Featured Odd carved? Charms

These came in a random bag of miniature items. One cool item was an Indian head penny formed into a teapot. I believe prisoners in Maine made them if I recall correctly. The little charms seem to be a form of plastic and look as if they are hand carved. Has anyone seen anything like them before? I don’t think they are incredibly old or have any significant value, I am just curious about them.

 

those are neat as all get out !!!!!!!!!!!

 

I thought they were pretty cool too. Anything you’ve never seen before is fun.

 

if they were prison art.......then the metal wires are confusing .....??

 

No sorry, I have no idea what these are at all. A different item in the bag was prison art. These charms are a mystery yet.

like this:

 

Thanks INH! The little teapot I knew about. It’s the little carved charms I was more curious about. It seems the teapots were produced not necessarily on a mass scale but a decent amount were pumped out.

 

I love this teapot! Maybe I need one in my hoardatorium

 

Regarding the Maine state prison store in Thomaston, I have visited and made purchases several times. Unfortunately, I do not know how long they have been in existence or it's history, but it is nice to know creative and talented prisoners have an outlet. They also work in the store and are well supervised. Most items are made of wood. Beautiful furniture and decor items that are reasonably priced.

 

don't we all !!!!!!
it's ' charm--ing..'

 

I believe I got two in the bag. Definitely keeping one! Already not sure what happened to the other lol.

 

Didn’t know there was an actual store. Just did some digging. Still open even though the prison relocated a bit. Supposedly still making good stuff. It is great they have an outlet, and way to defray prison costs.

some history: http://thomaston.mainememory.net/page/854/display.html