A Soap Hollow blanket chest will lead a fantastic collection of Americana on September 6-7 at Garth's Auctions in Ohio.
 The chest retains some of its original red paint |
The chest is one of the most valuable lots in the auction, holding an estimate of $12,000-18,000. It is inscribed "JS 1868" and "Manufactured by John Sala".
John Sala (1819-1882) is one of the earliest documented cabinetmakers of the Soap Hollow group, which was active in Pennsylvania from 1830 to 1890. The chest retains parts of its original red and black paint, as well as traces of a stencil decoration.
The second highest bids of the sale are expected to be seen by a "whimsical" painting of a grey cat with red bow in a wooden travel crate by Gaylord, which is valued at $10,000-15,000.
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