02-15-200902-15-2009
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
2444Boston
February 15, 2009 11:00 AMCalender
106

Rare Chippendale Mahogany and Mahogany Veneer Gilt Pier Glass

Sell one like this
 
Auction: American Furniture & Decorative Arts - 2444Location: BostonDate / Time: February 15, 2009 11:00AM

Description:

Rare Chippendale Mahogany and Mahogany Veneer Gilt Pier Glass, London, c. 1765, with rococo gilt ornamentation consisting of a central plinth holding a Greek vase with fruit, leafage, and foliate designs over the pediment with curved and reverse curved C-scrolls in high relief above the glass with a scrolled gilt liner flanked by carved vines with rococo ornaments; original glass, old surface, (minor conservation),ht. 55, wd. 22 1/2, overall wd. 26 in.

Provenance: Governor James Smith (1759-1842) of New Hampshire, who was born in Peterboro and died in Dover. He attended Harvard in 1777, leaving to serve in the Revolutionary War where he was wounded in the Battle of Bennington. After he graduated from a college (now known as Rutgers) he studied law and served as a U.S. Attorney, a U.S. Congressman, Chief Justice and later Governor of New Hampshire. Subsequently he returned to the law and became Treasurer of Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire. His home there is now the Exeter Inn.

Literature: Portsmouth Furniture by Brock Jobe, published by SPNEA, pictures a very similar glass from the John Paul Jones House in Portsmouth, figure #116, pp. 409-411.

Note: These looking glasses were popular among the wealthy colonists in the years before the American Revolution. Almost all were made in England or on the Continent. There are few that survive, particularly in such fine condition.
Estimate $40,000-60,000

The mirror is in good condition, and a conservator''s report is available.

Keywords

James Smith, New Hampshire, London, Peterboro, Dover, United States, Attorney , Chief Justice and later Governor, Rutgers, Congressman , Chief Justice, Phillips Exeter Academy, Treasurer , Exeter, Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, Exeter Inn, Brock Jobe, Portsmouth, United Kingdom