Opinions Differ on the ‘Real’ Folk Art

Question: In dating collectibles in my folk art collection, can I put the “folk art” label on items that were fashioned in this century?--O.A.

Answer: The perception of traditionalists has been that collectibles in the folk art genre should have been produced in a period ranging from about the time of the American Revolution to about the end of the 19th Century. Much of the reasoning behind these dates stems from the rise of the industrialization of this country and, in turn, the decline of the craftsman, who turned out so many of the handmade items that are now valued as genuine American folk art.

The problem with this reasoning is that there still are many individuals in this country who are fashioning quality carvings, weavings and the like. How, then, can we say this too is not genuine American folk art?

To be sure, the ways of modern artists are usually different from methods of crafting 200 years ago. But in the eyes of many collectors, what’s being fashioned today by American artists is folk art in all of its evolutionary forms.

One cannot even generalize about the value of folk art in terms of whether it was produced a couple of centuries ago or a few decades back, according to collectors. Quality, condition and the reputation of the artist still count for a lot in determining a collection’s worth.

Traditionalists will argue about such observations, asserting that true folk art must have its roots in early America to achieve a level of value among collectors. Included in their view are early works--quilts would be an example--of American immigrants, such as the Germans who settled into the Eastern states, and the indigenous Latino culture of the Southwest, which produced much-sought-after baskets and blankets.

Q: In my gun collection, I have some firearms that have been refinished. Will this diminish their value?--N.S.

A: Refinished guns certainly look good when placed on display. But unless great care is taken, refinishing can greatly diminish a gun’s value, according to collectors.

Where refinishing can have a negative impact on value is when original lettering is removed and where too much metal is removed in an attempt to “clean up” the firearm and provide a bright finish.

However, collectors say quality craftsmen can upgrade a gun while preserving its value without damaging the original look and feel of the firearm. On the other hand, some unscrupulous refinishers are so good at their work, they can pass off the results as a collector’s item when what they are actually offering for sale is a counterfeit.

The buyer’s best protection is to learn as much as possible from experienced dealers and collectors before spending a bundle on an “antique” firearm that turns out to be a fake.

Q: In my toy-auto collection, I have some tractors, trucks, a fire engine and a milk vehicle, each with Hubley stamps. I’m told that this is an old-line name that enhances my collection. What can you tell me about the firm?--M.D.

A: The Hubley firm was founded back in 1894 in Lancaster, Pa., by John Hubley. Its well-produced and attractive toys were made from cast iron and have enjoyed wide popularity among collectors. Besides producing toy cars and trucks, Hubley’s mechanical banks are also sought after and command attention at collectors’ shows.

By 1940, the firm had become one of the world’s largest in terms of producing cast-iron toys, but increased production costs and foreign competition forced it to switch to other production materials. Then, World War II thrust Hubley into the war-production field. Following the war, the company resumed toy production, including cap pistols, a line in which it was an industry leader until it was acquired by another firm in 1965.

Collectors still prefer Hubley’s prewar cast-iron toys, which can sell for premium prices. For example, according to a dealer catalogue, a 1930s Hubley tow truck could sell for $50 or more; a 50-year-old Hubley telephone truck was listed for $150, and a Hubley-produced Packard, vintage 1929, with more than a dozen parts, was listed for $5,000!

Q: I have a collection of ink blotters my father used in his business and which I believe go back several decades. Included are large desk blotters and the smaller variety. But they don’t have any artwork on them. Does this diminish their value?--W.J.

A: Unfortunately (for you), blotters without artwork--particularly advertising--aren’t worth much. Collectors in this field are usually the same individuals who are into advertising memorabilia and associated historical and/or nostalgia items.

Generally, older blotters featuring some sort of advertising date from the turn of the century and were produced up to World War II. They were usually printed by the thousands, thus holding down their value. Still, a particularly colorful ink blotter dating back to the early part of this century can bring $20 or more.

Briefs

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