Nostalgic opportunity- a time for joy

America’s friendly gnomes- a rare pair (2) of Happy Garden Legends

Since the early part of the 20th century, American gardeners have been infatuated with these loveable garden gnomes. No wonder why, as legend has it they protect gardens and bring owners good luck!

This is a scarce pair (2) American heavy hand cast iron sculptures remarkably still in their original solid condition, exhibiting traces of their older hand painted colors of red and black, and most importantly – still smiling. Their pointed red hats and friendly shaggy bearded faces speak volumes about their industrious willing disposition and joyful personality. Way back when, they likely hand carried wooden shovels or other necessary wood garden implements now not present.

Just look back to the greenery of Germany’s lush gardens and you might spot a red-capped gartenzwerg, or garden gnome just in time for June’s Garden Day. Gnome figures first appeared in 13th-century Anatolia and re-emerged in 16th-century Italy. The common garden gnome originated in 19th-century Germany from the mining area of Thuringia. Here, local craftsmen are given credit for hand-crafting the gnomes as we know them—with shaggy beards and pointy hats. Propelled by local myths and increased leisure time, the gnomes began to find homes in gardens throughout the country. Legend has it they protect these gardens and bring good luck. Today once America’s great manufacturer of garden gnomes, the Lancaster, Pennsylvania Hubley company, began casting them in about 1925 and the few rare survivors that might surface are coveted by garden enthusiasts and collectors all over America.

Dimensions: tallest is 14 inches high and 6 inches wide; smaller 11 inches high and 5 inches wide, heavy

Provenance: America’s Hubley manufacturing company, Lancaster, Pa., circa 1925, and to a private American garden.

No repairs and no damages.
Special matching pair.
Lifetime guarantee.

We have been collecting and dealing in authentic American Art, Folk Art and pyrography works of art for more than twenty five years. Our president has authored informative articles on collecting pyrography and has amassed a fine large collection which is now being deaccessioned. He personally inspects each antique work of art to ensure its old age, authenticity and quality condition.