Gateway Gallery Auction in Chambersburg, Pa., held a variety sale on May 30 highlighted by a Frank Feather cane selling for $6,900.
Feathers (1877-1951) was an itinerant wood carver. He spent time during the first half of the 20th century on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line in Hagerstown and Thurmont, Md., and also Greencastle and Mercersburg, Pa., among other places. He is known mostly for his canes and spoons. He likely carved over 1,000 canes often incorporating themes such as patriotism or Biblical phrases. Gateway has a history of selling his work, which has a strong, dominantly regional market. The cane at the Gateway sale had a hand rest with his signature acorn. In the body of the cane in relief read "Charity, Faith, Trust in the Lord, Love, Give us this day our daily bread, God is our refuge, Hope, Jesus is the light of the world, Ye must be born again, Peace, Jan. 1941." It was 38 inches in length. A Frank Feather spoon with acorn on the underside of the bowl and reading "1942 A.D." sold for $1,000. It was 13 inches in length.
Other material sold included a grouping of Gorham sterling selling for $1,350; a paint-decorated pie safe with worn surface for $1,000; and a Jimmy Thompson tiger maple two-piece hutch/cupboard which sold for $925. A Tootsie Toy set (Air Mail) sold for $800 and a Tootsie Playtime Toy set with original box but missing one soldier sold for $525. A 1940 era Native American squash blossom necklace with turquoise insert, eight half dollars and 96 dimes realized $650 and a William McKinley horn noisemaker in a cane with "Patriotism, Protection, Prosperity," impressed on the side and "Pat. Apl'd for - The Winfield Mfg. Co. - Warren, O" sold for $450. It was 33 inches long.
To learn more about this or future Gateway auctions, call 717-263-6512 or visit www.GatewayAuction.com.