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IMPORTANT SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA FOLK ART

CUT-WORK / SCHERENSCHNITTE VALENTINE, watercolor and ink on paper, an outstanding and vibrant example, executed by Sarah Weaver (1839-1918) of Rockingham Co., Virginia, design featuring a central eight-point star within an inner border of eight cut-out seven-point stars, outer border of eight large elliptical cut-outs, each featuring a bird perched on floral / foliate devices and heart, sawtooth scalloped edges, vivid polychrome watercolor embellishment. Verse running circuitously throughout, including "Sarah Weaver is my name and single is my life and happy is the man gets me for a wife", dated "the 9th day of March 1856". Unframed.  Circa 1856. 13" D. 

Condition: Excellent condition with light fold lines, very minor toning to edges.

Provenance: Descended directly in the family of the maker.

Catalogue Note: The present valentine was created by Sarah Weaver (1839-1918) of Rockingham Co., Virginia in 1856 and comes to us directly from the family, along with two other cut-work valentines and an embroidered show towel. Born to parents Samuel Weaver (1790-1857) and Elizabeth Rhodes (b.1792), Sarah married James William Sharps (1843-1916) in 1866 in Harrisonburg, and the couple remained in the area for the remainder of their lives. Sarah was between the ages of 15 and 17 when she completed the presently offered group of folk objects, 17 when she worked this specific valentine on which she pines "Skies are Blue and Leaves are Green you are the most loveliest and handsomest (sic) I ever seen." Rarely do delicate early folk objects of this caliber and condition appear on the market, and it is almost unheard of to have a group of these objects, all by the same maker, fresh from the family, come forth at once. The appearance of the current example on the open market represents a unique opportunity for astute collectors of Southern folk and decorative arts.

Sold at Jeffrey S. Evans Auction November 12, 2016.

Estimate: $6,000-9,000

Price Realized: $22,230


IMPORTANT SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA FOLK ART

CUT-WORK / SCHERENSCHNITTE VALENTINE, watercolor and ink on paper, an outstanding and vibrant example, executed by Sarah Weaver (1839-1918) of Rockingham Co., Virginia, design featuring a central circular and semicircular cut-outs, outer border of eight large elliptical cut-outs, each featuring a bird perched on floral / foliate devices and heart, sawtooth edge, vivid polychrome watercolor embellishment. Verse running circuitously throughout, including "Sarah Weaver is my name and single is my life and happy is the man gets me for a wife", dated "the 25th day of May 1854". Unframed.  Circa 1854. 13" D.

Condition: Very good condition with light fold lines, minor toning, foxing, and discoloration. Small 1/4" inch tear and repair to one edge.

Provenance: Descended directly in the family of the maker.

Catalogue Note: The present valentine was created by Sarah Weaver (1839-1918) of Rockingham Co., Virginia in 1854 and comes to us directly from the family, along with two other cut-work valentines and an embroidered show towel. Born to parents Samuel Weaver (1790-1857) and Elizabeth Rhodes (b.1792), Sarah married James William Sharps (1843-1916) in 1866 in Harrisonburg, and the couple remained in the area for the remainder of their lives. Sarah was between the ages of 15 and 17 when she completed the presently offered group of folk objects, 15 when she worked this specific valentine on which she pines "Skies are Blue and Leaves are Green you are the most lovliest and handsomest I ever seen." Rarely do delicate early folk objects of this caliber and condition appear on the market, and it is almost unheard of to have a group of these objects, all by the same maker, fresh from the family, come forth at once. The appearance of the current example on the open market represents a unique opportunity for astute collectors of Southern folk and decorative arts.

Sold at Jeffrey S. Evans Auction November 12, 2016.

