Antique 19th C Patriotic Folk Art Footstool-Civil War/Recon Era-Handmade SC Prov

This is an authentic 19th-century primitive footstool with patriotic folk art decoration, dating to the Civil War / Reconstruction period c. Recovered from a historic home in South Carolina during demolition, this stool represents the resourcefulness and national pride of the era. It was handmade from solid wood using square cut nails (a hallmark of pre-1890 construction), finished in black paint, and decorated with applied gold braid trim. The focal point is the striking red-orange eagle decal-a stylized version of the Great Seal of the United States-with shield, olive branch, and oak leaves, symbolizing strength and peace.

Patriotic imagery like this became especially popular during and after the Civil War, and surged again during the U. Centennial in 1876, when everyday household objects were decorated with national emblems. This stool is a genuine piece of American folk art: utilitarian, handmade, and elevated with a patriotic symbol that carried great meaning in the Reconstruction South.

Era: Civil War / Reconstruction, ca. Construction: Handmade, square cut nails (pre-wire nail era).

Design: Black painted finish with applied gold gimp trim. Decoration: Patriotic eagle decal, varnished into surface.

Origin: South Carolina (provenance from home demolition). Style: Primitive / Folk Art / Americana. Condition: Strong and stable, with expected wear for 140+ years. Surface shows scratches, paint loss, and chipping. Decal remains vivid with only minor age fading.

A rare survivor of Southern folk furniture with patriotic decoration. Perfect for collectors of Americana, Civil War / Reconstruction artifacts, or 19th-century folk art. This example, with its documented Southern origin and period authenticity, is highly desirable in the Americana market.

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