Whimsey Carvings, Bottle Whimseys - Page 1

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Large, incredibly detailed inlaid fraternal whimsey	Extraordinary, large, intricate folding whimsy: all one piece, chip carved and decorated	Spectacular large Glassmaker's whimsy	Early, very fine whimsey carving
		Exceptionally detailed Cuban bottle whimsy: pig roast, musicians, domino game	Second Cuban bottle whimsey: intricate house
Bottle whimsy with tramp art pavilion	Framed Sports card bottle whimsey display	Three whimsey carvings with bark, dated 1935	Barrel in a bottle
Three elegant whimsy carvings and a cowboy desk set, all by the same maker			Bottle whimsey with tools
Spaceship in bottle whimsy	Chair in a gallon bottle whimsy	Early carved whimsy with unusual form like a caged jack	Whimsy carved pelican with fish

This is an elegant carved whimsy with very fine detail, some chip carving, and a wonderful dark, alligatored surface. The ball in cage with its intricate crest was carved from a single piece of wood. It was then mounted on the base with carved steps, and the two balls on spiral pedestals added separately. The condition is excellent, with no visible loss or wear. It is 10 1/2" high by 7 1/4" by 5". The finish is a dark lacquer that has taken on a beautiful patina. It was made in the late 1800's to early 1900's. The price is $825.00. Inventory Code: CSTH.   Intricately carved whimsey ... Another angle ... Closeup of the top ... Closeup of the bottom ... Side views ... Back view ... A different angle ... Closer view of the top, showing surface ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
Some much larger photos:   Intricately carved whimsey ... Another angle ... Closeup of the top ... Closeup of the bottom ... Side views ... Back view ... A different angle ... Closer view of the top, showing surface ... With a soda can for scale.

This is a very intricate bottle whimsy. It contains a pavilion with carved pillars and a tramp art roof. Inside the pavilion are a table covered with a fringed cloth with a large Bible on top, a sofa and chair with green velvet upholstery and white antimacassars, and a chip-carved piano with upholstered bench. There is a heavy paper flag on a carved wood flagpole. A chip-carved crest around the flag has names written in pencil. The pavilion is pieced from lighter and darker wood strips, and the roof is painted gold. The bottle is 11" high by 4 1/2" in diameter. The condition is excellent, and the age is probably early 1900's. The price is $925.00. Inventory Code: CWHA.   Bottle whimsy ... Two sides ... Two more views ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... From above ... Another view from above ... From below ... Another view from below ... With a soda can for scale.
Some much larger photos:   Bottle whimsy ... Two sides ... Two more views ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... From above ... Another view from above ... From below ... Another view from below ... With a soda can for scale.

Here is an extraordinary collection, assemblage, and display of eight bottle whimseys. Each of the one pint whisky bottles contains a large hand made wooden frame containing a sports trading card. All of the bottles are set on a raised shelf in a hand made, semi-circular, lighted, metal display - like a hall of fame. There is a light in front of each bottle whimsey. The base is covered in red and green felt, trimmed with black braid and brass knobs. This assemblage is 26" across, 13 1/2" deep, and 13" high. The cards include Arnold Palmer, George Foreman, Wayne Gretzky, Wilma Rudolph, Jesse Owen, Joe Montana, Pete Rose, and Michael Jordan. It is signed by the maker, Richard Kopp, on the bottom, is in excellent condition, and was constructed in 1994. The price is $1600.00. Inventory Code: AORH.   Image ... Closeup ... From above ... Lit up, in a dark room ... Bottom.

Following are photos of the individual bottles. Wilma Rudolph ... Rudolph - Back ... George Foreman ... Foreman - Back ... Wayne Gretzky ... Gretzky - Back ... Michael Jordan ... Jordan - Back ... Joe Montana ... Montana - Back ... Jesse Owens ... Owens - Back ... Arnold Palmer ... Palmer - Back ... Pete Rose ... Rose - Back.

This an extraordinary, one of a kind, folk art piece. It is a very large, extremely detailed marquetry whimsey with a fraternal theme; including many carved and inlaid elements. This has so much intricate work that more things continue be seen and be appreciated even after several viewings. We have included many pictures that will convey some of the quality of this piece; however, it will still surprise and delight even more, when held in person.

