06-15-201406-16-2014
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsMarlborough MA
June 15, 2014 12:00 PMCalender
4

Shaker Red-Painted Pine Writing Box

Sell one like this
$3,198$2,600
Auction: American Furniture & Decorative Arts - 2731MLocation: MarlboroughDate / Time: June 15, 2014 12:00PM

Description:

Shaker Red-Painted Pine Writing Box, New Lebanon, New York, c. 1830, rectangular box with hinged lid with breadboard ends on dovetail-constructed case, the sides with red wash surface, the interior with yellow wash is inscribed "Angeline Cook" in pencil on the underside of the lid, and along the top edge of the back of the case, (imperfections),ht. 4 7/8, wd. 16 5/8, dp. 11 in.

Literature: Gather Up the Fragments, p. 194.

This writing box is pine and finished with a chrome yellow wash (inside),red wash (case sides),and clear varnish (top). "Angeline Cook" is written in script on the underside of the lid and along the top edge of the back of the case. She was admitted at Mount Lebanon on July 5, 1865 and Shaker records indicate that she came from Watervliet to evade her father. Brother Isaac Newton Youngs recorded the construction of a number of writing boxes in the Church Family's Domestic Journal: "March 1836 One dozen writing boxes were brot into the house, made & lately finished by Nicholas Bennet. They are well made, and Nicholas says they are worth $6.00 apiece, & that he has been near 6 days apiece making them. He began them some where about the 20th of January. The boxes were mostly for young Sisters, writers, &c." This box may be one of Brother Nicholas's, but could also have been made by Brother Orren Haskins or Brother Elisha D'Alembert Blakeman, both of whom are known to have constructed writing boxes.

Estimate $1,500-2,500

Shrinkage crack across the top of the lid, the interior is missing the till which would have stored writing utensils; and the lock hardware has been changed, with small nails visible to top, a small patch to the underside of top at the latch, and small old nail holes in the front.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords

Nicholas Bennet, Mount, Lebanon, Mount Lebanon, Isaac Newton, Sisters, Elisha D'Alembert Blakeman