SKINNER HOSTS AMERICANA AUCTION
JUNE 4TH IN BOSTON
Featuring Numerous Collections from Maine, Massachusetts, N.H.,
Rhode Island, Connecticut, Kentucky, and Maryland
Highlights include Livermore Family Red-Painted Cherry High Chest
And Collections of Family Records, Game Boards, and Currier & Ives Prints
BOSTON, Mass. - May 24, 2006
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www.skinnerinc.com - Skinner, Inc., one of the nation's leading auction houses, will host an auction of American furniture and decorative arts on Sunday, June 4, 2006. The sale of more than 700 lots will begin at 11 a.m. at Skinner's Boston gallery at 63 Park Plaza. Featured will be numerous private collections and estates, from all over New England, including Massachusetts, Maine, N.H., Rhode Island, Connecticut, as well as collections from New York, Maryland, and Kentucky. The auction also features several lots of material deaccessioned from numerous institutions. Other highlights include an important Livermore Family High chest, a wonderful collection of family records, and over 50 lots of Currier & Ives prints, many from one collection.
Furniture
The 120 lots of furniture offerings in this sale include formal, country, and Classical offerings. The top lot in the sale is lot 100, the Livermore family Queen Anne red-painted cherry carved high chest of drawers, Massachusetts, c. 1760-70. The chest descended in the family of Reverend Jonathan Livermore, the first minister of the town of Wilton, New Hampshire, in 1763, and has remained in the Livermore family for approximately 240 years. Livermore resided in the earlier years of his ministry, in the house built by his congregation. Although no known paper documentation has been passed down through the generations, the high chest has been reported through verbal family history to have been in the same house since shortly after its completion. The piece retains its original brass escutcheons and hardware, as well as its original and well-preserved salmon red-washed surface. It is estimated $150,000-250,000.
Another furniture highlight comes from descendants of George Carlyle, a Revolutionary War soldier who moved to Woodford County, Kentucky in 1779. Lot 56, a Federal cherry inlaid desk bookcase, probably Kentucky, c. 1790-1810. The underside of an interior drawer is inscribed "George Carlyle, born May 31st 1756". The chest is estimated $30,000-50,000.
From a New Hampshire family comes lot 105, a red-painted maple chest-on-chest, attributed to Samuel Dunlap, New Hampshire, c. 1780-1800, featuring a heart and scroll valanced skirt, original brass pulls and escutcheons, and original red washed surface. The chest was featured in The Dunlaps and Their Furniture, by Charles S. Parsons. It is estimated $60,000-80,000. Also from a New Hampshire family is lot 112, a Queen Anne tiger maple Spanish brown-painted high chest of drawers, attributed to John Kimball, Derryfield or Concord, New Hampshire, c. 1765, estimated $40,000-60,000.
Other fine lots include lot 128, a Queen Anne walnut and walnut veneer inlaid high chest of drawers, Massachusetts, c. 1730-50, with engraved brass escutcheons and possibly original pulls, from Florence Sutro Anspacher, for whom the New York Shakespeare Festival's theatre is named, estimated $30,000-50,000; and lot 129, a Queen Anne walnut upholstered mahogany back stool, probably Newport, Rhode Island, 1730-40, restored with old finish, estimated $40,000-60,000. Furniture offerings in the sale are rounded out by a fine selection of classical and painted country furniture.
Collection of Family Records
Skinner is pleased to present a wonderful and varied collection of family records, all from one private collector. Leading these is lot 106, the Davis Family Record, "Heart and Hand Artist" (Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire, active 1830-1856), watercolor and ink on paper commemorating the births, marriages, and deaths of Stephen Davis and Sally J. (Dyer) Davis and their thirteen children. It is ornamented with swags, pendant tassels, a house, pine trees, weeping willow trees, and a monument, polychrome hearts, hands, pine trees and flower sprigs, with the lower register inscribed "Present Date Dec. 28, 1856. A family record executed by the same artist is illustrated in By Good Hands: New Hampshire Folk Art, cooperative exhibition catalog with The Currier Gallery of Art, University Art Galleries, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire; and also in Folk Hearts: A Celebration of the Heart Motif in American Folk Art, by Schaffner, Cynthia V. A. and Klein, Susan. Presented in a rustic carved wood frame, it is estimated $20,000-$30,000.