Following is just a brief description of some of what is in this piece. To be complete would take more than reasonable here. Please let your eyes tell more of the story. This work is over 49" long, 5 1/2" wide, and over 1 1/4" deep in parts. It is decorated on the sides as well as the front. It includes Crosses, Ankhs, stars, hearts, Bibles, scrolls, spears, and other Masonic, Shriner, Eastern Star, and Odd Fellows symbols. Each section is held together with carved links; and the entire carving is made from one piece of wood. There is one carved ball in cage, relief carving, and a section inlaid with bone or ivory. There are inlaid words, and letters; and it is decorated with a multitude of symbology. This piece is in extremely good condition; although not completely "perfect". There is a slight crack in one link, and one has been reglued in part. There is also a little bit of red color which is on the lowest section. There is no loss that we can see. One section has hand painted the words "Memorial Day 1947". We would date it from that time. The back is inscribed "To Vernon Thompson for Mike". The price is $1250.00. Inventory Code: TSOH.   Inlaid fraternal whimsey ... Closeup of top section ... Another view ... Side view.
Second section: Front view ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... One side ... The other side.
Third section: Front view ... One side ... The other side.
Fourth section: Front view ... One side ... Another view ... The other side.
Bottom section: Front view ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... One side ... The other side.
The back: Upper back ... Middle back ... Lower back ... Closeup of inscription.

This is a bottle whimsy with a spaceship built inside. The ship is made from cedar with wood burned decoration including the inscription "USA 17-A". It is built in a 1.5 liter liquor bottle with a screw top. The ship measures about 5" long by 2 1/4" wide by 2 1/2" high. The bottle is 12 1/4" long by 3 3/4" by 3 3/4". The condition is excellent. The price is $225.00. Inventory Code: CTPW.   Starship in bottle whimsy ... The other side ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
Some much larger photos:   Starship in bottle whimsy ... The other side ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

Here are three carved whimsey chains by the same maker. They are each carved from a branch (possibly red birch) with the bark left on. The largest is initialed "I.Z." in burned letters, and dated 1935. It is 9" long by 3/4" by 3/4" and has unusual "X" shaped links. The middle one is 6 3/4" long by 3/4" by 3/4". The smallest is very delicately carved. It is 3 3/4" long by 3/8" by 3/8". All three are in excellent condition. They are priced at $225.00 for the group. Inventory Code: TSHR.   Three whimsey carvings ... Another view ... Third view ... Fourth view.

This is a really extraordinary, large whimsy carving - the most elaborate we have come across. It is a variation on the folding pliers carved from a single piece of wood, but when you unfold the pliers, each side unfolds into two more, which then unfold again, and again. Finally, many of the free ends are carved into hanging baskets. Again, this is all from one piece of wood.

The whimsy was then decorated by chip carving all of the edges and most of the larger flat surfaces in detail, giving it something of a tramp art effect. Finally, the surface was decorated with applied pieces of darker veneer, and colored ribbons and just a little glitter were added. The three largest joints were reinforced with nails.

When folded, the whole thing fits into an original, custom made wood box. The whimsy is 30 1/4" long by 2 3/4" by 1 3/4" when completely folded. When unfolded, it is about 22" high by 30" by 17". The box measures 31 3/4" long by 4 1/4" wide by 3 1/4" high.

It was made in the early 1900's and is in excellent condition. One of the small baskets is missing: the break is very old, and may even have happened while the carving was being made. Also one corner of the box lid is broken, and the box surface is somewhat worn. Otherwise, the carving itself is pristine. The price is $2800.00. Inventory Code: CTKH.   Intricate folding whimsy ... Another angle ... Folded up ... Open, another angle ... Side view ... The other side ... Back view ... Back, from above ... Partially folded ... Partially folded, another angle ... Folded, with box and lid ... Side and back views folded up ... Folded, in the box ... The box ... Closeup of the loss to the box ... Another side angle ... Other side, from above ... Closeup of top, partly folded ... Top, side view ... Closeup of top, folded ... Closeups, folded up ... Closeup center section ... Another closeup of middle ... Closeup of the feet ... Another closeup: missing small hanging basket would be on left ... Third closeup of feet ... With a soda can for scale ... In box, with a yardstick for scale.

Some much larger photos:   Intricate folding whimsy ... Another angle ... Folded up ... Open, another angle ... Side view ... The other side ... Back view ... Back, from above ... Partially folded ... Partially folded, another angle ... Folded, with box and lid ... Side and back views folded up ... Folded, in the box ... The box ... Closeup of the loss to the box ... Another side angle ... Other side, from above ... Closeup of top, partly folded ... Top, side view ... Closeup of top, folded ... Closeups, folded up ... Closeup center section ... Another closeup of middle ... Closeup of the feet ... Another closeup: missing small hanging basket would be on left ... Third closeup of feet ... With a soda can for scale ... In box, with a yardstick for scale.

