Specializing in American Federal Furniture, Artemis Antiques has been in operation since 1975. Given a personal fondness for furniture of the period, 1790-1830 (aesthetically and intellectually) it has been a pleasure to see the stock of proprietor Jesse Goldberg over the years and pick his brain. From Hepplewhite and Sheraton, to the Empire fashions of Duncan Phyfe, and wonderful range of New England and New York period furnishings are represented by Artemis.

I’ve selected a few case pieces and tables to highlight. Many more are available on their site – as are examples of seating furniture and other decorative arts.

Don and Trish Herr have been in the antiques business since 1975. There speciality of Pennsylvania German decorative arts brings in a wealth of material to their rotating stock. Of particular note, the Herr’s focus on 18th and 19th-century textiles has led to important new scholarship on the subject. From time to time, articles are published in the library section of their own website which provides a solid platform for learning more about antiques and decorative arts.

Of course, there are also sound offerings in painted furniture, Fraktur, and pewter (the metal being another strong point for the Herrs.

Above is a figural coverlet woven by Emanuel Meilly of Lebanon County, PA in 1842. Head to the jump for more.

Nineteen years ago, Jeff Bridgman took the jump from collector to dealer of Americana. His focus is on folk art and painted furniture, and even more explicitly in Antique Flags. In fact, he’s the nations biggest seller of early Stars and Stripes. Over the years his accumulated knowledge about early Americana has been shared through scholarly work and Bridgman is also frequently featured in the Magazine Antiques. He’s also appeared on HGTV.

A few select examples of current offerings after the jump.

Now on view at the Newark Museum, 100 Masterpieces of Art Pottery examines the rise of art pottery as response to factory production. While artistic pottery was nothing new, the anti-industrial bend to production in the United States makes the story one of aesthetic awakening. Given the focus on skilled craft, the presented material should have enormous resonance today. The exhibition is accompanied by a full color catalog, as well as an extremely informative web component.

A full review of 100 Masterpieces of Art Pottery is available at the Bee. The show runs through January 10, 2010.

More examples after the jump.

Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry illuminates the life and lasting legacy of American inkslinger Norman K. Collins. Known as Sailor Jerry, he is widely regarded as the father of modern tattooing. The film features the words and wisdom of Jerry’s peers and protegees including Don Ed Hardy, Lyle Tuttle, and Michael Malone. While the roots of American tattooing are explored in full, another wonderful benefit of the film is the exploration of life on liberty and the impulse of the sailor to become tattooed.

Directed by Erich Weiss, Hori Smoku has done the festival rounds and received rave reviews. Today the film becomes available on DVD. Distributed by IndiePix. Head to their website for full information.

Full poster after the jump.

Freshly open at the New York Historical Society, Lincoln and New York focuses on exactly what you might expect. The exhibition explores the connection between Abe and the great metropolis, allowing for discussion of Civil War politics and public feeling in a New York context. Additionally, the argument for the influence of New York media on Lincoln’s election is posed and well documented.

On view through March 25, 2010.

Edward Rothstein reviews Lincoln and New York fully in today’s New York Times. Head to the jump to see more installation views via the related slide show.

James D. Julia Auctions in Fairfield, Maine hosts its annual rare and historic firearms sale October 6-7. Items range from the morbid death mask of FBI most wanted bank robber John Dillinger to a 1968 Browning pistol with a gold trigger, pearl hand grips, and a fancy engraved barrel. The sale can be previewed in person Oct. 2-5 or online here.

Above is lot number 2408, a Belgian Knuckleduster Revolver. estimated at $7,000-$9,000.

More highlights from the auction after the jump.

Christie’s September 30 Americana sale boasts a healthy assortment of early American furniture, prints, paintings, and ceramics. Highlights include a dwarf clock made by Boston-area clockmaker Joshua Wilder, circa 1825. Preview the sale in New York September 26-29 or online here.

Further highlights follow.

In American Fashion Menswear, fashion historian Robert E. Bryan travels from Levi’s through Zoot Suits to the present exploring the evolution of American fashion. The topic, undoubtedly, is rich. And, Bryan’s assertion that shifts in fashion are deeply rooted in American history are not unfounded. Additionally, Bryan’s effort celebrates the quintessentially American themes that are emulated in fashion the world over.

The book is a collaborative publication by the Council of Fashion Designers Association and Assouline Books.

Sporting history builds with a series of different source material – game film, statistics, and newspaper articles meld with folklore and oral histories. Then, of course, there are the objects. A welcome portion of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website introduces visitors to new acquisitions. Currently included is the above helmet, worn by quarterback Doug Williams in Super Bowl XXII (where he lead the Redskins to victory over the Denver Broncos) and Floyd Little’s jersey from his last season with the Broncos in 1975.

These objects do more than just celebrate the players, they also remind of the values of seasons past and allow an opportunity to think of how safety measures and uniforms have developed over time.