Another record by the same artist is lot 107, the Batchelder family record, watercolor and ink on paper commemorating the births, marriages, and deaths of John and Betsey Batchelder, John's second wife Mary Folsom, and their four children. It is ornamented with swags, polychrome hearts, hands, a weeping willow tree, and a monument. The last entry date done by the artist's hand is Feb. 27, 1842. Presented in a period gilt and blue painted wood frame, it is estimated $8,000-10,000.
Another fine work is lot 138, Attributed to George Melvill (American, active late18th century), a Quaker family record, watercolor and ink on paper, depicting the vital statistics of Edmund Tebbets, (b. July 14, 1747) of Farmington, Strafford County, New Hampshire, his first wife Elizabeth Rawlins (b. Sept. 1, 1749) and their two children, his second wife Mary White, (b. Feb. 14, 1767) and their ten children. The record is embellished with red and green stylized flowers issuing from baskets, and a cherub, with gilt accents, in a later molded wood frame, and is estimated $15,000-25,000. A similar family record likely by the same hand and signed by the artist is owned by the New Hampshire Historical Society, and is illustrated in the 1973 catalogue of a Susquecentennial Exhibition held by the Historical Society.
Other notable records include lot 108, American School, 19th century birth record of Elisabeth Walker born February 20, 1825. Signed "Hebron N.H. 1826 Thos. Hackett" below, watercolor and ink on paper, estimated $8,000-12,000; lot 109, Attributed to Moses Connor, Jr. (New Hampshire, active 1800-1832), a birth record of Anna B. Cochran born July 6, 1804, estimated $4,000-6,000; and lot 110, attributed to Moses Connor, Jr. (New Hampshire, active 1800-1832), a family record of Lemuel and Abigail Hayes and their nine children, estimated $7,000-9,000.
A Rhode Island Collection
A private Rhode Island collection spans lots 141-243 and features game boards, painted furniture, weathervanes, stoneware, ship models, basketry, marine paintings, decoys and other smalls. Lot 149 is a large molded copper rooster weathervane, America, late 19th century, with molded sheet copper body and tail, cast zinc feet, verdigris surface with vestiges of gilding, mounted on a copper rod and including black metal stand, estimated $20,000-30,000. A similar rooster weather vane is pictured in J.W. Fiske 1893 Illustrated Catalogue, reproduced by Dover in 1971. Another similar weather vane is pictured in Illustrated catalogue of Boston Copper Weathervanes, by Harris & Co., which was reproduced in The Art of the Weathervane, by Steve Miller, Schiffer Publishing Ltd., Pennsylvania, 1984. Game boards in the collection include lot 150, a painted pine Parcheesi game board, America, 19th century, wide panel with applied mitered molding, and a playing field painted in shades of red, blue, green, yellow, white, and black on an iron red ground, with green and black borders. In superb condition, the board is estimated $4,000-6,000. Lot 185 is a polychrome painted wooden Parcheesi game board, America, 19th century, a square board with rounded corners and a polychrome playing field outlined in black with black borders, estimated $3,000-5,000.
Clocks & Timepieces
The auction also features several good clocks including an important Neoclassical cast-brass and mercury-gilded mantel clock, made for the American market, and signed "Dubuc Rue Michel-le Comte No. 33A, Paris", estimated $40,000-60,000. Beside the clock is a standing full uniformed figure of George Washington, the clock and figure on a brass base with neoclassical motifs and the words, "WASHINGTON First in WAR, first in PEACE, First in the HEARTS of his COUNTRYMEN." Another example of this form sold at Skinner in November of 2004 (auction 2255, lot 126).
Another fine example is lot 102, a Federal mahogany inlaid tall case clock by Aaron Willard, Boston, c. 1800, with a polychrome and gilt moon-phase dial lettered "A. WILLARD", eight-day brass weight-driven movement, and the maker's engraved label affixed to the interior, the base resting on ogee bracket feet, old finish. This piece has an oral Livermore family history of being purchased for the price of two oxen and is estimated $20,000-30,000.
