Domestic Furnishings

Washboards, armchairs, lamps, and pots and pans may not seem to be museum pieces. But they are invaluable evidence of how most people lived day to day, last week or three centuries ago. The Museum's collections of domestic furnishings comprise more than 40,000 artifacts from American households. Large and small, they include four houses, roughly 800 pieces of furniture, fireplace equipment, spinning wheels, ceramics and glass, family portraits, and much more.

The Arthur and Edna Greenwood Collection contains more than 2,000 objects from New England households from colonial times to mid-1800s. From kitchens of the past, the collections hold some 3,300 artifacts, ranging from refrigerators to spatulas. The lighting devices alone number roughly 3,000 lamps, candleholders, and lanterns.

Large, stamped gilt-metal, red or pin oak leaf. No accretions. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.Currently not on view
Description
Large, stamped gilt-metal, red or pin oak leaf. No accretions. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0124
catalog number
245425.0124
accession number
245425
Large, stamped gilt-metal, heart-shaped, lobed, palmate leaf with double-serrated edge. No accretions. Possibly the largest of three graduated leaves, DL*245425.0122-.0124. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.Currently not on view
Description
Large, stamped gilt-metal, heart-shaped, lobed, palmate leaf with double-serrated edge. No accretions. Possibly the largest of three graduated leaves, DL*245425.0122-.0124. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0123
catalog number
245425.0123
accession number
245425
Large, stamped gilt-metal, water lily leaf. No accretions. One of two water lily leaves, DL*245425.0119-.0120. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.Currently not on view
Description
Large, stamped gilt-metal, water lily leaf. No accretions. One of two water lily leaves, DL*245425.0119-.0120. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0119
catalog number
245425.0119
accession number
245425
Large, stamped gilt-metal elliptic leaf with pointed tip, finely scalloped edge, and curved parallel veins. Waxy green accretions on front and back. Possibly of a pair with DL*245425.0111; from a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.Currently not on view
Description
Large, stamped gilt-metal elliptic leaf with pointed tip, finely scalloped edge, and curved parallel veins. Waxy green accretions on front and back. Possibly of a pair with DL*245425.0111; from a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0116
catalog number
245425.0116
accession number
245425
Large, stamped gilt-metal maple leaf. Thin red wash on back. Pierced hole in stem. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.Currently not on view
Description
Large, stamped gilt-metal maple leaf. Thin red wash on back. Pierced hole in stem. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0125
catalog number
245425.0125
accession number
245425
Small, stamped gilt-metal, ovate, smooth-edge leaf with almost straight, parallel veins. Waxy green accretions on front and back. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.Currently not on view
Description
Small, stamped gilt-metal, ovate, smooth-edge leaf with almost straight, parallel veins. Waxy green accretions on front and back. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0106
catalog number
245425.0106
accession number
245425
Small, stamped gilt-metal ivy leaf. Waxy green accretions on front. One of six graduated ivy leaves, DL*245425.0098-.0103; from a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.Currently not on view
Description
Small, stamped gilt-metal ivy leaf. Waxy green accretions on front. One of six graduated ivy leaves, DL*245425.0098-.0103; from a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0098
catalog number
245425.0098
accession number
245425
Large stamped gilt-metal leaf, ovate shape with smooth edge, rounded tip and parallel curved veins. Waxy green accretions on front. One of a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125; possibly a larger size of DL*245425.0104.Currently not on view
Description
Large stamped gilt-metal leaf, ovate shape with smooth edge, rounded tip and parallel curved veins. Waxy green accretions on front. One of a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125; possibly a larger size of DL*245425.0104.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0118
catalog number
245425.0118
accession number
245425
Small, stamped gilt-metal, triangular, serrated-edge palmate leaf. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.Currently not on view
Description
Small, stamped gilt-metal, triangular, serrated-edge palmate leaf. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0109
catalog number
245425.0109
accession number
245425
Medium-size, stamped gilt-metal ivy leaf. Waxy green accretions on front. One of six graduated ivy leaves, DL*245425.0098-.0103; from a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.Currently not on view
Description
Medium-size, stamped gilt-metal ivy leaf. Waxy green accretions on front. One of six graduated ivy leaves, DL*245425.0098-.0103; from a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0100
catalog number
245425.0100
accession number
245425
Small, stamped gilt-metal elliptic leaf with serrated edge and parallel curved veins. Waxy green accretions on front. One of three graduated leaves, DL*245425.0105, .
Description
Small, stamped gilt-metal elliptic leaf with serrated edge and parallel curved veins. Waxy green accretions on front. One of three graduated leaves, DL*245425.0105, . 0107, and possibly .0113; from a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0105
catalog number
245425.0105
accession number
245425
Medium-size, stamped gilt-metal elliptic leaf with pointed tip, finely scalloped edge, and curved parallel veins. Waxy green accretions on front. Possibly of a pair with DL*245425.0116. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.Currently not on view
Description
Medium-size, stamped gilt-metal elliptic leaf with pointed tip, finely scalloped edge, and curved parallel veins. Waxy green accretions on front. Possibly of a pair with DL*245425.0116. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0111
catalog number
245425.0111
accession number
245425
Small, stamped gilt-metal ivy leaf. Waxy green accretions on front. One of six graduated ivy leaves, DL*245425.0098-.0103; from a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.Currently not on view
Description
Small, stamped gilt-metal ivy leaf. Waxy green accretions on front. One of six graduated ivy leaves, DL*245425.0098-.0103; from a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0099
