Sweet Old Carved Toy Axe in Polychrome with Branch of Red Apples horsehair broom and a very charming one

and a very charming one

valley and bays around Santa Cruz and San Francisco

including an essay by Patrick Furneaux tracing the history and development of printmaking centers and cooperatives in the regions featured

5 1/2" l x 7/8" wide and deep

(A little further research reveals that Luise Squire was actually Louise Squire

Sweet Old Carved Toy Axe in Polychrome with Branch of Red Apples horsehair broom and a very charming oneAt first I thought it was three red cherries painted on both sides of the blade of this old folk art toy axe, making me think of George Washington and his cherry tree, but now I think it is probably an branch of red apples, pointing instead to another American icon: apple pie! Quite a nice one, with perfect shape to the blade and terrific painted color on both sides. 8" l x 2 3 4" w (at blade). Very good antique condition, early 20th century I believe.