“17AJ73"

An elaborately carved 18th c. box with lovebirds, flowers, and vines, and an inscription on the top bearing the date 1773, with a heart surrounded by the initials of the loved one. While no doubt made by a maker of footwarmers, this appears to have its original velvet lining and shows no sign of a conversion or prior use. It was probably intended as a box to hold jewelry or a love token. 
Netherlands, 1773.
9” square, 8 3/4” h.

SOLD.

"DS 1709"

 

A rare and exceptional two drawer studded leather trunk, made for David Stoddard of Boston in 1709. David Stoddard(1685-1723), the son of Mary and Simeon Stoddard, was a London and Boston merchant. Descended in the original family till quite recently, the trunk is accompanied by extensive family history, including the line of descent.The history includes not only much genealogical information, but also pictures of the piece in situ in the Loring-Greenough in Jamaica Plain where it had descended through the female line. With magnificent intact studded brass decoration and hardware, as well as the unusual addition of two drawers, this unusually well-documented piece gives us a glimpse into the material culture of Boston in the first decade of the 18th c.
Probably made in Holland or London, 1709.
In very fine condition with minor damage to the original leather on the two sides.
38 1/2” w. x 19 3/4” h. x 20” d.

SOLD.

Oak Footwarmer

A deeply carved early 18th c. foot warmer with chip-carved corners, in original red wash; with original handle, and hardware.
Probably American, possibly English or Dutch.
7 1/4” sq. (body).
In very fine condition with small chip to edge of one corner of top molding.

SOLD.

Charming Watercolor Schoolgirl Box

For those who love New England architecture—a charming watercolor schoolgirl box of unusual form and design. Said to have come from a house in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, this box is on original turned feet, and has a compartmentalized interior.
Vermont, c. 1820-30.
In excellent condition.
9” l. x 4 1/4” h. x 6 3/4” d.

SOLD.

Dated Hourglass

A documentary 18th c. turned and carved hourglass with pinwheel decoration on one end, and the date “Anno 1760” on the other.
Probably Dutch; 10 1/2” h.
In fine condition with no repairs or replacements. In later black paint over the original salmon.
NB. 1760 is the year when the single or unitary “bulb” began to replace the earlier two-part bulb that had been conjoined by a combination of fiber and sealant.

SOLD.

Early Hourglass

A very fine early hourglass with carved columns and superb patina. This piece has never been painted except for a dark gold circle on the top, probably originally done to simulate brass decoration.
Probably Dutch, c. 1650-1700.
7 1/4” h., all original.
For a related glass, cf. Delalande, Sabliers d”Autrefois (Hourglasses of the Past), pp. 292-5 and pp. 214 -15.

SOLD.