Decoy displays considerable Gunning Wear with Shot Holes and Shot Scrapes to the Body. Yet the decoy remains in Excellent Original Paint, has Shoe Button Eyes, and Apparently the Original Bill. There is Some Head Carving down to the Bill to Enhance the Form early in the Decoy’s life, and the Under Side indicates the Bird had an Eye Screw for Carrying at some point. Measurements: 6 ½” in length, 1 ¾” in width, and 9” in height, including the Stand. The Form of the Body and the Excellent Paint Pattern combined with the Age and Use of this Decoy make this an Incredible find.
(DX377)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.
Price $2300 plus shipping

A Classic Dodge Long-billed Dowitcher Shorebird Decoy by the Jasper Dodge Decoy Company (1870s - 1920s), Detroit , Michigan, circa 1880s – 1890s. This Dowitcher displays Strong Original Paint, Tack Eyes, and a Nail Bill. With regard to Dodge Decoy history, this shorebird probably fits into his later production period. See Sharp & Dodge Detroit Decoy Dynasty, especially pg. 199. The Condition is Very Good with the only problem being some minor filler loss at the base of the bill. The Full-bodied Shorebird measures 11 ¾” in length, 2 ½” in width, and 11 ½” in height, including the wooden stand. An Outstanding Dodge Dowitcher Decoy.
(DX361)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.
Price $6500 plus shipping

Very Early Golden Plover Shorebird Decoy from Long Island, New York, circa 1880s. The Long Body Form and the Separate attachment of the Neck and Head are indicative of the Early Long Island Shorebirds and there is a Slight Ridge along the end of the body by the tail, another early LI characteristic. As an interesting addition, the round belly on the bottom of the decoy is an applied piece of wood, dowelled into position. The Bill appears to be Original but may be a later replacement; it’s early, so it’s hard to tell. The Paint is Worn Original and Very Indicative of other Shorebird Decoys that may be from the same rig or maker. The Decoy is in Untouched Original Condition. Measurements: 12” in length, 2 ¾” in width, and 12 ¼” in height, including the metal stand. This Golden Plover displays the Nice Early Form of Long Island Shorebirds.
(DX306)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional photos. 
Price $2400 plus shipping

DECORATIVE DECOYS

ALL your Decorative decoys here

FISH DECOYS

Mint 6” Golden Shiner Ice Spear Fishing Decoy with its Original Box by Tony Smith, Macatawa Bait Company, Holland, Michigan, circa Early 2000s. The Macatawa Bait Company was started in 1976 by Tony Smith and I bought a small trout in an early box style from a Michigan dealer. A few years ago, I bought a number of fish decoys from Tony and now I am letting some go. This Golden Shiner is an Excellent Example of the work done in Michigan by Tony’s company. The Fish are Extremely Well Carved with excellent detail, Complemented with Extra Fine Paint, and Fully Rigged, as the photographs suggest. They are simply outstanding collector pieces. This Golden Shiner is in Mint Original Condition and comes with its Original Box. Stand Not Included. A Beautiful Fish Decoy.
(FD602)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.   
Price $225 plus shipping

Rare 6 ½” Michigan “White Fish” Floater Style Ice Spear Fishing Decoy by an Unknown Maker, circa 1940s – 1950s. What makes the Decoy rather rare is that rather than being lead-weighted to maneuver in the water, this fish is weighted to the bottom to attract a passing fish. It has an eye screw on the bottom to attach a weight to and an eye screw on top to position and retrieve the decoy. This Fish displays a Carved Mouth, Eyes, Gills, and Wood tail; Old Tin Can Fins, and Strong Silver-Gray Paint with Black Spots in a trout style. No Stand Included. Neat Old Michigan Fish.
(FD598)   Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.   
Price $75 plus shipping

​Neat 6 ½” Pikie Ice Spearing Fish Decoy by an Unknown Maker from Michigan, circa 1930s – 1940s. This Folky Hand Carved Fish Decoy in the Form of a Pike has Old Tin Can Fins, Paint Eyes, Double Weight on the Bottom, and an Early Eye Screw that has been moved forward. On the Top of the Head, there is a chip to the white spot that looks likes it just barely caught a spear tip. There is also some flaking to the fins. The Paint appears to be All Original, though the white paint on the bottom is a much heavier paint than the body. Still it seems very early. No Stand Included. A Very Folky Fish with a Lot of Character.
(FD592)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information. 
Price $95 plus shipping

COUNTRTY SMALLS/MISC.