Other notable clocks and timepieces include Lot No. 29, a Federal cherry carved tall case clock by John Osgood, Haverhill, Massachusetts, c. 1810-15, estimated $8,000-12,000; lot 30, a cherry carved tall case clock by Stephen Hasham, Charlestown, New Hampshire, late 18th century, estimated $10,000-15,000; lot 263, a mahogany and mahogany veneer wall clock, Connecticut, c. 1825, the so-called "Connecticut Banjo" with gilt and polychrome wooden dial and wooden 30-hour weight-driven movement, estimated $5,000-7,000; and two other banjo examples, lots 266 and 267, both Federal mahogany and eglomise banjo timepieces, probably Massachusetts, c. 1820, each estimated $1,000-1,500.
Marine Works
As with all Skinner Americana auctions, Marine material features prominently, including marine paintings. Of particular note is lot 68, an Antonio Nicolo Gasparo Jacobsen (American/Danish, 1850-1921) oil on canvas, a portrait of the Clyde Line Steamship S.S. Apache. Signed and dated "A. Jacobsen West Hoboken, NJ 1904" l.r., the vessel identified on the bow and pennant. The painting is estimated $15,000-22,000. Also by Jacobsen is lot 67, an oil on artist board, Portrait of the American Screw Steamer United States. Signed and dated "A. Jacobsen 1894 31 Palisade Av. West Hoboken. NJ." l.r., vessel identified on the bow, estimated $3,000-5,000. Other marine offerings include lots 73-96, a collection of ship models, half hull models and scrimshaw arts.
Folk Portraiture
Several lots of folk portraiture are featured in the sale, including lot 111, attributed to William Matthew Prior (American, 1806-1873), a portrait of Ruth Nickerson, unsigned. Oil on artist board, it pictures a woman seated before red tasseled drapery, and holding a red book, in a mahogany veneered frame. A typewritten note accompanying the painting reads: "I think that this Primitive is a painting of my great-grandmother who was married about 1838 and lived in Pawtucket , R.I. Ruth Aurilla Squier Nickerson wife of William Nickerson was born in 1822 and died in 1843, January 16, at the age of 21 years. She was the mother of Mrs. Louisa Aurilla Nickerson Curtis (Mrs. Stephen D. Curtis) who was my grandmother. Bertha L. Wallace." A genealogical search records that headstones at the "Westford Cemetery" at Ashford, Connecticut, bear the names of Aurilla Squier Nickerson, William A Nickerson, and Louisa Aurilla Nickerson Curtis. The folk portrait is estimated $10,000-15,000.
Needleworks & Samplers
Needleworks to be offered include a very fine example consigned by a Massachusetts historical society. Lot 101 is a Fishing Lady School canvaswork picture, Boston, mid-18th century, with wool and silk threads on linen canvas with mica fragments. The work depicts a pastoral scene with a tall shepherdess at center wearing a pink striped dress with a tiny black shoe peeking out from her hem, standing before a leafy tree and surrounded by several animals including sheep, rabbits, dogs, pigs, a cow, a leaping stag, birds, and squirrels, in the distance is a blue house with mica windows, a pond stitched with three swimming geese, the landscape dotted with flower blossoms and strawberries, with stitched initials "SC." A similar needlework picture is illustrated and discussed in Girlhood Embroidery: American Samplers & Pictorial Needlework 1650-1850, by Betty Ring. Estimated $30,000-40,000, it comes in its original molded wood frame.
Also from the same institution is lot 59, a silk needlework picture, attributed to Sarah White, under the instruction of Abby Wright, South Hadley, Massachusetts, c. 1805, depicting Liberty holding a pole topped with a Liberty cap, standing beside a large cornucopia filled with fruit, in a landscape with trees in the background and a large rock in the foreground. Executed in silk, silver, and gold metallic threads on a silk ground with a watercolor painted paper face, it is estimated $3,000-5,000.
Lot 58 is a needlework sampler by "Jannet Lidsy Aged 10 Years 1807 Collinsburg/Jun 2- Day BG BW." Made in Pennsylvania, it features silk threads on a linen ground with four rows of alphabets above a row of large lettered monograms, likely members of Jannet's family, over a large public building flanked by assorted flowers, figures, hearts, crowns, and animals, with a geometric floral border. It is estimated $4,000-6,000.
Currier & Ives
For Currier & Ives enthusiasts, this sale is not to be missed. Over 50 lots of Currier and Ives prints will be offered, many from one collection. Themes range from nautical scenes, historical events, sporting and frontier scenes, and seasonal vignettes.
