Half of Jane’s garage was filled with boxes full of items from her Grandma’s home that no one in the family wanted. Among the items were several dusty old wooden pieces, one of which was a covered container with the a few faint remnants of red paint. Useless and rather ugly, in her assessment, she put it on her next garage sale where her neighbor, Helen, bought it for $5.
Fast forward 8 years. Helen has decided to redecorate her kitchen. So, she boxes up all the items that clutter her shelves and drops them by the local auction in hopes of making a little extra cash. Maybe, she thought, I’ll make enough for that new coffeemaker I’ve been wanting. (You all know where this is headed, right?) At the auction the little container was identified as an 1860’s piece of Treenware made by the Pease family of central Ohio and when the hammer went down it sold for $920! Helen got her new coffeemaker!
Treen is a generic term used to describe small handmade household items and tools that are made from trees. Bowls, covered containers, snuff boxes, needle boxes and cooking and agricultural tools fall into this category of collecting. While overlooked in the marketplace for many years, 19th century pieces are now being recognized for their rarity and craftsmanship, and are demanding high prices.
The commercial success of early treenware can be largely credited to the efforts of the Pease family of Ohio and the Lehn family of Pennsylvania, both of whom started production in the mid-1800’s. Unable to afford household utensils, storage pieces, and bowls made of metal that were popular among the more affluent, treenware was both practical and affordable and found an instant audience.
The works of the Prene Family are usually utilitarian pieces. In addition to bowls, utensils and other kitchenware, they produced a large line of sewing boxes, pin cushions and darning eggs. These pieces are defined by decorative banding, accessory handles and finials. Early examples will be either hand carved or turned on a lathe and made from wood indicative of the area where they were produced. Maple is the predominate wood, with close-grained hardwoods such box, beech and sycamore used as secondary woods. As you become familiar with the appearance of their wares you will also recognize their distinctive tool markings.
By contrast The Lehn family was known for their beautifully hand painted wooden ware. Many of the early pieces were the work of Lancaster, Pennsylvanian native Joseph Lehn who worked for the family concern from the beginning until his death in 1892. The goblets, egg cups, seed chests and saffron cups from these early years are highly sought by collectors of American Folk Art. Although all Lehnware is demanding top dollar in the current market, those with the original paper tag with the date, Lehn’s age at the time the piece was painted, and his signature will be of highest value.
To keep your Treenware from drying and cracking you will occasionally need to season it. For best results wash your bowls and utensils in warm soapy water, dry thoroughly and rub down with a few drops of mineral oil. Avoid the use of vegetable oils which go rancid and save yourself the cost of commercial oils which are 95 percent mineral oil and four times the price.
Treenware has had a resurgence in popularity with this seasons trend for FarmFresh decor. New pieces are springing up at the decorator shops, but the quality is poor and the price is high. I strongly advise avoiding these reproductions. Until next time……….Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com