Estimate: $5,000-8,000

Price Realized: $12,870


IMPORTANT SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA EMBROIDERED SHOW TOWEL, cotton on linen, an outstanding example, executed by Sarah Weaver (1839-1918) of Rockingham Co., Virginia, signed and dated "1854 / SARAH WEAVER", design featuring stylized floral / foliate devices, hearts, and three rows of initials, representing the maker's siblings, those in red living, and those in black deceased. Circa 1854. 49.25" x 16.75".

Condition: Good condition with even toning and scattered minor areas of staining / discoloration.

Provenance: Descended directly in the family of the maker.

Catalogue Note: The present show towel was created by Sarah Weaver (1839-1918) of Rockingham Co., Virginia in 1854 and comes to us directly from the family, along with three other cut-work valentines created by Sarah. Born to parents Samuel Weaver (1790-1857) and Elizabeth Rhodes (b.1792), Sarah married James William Sharps (1843-1916) in 1866 in Harrisonburg, and the couple remained in the area for the remainder of their lives. Rarely do delicate early folk objects of this caliber and condition appear on the market, and it is almost unheard of to have a group of these objects, all by the same maker, fresh from the family, come forth at once. Exceedingly uncommon, at present there are only four other recorded show towels with documented Shenandoah Valley histories. The appearance of the current example on the open market represents a unique opportunity for astute collectors of Southern folk and decorative arts.

Sold at Jeffrey S. Evans Auction November 12, 2016.

Estimate: $3,000-5,000

Price Realized: $12,870


PETER BERNHART (ROCKINGHAM CO., SHENANDOAH VALLEY

OF VIRGINIA) FOLK ART FRAKTUR BIRTH AND BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE, watercolor and ink on a partially printed paper form, (UPDATED 11/7/16) completed for Abraham Royer, born in "1811" in "Rockingham County", printed elements in German by Ambrose Henkel of New Market, VA. Drawn, scribed, signed, and dated "1813" by Peter Bernhart. Bearing additional later inscription at top edge" Framed by A. R. Campbell April 10th 1882", as well as another later inscription in pencil "September 14th 1811" near center. Translated text reads: "1811, the 14th of September, Abraham Royer was born into this world, of Christian parents, in Rockingham County, in the state of Virginia, the father was Phillip Royer, the mother Catherine, a born Kohler. Sponsors were Johannes Miller and his wife. / Let the inherited sin depart from him through Your blood; through your spirit bind it to You that it may clothe itself in You. And write the name that we give in the Book of Life to live / Written by Peter Bernhart, 1813". Together with a 19th-century frame in which it was discovered (currently removed). Two pieces total.  Circa 1813. 8.5" x 14" object. 

Condition: Overall moderate to heavy toning. Fold line with old repair to separation at center line. Edge wear with small losses. Small stain / discoloration upper right corner. Frame with wear.

Literature: For two additional examples of this form decorated by Bernhart see Paul - Bernhart & Company: Shenandoah Valley Folk Art Fraktur (1774-1850), pp. 44 and 45.

Provenance: From a California private collection.

(UPDATED 11/7/16) Catalogue Note: Peter Bernhart (act. 1794-1819) was schoolmaster and post rider residing in Keezletown, Rockingham Co., VA. He was the most prolific fraktur artist in the Shenandoah Valley. The present example, unrecorded, features four boldly delineated birds, stylized tulips, and other abstract floral and foliate devices in one of the artist's most desirable formats.

The Royer, Koehler, and Miller families attended the Peaked Mountain Church in the central portion of the county.

Sold at Jeffrey S. Evans Auction November 12, 2016.

Estimate: $2,000-3,000

Price Realized: $5,265


LAND GRANT TO HENRY GOULDNEY (D. 1726), signed by William Penn (1644-1718), dated April 4, 1695. Black printed ink with handwritten entries in ink and graphite on parchment, three sealing wax seals and an impressed paper stamp, archivally framed, 8.75 in. x 10.5 in. 

Provenance: Exhibited at Lemon Hill Mansion, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Collection of The Colonial Dames of America, Chapter II. 

