C. 1860s Geo. Scardefield Advertising Promotional Gold Leaf (Squirrel Hair) Brush crandall's antique toys Similar in form but a

Similar in form but a study in contrasts in almost every other regard

Thinly painted on what I believe is an unprimed linen panel/board

I believe this lovely small broom likely dates to the mid- to late 19th century and would be referred to as a hearth broom

2 3/8" long x 1 3/4" wide x 1 7/8" tall and in excellent condition

his work has a distinctive latter day Art and Craft feel and a simple elegance that I think distinguishes it from much W

C. 1860s Geo. Scardefield Advertising Promotional Gold Leaf (Squirrel Hair) Brush crandall's antique toys Similar in form but aI'm pretty certain the bristles here are squirrel hair, which continue to be used for applying gold leaf today. Established in 1833, George Scarderfield's at 335 W. 16th in Manhattan was "a dealer in all gilder's materials" which one would think would have made them quite successful as the century went on, as people really loved gold leafing things, but I can find no record of the business (Admittedly I have not dug very deeply.) In any event, quite a