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RARE AND IMPORTANT JAMES MILLER (ATTRIBUTED), ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA OR GEORGETOWN, DC FOLK-ART-DECORATED STONEWARE JAR, salt-glazed, reversed "3" gallon capacity mark, ovoid form with single incised ring below the flanged flat-top rim, slightly arched tab-like handles, and a crudely beaded foot. Exceptional brushed and slip-trailed cobalt spread-wing shield-breast Federal eagle decoration on one side, additional cobalt across top of handles. James Miller (active 1797-1827), Alexandria, VA or Georgetown, DC. Circa 1825. 12.25" H, 7.25" D rim.

Published: The Magazine Antiques, April 2005, p. 127, pl. 5, "Stoneware of Eastern Virginia" by Rob Hunter, Kurt Russ and Marshall Goodman; Hunter (ed.) - Ceramics in America 2004, p. 258, fig, 8, "James Miller, Lost Potter of Alexandria, Virginia" by Brandt Zipp and Mark Zipp; and Folk Art Magazine, Fall 2002, p. 9, featured in a full-page ad for Allan Katz Americana.

Provenance: Collection of the late John and Lil Palmer, Purcellville, VA.

Purchased from Allan and Penny Katz, Woodbridge, CT, 2003.

Clifton Anderson, Lexington, KY, 2002.

From a West Virginia estate auction.

Exhibited: "Stoneware Pottery of Eastern Virginia, 1720-1865", Virginia Historical Society, Richmond, VA, September 11, 2004 - February 1, 2005.

Catalogue Note: This jar was produced around the time of Lafayette's visit to Virginia and to Washington, DC, in 1824. The potter and/or decorator of this significant piece of Americana was undoubtedly affected by the Revolutionary War hero's visit to the United States just prior to the semi-centennial celebrations as well as by the growing sense of interest and enthusiasm for the country's cultural and political origins that was developing during the same period. Whatever the specific impetus, the craftsman in this case took valuable time to emblazon with brush and slip cup virtually the entire jar's front with his own powerful folk interpretation of a national symbol that was only then gaining full credibility both within the nation and around the world. This James Miller stoneware jar survives in remarkable condition and represents early American folk pottery at its finest.

Condition: Outstanding condition, rim with a chip to side and reverse, partial loss of one handle, two glaze pops to front as made, free of other imperfections.

Sold at Jeffrey S. Evans Auctioneers April 5, 2014.

Estimate: $20,000-30,000

Price Realized: $74,750


IMPORTANT SIGNED "EMANUEL SUTER" ROCKINGHAM CO., SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA DECORATED STONEWARE HONEY OR SUGAR POT, salt-glazed, compressed ovoid form with beaded neck, plain rim and lightly ribbed, arched handles, incised "III" on top of rim. Cobalt decoration comprising a stenciled "Emanuel Suter" within a brushed feathered frame below opposing feathers on one side, and brushed and slip-trailed triple-bloom flower on the other side. Emanuel Suter (1833-1902), probably during his apprenticeship with John D. Heatwole (1826-1907), Dry River Pottery (active circa 1850-1890), Rockingham Co., VA. Circa 1850. 5" H, 4.25" D rim, 3.75" D base.

Published: Evans/Suter - A Great Deal of Stone & Earthen Ware, p. 33, fig. 7; Kaufman - Heatwole and Suter Pottery, p. 30, fig. 25 and p. 23, color pl. IV, right; reprinted in Comstock - The Pottery of the Shenandoah Valley Region, p. 342, fig. 6.72.

Literature: See Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates Americana Auction, June 22, 2013, lot 1 for a virtually identical example that sold for $86,250.00, a record price for a single piece of Virginia pottery.

Provenance: Collection of the late John and Lil Palmer, Purcellville, VA.

Ex-collection of Eugene Souder Sr., Grottoes, VA.

Mrs. John Wilson Jr.

Exhibited: "'A Great Deal of Stone & Earthen Ware,' The Rockingham County, Virginia School of Folk Pottery", Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society, September 7 - December 30, 2004, No. 7.; and "Heatwole and Suter Pottery", Eastern Mennonite College, February 5 - March 5, 1978, No. 25.

Catalogue Note: This pot is an outstanding representation of the classic "squat pot" form that originated with Andrew Coffman in Rockingham Co., Virginia during the 1840s. It is one of two virtually identical examples that were undoubtedly produced by Suter at the same time and in the same kiln. See Evans/Suter, p. 34, fig. 8 for the other example incised "IV" on the rim. The brass stencil used to mark both jars is being sold in the lot following this jar.

Emanuel Suter is recognized as the most prolific Mennonite potter in the American South. Unlike most other members of his faith, Suter embraced modern mechanics and industrialization. He progressed from operating a one-man, part-time pottery shop on his farm west of Harrisonburg before the Civil War to establishing the Harrisonburg Steam Pottery in 1891 which employed over 20 workmen.

Condition: Outstanding condition with only some light chipping to undersides of handles and two very shallow chips to top of rim.

Sold at Jeffrey S. Evans Auctioneers April 5, 2014.

Estimate: $10,000-20,000

Price Realized: $51,750


FINE AND RARE ZIGLER POTTERY, TIMBERVILLE, ROCKINGHAM CO., SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA DECORATED STONEWARE PITCHER, slip-washed and salt-glazed, approximately one-gallon capacity, ovoid form with slightly flaring neck featuring a single, incised medial ring and beaded rim, strap handle with medial groove. Exuberant brushed and slip-trailed cobalt decoration comprising a central triple-bloom tulip flanked by two eight-point stars, three smaller stars repeated on each side of the spout which is covered with a quatrefoil, handle with three vertical leaves and additional cobalt at terminals. Attributed to Andrew Coffman (1795-1853), head potter at the Zigler Pottery (active circa 1830 to after 1850), Timberville, Virginia. Circa 1835. 11.375" H, 4.5" D rim.

Published: Evans/Suter - A Great Deal of Stone & Earthen Ware, p. 44, fig. 38.

Provenance: Collection of the late John and Lil Palmer, Purcellville, VA.

Crocker Farm, July 17, 2004, lot 127.

Exhibited: "'A Great Deal of Stone & Earthen Ware,' The Rockingham County, Virginia School of Folk Pottery", Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society, September 7 - December 30, 2004, No. 38.

Catalogue Note: The earliest products of the Zigler Pottery quite often display a dark brown surface. The use of a slip wash on this pitcher resulted in an unusual and very effective, sharp contrast between the body color and the cobalt decoration making this pitcher one of the most aesthetically pleasing early products from this firm.