Nice One Gallon Stoneware Pitcher by Whites’, Binghamton, New York, circa 1860. It displays Whites’ Signature Cobalt Blue Poppy Flower Design with Minor Fry to the Blue and a Glaze Burn near the Spout. “Whites’ Binghamton” is also stamped in Blue above the Design. The Pitcher presents Excellent Form and Nice Lines. There is an Early Repair to the Base, but that in no way Distracts from the Presentation. It measures 9 ½” in height, 8” in width at its widest point, and 9” in depth to the handle. A Nice Original Example of a 19th Century Stoneware Pitcher.
(MX173)   Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.  
Price $450 plus shipping

​An 1826 New York State School Girl Sampler by Zorada Ransom (Jan. 27, 1814 – Dec. 15, 1903) completed when she was 13 years old living in Champlain, Clinton, New York. In 1842 she married George Dudley (June 16, 1807 – Feb. 2, 1860), Champlain, New York, who is listed as a Lumberman in the 1850 U.S. Census, with considerable assets for the time period. After George died, Zorada Dudley is listed as a Widow Keeping House in the 1880 U.S. Census, so George Dudley must have left Zorada enough money to survive until her death in 1903. Both individuals are buried in the Greenwood Cemetery in Champlain, New York. Within the border of the Sampler, there is an Undulating Vine Border with a House, Flower, Tree, and Square at each Corner. Within the Border are 3 Alphabets and Numbers, Her Age and Date for Completing the Sampler, and a Final Verse: “The End of Learning is to Know God and Love Him”. The Sampler is the Work of Silk on Linen in a Variety of Stitch Patterns. Measures: Sampler 12 ½” x 11 ¾”; with Frame 13 ¾” x 12 ¾”. Condition is Very Good with Minor Stains.
(MX153)   Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.  
Price $765 plus shipping

Neat Wire Egg Basket with 7 Vintage Wooden Eggs found in Pennsylvania, circa Early 1900s. Interestingly, a quick review of wire baskets on the Internet indicates that they are still being produced with handles as decorative items. This basket was apparently designed to sit on a kitchen counter without any need for handles to allow a batch of eggs to sit in the open air. The “eggs” are made from wood and have a rustic finish. Though not found with the basket by the original owner, they do make the decorative aspect of such baskets appealing. All were purchased together. The Bottom of the basket is 6” in diameter and the top is approximately 8” wide. The wiring process must have been quite tedious, but truly enhances the display. The eggs are approximately 2 ¼” in length and are egg-like in their look. A nice addition for a country kitchen.
(MX155)   Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.  
Price $95 plus shipping

Raven’s Way is pleased to offer an Exceptionally Fine Dove-Tailed, Inlaid Ornament Box from New England, circa 1850s or earlier. This Box was purchased from an Estate Sale of a Deceased Antique Dealer’s Collection that offered some Excellent Items. The Finely Dove-Tailed Box with an Inlaid Diamond Piece of Cherry Wood (?) on the Top is an Outstanding Example of a Specially Made Item with a Presentation Purpose. The Inlay and Dove-Tailed Elements are Precisely Evident in the Presentation; whereas, the “T” or “L” Head Nails for the Finish Work identify the approximate age of the work. The Key Hole is undoubtedly done in Boxwood, though there is no longer any key which must have been quite elegant. Measurements: 5 ½” in length, 4 ½” in width, and 3 ¾” in height. This Box is of Excellent Early Quality and the Photographs are provided to examine its Beauty.
(MX154)  Click on Photo for Larger images. Contact us for additional information.
Price $325 plus shipping 

​Early Turned Wooden Chopping Bowl from New England, circa Early 1800s. Early Woodenware of this nature is often referred to as “turner’s ware”, simply because these pieces were hand-turned on a lathe. If fact, a close examination of this bowl indicates the lines made from the turning lathe. As you look further into the bowl, you can see “chopping” marks from use of the bowl, and then, typically, at the bottom after extensive use, the turning lines and the chopping marks blend into a worn piece of wood. Invariably, the rims of these bowls are “out of round” both as a consequence of the turning process and age. This Chopping Bowl displays all of those characteristics. No cracks and no repairs; All Original. It measures 13” in diameter at the top, a somewhat oval 3”+ flat exterior bottom, and an approximate height of 4”. Chopping Bowl were a Basic Utilitarian Item of Early New England and a Classic Item of Collecting.
(MX165)  Click on Photo for Larger images. Contact us for additional information.
Price $145 plus shipping

​Early Dove-Tailed Gun Box with an Assortment of Gunning Tools, circa Mid-Late 1800s. This Gun Box was originally found in Maine with an Exterior covered in Mildew. That mildew was cleaned off without damaging the early age of the original exterior finish, which appears to be a very old red paint. The Basic Construction involves large dove-tails for joints and small nail supports. The Gunning items on the inside have not been touched from their “as found” condition. They include an early three-piece wooden cleaning rod, a shot gun shell reloading tool, an empty holder for shot gun shells, an early leather shot pouch with a later wooden cap, and a copper powder flask. The Box measures 15” in length, 9” in width, and 3 ¾” in height. This Early Gun Box is an Excellent Accent for an early Sporting or Decoy Collection.
(MX171)   Click on Photo for Larger images. Contact us for additional information.
Price $245 plus shipping