Decorative Arts
One of the sale's more unusual offerings is a patriotic sand picture in a bottle, made by Andrew Clemens, McGregor, Iowa, late 19th century. It features multicolored sand arranged in a glass bottle, one side of the bottle depicting an eagle in flight and an American flag, the other side with the inscription "Silurian Sands/Mississippi River" flanking a floral spray, with wavy line, marbled, and geometric bands. A printed maker's label affixed to the top is inscribed "Pictured Rock Sands Put up by A. Clemens, Deaf Mute, McGregor, Iowa." It was also consigned by a Massachusetts historical society and is estimated $4,000-6,000.
Also of note is a pair of patinated and gilt bronze girandoles, attributed to Fletcher & Day, Birmingham, England, c. 1825, estimated $4,000-6,000. Each girandole has a stylized foliate shaft topped with an incense burner with a cap and centered with an eagle figure issuing two arms with eagle heads supporting candle sockets and radiating leaves suspending glass prisms. The pair is estimated $4,000-6,000.
Other Offerings of Note
Another interesting lot worthy of attention is lot 304, a Molded Sheet Copper Architectural Weather Vane, manufactured for the Page Belting Company, Concord, New Hampshire, 1893. The monumental weather vane features a sheet copper roof mount with molded sheet copper lettering "P. B. CO.," supporting a sphere-topped plinth surmounted with a molded copper example of the company's product, power transmission leather belting, used with pulleys, including cast iron directionals, and a weathered verdigris surface. According to the Page Belting Company's history, Charles and George Page founded Page Belting Co. in 1868. They manufactured the flat leather belting that was necessary for supplying power to virtually all industrial machinery during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Within a few years, Page Belting Company had become one of the world's leading suppliers of power transmission leather belting, and the largest industrial complex in Concord, New Hampshire. Throughout succeeding years, the company prospered and grew by evolving from a single product company, to one with diversified products ranging from flat, round, and link belts to leather specialties, washers, gaskets, hydraulics, and other leather, nylon, and polyurethane products and is in operation to this day. The vane is estimated $8,000-12,000.
The auction is rounded out with offerings of cast iron toys and banks, stoneware, mochaware, Chinese export porcelain, baskets, trade signs, miniatures, early glass and lighting, and over 50 lots of Oriental rugs & carpets.
Previews and Special Event
Previews for the auction will be 12 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 31st and Thursday, June 1st, 12 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 2nd, 12 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 3rd, and 8 to 10 a.m. Sunday, June 4th. On Friday, June 2nd, there will be a gallery walk at 6:30 p.m., featuring Stephen Fletcher and Martha Hamilton, who will discuss highlights of the upcoming auction. Reservations are limited for the event, which will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m. All those interested in attending should R.S.V.P. to 617-350-5400.
Catalogue Information
Illustrated catalogue #2322 is available by mail for $32 ($39 for foreign requests) from the subscription department at 978-779-6241 x240. It is also available at the gallery for $29. Prices realized will be available at www.skinnerinc.com during and after the sales. For more information on the auctions, auction preview times, and the gallery walk, visit Skinner's website at www.skinnerinc.com. Skinner's site also allows users to view all lots in the auctions, leave bids, and order catalogues online.
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About Skinner
Skinner, Inc. is one of the nation's leading auction houses for antiques and fine art and the only major auction house headquartered in New England. With expertise in over 20 specialty collecting areas, Skinner draws the interest of buyers from all over the world and its auctions regularly achieve world record prices. Skinner provides a broad range of auction and appraisal services, and it is widely regarded as one of the most trusted names in the auction business. Skinner's appraisal experts regularly appear on the PBS-TV series, Antiques Roadshow, and its specialty departments include American Furniture & Decorative Arts, Paintings & Prints, English & Continental Furniture & Decorations, Fine Ceramics, Jewelry, Couture, 20th Century Furniture & Decorative Arts, Fine Musical Instruments, Asian Art, Fine Judaica, Toys, Dolls & Collectibles, Science & Technology, Oriental Rugs & Carpets, American Indian & Ethnographic Art, and Discovery. Skinner galleries are located in Boston and Bolton, Mass. For more information on upcoming auctions and events, visit Skinner's web site
www.skinnerinc.com.