Andrew Coffman was born in New Market, Virginia in 1795 and may have received training in the potting profession as a youth from Jacob and/or Christian Adam, important earthenware manufacturers who had recently moved from Hagerstown, Maryland. Little is known of Coffman's early life, but John Zigler's account books record him as an employee at his Timberville, Rockingham Co. pottery (six miles west of New Market) during the years 1829 to 1839. This time at Timberville was a formative period for Coffman, an era in his life when he evolved as both a craftsman and as a student of the business. Around 1840 he left Zigler's pottery and moved to the eastern part of the county where he established his Cold Spring Factory at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Elkton. Here he began producing stoneware, eventually employing or training a number of other important Shenandoah Valley potters, including John D. Heatwole. All five of Coffman's sons became potters, and two of his daughters married potters. Coffman's style and decorations were widely mimicked by other Shenandoah Valley potters, and he is also believed to have introduced a new form in Shenandoah Valley stoneware with his production of short, bulbous lidded preserve jars with applied arched handles, dubbed "squat pots". Both literally and figuratively the father of Rockingham County pottery, Andrew Coffman is considered to be a pioneer in Shenandoah Valley stoneware and an important Southern craftsman.

Condition: Excellent condition, small chip to spout and three others to rim, light 3" hairline off rim adjacent to handle, very light spider hairlines to left of front decoration.

Sold at Jeffrey S. Evans Auctioneers April 5, 2014.

Estimate: $10,000-15,000

Price Realized: $34,500


FINE HAGERSTOWN, MARYLAND SLIP-DECORATED EARTHENWARE / REDWARE BOWL, lead-glazed interior, deep form featuring a flanged rim with beaded edge and copper-slipped sine-wave decoration, interior with green- and yellow-slipped vertical stripes over the "spiked" manganese ground, the contrasting plain center outlined with two thin yellow-slipped rings. Circa 1800-1810. 3" H, 12.75 D.

Literature: See Comstock - The Pottery of the Shenandoah Valley Region, p. 90, figs. 4.18, 4.18a for a nearly identical example.

Provenance: Collection of the late John and Lil Palmer, Purcellville, VA.

Purchased from Rob Hunter, Yorktown, VA, 2003.

Exhibited: "Slipware Traditions", Milwaukee Art Museum, 2004.

Catalogue Note: A classic Hagerstown bowl with striking decoration that is greatly accentuated by its remarkable condition.

Condition: Outstanding condition, free of cracks or hairlines, the rim with six shallow chips, only one of which very slightly affects the profile, interior with only minor wear.

Sold at Jeffrey S. Evans Auctioneers April 5, 2014.

Estimate: $10,000-15,000

Price Realized: $17,250


EXTREMELY RARE STAMPED "L. GARDNER, LOUN / VA.", VIRGINIA DECORATED STONEWARE JAR, salt-glazed, "2" gallon capacity mark, ovoid form with plain, arched handles below the rounded rim, ringed foot. Brushed cobalt swag and tassel decoration on the stamped side, and a horizontal floral and leaf decoration on the other side, additional cobalt at handle terminals. Together with a copy of the Amy Bertsch's research volume on the Gardner and Duncan family of potters. Charles Lewis Gardner (c. 1778-c. 1850), Sycolin Road Pottery (active circa 1817-1858), Loudoun Co., VA. Circa 1820-1830. 13.25" H, 6.25" D rim.

Published: Bertsch - Gardner-Duncan Family of Loudoun Co., Virginia and Marion Co., Missouri, p. 33, p. 47, fig. 2, and p, 48, fig. 3.

Provenance: Collection of the late John and Lil Palmer, Purcellville, VA.

Ex-collection of Richard and Patricia Ruffner, Alexandria, VA.

Found in Leesburg, VA in 1970.

Catalogue Note: This jar represents the only signed example of Lewis Gardner's work and one of only four pieces that have been attributed to his Sycolin Road Pottery. The location of the pottery site was discovered in 2004 by Virginia Department of Transportation workers while surveying the road. VDOT hired the Louis Berger Group to perform an archaeological survey resulting in a 106-page report and more than 10,000 excavated shards of stone and earthenware.

Condition: Excellent condition, small piece of rim reattached on reverse, otherwise only a small chip to one handle and a few chips to base.

Sold at Jeffrey S. Evans Auctioneers April 5, 2014.

Estimate: $2,000-3,000

Price Realized: $46,000


IMPORTANT BALTIMORE, MARYLAND (ATTRIBUTED) FOLK-ART-DECORATED STONEWARE JAR, salt-glazed, "3" gallon capacity mark, cylindrical shouldered form with five incised rings below the squared rim, grooved, arched handles, and two deeply incised rings above the foot. Brushed cobalt two-mast Chesapeake Bay sloop flanked by large foliate devices featuring flowering tulips on front, matching horizontal tulip and foliage decoration on reverse, additional cobalt at handle terminals. Circa 1840-1860. 15" H, 8.5" D rim.

Provenance: Collection of the late John and Lil Palmer, Purcellville, VA.

Purchased from Skip and Effie Sheppard, Howard Co., MD Antiques Show, April 5, 1997.

Catalogue Note: The mate to this jar featuring a sea captain within the front decoration descended in an early Alexandria, Virginia area family. The two vessels were produced at the same pottery proven by their identical forms and capacity marks, as well as displaying decoration by the same artist. It is seems likely that they were made for a specific sea captain and this jar depicts his sailing ship.

Condition: Front is excellent with only three shallow base chips, reverse with a crack off rim to near base and another base chip.

Sold at Jeffrey S. Evans Auctioneers April 5, 2014.

Estimate: $8,000-12,000

Price Realized: $27,600


WROUGHT-IRON BETTY LAMP, with swivel cover featuring a bird finial, complete with hanging hook and wick pick. Possibly Pennsylvania. 19th century. 7" H to top of arm.

Provenance: Collection of the late John and Lil Palmer, Purcellville, VA.

Condition: Very good condition with some light surface pitting, no holes.

Sold at Jeffrey S. Evans Auctioneers April 5, 2014.

Estimate: $100-200

Price Realized: $1,150


EXTREMELY RARE AND IMPORTANT HAMPSHIRE CO., VIRGINIA (NOW WEST VIRGINIA) FRAKTUR, watercolor, ink, and gold leaf on paper. A birth and death record made for John Kelley featuring a spread-wing eagle perched on a flowering vine above "JOHN / KELLEY / Son of Thomas and Rosannah Kelley / Born June 25th 1847 Died July 3rd 1847 Aged 9 Days"; the lower section featuring birds with fanciful combs perched on the elongated leaves of a fantastical flowering plant and surrounded by a flowering vine; the whole within a drape-like border. Period green-painted frame with brass hanger. Attributed to the Shenandoah Valley Illuminated Artist, Winchester, VA area. Circa 1846. 10" x 8" sight.

