Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1521:
Description
This is a phenomenal piece of early American folk art and agricultural history—an oversized, U-shaped wooden horse collar hame . Dating likely from the late 19th to early 20th century, this collar is constructed from multiple segments of dark, possibly oak or ash wood, painted a dark gray/black with visible red/white accents, and reinforced with horizontal wooden slats and early metal hardware, including a heavy iron ring-hook near the top. The distinctive, large size suggests it was used for a heavy draft horse and likely repurposed as a prominent folk art business sign for a blacksmith or stable, especially given the traditional horseshoe shape. A remnant of a paper/wood tag is visible, noting “FOUND IN [PENSYL]VANIA,” establishing a probable Pennsylvania regional origin. The construction shows a charming, hand-hewn quality. Condition is remarkably solid for its age, but it exhibits heavy authentic wear and patina appropriate for a working agricultural tool. The wood is weathered and cracked, the paint is significantly faded and chipped, and the metal hardware shows heavy rust. The overall preservation is fair for a farm relic,, with some tlc needed to secure loose pieces. H 26″, W 20″, D 4″
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