catalog number
245425.0099
accession number
245425
Stamped gilt-metal, heart-shaped, textured leaf with rounded tip, serrated edge, and curved parallel veins. Waxy green accretions on front and back. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.Currently not on view
Description
Stamped gilt-metal, heart-shaped, textured leaf with rounded tip, serrated edge, and curved parallel veins. Waxy green accretions on front and back. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0117
catalog number
245425.0117
accession number
245425
Small, stamped gilt-metal, heart-shaped, lobed, palmate leaf with double-serrated edge. No accretions. Possibly the smallest of three graduated leaves, DL*245425.0122-.0124. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.Currently not on view
Description
Small, stamped gilt-metal, heart-shaped, lobed, palmate leaf with double-serrated edge. No accretions. Possibly the smallest of three graduated leaves, DL*245425.0122-.0124. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0121
catalog number
245425.0121
accession number
245425
Fan-shaped ornament with relief design of three ears of wheat on fluted stem against a flared, accordion-pleated band. Rectangular tab at bottom pierced with one hole. No marks.Maker is Keyser Brothers Iron Works, 4041 Ridge Ave. in Germantown, Philadelphia, PA, 1928-1971.
Description
Fan-shaped ornament with relief design of three ears of wheat on fluted stem against a flared, accordion-pleated band. Rectangular tab at bottom pierced with one hole. No marks.
Maker is Keyser Brothers Iron Works, 4041 Ridge Ave. in Germantown, Philadelphia, PA, 1928-1971. Run by James Moore Bryant Keyser (1902-1977) and master blacksmith Howard Keyser III (1904-1980). Specialized in residential and ecclesiastical ornamental wrought ironwork, including the High Altar Gates in the National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. The forge was housed in an 1850s stone industrial complex that was dismantled in 1971 (documented by HABS/HAER).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920-1965
ID Number
DL.72.0022
catalog number
72.0022
accession number
299610
Medium-size, stamped gilt-metal ivy leaf. Waxy green accretions on front. One of six graduated ivy leaves, DL*245425.0098-.0103; from a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.Currently not on view
Description
Medium-size, stamped gilt-metal ivy leaf. Waxy green accretions on front. One of six graduated ivy leaves, DL*245425.0098-.0103; from a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0101
catalog number
245425.0101
accession number
245425
Small, stamped gilt-metal ovate leaf with long pointed tip, finely serrated edge, and nearly straight veins. Waxy red accretions on front. Possibly of a pair with DL*245425.0112. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.Currently not on view
Description
Small, stamped gilt-metal ovate leaf with long pointed tip, finely serrated edge, and nearly straight veins. Waxy red accretions on front. Possibly of a pair with DL*245425.0112. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0110
catalog number
245425.0110
accession number
245425
Medium-size, stamped gilt-metal, heart-shaped, lobed, palmate leaf with double-serrated edge. No accretions. Possibly one of three graduated leaves, DL*245425.0122-.0124. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.Currently not on view
Description
Medium-size, stamped gilt-metal, heart-shaped, lobed, palmate leaf with double-serrated edge. No accretions. Possibly one of three graduated leaves, DL*245425.0122-.0124. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0122
catalog number
245425.0122
accession number
245425
Large, stamped gilt-metal ivy leaf. Waxy green accretions on front. One of six graduated ivy leaves, DL*245425.0098-.0103; from a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.Currently not on view
Description
Large, stamped gilt-metal ivy leaf. Waxy green accretions on front. One of six graduated ivy leaves, DL*245425.0098-.0103; from a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0103
catalog number
245425.0103
accession number
245425
Large, stamped gilt-metal ovate leaf with long pointed tip, finely serrated edge and nearly straight veins. Possibly of a pair with DL*245425.0110. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.Currently not on view
Description
Large, stamped gilt-metal ovate leaf with long pointed tip, finely serrated edge and nearly straight veins. Possibly of a pair with DL*245425.0110. From a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0112
catalog number
245425.0112
accession number
245425
Large, stamped gilt-metal elliptic leaf with serrated edge and parallel curved veins. Waxy green accretions on front. One of three graduated leaves, DL*245425.0105, .
Description
Large, stamped gilt-metal elliptic leaf with serrated edge and parallel curved veins. Waxy green accretions on front. One of three graduated leaves, DL*245425.0105, . 0107, and possibly .0113; from a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0113
catalog number
245425.0113
accession number
245425
Circular disc with relief design of three ears of wheat on fluted stems against a flared, accordion-pleated band. No marks.Maker is Keyser Brothers Iron Works, 4041 Ridge Ave. in Germantown, Philadelphia, PA, 1928-1971.
Description
Circular disc with relief design of three ears of wheat on fluted stems against a flared, accordion-pleated band. No marks.
Maker is Keyser Brothers Iron Works, 4041 Ridge Ave. in Germantown, Philadelphia, PA, 1928-1971. Run by James Moore Bryant Keyser (1902-1977) and master blacksmith Howard Keyser III (1904-1980). Specialized in residential and ecclesiastical ornamental wrought ironwork, including the High Altar Gates in the National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. The forge was housed in an 1850s stone industrial complex that was dismantled in 1971 (documented by HABS/HAER).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920-1965
ID Number
DL.72.0021
catalog number
72.0021
accession number
299610
Large, stamped gilt-metal ivy leaf. Waxy green accretions on front. One of six graduated ivy leaves, DL*245425.0098-.0103; from a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.Currently not on view
Description
Large, stamped gilt-metal ivy leaf. Waxy green accretions on front. One of six graduated ivy leaves, DL*245425.0098-.0103; from a group of 27 leaves of different kinds, DL*245425.0098-.0125.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1960
ID Number
DL.245425.0102
catalog number
245425.0102
accession number
245425

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