Provenance: Collection of the late John and Lil Palmer, Purcellville, VA.

Purchased from Morgan Anderson, Keedysville, MD, 1997.

Dave Owings Auction, Winchester, VA, November 12, 1997.

Catalogue Note: This fraktur and the example in lot 269 are exceptionally fine and rare works of Southern folk art and represent two of only six known examples by this unidentified artist working in Frederick and Hampshire Counties in the 1840's and 1850's. The present examples record the birth dates and death dates of both Collam and John Kelley. Sadly, as was true of so many infants and toddlers of the 19th century, Collam lived to be approximately ten months old while John lived only nine days. These works were sold on November 12, 1997 at a Dave Owings Auction in Winchester, Virginia along with a third example made for their sister Elizabeth, born 1842. The details of Elizabeth's certificate are not known at this time, and there is no record of her in later census data, so it is possible she died at an early age as well. Thus far, the majority of the known works by this artist are memorial records.

Another example sold at the June 22, 2013 Jeffrey S. Evans Americana Auction (lot 527) and may provide crucial evidence as to the identity of the artist. That example was produced for the death of Mary E. Jones in 1849. While a positive identity of Mary has not been established, it is likely that she was Mary Barrack Jones the wife of W. H. Jones. There are several candidates for W. H. Jones in the Winchester area including William Jones (b.c. 1810) who was listed as a "Painter" in the 1850 Federal Census for Frederick Co., a year after Mary's death. The lettering and unique gilding employed by the creator of this group is atypical for fraktur work, however, it is characteristic of work by 19th-century sign painters. The 1841 instruction book, "A Treatise on Carriage, Sign, and Ornamental Painting" by Orson Campbell illustrates the EXACT Roman lettering seen on all examples in the group. This circumstantial evidence strongly supports the possibility that William Jones was the artist of this group of frakturs.

Another example, marking the 1806 birth of Elizabeth McDonald (1806-1850), was sold by Pook & Pook on June 19, 2009 (lot 66). Elizabeth's father was born in Frederick Co., and her mother was born in neighboring Hampshire Co., now West Virginia. A third example was produced commemorating the 1818 marriage of Benjamin and Rachel Stine of Frederick Co. It appears that Rachel died shortly after 1850. All of these works were likely created around 1850, the same time that William Jones is recorded as a painter in Frederick Co., VA. Research on this elusive artist is ongoing.

Condition: Excellent condition with minor areas of light staining, otherwise undamaged.

Sold at Jeffrey S. Evans Auctioneers April 5, 2014.

Estimate: $10,000-15,000

Price Realized: $32,200


PENNSYLVANIA FOLK ART CUT-PAPER VALENTINE, ink on paper, featuring hearts and crosses and numerous inscriptions, dated 1843. In an old black-painted frame. Circa 1843. 12.5" D sight.

Provenance: Collection of the late John and Lil Palmer, Purcellville, VA.

Purchased from John and Heather Cooper, Wilmington, NC, 2001.

Condition: Very good condition overall, laid down on card stock, a number of edge teeth replaced, minor staining and toning to paper.

Sold at Jeffrey S. Evans Auctioneers April 5, 2014.

Estimate: $200-300

Price Realized: $1,150


JOHN JAMES TRUMBULL ARNOLD (PENNSYLVANIA, MARYLAND, VIRGINIA, 1812-1865) FOLK ART PORTRAIT, oil on canvas, depicting four-year-old Mary Mattingly of Mount Savage, Maryland holding a rose in one hand. Signed, inscribed, and dated "Portrait of Mary Mattingly / Drawn by John Arnold / On the 26th of October / 1850" in Arnold's calligraphic script verso. Housed in a custom black-painted folk art frame with corner blocks. Circa 1850. 32" x 25" sight, 38" x 31.5" OA.

Literature: See Christie's, October 21,1995, lot 68 for the portraits of Mary Mattingly's parents. Also see New Orleans Auction Co., May 20, 2012, lot 1056, and Sotheby's, September 30, 2010, lot 63 for other examples by the artist.

Provenance: Collection of the late John and Lil Palmer, Purcellville, VA.

Ex-collection of John Dobricky, Warrenton, VA, 1999.

Purchased from Norma Wangel, Potomac, MD.

Catalogue Note: This outstanding portrait is one of a known group of works signed by, or attributed to, John James Trumball Arnold (1812-1865), an itinerant artist who worked in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia (including what is now West Virginia). This portrait of Mary Mattingly was completed approximately five days after the completion of a pair of portraits of her parents, Ellen and Silvester Mattingly, both of which are similarly inscribed verso and are now located in a private collection. Mary's portrait was acquired directly from Mattingly descendants in 1990 by Norma Wangel, who some time later sold the painting to John Dobricky. The Palmers acquired the work from Mr. Dobricky in 1999.

Examples of Arnold's work reside in the collection of Colonial Williamsburg as well as a number of private collections. The present example is a classic work by Arnold employing minimal decoration to the background and to the sitter's dress in an effort to draw the viewer's eye to the subject's face and her hand holding a rose. The arrangement is highly effective, conveying an immediate sense of the child's beauty and innocence at just a glance. The sale of this portrait represents a rare opportunity to acquire an outstanding and highly desirable work by an important American itinerant folk artist.

Condition: Very good condition with some craquelure, a few small patches/repairs and associated retouching to paint.

Sold at Jeffrey S. Evans Auctioneers April 5, 2014.

Estimate: $8,000-12,000

Price Realized: $33,350


RARE RICHMOND, VIRGINIA AREA STITCHED- , TOOLED- , AND DECORATED-LEATHER KEY BASKET, oblong form with extensive tooled decorations, including hearts, stars, and diamonds to sides and under base, including initials "B. B. W." on one end. The interior lined with red leather. Arched handle joined by cut-out heart-form handle guards. Circa 1850. 7" HOA, 3.75" H to rim, 7.75" L.

Literature: See Sotheby's Sale #6716, Important Americana: The Collection of Dr. and Mrs. Henry P. Deyerle, May 27, 1995, lot 607 for a nearly identical example marked with different initials.

See Wright, "Key Baskets", Journal of Early Southern Decorative Arts, May 1982, pp. 49-61 for additional information on this group of baskets.

Provenance: Collection of the late John and Lil Palmer, Purcellville, VA.

Ex-collection of Tom and Liz Thorpe, Catlett, VA, 2002.

Catalogue Note: Roughly ten of these very distinct key baskets are known. Examples reside in the collections of the Museum of American Folk Art, Colonial Williamsburg, the Virginia Historical Society, and the Lynchburg (VA) Museum.