Given by the Estate of Lydia Fisher Warner (1870-1947), 1949, and previously exhibited at Historic Wakefield, Germantown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Henry Gouldney was an English Quaker businessman and friend of William Penn, James Logan and Anthony Morris. He corresponded regularly from London with the Philadelphia Meeting and had investments in Philadelphia. Gouldney attended the controversial second marriage of William Penn to Hannah Callowhill, March 5, 1696, while many declined. His London home, adjacent to the Grace Chruch Street Meeting, was where George Fox, the founder of the Religious Society of Friends, died in 1691. 

Sold at Freeman's Auction November 12, 2016.

Estimate: $1,000-2,000

Price Realized: $3,500


THOMAS SULLY (1783-1872) PAIR OF PORTRAITS: JANE DUVAL LEIPER (1796-1866) and JOHN KINTZING KANE (1795-1858), PHILADELPHIA, PA, 1832 and 1836, OIL ON CANVAS, framed, 29.52 in. x 24.5 in. (sight) 

Jane Duval Leiper Kane, daughter of Thomas Leiper and Elizabeth Coultas Gray Leiper, married Philadelphia lawyer John Kintzing Kane in 1819. Reputed to be the most beautiful woman of her time, she was asked to open the grand costume ball honoring the visiting Marquis de Lafayette in 1824, dressed as Mary Queen of Scots. According to some sources, Thomas Sully never forgot Kane's beauty at the ball and requested that she wear the costume for her portrait taken eight years later. 

John Kintzing Kane was active in Philadelphia's civic, political and cultural affairs. A Democrat and supporter of Andrew Jackson, Kane served in the Pennsylvania legislature, as City Solicitor for Philadelphia, and as Attorney General of Pennsylvania. Under President James Polk, Kane was appointed United States district Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He served as President of the Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia, President of the American Philosophical Society, and one of the Founders of Girard College. 

The couple had seven children.

Literature: Biddle, Edward and Mantle Fielding. The Life and Works of Thomas Sully, 1783-1872. (1921), pp. 194 & 195, nos. 942 & 944; The Century Magazine, Vol. 34, October 1887, pg. 489.

Provenance: Exhibited at Lemon Hill Mansion, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Collection of The Colonial Dames of America, Chapter II. 

By descent through Kane Family until purchased from Bayard Kane Fox in 1983.

Sold at Freeman's Auction November 12, 2016.

Estimate: $20,000-30,000

Price Realized: $87,500


CHINESE SCHOOL 19TH CENTURY VIEW OF THE HONGS AT CANTON, CIRCA 1830 OIL ON CANVAS IN PERIOD FRAME. 21.75 in. x 36.5 in. (sight) 

Provenance: Exhibited at Lemon Hill Mansion, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Collection of The Colonial Dames of America, Chapter II. 

Purchased from Bernard and S. Dean Levy, New York, 1987.

Sold at Freeman's Auction November 12, 2016.

Estimate: $10,000-15,000

Price Realized: $22,500


JACOB MAENTEL (1778-1863) PAIR OF PORTRAITS: GEORGE AND CATHERINE SLAGLE NEAS, HANOVER, YORK COUNTY, PA, WATERCOLOR AND INK ON PAPER, framed. 9.75 in. x 7.25 in. (sight) 

Provenance: By descent in the family to the present owner. 

George Neas, Jr. (1763-1829) and Catherine Slagle (1771-1853) were leading members of the Hanover community when it was incorporated as a town in 1815. Neas was a successful businessman--a third generation tanner-- and active in politics. He served as Hanover's first mayor or Burgess, was appointed Postmaster by President John Adams and served from 1790-1813, was Justice of the Peace, and a member of the State legislature as a Federalist from 1807-1810. Neas was educated in England and renowned for his writings and speechmaking. Catherine-- the daughter of Revolutionary War Colonel and member of the Constitutional Convention, Henry Slagle, and Dorothy Slagle-- was known as a person of great "force of character and sound good sense." Their home, the Neas House, located at West Chestnut and High Streets, is a historic house museum managed by the Hanover Area Historical Society. 

