{"product_id":"early-american-two-tone-automobile-whisk-broom-closed-car-accessory","title":"Early American Two-Tone Automobile Whisk Broom Closed-Car Accessory","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmerican, circa 1920–1930\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural \u0026amp; Burgundy-Dyed Broom Corn, Steel Wire \u0026amp; Metal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e7” L × 4¾” W\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA wonderfully graphic survivor from the early age of American motoring, this diminutive whisk broom combines ingenious industrial construction with terrific folk-art appeal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMeasuring just 7 inches long, the broom has an unusual offset, almost L-shaped form, with the sweeping head projecting dramatically to one side. This purposeful configuration closely relates to compact “closed-car” whisk brooms marketed during the 1920s for cleaning the difficult corners, seams and joints surrounding automobile upholstery.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEspecially appealing is the two-tone broom corn, combining mellow golden-natural fibers with a bold band of burgundy or oxblood-red dyed corn. The color is integral to the fibers, creating a wonderfully primitive striped effect rarely encountered on surviving automobile brooms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe broom corn is double sewn and secured by heavy steel-wire bindings, while the handle is tightly spiral-wound in wire and terminates in a domed metal cap and hanging ring. The darkened steel, golden straw and faded oxblood fibers give the piece exceptional decorative character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA particularly compelling period parallel appears in the 1927 Western Auto Supply Company catalog, which offered a similarly shaped “Closed Car Whisk Broom” measuring approximately 7 × 5 inches and specifically designed for cleaning around automobile cushions. While the maker of this example remains unidentified, its dimensions, offset form and reinforced construction place it convincingly within this fascinating group of early American motoring accessories.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA wonderfully sculptural piece of early American industrial folk art—compact, functional and unusually decorative.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition: Very good untouched condition with expected wear and minor shortening\/loss to the outer broom-corn fibers. Dyed fibers remain clearly visible; sewing, wire bindings, wire-wound grip, metal cap and hanging ring remain intact. Excellent untouched oxidation and surface. No cleaning recommended.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Folkism Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45804762497133,"sku":null,"price":110.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/1957\/4381\/files\/65A0C89B-3BE4-46EA-A74B-F06E57459E76.jpg?v=1788882003","url":"https:\/\/folkismantiques.com\/products\/early-american-two-tone-automobile-whisk-broom-closed-car-accessory","provider":"Folkism Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}