Nearly all from the group have Richmond area provenances. Most have initials within their designs at one end representing their original owner; one has provenance indicating it was a wedding present with the initials matching those of the bride. Two display additional initials "G. F." tooled into their bottoms, presumably for the maker. Dr. Wright located two Richmond boot and shoemakers as possible candidates: George Friday who lived and worked at this shop on Broad Street between Fifth and Sixth Streets in 1859-1860 and G. Freitag who was listed on Front Street between Huges and Royall Streets in 1860.

Condition: Excellent visual condition. Handle with well-done repair to a separation, restoration to approximately 60 percent of rim bead and one 3/4" area of frame around heart at handle juncture. Expected minor cracking to leather and slight wear to surface. Possible retouching to color on one heart.

Sold at Jeffrey S. Evans Auctioneers April 5, 2014.

Estimate: $3,000-5,000

Price Realized: $29,900


RARE AND IMPORTANT MATTHEW S. KAHLE (1800-1869) AND JOHN HENSON (ACT. 1819-AFTER 1831), LEXINGTON, ROCKBRIDGE CO., VIRGINIA PAINTED POPLAR AND YELLOW PINE CLOSET / PIE SAFE, the top comprising an overhanging board cornice with applied cove molding above two hinged doors, each set with three hand-punched tin panels highlighted by a profile of George Washington in military uniform flanked by "BORN 1731" and "DIED 1799" and "WA'SHINGTON" in scrolled banner above. Upper and lower front tin panels with a central star flanked by urns and webbed corner elements. Larger crimped-and-soldered end panels punched in a diapered pattern. Lower section featuring two dovetailed drawers above two hinged panelled doors and panelled ends, the whole raised on ring-turned feet. Nailed vertical backboards. Old green-painted surface. Circa 1831. 74" H, 42" W, 22" D.

Published: Beckerdite (ed.) - American Furniture 2012, pp. 73-76, figs. 24 -30, "The Kahle-Henson School of Punched-Tin Paneled Furniture" by Kurt C. Russ and Jeffrey S. Evans.

Provenance: Collection of the late John and Lil Palmer, Purcellville, VA.

Ex-collection of Ed and Delores Truitt, Roanoke, VA.

Catalogue Note: This rare and important closet safe was produced through the collaborative efforts of two early 19th century Lexington, Virginia craftsman: cabinetmaker Matthew Kahle and tinsmith John Henson. This commercial partnership of Kahle and Henson was first identified by Kurt Russ and Jeff Evans in their recently published study of a small group of safes produced by the two shops. In fact, Kurt Russ credits his long awareness of this safe with the genesis of the aforementioned study of the Kahle-Henson school as well as of the soon-to-be-completed Virginia Safe Project, an extensive overview of Shenandoah Valley food safes and the various regional schools of safe production and design found throughout the Valley. One of the principal characteristics of the Kahle-Henson group of safes is the use of elaborately-designed patriotic motifs in the punched-tin panels; in the present example, matching profiles of George Washington are featured in the center tins, and, in other examples, robust Federal eagles or other early national figures, are highlighted in the punched-tin decoration. This safe represents a powerful expression of national identity through the use of early Federal iconography and stands out as a significant piece of Southern furniture.

Condition: Good overall condition, end tin panels with losses and repairs, possible restoration to drawers, bottom left door, and lower tin front panels. Some retouching to paint.

Sold at Jeffrey S. Evans Auctioneers April 5, 2014.

Estimate: $8,000-12,000

Price Realized: $25,300


EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA OR MARYLAND PAINTED YELLOW PINE DIMINUTIVE WALL CUPBOARD, in one section, a fine, unusually small example with well-executed cornice over a single nine-pane glazed door opening to three shaped, fixed shelves, above applied waist molding and a single split-panel door, raised on an applied base with cut-out bracket feet. Scraped to an early blue-and white-painted surface. Circa 1780-1800. 68" H, 33" W, 18" D.

Provenance: Collection of the late John and Lil Palmer, Purcellville, VA.

Purchased from Richard Ruffner, Carousel Antiques, Middleburg, VA.

Catalogue Note: Eighteenth-century cupboards of this desirable size are rarely encountered. John commented in his notes that this was Lil's favorite piece of furniture in the collection.

Condition: Fine condition with losses to paint, otherwise only some normal wear and minor repairs.

Sold at Jeffrey S. Evans Auctioneers April 5, 2014.

Estimate: $5,000-8,000

Price Realized: $18,400


VIRGINIA CHIPPENDALE INLAID WALNUT STEP-BACK FLATWALL CUPBOARD, one-piece construction, the complex carved and molded cornice above a reeded frieze and two arched, glazed doors framed by applied conforming architectural moldings and line-inlaid pilasters. The lower section comprising two half-length drawers featuring astragal line inlay above two fielded-panel lower doors embellished with ovolo-corner stringing, flanked by line-inlaid stiles and canted corners. The whole raised on ogee-molded bracket feet. Poplar and yellow pine secondary woods. Old refinished surface with mellow color. Circa 1780-1800. 90.75" H, 50" W, 20.5" D.

Provenance: Collection of the late John and Lil Palmer, Purcellville, VA.

Ex-collection of Thomas Carroll, Middleburg, VA.

Purchased from G. K. S. Bush, Washington, DC, 1985.

Catalogue Note: This highly unusual cupboard was a gift to Lil Palmer from the estate of Thomas Carroll. Mr. Carroll was the owner of Patrickswell Farm in Middleburg, Virginia, and Lil worked as his bookkeeper for almost 25 years. Lil had always expressed admiration for the cupboard over the years, and when Mr. Carroll passed away in 2008, his heirs made the decision to give the cupboard to Lil as a gift. John and Lil moved the cupboard to Purcellville in June of 2009, whereupon it resided in the dining room as an ideal display cabinet for their collection of early American earthenware.

Condition: Very good condition overall with small scattered pieced repairs, age cracks to upper case, minor losses to inlay, and restoration to cornice and to feet.

Sold at Jeffrey S. Evans Auctioneers April 5, 2014.

Estimate: $4,000-6,000

Price Realized: $21,850


ENGLISH STAFFORDSHIRE MOCHAWARE PITCHER, painted with two pale-blue bands between black borders, displaying the three major mochaware techniques including earthworms (cables), cabled cat's eyes, and bold dendritic twigs. Unmarked. First half 19th century. 8.25" H

Provenance: Collection of the late John and Lil Palmer, Purcellville, VA.

Purchased from Rob Hunter at Period Designs, Yorktown, VA.

Condition

Good condition, with a hairline crack to spout and x-form hairline to underside only, small flake to handle and chip to underside of foot.

Sold at Jeffrey S. Evans Auctioneers April 5, 2014.

