Bellows were a necessity to ban a sickly blaze back to life . . . a necessary as well as decorative fireplace accessory.   This Turtleback Bellows is exceptionally nice. The wooden faces, brass tacked leather sides and and brass snout are all in very fine condition.  The painted surface is lightly alligatored and 99% intact.  The front is wonderful with the colors of red, green and tan and bronze on a vibrant mustard ground.   A stenciled floral effect in bronze outlines the front.

These bellows are from the Berdan "State of Maine" Collection.  They are all original and date circa 1830.  Butch and Betty, old time dealers from Maine had an exceptional "eye" for quality and saved the best for their collection.  After Butch's death, the collection was put on the auction block and the wonderful items that they had pulled out of the houses, attics and barns of the people who originally settled the state once again surfaced on the marketplace.  It's a privilege to present such an outstanding example with such an impeccable provenance. 

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Questions?  Ask the Ferret!