Sold at Freeman's Auction November 12, 2016.

Estimate: $4,000-6,000

Price Realized: $10,400


AMERICAN SCHOOL 19TH CENTURY VIEW OF KEY WEST, FLORIDA, INSCRIBED, LOWER RIGHT, "KEY WEST TAKEN BY I.H.F. DIRKSEN?," OIL ON CANVAS, framed, 12.125 in. x 24 in. (sight)

Sold at Freeman's Auction November 12, 2016.

Estimate: $5,000-7,000

Price Realized: $40,625


PAINTED AND POLYCHROME DECORATED LEATHER FIRE BUCKET, "PLEASANT GROVE, PA, EAGLE FIRE SOCIETY 1831, no. 2," decorated with an emblazoned American Eagle, with leather handle, H: 12 in.

Provenance: From a Pound Ridge, New York Estate. 

Herrup & Wolfner, New York, 1988.

Sold at Freeman's Auction November 12, 2016.

Estimate: $1,500-2,500

Price Realized: $3,500


POLYCHROME TRANSFER PRINTED EARTHENWARE PITCHER, American Pottery Manufacturing Company, Jersey City, NJ, circa 1843, Depicting "Landing of Lafayette at Castle Garden." H: 8.5 in. 

Provenance: From the Estate of former Pennsylvania Governor William W. Scranton and First Lady Mary L. Scranton. 

Literature: A similar jug is illustrated in Hornung, Clarence P. Treasury of American Design, Vol. l, (1973), pg. 372.

Sold at Freeman's Auction November 12, 2016.

Estimate: $5,000-7,000

Price Realized: $11,250


APPLIQUED PATRIOTIC COTTON QUILT, dated 1845, Appliqued inscription "Industry" and "Where liberty dwells there my country is," above an American Eagle and flower filled vase, within a tassel and swag, scroll and flowerhead border, worked with various printed cotton pieces and heightened with conforming and diamond quilting, 88 in. x 82 in. 

Provenance: By descent in the family to the present owner. 

Exhibited: Evanston Historical Society. 

Quilt may have been worked by Hannah Ryan Smith (1795-1866), who was born in Berkshire County, Massachusetts and married Isaac Bateman Smith in Grimsby, Ontario in 1811 and died in New York state.

Sold at Freeman's Auction November 12, 2016.

Estimate: $8,000-12,000

Price Realized: $12,500


ENGRAVED POWDER HORN OF GEORGE NEAS (1744-1809) OF HANOVER, PENNSYLVANIA, attributed to the "Pointed Tree Artist," dated August 7, 1779 

Engraved with potted flowers, leaping stags, trees, hunter, dogs, rabbit, and boar, and inscribed, "George Neas Ano, 1779, Aug. 7," and heightened with black and red. L: 8.5 in. 

Provenance: By descent in the family to the present owner. 

According to an article by Rev. Frederick S. Weiser, George Neas (1744-1809) purchased six lots from Richard McAllister, March 7, 1765 in McAllister's town (now Hanover) on what is now High Street. Neas created a successful tannery on these six lots. He was married to Anna Maria and had a number of children. A powder horn, in the collection of the Hanover Area Historical Society, also inscribed "George Neas" is engraved with the earliest known map of Hanover, about 1775, and shows the tannery surrounded by a stockade. It is thought that Neas left Hanover with his wife, Mary, for Baltimore about 1780 and rented the tanyard to his brother, Matthias. In 1782, George Neas sold the tannery to Matthias for twelve hundred pounds. George Neas died in Baltimore County a wealthy man, with considerable land and seven slaves.

Sold at Freeman's Auction November 12, 2016.

Estimate: $3,000-5,000

Price Realized: $15,500


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