Estimate: $400-600

Price Realized: $2,185


MASSACHUSETTS QUEEN ANNE PAINTED PINE TALL CASE CLOCK, dated 1756, the flat top bonnet with pinwheel carved sound holes enclosing a thirty-hour works with a brass face, inscribed Made by David Blasdel in Amesbury MDCCLVI, the case retaining an old black surface with gold highlights, 87.5" h.

Sold at The Estate of Marion and Donald Woelbing, Franklin, Wisconsin, Pook and Pook April 25, 2014.

Estimate: $4,000-6,000

Price Realized: $14,400


SOUTHERN MASSACHUSETTS QUEEN ANNE WALNUT HIGH CHEST OF DRAWERS, ca. 1765, with a bonnet top and demilune carved drawers, 86" h., 37.75" w.

Sold at The Estate of Marion and Donald Woelbing, Franklin, Wisconsin, Pook and Pook April 25, 2014.

Estimate: $7,000-10,000

Price Realized: $12,000


IMPORTANT NEW HAMPSHIRE CHIPPENDALE MAPLE SLANT LID DESK, ca. 1740, signed by cabinetmaker Samuel Dunlap, the fall front enclosing a fitted interior with fan carved drawers, over a case with four drawers with an egg, dart, and sawtooth carved base molding, supported by voluted cabriole legs terminating in ball and claw feet, retaining an old grained surface and drawers with line borders, 45" h., 38 1/4" w. Two closely related Dunlap desks are illustrated in Charles Parsons, The Dunlaps and Their Furniture. Provenance: Sold at Northeast Auctions, March 6, 2004, lot 418.

Sold at The Estate of Marion and Donald Woelbing, Franklin, Wisconsin, Pook and Pook April 25, 2014.

Estimate: $30,000-50,000

Price Realized: $96,000


STRATFORD AREA, CONNECTICUT PAINTED BANISTERBACK ARMCHAIR, ca. 1760, with a heart and crown crest, retaining an old green surface over black.

Sold at The Estate of Marion and Donald Woelbing, Franklin, Wisconsin, Pook and Pook April 25, 2014.

Estimate: $2,000-3,000

Price Realized: $6,600


NEW ENGLAND QUEEN ANNE TIGER MAPLE HIGH CHEST, ca. 1765, attributed to John Kimball, Concord or Derryfield, New Hampshire, retaining an early Spanish brown surface, 64" h., 36.25" w. Provenance: Sold at Skinner's Auction, June 4, 2006, lot 112.

Sold at The Estate of Marion and Donald Woelbing, Franklin, Wisconsin, Pook and Pook April 25, 2014.

Estimate: $30,000-50,000

Price Realized: $36,000


MASSACHUSETTS OAK AND WALNUT JOINED CHEST, ca. 1690, with two short and three long drawers and applied half columns supported by turned bun feet, 38.25" h., 37.5" w. Provenance: Collection of William B. Bailey, Hartford, Connecticut; The Palmer Family.

Sold at The Estate of Marion and Donald Woelbing, Franklin, Wisconsin, Pook and Pook April 25, 2014.

Estimate: $10,000-15,000

Price Realized: $18,000


MASSACHUSETTS PILGRIM CENTURY CARVED OAK CHEST, ca. 1700, probably Hadley area, the lift lid over a fully carved case with two drawers supported by stile feet, 45 1/2" h., 46" w. Hadley chests without initials and probably carved by the same hand are illustrated in Luther, The Hadley Chest, plates 101-106.

Sold at The Estate of Marion and Donald Woelbing, Franklin, Wisconsin, Pook and Pook April 25, 2014.

Estimate: $15,000-25,000

Price Realized: $9,840


CONNECTICUT PILGRIM CENTURY CARVED AND PAINTED PINE BIBLE BOX, late 17th c., probably New Haven, the front with stylized leaves, retaining an old black over red surface, 9.5" h., 23.5" w., 17" d.

Sold at The Estate of Marion and Donald Woelbing, Franklin, Wisconsin, Pook and Pook April 25, 2014.

Estimate: $2,000-4,000

Price Realized: $8,400


MASSACHUSETTS PILGRIM CENTURY CARVED OAK CHEST, ca. 1690, probably Hadley area, the carved façade with three floral panels, the center one initialed EB, all over a single drawer supported by stile feet, 32.75" h., 42.5" w.

Sold at The Estate of Marion and Donald Woelbing, Franklin, Wisconsin, Pook and Pook April 25, 2014.

Estimate: $8,000-12,000

Price Realized: $12,000


AMERICAN CARVED WHITE PINE HANGING SPOON RACK, 19th c., with a lollipop finial and an overall pinwheel and sawtooth decoration, retaining an old blue over red surface, 25.5" h., 13" w.

Sold at The Estate of Marion and Donald Woelbing, Franklin, Wisconsin, Pook and Pook April 25, 2014.

Estimate: $5,000-8,000

Price Realized: $10,200


WROUGHT IRON AND BRASS FLOOR STANDING CANDLESTAND, late 18th c., with an adjustable double-arm and brass candle cups, 55.75" h.

Sold at The Estate of Marion and Donald Woelbing, Franklin, Wisconsin, Pook and Pook April 25, 2014.

Estimate: $2,000-3,000

Price Realized: $4,080


SIGNED WROUGHT IRON SKEWER SET, 18th c., 12" l.

Sold at The Estate of Marion and Donald Woelbing, Franklin, Wisconsin, Pook and Pook April 25, 2014.

Estimate: $300-400

Price Realized: $1,200


JACOBEAN CARVED OAK BIBLE BOX, late 17th c., with bold tulip and leaf decoration, 7.25" h., 21.5" w.

Sold at The Estate of Marion and Donald Woelbing, Franklin, Wisconsin, Pook and Pook April 25, 2014.

Estimate: $500-1,000

Price Realized: $1,920


SHENANDOAH VALLEY, VIRGINIA REDWARE PITCHER AND BOWL, 19th c., attributed to the Eberly Pottery, with green and brown manganese splotching on a cream ground, pitcher - 10.5" h., bowl - 12.75" w.

Sold at Pook and Pook April 26, 2014.

Estimate: $3,000-5,000

Price Realized: $7,200


VIRGINIA RECORD BOOK ARTIST (Virginia, active 1795-1825), two-page watercolor and ink on paper marriage record for Sidney Wright, dated 1819, with typical elaborate borders, columns with orbs, and colorful script, each - 7.5" x 5.75".

Sold at Pook and Pook April 26, 2014.

Estimate: $1,500-2,500

Price Realized: $4,800


BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA REDWARE SGRAFFITO PLATE, ca. 1820, attributed to Solomon Grimm, with potted tulip decoration, 9.75" dia. Two similar examples can be found. One, dated 1816, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Another, dated 1818, from Crocker Farm, November 2, 2013, Lot 174.

