Pair of Outstanding Late 19th C Cloth Birds

The Cat Lady Antiques American Country Furnishings and Folk Art

Pair of Outstanding Late 19th C Cloth Birds

I am told that when it comes to Pennsylvania cloth birds, these are among the best, a fifteen on a scale of one to ten. They have been in my collection and are being offered for your consideration.

This is a pair, made by the same skilled hand. They are completely hand-sewn.

Measuring 9 ½ inches long from tip of beak to tip of tail and standing 5 ½ inches tall (top of comb), the cockbird's body is made of a black and gray calico of the day, while his breast is made of an earlier natural homespun linen. His wings and tail are cut pieces of thin cardboard covered in fabric to match his body. His wild comb atop his head is cut from the same cloth. He feels to be stuffed with cotton and still retains his original red bead eyes and original wire legs.

The hen is slightly smaller in size, measuring 8 inches from tip of nose to tip of tail, while standing 4 ½ inches tall. Her body is covered in a plain red cotton, and she has cardboard wings and tail that are covered in the same calico as her mate. Her underbelly is of a natural homespun linen. She, also, still retains her original bead eyes and wire legs.

Dating to 1880-90, they were found in Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

Unique in that they were deliberately made as a pair all those years ago, they rank among the best examples found thus far. Their condition is impeccable.

A fine example of this form of Pennsylvania German folk art for the serious and advanced collector, for someone who wants to start a collection with the best pieces they can find.

Price: SOLD

The items featured here are a small sampling of our inventory. If you are looking for a particular item, it may be in the shop so don't hesitate to contact me. Also, do check the photos under the "Shop & Shows" feature page, as you may spot an item in one of them that speaks to your collecting sensibility.

Also, don't hesitate to ask for more photos of a piece..Or ask as many questions as you like about it.

Terms and Conditions of Sale:
Personal checks, money orders, cashiers checks. Personal checks require a 7 business day bank clearance period. Unless prior arrangements have been made, payment must be received within 7 days or item will be re-offered for sale.

I guarantee all items to be as described. I try to be as thorough and meticulous in my descriptions as possible, and will gladly send additional photos as well as answer any questions about a piece in order to avoid return of merchandise.

In the event there is a discrepancy with respect to an item's representation, I must be notified within 48 hours of receipt of the piece. Upon notification, and my approval, the item must be returned within 7 days in the condition it was received in order to receive a refund less shipping and insurance.

Taxes:
Pennsylvania residents must pay 6% sales tax unless they possess a valid resale number.

Shipping and Handling:
Purchaser is responsible for all shipping, handling and insurance costs. I ship via the best and lowest priced carrier for the piece. Pickup of items at The Black Angus in Adamstown, Pennsylvania is a possibility depending on circumstances.

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