Here is a very interesting and unusual carved whimsy. The cage is a cube with rounded corners and circular openings on all sides. Inside is a stylized 6 pointed star, like a jack, which is free to move inside the cage. There is a square center from which radiate out long cone shaped rays. This piece is fairly old, probably from the late 1800's or turn of the century. The cage is about 2 1/4" across the sides, while the star is actually a little bit larger as the tips protrude from the cage. The lines visible in some of the photos are not cracks: they were put there by the maker, probably to line up his work as he carved. The condition is good, with a little bit of wear, some very slight loss to the wood, and some tiny holes that apparently were from nails and seem original to the piece. The price is $250.00. Inventory Code: TRPR.   Carved whimsy ... Another view ... Two more images ... Different views ... More angles ... Two more views ... With a soda can for scale ... Video in motion [4 Mb].

This is an unusual small whimsy carving of a pelican with a fish. The fish is free to turn within the pelican's beak, but can't be removed. The carving is highlighted with pencil markings for eyes and gills. It stands 2 5/8" high by 2 5/8" wide by 2 1/4" deep, with an unfinished, oxidized surface. The condition is excellent. It is from the second half of the 20th c. The price is $95.00. Inventory Code: TTOW.   Pelican whimsy carving ... Front view ... Another angle ... Side view ... The other side ... With a soda can for scale.

This amusing and interesting bottle whimsey has a barrel built inside and a lock stopper with a folky carved head. The top and bottom of the barrel were assembled from strips inside the bottle. Then, 17 individually carved staves were attached, and fastened with string hoops. "Apple Cider" is burned into the top, and "H. Campbell, 1989, Norwich Conn." into the bottom of the barrel. The top of the stopper is carved with a bald head with large ears and nose, and painted eyes, eyebrows, and mouth. It stands 14 1/2" tall by 4 1/2" in diameter and is in excellent condition. The price is $225.00. Inventory Code: TTKO.   Barrel in a bottle whimsy ... Several more views ... Closeups of the stopper ... The sides and back ... From above ... Closeup of the barrel ... From below, with signature ... Top.

This is an absolutely wonderful, intricate bottle whimsey. Inside are four men playing dominoes, two musicians, and a man turning a pig on a spit over a fire. This bottle is one of a small group made in the early 2000's by Ramon Arbelo Gonzalez of Cuba. The construction is very intricate - each domino is individually carved and painted, as are the flames of the fire. The guitar is carved, with applied bridge and individual strings. Very few of his bottles include painted details. The bottle is embossed "Havana Club" and has a wooden base attached. Including the stopper and base, it is 13 1/2" long by 4" high by 3 1/4" in diameter, in excellent condition. The price is $1200.00. Inventory Code: CSRT.   Bottle whimsey with musicians, domino players, pig roast ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... Closeup from above ... Top view ... Closeup from top ... Back view ... Closeup from back ... Another closeup from back ... End view ... The other end ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
Some much larger photos:   Bottle whimsey with musicians, domino players, pig roast ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... Closeup from top ... Closeup from back ... Another closeup from back ... From below.

This is an extraordinary bottle whimsey of a house by Ramon Arbelo Gonzalez. The main portion of the house is a single story, with the addition of 2 two-story sections, connected by a bridge. The entire piece is done in great detail. The house rests on an open courtyard enclosed by a fence. Thread is strung through the fence posts as rails. There is an external staircase, shrubbery, and windows all around the four sides of the main house. All of the light and dark checkerboard wood which makes up the floor is actually inlaid in separate small pieces. The different colors of the squares are different kinds of wood. This is also true of the other shades of wood throughout this piece. On the bottom is inscribed information about the maker. It reads "Puky Omaja" and the town name he lived in in Cuba. The bottle is mounted on the base and is 13 3/4" long by 3" in diameter. With the base it is about 4" high. This piece was made in the early 2000's. While it is not that old, it certainly is exceptional. The entire structure is in excellent condition and can be shipped. The price is $850.00. Inventory Code: CSRC.   Exceptional house in a bottle whimsy ... Closeup ... Another closeup ... Another angle ... Closer view ... A different angle ... Closer view ... Back view ... Closeup of back ... From above ... Another view from above ... End view ... From below ... Closeup of signature ... With a soda can for scale.
Some much larger photos:   Closeup ... Another angle ... A different angle ... Closer view ... Back view ... Closeup of back ... From above ... Another view from above ... From below.