Sold at Pook and Pook April 26, 2014.

Estimate: $5,000-10,000

Price Realized: $21,600


LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PAINTED HARD PINE SCHRANK, ca. 1780, the architectural molded cornice over raised panel doors with fluted quarter columns, resting on a molded base with faux drawers and an overall scrubbed sponge decorated surface, 88.5" h., 76" w.

Sold at Pook and Pook April 26, 2014.

Estimate: $6,000-9,000

Price Realized: $102,000


WROUGHT IRON CONESTOGA WAGON FISH FORM AXE HOLDER, ca. 1800. A similar axe head socket is illustrated in Bishops, American Folk Sculpture.

Sold at Pook and Pook April 26, 2014.

Estimate: $1,000-1,500

Price Realized: $3,840


PILGRIM CENTURY CARVED OAK AND WHITE PINE BIBLE BOX, ca. 1680, initialed R I, above a series of intertwined geometric incised devices flanked by a sawtooth edge, the diamond designs retaining an old black painted surface, 8" h., 24" w., 16.25" d. Pictured in Luther, The Hadley Chest, plate 62. Provenance: Titus Geesey.

Sold at Pook and Pook April 26, 2014.

Estimate: $4,000-6,000

Price Realized: $9,000


BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA SGRAFFITO REDWARE PLATE, ca. 1810, attributed to David Spinner, with a central vignette of a gentleman in colonial garb, flanked by flowering vines and a song bird, 11.625" dia.

Sold at Pook and Pook April 26, 2014.

Estimate: $3,000-4,000

Price Realized: $3,600


BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS CHIPPENDALE MAHOGANY SECRETARY, the upper section with a broken arch pediment centering a carved bust of Shakespeare, over two scalloped panel doors enclosing a fitted interior flanked by fluted pilasters with carved capitals, resting on a base with a fall front enclosing an interior with fan carved drawers and a block front case with four drawers supported by ball and claw feet, 98.5" h., 41.5" w.

Sold at Pook and Pook April 26, 2014.

Estimate: $8,000-1,200

Price Realized: $21,600


BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SIGNED LETTER AS UNITED STATES MINISTER TO FRANCE, dated 1784, regarding the authenticity of letters from Hugh Hill presented to Franklin by his grand nephew, Johnathan Williams Junior, 8.75" x 7.75".

Sold at Pook and Pook April 26, 2014.

Estimate: $5,000-10,000

Price Realized: $21,600






ANTHONY WAYNE ACCOUNT BOOK OF HIS TANNERY BUSINESS IN CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, from May 6th, 1774 to April 5th, 1783, 119 pages with forty-five in Wayne's hand, including his signature six times, at the opposite end is a memorandum and receipt book in his hand with eleven signatures from March 14th, 1784 to August 24th, 1787, 12.75" x 8.75".

Sold at Pook and Pook April 26, 2014.

Estimate: $4,000-8,000

Price Realized: $7,200


JOURNAL OF CONGRESS, CONTAINING THE PROCEEDINGS IN THE YEAR 1776, published by order of Congress, Volume II, Philadelphia, printed and sold by R. Aitken, bookseller, Front Street, 1777.

Sold at Pook and Pook April 26, 2014.

Estimate: $400-800

Price Realized: $5,760


GEORGE WASHINGTON SIGNED MILITARY APPOINTMENT, dated 27th August 1795, for Campbell Smith to Lieutenant in the Fourth Sub Legion, countersigned by Timothy Pickering, Secretary of War, 18.5" x 15.5".

Sold at Pook and Pook April 26, 2014.

Estimate: $6,000-8,000

Price Realized: $14,400


REDWARE CHARGER, 19th c., with cross yellow slip and green splotch decoration, 13.25" dia.

Sold at Pook and Pook April 26, 2014.

Estimate: $500-1,000

Price Realized: $3,120


MASSACHUSETTS PILGRIM CENTURY CARVED PINE SIX BOARD CHEST, dated 1679, probably Essex County, the lift lid over a case with two large diamond panels with carved florettes, flanked by pilasters with demilune and trifid devices, over the date and initials SH, 26 3/4" h., 45 1/2" w. A chair with a related carving is in the collection of the Chipstone Museum. Provenance: Titus Geesey.

Sold at Pook and Pook April 26, 2014.

Estimate: $5.000-9.000

Price Realized: $26,400


BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, PAINTED PINE HOUSE MARKER, inscribed Andereas Henne Anno 1816, retaining an old green, black, and ivory surface, 23.5" h., 16" w. Provenance: Olde Hope Antiques.

Sold at Pook and Pook April 26, 2014.

Estimate: $1,500-2,500

Price Realized: $3,840


CONESTOGA WAGON BOX, early 19th c., with original wrought iron hardware and backboard mount, 30" h., 44" w.

Sold at Pook and Pook April 26, 2014.

Estimate: $1,000-2,000

Price Realized: $960


THURMONT, MARYLAND REDWARE FLOWERPOT, 19th c., impressed W. A. Lynn, with manganese splotching on a cream ground, 4.75" h., together with a seaweed decorated flowerpot, 3.75" h.

Sold at Pook and Pook April 26, 2014.

Estimate: $150-250

Price Realized: $2,400


OIL ON CANVAS PORTRAIT OF A YOUNG GIRL, ca. 1840, Genevieve White of Baltimore, in a red dress holding a flower basket, 34" x 24". Provenance: Descended in the family to the present owner.

Sold at Pook and Pook April 26, 2014.

Estimate: $3,000-5,000

Price Realized: $7,200


AMERICAN SILVER CANN Boston, 18th Century, In pear shape with molded flared rim and a molded circular splayed foot. Double scrolled handle with sprig decoration. Marked with a cursive "P. R." on base. Similar mark has been found on spoons by Paul Revere, Jr. Height 5". Approx. 11.4 troy oz."

Condition: Cann top slightly out of round, minor dings to base.

Sold at Eldred's Auction April 4-5, 2014.

Estimate: $15,000-30,000

Price Realized: $16,000 (excludes buyer's premium)


MINIATURE WOODEN FIRKIN 19th Century, From Hingham, Massachusetts. With swing handle and natural finish. Stamped on underside C.H. Height 3.5".

Condition: Overall good condition with no obvious mars or damages noted. No cover.

Sold at Eldred's Auction April 4-5, 2014.

Estimate: $500-800

Price Realized: $1,000 (excludes buyer's premium)


IMPORTANT ANTIQUE AMERICAN TAVERN TABLE, First Half of the 18th Century, In maple. Oval top set on a boldly figured curly maple base. Delicate block and turned splayed legs joined by box stretchers retain original turned feet. Height 24.5. Top 23.5" x 30".

