Metalsmith Made Miniature Trunk Box, Marked MS soldiers and I think it could

and I think it could actually be an African American "fanner

who painted portraits around New England during that period

with a bit of exposed wood at the tip of one ear

as well as terrific in a farmhouse

Metalsmith Made Miniature Trunk Box, Marked MS soldiers and I think it couldI purchased this little trunk shaped box, as well as an octagonal one with dove by the same maker, from a dealer friend in Cambridge with one of the very best eyes I know. They both have the first glance feeling of very sweet folk objects to me, almost with the feel of trench art pieces, but yet they're quite nicely crafted, and stamped with a maker's mark, MS, on the underside. Definitely with good age, earlyish 20th c. I would guess and how nice a