03-03-201303-03-2013
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
2640BBoston
March 3, 2013 10:00 AMCalender
58

Wool Needlework Wallet

Sell one like this
$4,200$3,500
Auction: American Furniture & Decorative Arts - 2640BLocation: BostonDate / Time: March 03, 2013 10:00AM

Description:

Wool Needlework Wallet, America, c. 1763, envelope-shaped pocketbook with flap closure and two dividers, worked in the Irish stitch in a lapped diamond pattern in shades of green, red, blue, brown, yellow, and violet, stitched lettering and date "GILES RUSSELL 1763 AE," with faded olive green and indigo glazed wool lining, and faded olive wool twill tape edging, (losses),folded dimensions 4 1/4 x 8 in.

Note: Colonel Giles Russell was born in Wethersfield, Connecticut, graduated with a law degree from Yale College and was admitted to the bar in Hartford. At some point, he moved to Stonington and from there was appointed Captain of fifty-five Connecticut and Rhode Island men in the expedition against Havana, c. 1762. Upon his return he married, and purchased the Edward Denison house where he practiced law and operated a tavern until being called to served in the French and Indian War, and later the Revolutionary War; he died from the affects of his service. He is buried in Road Cemetery in Stonington.
Estimate $400-600

The color of the wool yarn stitches remains pretty strong and is consistent on the front and back with a few very small stitch losses on the colored yarn field which seem more from wear than moth-eaten; there are several losses and frayed areas on the twill tape binding on the edges, and loss to most of the twill strap ribbon closure. The accordion sides specifically are composed of black silk fabric (exterior) and indigo blue wool fabric (interior) sandwiching wove paper. Both fabrics are frayed and have some losses and tears, the blue wool has some moth holes in the creases ; the paper also has some tears; the interior of the wallet is lined with golden brown woven wool fabric as well as the two dividers, and they are edged with the same greenish /gold wool twill binding, this portion is in very good condition.


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

Note, GILES RUSSELL 1763 AE, Connecticut, law degree, Wethersfield, Yale College, Rhode Island, Havana, Edward Denison, Road Cemetery