As the industrial revolution allowed for more leisure time, celebrations, especially wedding anniversaries, garnered more importance to Americans. The tenth anniversary (customarily represented by tin) became a reason to party with friends and family. A result of these parties was a wonderful custom of making tin objects for the couple. These gifts were fashioned to represent the characteristics or habits of one or both of the spouses.
Here is a 19th century tin violin with a beautifully scrolled wood neck and ivory tuners. 23 1/2" long. This is a fabulous piece that could be the center of your folk art collection!
Reference: Young America A Folk Art History, Jean Lipman, Elizabeth V. Warren & Robert Bishop (1980) at 180-181.
(#3615) $2300