This is a large, spectacular glassmaker's whimsy, the only one of its kind we have ever seen. It is an assembly of links, circles, triangles and stars mostly in brown and blue glass, with a few green and clear pieces. Each link was individually made from glass rod that was heated until it could be bent, passed through the previous link, and then the ends melted and sealed together to form the next link. All the links move like a regular chain, so the piece can be arranged in many shapes. As you see it in the first photo it is spread out to 57" by 36". The age is unknown, and the condition is excellent. The price is $1750.00. Inventory Code: COPP.   Glassmaker's whimsy ... Arranged differently ... Closeup ... Second closeup ... Third closeup ... Fourth closeup ... Fifth closeup ... Sixth closeup ... Side view ... With a yardstick for scale.
Some much larger photos:   Glassmaker's whimsy ... Arranged differently ... Closeup ... Second closeup ... Third closeup ... Fourth closeup ... Fifth closeup ... Sixth closeup ... Side view ... With a yardstick for scale.

This is a chair in a bottle whimsy. It is wood with a woven seat, sturdy and well done, built in a gallon jug. The bottle is about 12" high by 6" in diameter and has a metal screw top. The chair is about 5 3/4" high. It was probably made in the last quarter of the 20th century. The bottle is slightly cloudy inside, otherwise the condition is excellent. The price is $275.00. Inventory Code: CAWT.   Bottle whimsey with chair ... Another angle ... Third view ... Side view ... The other side ... Back view ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

Here is a set of three elegantly carved whimsies by the same anonymous maker. They all have very smooth surfaces, good form, and are finished in a somewhat glossy clear lacquer or varnish. They appear to be from the mid-20th century and are priced individually below, with a discounted price for all three. From left to right in the group photos:

The first is a darker brown. It has a turned top that tapers down, then flares back out to a single caged ball. There is a metal hook at the top for hanging. This one has a couple of age cracks, and has been broken and reglued on one corner. It is 8 1/4" tall, excluding the hook, by 2 1/4" square. The price for this one is $250.00. Inventory Code: CTHC.

The second and smallest is the most detailed. It is an assemblage of three pieces in a warm, medium golden color. One is a tiny ball in cage with a carved crest on top. This is mounted inside a separate, larger cage with a carved crest and shaft with a very round ball on top. Finally, that cage was mounted on a three-tier base. The steps of the base were carved out of a single piece, with tiny dowels set in the corners like fence posts. It is 7 1/2" high by 4 3/8" wide by 3 3/8" deep, in excellent condition. The price for this one is $375.00. Inventory Code: CTHH.

The third whimsy has a long cage with three large, very round balls, topped by a finial turned from a second piece of wood. It is 13 3/4" tall by 2 1/8" square. One corner of the cage has been broken and reglued. The price for this one is $375.00. Inventory Code: CTHT.   Three whimsy carvings by the same maker ... The taller whimsy, two views ... The two shorter ones ... Another angle ... Third view ... One side ... The other side ... Back view ... All three, from above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.
Some much larger photos:   Three whimsy carvings by the same maker ... The taller whimsy, two views ... All three, with a soda can for scale.

This is a hand made and carved cowboy desk set assemblage. It was apparently made by the same person who did the set of whimseys above; they all are in the same wood, finish, and feel.

This desk set has a three step base carved from a single piece of wood. It is topped by a pair of carved and decorated boots and a rectangular section with a deeply carved round area. The boots are carved out to hold pens or pencils. The center area could contain paper clips, rubber bands, or odds and ends. All the pieces are pine. The boots also have been decorated with fine inked and pencilled vines and flowers. The soles are painted or inked black. All this has then been finished in fine lacquer or varnish. The piece was likely made about the 1940's or '50's. The base is 8" wide by 6" deep. The boots are each about 4" high by 3 1/2" deep by 1 1/2" wide. The overall height is about 5 1/2". It is in excellent condition with one small chip in the finish on the base. The price is $225.00. Inventory Code: CTHO.   Carving with cowboy boots ... Another angle ... Front view ... Side view ... Closeup ... The other side ... Another view ... Back view ... From above ... From below ... With a soda can for scale.

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