Condition: Overall good condition with possible restoration to one foot. Small patch and split to top.

Sold at Eldred's Auction April 4-5, 2014.

Estimate: $4,000-6,000

Price Realized: $4,000 (excludes buyer's premium)


FRAMED ANTIQUE AMERICAN NEEDLEWORK SAMPLER, "Abigail Stacey Is my Name and With My Needle I Wrought the Same in the Twelfth Year of my Age 1793" at bottom. Upper section with alphabet and numerals above verse "Farewell the Gay the Busy Scene Which led my Youthful Steps Afray Now Reason dares a Heav'nly beam And in fair Virtue Guides my Way". Lower section with large potted flowering plant resting on green ground and surrounded by birds. Elaborate foliate vine border. Exceedingly well preserved with light even toning and strong colors throughout. 18" x 13.25" sight."

Condition: As noted. No obvious mars, holes, or defects noted other than the toning and slight discoloration.

Sold at Eldred's Auction April 4-5, 2014.

Estimate: $5,000-10,000

Price Realized: $20,000 (excludes buyer's premium)




DICKENS, CHARLES. A CHRISTMAS CAROL, London: Chapman & Hall, 1843.1st ed, 2nd issue. Sm 8vo, orig russet-brown cloth, gilt, spine gilt, a.e.g.; corners & spine ends very slightly worn, very slightly cocked. With 4 hand-colored plates by John Leech + 4 woodcuts in text, loose tissue guards inserted later. Very occasional light foxing to front matter, small dampstains on verso of half-title & frontis, light vertical crease to front free endpaper, half-title & frontis. With 2pp advts at back. Leather bookplate of Frank J. Hogan on paste-down. In custom 1/2 morocco & cloth clipcase & cloth chemise. Also refered to by some bibliographers as 1st ed, 1st issue yellow endpaper variant.

Eckel; Saddeir 684, with red & blue title, yellow endpapers, Stave I chapter heading, uncorrected text & blue half-title.

Sold at Freeman's Auction April 10, 2014.

Estimate: $2,500-4,000

Price Realized: $21,250




WASHINGTON, GEORGE, AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED, MOUNT VERNON, Aug 5, 1796. 2pp, 4to; small old cello tape reinforcement along the top 3 inches of fold of a portion of the integral leaf. To Timothy Pickering, marked private, discussing with his Secretary of State the mathematical & moral qualifications of Mr. Churchman & Mr. Hawkins to serve as Surveyor General, "I have not yet been able to hear of a character that combines the requisite qualifications for this trust." Signed as president. Clean, clear & generally dark, in excellent state of presentation, a few inconsequential light areas in signature. In double-pane frame with hand-colored mezzotint portrait. Docketed.

Fitzpatrick, vol 35, pp 164 & 165 (erroneously giving the recipient as the Secretary of the Treasury.

Timothy Pickering, 1845-1829, early supporter of the American Revolution, served as Adjutant General of the Continental Army, Quartermaster General, US Postmaster General, Secretary of War & State, also served in the Senate & House of Representatives.

Sold at Freeman's Auction April 10, 2014.

Estimate: $20,000-30,000

Price Realized: $23,750


MIDWESTERN PITKIN STYLE FLASK, American, 19th century. A Pitkin-style blown flask in olive glass with diagonal ribs and open pontil scar; ht. 4.75 in.

Sold at Cowan's Auction April 10-12, 2014.

Estimate: $200-300

Price Realized: $2,280


SIGNED CANTEEN, WAR OF 1812 ERA, American, early 19th century. A signed canteen in original blue paint, with two hand-wrought bands, attached with wrought iron brads and having three metal loops to secure the leather strap. The canteen probably dates to the War of 1812. The name J. Slemmer (possibly for Jacob Slemmer a Pennsylvania cooper) is stamped on the face; dia. 7 in.

Provenance: From the Estate of Kenneth Erwin, Portland, Michigan

Condition: Leather strap broken, missing plug, wear to painted surface.

Sold at Cowan's Auction April 10-12, 2014.

Estimate: $150-300

Price Realized: $1,320


FINE PUNCHED TIN COFFEE POT, PROBABLY BERKS COUNTY, PA American, 19th century. A fine punched tin coffee pot, the punch pattern revealing a tulip to either side, with swags on the shoulder below, dramatic turn to spout finishing in echoed tulip form; ht. 12 in.

Provenance:  Property from the Estate of Jane Murphy, Shandon, Ohio

Sold at Cowan's Auction April 10-12, 2014.

Estimate: $500-700

Price Realized: $4,500


SCARCE EARLY BROADSIDE OF THE NEW STEAMBOAT TELEGRAPH, July 14, 1837, American, 19th century. An early broadside advertising the route of the steamboat Telegraph on Lake Ontario, July 14, 1837; 19.5 x 14.75 in (sight).

Provenance:  From the Estate of Kenneth Erwin, Portland, Michigan

Sold at Cowan's Auction April 10-12, 2014.

Estimate: $300-500

Price Realized: $3,900


OPEN SHELF CUPBOARD IN OLD RED PAINT, American, 19th century. A vernacular one-piece cupboard in old red paint, the step-back top having four rows of rails with applied nail hangers flanked by scrolled sides, all above four open shelves and rising on cutout feet; ht. 84, wd. 46.75, dp. 15.25 in.

Provenance:  Property from the Estate of Jane Murphy, Shandon, Ohio

Sold at Cowan's Auction April 10-12, 2014.

Estimate: $1,000-1,500

Price Realized: $7,200


RARE NEW YORK FOLK ART FAMILY RECORD, American (possibly New York), 2nd quarter of the 19th century. A family record on paper featuring watercolor and pastel illustrations of the twelve stages of human life with accompanying text, often Biblical verse, surrounding a red pillared archway enclosing the names and significant dates concerning the Thorp and Beebe family, with details of a drawn red curtain in the upper corners and flowering rose above the record chart; 17.5 x 13.25 in. (sight), 21.25 x 17.25 in. (frame).

In addition to being a wonderful piece of folk art, the detailed images of period dress and interiors, charming text and personal sentiment featured in this family record make it a fascinating historical document. Along the bottom of the record is written:The Twelve Different Stages/ Of Human Life:/From the Cradle to the Grave. Beginning in the lower left and moving up and around the archway are twelve captioned illustrations of each stage. First is a mother and two young children in an interior, with the caption: Man is born to trouble as/the sparks fly upward (Job 5:7). The next image shows an adolescent boy and girl dancing, with the text: A day added to this life is a/day taken from it. This is followed by an image of a young man in romantic pursuit of a young woman in blue, labeled along the bottom, This is the time when folly reigns and top, Beauty is a dangerous snare. In the next image, the man and woman are shown walking arm and arm with text along the top Here Love is steadily sincere, followed by a scene of the couple with a small child, This offspring needs our care. 

