1985 Carved Painted Wood Tramp Art Heart Shape Trinket Box Walter June Gottshall
Description: A hand carved wood and polychrome painted American Tramp Art or Folk-Art heart shaped trinket box. The carved box, which was made by Walter and June Gottshall, has thick walls and a lift-off lid. Both the box and the lid are heart shaped. The lid fits into the box with a raised portion on its back side, which prevents the lid from sliding off. The lid itself is styled in the tramp art fashion with multi levels having toothed edges. The top of the bottom of the box also has the same toothed edge adding an extra level when the box is close. The box and lid are painted in brown on the outside and both have white dots along the toothed edges. The bottom of the box and of the lid as well as the interior of the box are not painted. The bottom of the box has the names JUNE and WAALTER written in pencil. There is also what we believe is the number 85 (we are not very certain of that) also written in pencil. The box is in relatively good condition with a tight age crack that goes through and can be seen in the 5th photo. The line seen in the 3rd photo is not a crack but rather a superficial carved line. Other than that, the box is intact and substantial. A very nice and unusual piece of American folk art in the tramp art style to add to your Americana Collection. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: The piece is dated 85? for 1985.
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: Measures ~7 1/4" by ~4 1/2" by ~3" in height with the lid on. The piece weighs over one pound.
Maker: Walter and June Gottshall.
Marks: Has the names JUNE and WAALTER and what we believe is the number 85 (we are not very certain of that) all hand written in pencil.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: Truly a nice, very interesting, and unusual piece of American folk art, which would make a worthy addition to your collection of Folk Art or tramp art pieces.
Condition: The carving is in very good condition with no losses or repairs. It has a tight age crack that goes through and can be seen in the 5th photo. The line seen in the 3rd photo is not a crack but rather a superficial carved line. Other than that, the box is intact and substantial. The piece has minor scratches and minor dings. The colors of the box are fresh and vivid. All in all, this is a nice piece of American folk art in the tramp art style (very unusual) in good condition after being around for over 40 years. It would make a great addition to your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.