Early Red Painted 9 Drawer Spice Chest in Original Condition, circa Late 19th – Early 20th Century. The Drawers still have Original Paper Spice Labels, some fully worn. In many instances when the drawers are opened another spice name is written on the side. In addition, the drawers have their Original Porcelain Pulls which add character to the piece, and the Back of the Chest is covered with a Tin Sheet. Construction throughout is with Small Cut Nails giving some guide to the Late 19th Century Origin. The Tin Sheet uses slightly larger nails with wide heads. The Original Red Paint displays Good Age; there is In-use Wear to the Edges and Top of the Chest. One minor mouse chew to the inside of a bottom box (see photo). It measures 14” in width, 7” in depth (8” with the drawer pulls included), and 11” in height. A Wonderful Example of an Early Wooden Spice Chest.
(MX172)   Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.
Price $995 plus shipping

Nice 19th Century Hand Made Oak Splint Storage Basket with Notched Bow Handles and Alternating Blue Dyed Weavers, possibly Native American in Origin. A double rim with single wrapping was used at the top and the bottom splints were left open, so the basket could breathe. It may well have been used to hold dry herbs. Aside from Minor Age Wear and a Small Split to the Edge of one of the Bow Handles (not a full break), the Basket is in Excellent Condition. Measurements: 11” in length, 7 ½” in width, and 4 ½” in height (the handles come up another 1 ¼”).
(MX147)   Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.
Price  $175 plus shipping 

Early Desk Box (commonly referred to as Document Boxes) with Numerous Applied Moldings and Constructed with Mitre Joints and Cut Nails, Found in New England, circa 1800. The Highly Gained Wood is Unknow to us, though some of the Top Layers are Veneered. All Sides and the Two Top Molds, which are beveled, are of the Heavily Grained Wood, perhaps English? The Box measures 10” in width (the base molding is 10 3/8”), the sides are 6 ½”; the height to the first top mold is 4 ½” with the total height approximate 6 ¼”. Numerous photographs are offered for a clearer understanding of the box. The Condition is Very Good with Some Minor Loss of Veneer on the Top Edges and Some Minor Age Splits. The Piece was Originally found in New England and has been sitting in our stepback for the last 20 years.
(MX141)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.
Price $145 plus shipping 

Small 4 ¾” High “Westerwald” Salt Glazed Crock with Cobalt Blue Decoration either Brought to the U.S. by German Immigrants or Produced in Pennsylvania by German Immigrants, circa 1800. This Jar was Found in a New York City Tenement Apartment occupied by a German Family after the last of the family died approximately 40 years ago and the Building was being Torn Down. The Crock with its Wonderful Side Handles, Extensive Cobalt Decoration, and its quality condition represents a Classic Element of American Immigrant History. Moreover, it is in Excellent Original Condition, as the photographs indicate. Measurements: 5 ½” tall and 6 ½” wide at the top, 8” including the Handles, and 5 ¼” in diameter at the bottom.
(MX157)    Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.
Price $325 plus shipping

​Raven’s Way is pleased to offer a Hard-to-Find Rye Basket made by German Immigrants in the 18th and 19th century, as they migrated to Pennsylvania and Virginia from their original homeland. Rye baskets were a common from of basket making in Europe and the tradition was carried on by immigrant communities in the U.S. Low, open baskets like this one are woven from long bundles of water-soaked rye rolled into coils and then held together with oak splits. Overall, the material and the construction made them highly durable. See Robert Shaw’s American Baskets for more information. This Rye Basket measures 12” in diameter across the top and 6’ across the bottom to form a Bowl Shape. It is in “as found” Original Condition with Dried Dirt on the Interior, suggesting its Use for Harvesting Vegetables. (Note that the Basket is slightly duller than the photographs.) From a New England Basket Collection.
(MX144)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.
Price $165 plus shipping

Antique Molded Glass Oil Lamp with a Pedestal Base, circa 1876. Oil Lamps, which come in many different styles and designs depending upon the era and the wealth of the owner, were mainstays in life before the advent of electricity. This Pedestal Lamp is representative of the movement from simple clear glass lamps with a single handle to the elaborate use of pattern and design as their use evolved. Yet, while this piece is elaborate in design, it still exhibits a couple of “air” bubbles in the making, suggesting that the process has yet to be perfected. In addition, an appealing aspect of this lamp that the brass lamp collar is Patented Dated “Mar. 21, 1876”. That patent date provides the owner with an approximate time frame for the making of this type of lamp, which also links it the U.S. Centennial period. The Lamp is 8” in height, adding the Brass Oil Burner makes it 9 ½”, and the total with the Chimney 16 ¼” (The Chimney is early but may not be original.)  The Oil Holder is 3” in height and 4” in diameter. The Hollow Pedestal is 4” in height and 4 ¼” in diameter at the base. There is no damage to the lamp and only wear to the burner from use. Another excellent piece for the country collector or a simple backup for when the electricity goes out.
(MX156)   Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.
Price $95 plus shipping