At the top of the arch, the man and woman, now in middle age, are seated together under the verse O may I feel another's woe,/And hide the fault I see./That mercy I to others show,/That mercy shew to me (Stanza 10 of Alexander Pope's The Universal Prayer of 1738).

The first four images on the right side show the couple growing increasingly older together, accompanied by the verses As down Life's rugged path we tread/Let's look and see the past/The sacred records here behold/This points us to our last/We are now ready to be offered/up and the time of our depar/ture is at hand (2 Timothy 4:6). The illustration in the lower right shows the couple lying in bed with an angel arriving, over the text Man goeth to his long home;/The mourners go about the street ?(Ecclesiastes 12:5).

Along the bottom of the archway is a larger illustration of the mourning procession carrying the coffins to the cemetery, along with the words Here the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at Rest. (Job 3:17). This image contains details of an owl, symbol of death and wisdom, and a gravestone reading There is/rest in/Heaven.

Contained within the archway is the text So teach us to number our Days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (Psalm 90:12) and a three-columned chart, labeled Births, Marriages, Deaths. It lists the names and dates of twelve family members (including two listed outside of the arch) with the surnames Beebe and Thorp.

This piece was featured in a 2002 episode of the Antiques Roadshow filmed in Kansas City, Missouri, with the appraisal by Nancy Druckman. Druckman attributed the record to Ruby Devol Finch (American, Westport, Massachusetts, 1804-1866). Finch was active from 1831-1843. She is known for vivid, intimate portraits and family records, produced for members of her community. Most of her known subjects and the recipients of her work lived within ten miles of her. While Finch certainly created work in a similar style, the family listed here, headed by Isaac Beebe (1798-1875), has been traced from New York to Illinois, placing them outside of Finch's known sphere and making it unlikely that she was the artist behind this piece. The fact that it is unsigned adds to this doubt.  Based on an 1850 census, the Beebe family was in Lisbon, Illinois by at least 1846, at the birth of Elihu Burritt. There are several distinct handwritings and inks present on the record, suggesting that it was added to over a period of time. It is likely that the record was created in New York and traveled with the family.

The artist of the this record succeeds in capturing the spirit of the time. The illustrations and text present a nineteenth century perspective on the trajectory of life with all of its challenges, triumphs and inevitable ending, imbued all the way through with religious devotion. The story of the man and woman in the illustrations is told with warmth and humor, assisted by perfectly chosen verses to accompany each stage. The personal trajectories of each family member are centrally listed, relating each one of their life journeys to the arc of life as presented in the images. The sophisticated rendering of the arch of classical columns and blooming rose lends structure and elegance to the composition, while the drawn curtains cleverly present the piece as a drama for the viewer.

This record functions simultaneously as a wonderful piece of American folk art and a memento of a historical period, with personal touches from the hand of both the artist and owner(s), the charming imperfections of misspellings, text running into margins and the addition of names in available space as a family grew.

Condition:  Water damage across paper. Rubbing of pastel in top left and right corners.

Sold at Cowan's Auction April 10-12, 2014.

Estimate: $8,000-10,000

Price Realized: $9,600


UNION VILLAGE SHAKER CURLY MAPLE CHEST OF DRAWERS, American (Ohio), 19th century. A figured maple and pine secondary chest of six graduated drawers all with scratch beading, wooden knobs, rising on arched bracket feet; ht. 55, wd. 47.5,  dp.  25  in. A penultimate example of Union Village craftsmanship. For a related example see Rieman and Burks (1993, Fig. 263).

Note: Both David Good and Joanne Pennington, long-time friends of Jane Murphy's, confirm that this piece was purchased at an auction at Otterbein, Ohio. A September,1960 ad for this auction, supplied by long time Ohio Shaker scholar, Chuck Muller, advertises a " 6 drawer curly maple" chest that is believed to be this lot.

Provenance:  Property from the Estate of Jane Murphy, Shandon, Ohio

Sold at Cowan's Auction April 10-12, 2014.

Estimate: $3,000-5,000

Price Realized: $13,800


RARE UNION VILLAGE SHAKER TALL CASE CLOCK, American (Ohio), 19th century. Found in a home near Springboro, in Warren County, Ohio, the tall case of walnut having a peaked pediment over the clock door with arched opening, the center section having a two-panel door with hook and eye latch, the bottom section with paneled face, the whole seated on a plinth base. The clock, a later addition, having a worldly decorated face, with weight-driven 30-hour wooden works; ht. 92, wd. 19.5, dp 8.5 in.

Provenance: Property from the Estate of Jane Murphy, Shandon, Ohio

Condition: Works and face are not original to the clock.

Sold at Cowan's Auction April 10-12, 2014.

Estimate: $3,000-5,000

Price Realized: $19,200


MONUMENTAL WH TRIPHUGEN (TRIPHAGEN) PEWAMO, MICHIGAN DOUBLE-HANDLED STONEWARE MERCHANT'S JUG, American,19th century, probably Ohio. A massive 20 gallon salt-glazed stoneware jug of semi-ovoid form, having applied double-handles and a tooled shoulder, featuring an incised and cobalt-painted inscription reading WH Triphugen Esq / Pewamo. Mich above a twenty-six star American flag, topped by a turned and carved hardwood stopper; ht. 27.5 in. (including stopper).

William Henry Triphagen (American, 1841-1918), whose last name was incorrectly spelled Triphugen on the front of the jug, grew up in New York State before relocating to Michigan. After earning a living as a farm hand and a freight checker, Triphagen settled in the Village of Pewamo in Ionia County as a grocer. While the history of this jug is lost to time, it is conceivable that Triphagen commissioned the jug to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Michigan's admission to the Union, thus the 26 star flag. A spectacular piece of Midwestern stoneware.

Provenance:  From the Estate of Kenneth Erwin, Portland, Michigan

Condition:  Some surface wear and spots of light discoloration. Salt drips to shoulder. A few chips to spout and some around base. Firing cracks near handles.

Sold at Cowan's Auction April 10-12, 2014.

Estimate: $8,000-12,000

Price Realized: $25,200


EARLY PEWTER CUPBOARD IN RED PAINT, American, late 18th-early 19th century. A vernacular cupboard in old red paint with shelves with beaded edges and plate rails, over a short drawer with divided compartments, over two arched paneled doors, resting on inset bracket feet; ht. 79.25, wd. 41.5, dp. 19.25 in.

Provenance: Property from the Estate of Jane Murphy, Shandon, Ohio

Sold at Cowan's Auction April 10-12, 2014.

Estimate: $600-1,000

Price Realized: $18,000


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