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ID #SA976347
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American Whirligig Figure
The House of Antiques
for sale €696     $756
£595
The House of Antiques

The House of Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Nov 2022
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Id #SA976347
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American Whirligig Figure

1900 - 1920
Description

Early 20th Century American Double Sided Whirligig Figure

A brilliant example of early 20th Century American folk art. In the form of a hand carved wooden double sided whirligig figure. It would originally have had paddle arm and mounted to a base at one point. With very unusual carved facial features and naïve painted body. In our humble opinion this is a work of art and highly sculptural in its current form.

Size of inches approx.: H 16” x W 3.5” x D 3”

Completely solid in structure and form, with natural wear, loss of surface detail, the paint has worn away over years of being outside, missing its paddle arms, a lovely example in this form and highly sculptural.

The House of Antiques sells authentic decorative objects, we do not refurbish or repair items unless stated or unless completely necessary to the item’s stability or longevity. These objects are old so please expect wear and tear as some are over 100 years old and untouched in form.

Physical Dimensions
Height
40cm (15.75")
Width
9cm (3.54")
Depth
8.5cm (3.35")
Declaration

The House of Antiques has dated this American Folk Art Whirligig to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA976347
Dealers Internal Reference
American whirligig
Description
Early 20th Century American Double Sided Whirligig Figure

A brilliant example of early 20th Century American folk art. In the form of a hand carved wooden double sided whirligig figure. It would originally have had paddle arm and mounted to a base at one point. With very unusual carved facial features and naïve painted body. In our humble opinion this is a work of art and highly sculptural in its current form.

fig 1. A carved wooden whirligig figure featuring a stylized human head with a ribbed hat and geometric painted patterns along the lower torso.
fig 1. American Whirligig Figure

Size of inches approx.: H 16” x W 3.5” x D 3”

Completely solid in structure and form, with natural wear, loss of surface detail, the paint has worn away over years of being outside, missing its paddle arms, a lovely example in this form and highly sculptural.

The House of Antiques sells authentic decorative objects, we do not refurbish or repair items unless stated or unless completely necessary to the item’s stability or longevity.
The House of Antiques

These objects are old so please expect wear and tear as some are over 100 years old and untouched in form.

Height
40cm (15.75")
Width
9cm (3.54")
Depth
8.5cm (3.35")
Date of Manufacture

The House of Antiques has dated this American Folk Art Whirligig to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA976347
Dealers Internal Ref
American whirligig
The House of Antiques
The House of Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Nov 2022
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the The House of Antiques Profile Page

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A carved wooden whirligig figure featuring a stylized human head with a ribbed hat and geometric painted patterns along the lower torso.
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Archive I A carved wooden whirligig figure featuring a stylized human head with a ribbed hat and geometric painted patterns along the lower torso.

American Whirligig Figure

Archive II A carved wooden whirligig figure featuring a stylized human head with a ribbed hat and geometric painted patterns along the lower torso. View II
Archive III A carved wooden whirligig figure featuring a stylized human head with a ribbed hat and geometric painted patterns along the lower torso. View III
Archive IV A carved wooden whirligig figure featuring a stylized human head with a ribbed hat and geometric painted patterns along the lower torso. View IV
Archive V A carved wooden whirligig figure featuring a stylized human head with a ribbed hat and geometric painted patterns along the lower torso. View V
Archive VI A carved wooden whirligig figure featuring a stylized human head with a ribbed hat and geometric painted patterns along the lower torso. View VI
Archive VII A carved wooden whirligig figure featuring a stylized human head with a ribbed hat and geometric painted patterns along the lower torso. View VII
Archive VIII A carved wooden whirligig figure featuring a stylized human head with a ribbed hat and geometric painted patterns along the lower torso. View VIII
Archive IX A carved wooden whirligig figure featuring a stylized human head with a ribbed hat and geometric painted patterns along the lower torso. View IX
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Telephone 07568 151 752
Location
22 Goodmayes Lane
Ilford
Essex
IG3 9NZ
United Kingdom
Verified Since Nov 2022
Items For Sale 141
Items Sold 11
The House of Antiques
The House of Antiques
Verified Since Nov 2022
View Dealer Info
Location: 22 Goodmayes Lane, Ilford, Essex, IG3 9NZ, United Kingdom
Verified
Nov 2022
For Sale
141
Sold
11
A carved wooden whirligig figure featuring a stylized human head with a ribbed hat and geometric painted patterns along the lower torso.
American Whirligig Figure
Ref: SA976347
A carved wooden whirligig figure featuring a stylized human head with a ribbed hat and geometric painted patterns along the lower torso.
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Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

An antique American whirligig is a hand-carved kinetic sculpture or wind vane feature that incorporates moving parts driven by the wind. Originally crafted as mechanical toys or weather vanes in the 18th and 19th centuries, they represent a celebrated tradition of North American folk art.

Most traditional whirligigs were hand-carved from soft woods such as pine, cedar, or basswood using basic hand tools. They were typically finished with lead-based or milk paint and featured iron wire, nails, or metal pivots for the moving components.

Authentic examples show genuine signs of outdoor weathering, such as paint loss, cracking along the wood grain, and oxidisation on metal fittings. Look for hand-hewn knife marks, original polychrome paint layers, and signs of functional wear around pivot holes rather than modern machine sanding.

Mount the figure on a minimalist metal or timber display stand to showcase it as a standalone sculptural artwork. Position it on a bookshelf, mantelpiece, or side table alongside neutral ceramics to allow the graphic, carved form to stand out.

Display the sculpture in a dry environment away from direct sunlight, central heating vents, and high humidity to prevent wood shrinkage or paint flaking. Dust gently using a soft, dry camel-hair brush, avoiding wet cleaning agents or harsh chemical polishes.
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