I recently had the pleasure of my lustrous mother coming
across an antique easel at an estate sale. I absolutely love this easel and
just had to share some pictures and info about it with you guys. This is one of the coolest easels I’ve seen in
a long time, for it sure beats the crappy metal ones we have in art class.
It is a very big easel .I would say it’s about 6 feet tall
and fits a max canvas size of 52x52. The easel was built by the Anco Bilt Company
in Glendale New York as you can see by the marking on the easel on the picture
below.
I can't quite make out the model number of the easel, for its so old.
The easel fits my 36x48 canvas perfectly.
It is in moderate condition and the wood that it is made out
of is just beautiful. I took some wood cleaner to it and it spruced it right
up. However, it does have a little bit of rust on the various metal findings as
you can see.
There is a bit of rust on the metal parts of the easel but everything is still working just fine.
Rust!!!!!!! NO!!!!!!!!!!
Some rust is on the thing that makes it go up!
I did some research on the net for Anco Bilt Easels and
could not find a lot about them other then they were a company post WWII until
the late 1960’s. I found a few easels for sale on eBay and Esty, but I didn’t
see this particular easel. I would love to know more about this easel, so if you
know anything about Anco Bilt Company or about antique easels please feel free to
comment or E-mail me. I think this might be an easel from the 1950’s but that’s
just a guess. Please do not e-mail me about selling it, for I am keeping it for
the time being.
Have a great day!
Miriam M.
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ReplyDeleteCame across your post here looking for info on the easel company. I just picked up a similar easel by the same company today for a great price! The logo on mine is marked with a 15. I haven't been able to find anything like it so far except for the one in your photos here.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your easel. I know I will enjoy mine.
Hi Ellie,
DeleteMy Easel is marked with a 29. I think these easels are really quite rare and if you find any more inforamtion on them let me know! I hope you enjoy your easel and give it a new life and a new story as I will mine.
Miriam M.
Just came across this post. I know it's been a while since you wrote it,but maybe you ate still interested in learning more about it. The model is a No. 250 Imperial Easel. If your logo says "Glendale 27, NY then your easel was built prior to zip codes since the 27 was an indication of the area of the manufacturer plant. Once zip codes came around the "27" was omitted from the logo. This easel has an older style ratchet (the long metal piece running down the centerpost). The design was changed in the early 70's so yours is definitely older than that. Hope this helps.
Deletehttp://www.trademarkia.com/anco-bilt-is-well-built-71656037.html
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ancowoodspecialties.com/Index.htm
I've got two Anco-Bilt easels. One cost $50.00 in 1973. Sat on 4 casters, has two uprights and the center piece with the ratchet down the center, much like the one you've shown here. Has an integral box like yours also.
ReplyDeleteThe other is basically an upside-down T, with a single adjustable back piece forming the easel. The top part that holds down the painting slides up and down the vertical part of the T and secures with a couple of carriage bolts and wingnuts. In fact, anything adjustable on this easel uses bolts and wingnuts. It was my first easel, paid about $14 new, but I hauled it back and forth to college because all they had there were some shop-made ones that were sturdy but had no adjustment.
I clicked on this link to see if the stuff was still being made, and I see they've gone out of business. Glad to see others getting some good use out of what has become "vintage". For what they cost new, they were pretty decent.
I have the exact easel as Miriam M. shows in her picture. It was my late husband's. I am downsizing and wish to sell it. Would anyone out there have interest in purchasing it. If so, please contact me at ssm194@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI have a very old Anco Bilt Easel NFS. I've seen value estimates from $60 to $300. It's a priceless family heirloom.
ReplyDeleteI was just given the same easel. Have you learned anything else about it?
ReplyDeleteI have the same Easel as pictured as well. I am looking to sell it. Anyone interested can contact me at oceansoccermom@aol.com.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking for Anco Bilt easel parts, specifically the bottom piece.... canvas holder/paint box.... as shown in these photos. Anyone have any ideas or leads it would be greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteWould you like to sell your easel? I want to paint with large canvases and I am looking for a large easel.
ReplyDeleteI have my grandmother’s and it seems it’s a 1930s one but I’m trying to find the easel box that’s the only part missing Do you know anywhere that I might find it Has the same hardware as yours
ReplyDeleteI have the same anco bilt easel.great shape I've had it over 20 years. Dark wood works perfect
ReplyDeleteI'm look for info on it also. Haven't found many if I do there sold. I'm looking to sell. Beautiful piece. No room for it. Large. Contact me with info .
djsess62@gmail.com comment above.
ReplyDeleteComment above mine.. error when sending?
ReplyDeleteI have a bigger and different version of that easel. Mine has parallel sides, two adjustable back pieces on back that allow you to change angle of painting surface and two adjustable holders along with the adjustable paint box. It has a screw bar in the back with an adjustable handle attached under the paint box. It is 9 feet tall at its lower settings. I was going to cut off the center shaft as I don't need it to go that tall, however after researching and realizing it was antique, I have decided not to do anything. I make my own frames so I would be willing to make matching parts for your easel. Send pictures, sizes and any other requirements and I will quote you a price. I'm guessing they are made out of ash since my wood doesn't seem as heavy or hard as maple. However, I do believe mine is a maple stain. Let me know, I'm happy to help. I love antique restoration. Contact me at jefferyphillips5656@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in selling my ansco easel. I have no room for it.
ReplyDeleteI have had it dry storage over 25 years. Has ansco bilt mark and I believe it is mid 19th century.
I have one listed on eBay with the top "t" shape, and 80" High. Item#:203750831066
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention that it's an Anco Bilt easel.
ReplyDeleteI am looking to buy an Anco Bilt vintage easel.
ReplyDeleteI have a 80” anco built H frame with crank and all the brass and casters included. It has lot number attached and is in great condition. Extremely heavy duty. Reach out if interested. Levi.hollandsworth@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI have a large, wood Ancobilt easel just like Miriam's, except on casters. I believe it is vintage. I don't think it was ever used; there are no paint stains or rust, and we found it in the box with my mom's things when she passed. There is a marking (sticker?) that says "Wolsey Company, City of Industry, CA USA". Does anyone I would like to sell it.
ReplyDeleteOmgoodness, I just found mine in a antique shop. I've been looking for years for a good one but way too damn expensive & none of them have been this big. So, I brought it for my Birthday, whoopee! I looked it up as well & got it at 1950 or older bcuz I don't have a # on mine either. I'm refurbishing mine & all most sanded off the logo, glad I was sanding by hand else it would've been over I am so happy to finally have an easle & the brownie points is that it's an antique. How Amazing is that? I can't wait until I do my 1st painting on it. Best Birthday Gift ever! I'm going to build the bottom piece that didn't come with mine. If I didn't look it up, I would have never known that piece was missing. May Jehovah God continues to Bless Us All, with Love, Peace & Harmony! God Bless Brothers & Sisters!
ReplyDeleteOoh forgot to mention that m y logo is straight & not twisted like yours. I wonder if that would throw the date off some, I'm not sure. If anyone knows the answer, it'll be nice if u shared your knowledge with us.......Thanks & God Bless! 🙌 🙏 😊
ReplyDeleteAlso, if yah haven't guessed I just got mine maybe 2 weeks ago. My Bday was the 6th of this month & I found & brought it on the 7th. Which made up for a F-up birthday. So, very Excited & Happy, I finally have a Real Easle. I have a couple of so called table easles so definitely a treat.
ReplyDelete