Missouri Plain Folk

02/01/2026

TIM CHAMBERS COUNTRY ESTATE AUCTION
SATURDAY JANUARY 3RD - 9:00 AM
PREVIEW FRIDAY 3-6 PM & SATURDAY 7-9 AM
FRICKER AUCTION CENTER
104 E CENTER STREET
LEROY IL 61752
FOR MORE PICTURES PLEASE VUSIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.frickerauctions.com. ABSENTEE BIDS ARE ACCEPTED AND NO BUYERS PREMIUM.
CHRIS 309-838-5829
BILL 309-838-5832

30/09/2025

Dear Antiques Community,
As many of you know, my father, Tim Chambers was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the beginning of the year. He finally succumbed to the horrible illness last Sunday, September 21, 2025. Tim lived and breathed art and antiques and truly loved everything about the business from meeting new people to traveling all over the country and showcasing his wares. He also loved the Facebook community he built over the years so I wanted to make sure and acknowledge his passing to you, his friends and followers. He and my mother could never be apart very long and they stayed on brand by leaving this world only 60 days apart. I know they are happy to be together again!

Tim was truly a special man, some might even say of the renaissance variety. He loved cars, music, clothes, traveling, food and obviously art and antiques. But most of all he loved God and his family.

Thanks for being a part of Tim (and Charline's) life. I'm sure many of you met him or interacted with him online. If you got to do that you were very lucky.

Hug your loved ones vigorously everyday, because tomorrow is not promised to anyone. My family wishes all of you the very best. Maybe the next time you buy a game board or a funky piece of folk art you'll lovingly think of my father.

With Love,

Zach Chambers

Celebrate the life of Timothy Chambers, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Nunnelee Funeral Chapel.

14/09/2025

As simple as they might be, wall boxes had many uses in the American home . The primary use was no doubt storage. What needed storing would often determine the size of the wall box, hence the variety of shapes and sizes. This box found in Connecticut is a smaller size. The piece measures 8 1/2 by 3 1/2 square and 5" tall overall.

We learned over the years wall boxes are easy to hang virtually anywhere. But what we really discovered is that wall boxes hung in groups make a great collection . Each box draws off the others in the variety of shapes and color. This New England piece dates a little later closer to 1900. Its small size is pleasing as is the dry crazed oyster paint. It is made of thin pine and small wire nails. It is embossed 'SF' not unlike early firkins.

Available. PM for price.
MissouriPlainFolk.com

11/09/2025

Imperfections are a fact of life.

The beauty of a piece can be overlooked under such circumstances. This mid 19th century firkin is a great example. Condition and color grabs ones attention at once. The dry dove grey paint begs a second look.

The second look shows an early tapered handle, finely chamfered fingers, and what may even be rose head nails? Could it be it was it made in Hingham? This big beautiful bucket is 12 1/2" tall. The lid was lost long ago.

Available. PM for price.
You'll find this large bucket along with 3 smaller buckets in the Online Marketplace*** at MissouriPlainFolk.com

10/09/2025

This figural cast iron horse head hitch was recently bought out of a rural estate in Illinois. It was likely made locally whether Illinois or Missouri during the last quarter of the 19th century. The form is particularly pleasing. Rather than being attached to a post, this hitch was made to fasten to the wall.

These hitches were very popular c.1900. They still are for that matter. Unfortunately these were reproduced and 'knock offs' are made to deceive the unsuspecting buyer. This head weighing 14 pounds is guaranteed authentic. As shown on the iron base the figure stands 15" high overall.

The head itself including the 'victor's wreath' and bow around the neck measures 12" overall. It is 8" across the back. The muzzle extends 7" overall. This 19th century figural cast iron hitch is as appealing now as it was when first produced. Whether displayed on the stand or attached to the wall, the ribbon indicates this is a winner. We couldn't agree more!

Available. PM for price.
This is 1 example of the variety of material you will find in the Online Marketplace*** at MIssouriPlainFolk.com.

09/09/2025

Sometimes a handful is just right!

Boxes with sliding lids were pretty much a staple through out 19th Pennsylvania. These were versatile boxes allowing whatever needed stored a safe place to do so.

We've owned very few of these boxes, but when this unusually small example was brought to us it was a YES! Overall dimensions are only 6" by 4" by 4 1/2".

This small well made box is approximately the size of a small cubby drawer. The diminutive size makes it a great accessory on the desk for paper clips, etc.

The espresso brown paint covers the entire box top to bottom. Inside, too! This box was carved by a craftsman given the thick chamfered lid and its gently curved lid.

Available. PM for price.
This is the latest piece of 19th century painted American woodenware to be added to the Online Marketplace*** at MissouriPlainFolk.com.

08/09/2025

We are pleased to make available what could best be described as a classic. Found in the dairyland of central upstate New York, this small folding checkerboard in original red and black paint measures just 14" by 11" square opened flat. The bottom frame gives it depth. This lifts the game 1 1/2" above the table.

Folding examples such as this are often referred to as 'book boards' because it opens and closes like a book. This allowed checkers to be stored inside for the next game. Made around around 1870 of hand planed pine and early nails, the closing hook and hinges are also handmade. This means the entire game was made of material found around the farm!

Available. PM for price.
You will find this and many other examples of Americana in the Online Marketplace*** at MissouriPlainFolk.com.

06/09/2025

Not just another pretty face...

St Louis carved stone architectural element. This carving is basically 10" in diameter and 3" deep. It is known as a mascaron, which is a carved architectural element in the form of a face. These were popular during the art nouveau period dating from the late 19th century through the early 20th century around the same time as the St Louis Worlds Fair.

These elements were commonly used along the frieze of commercial buildings. Obviously these detailed sculptures were so high above the streets below they were hard for most people to see. Therefore the stone carver's work was often unappreciated. This example, which is offered in excellent original condition was discovered in the city where it was likely made. Now to be appreciated for the art that it is, a stand is provided for that very reason.

Available. PM for price.
We try to keep things interesting in the Online Marketplace at MissouriPlainFolk.com.

04/09/2025

📌Sold
Something to crow about!

We've enjoyed having this 19th century rooster weathervane in our home for a while. It was discovered in a Roxbury, Connecticut barn. The sheet iron silhouette measures 19" by 24" as seen standing on the iron base, which is included.

While one side has a simple surface, hand forged iron straps cover the other. These were used in making the piece. The silhouette was riveted to the frame giving it weight and stability. They also give this side a completely different look.

Available. PM for price.
The Online Marketplace*** at MissouriPlainFolk.com is always changing. You never know what's next...