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.

Single-reeded circular dish with flat well incised at perimeter; no foot ring.
Description
Single-reeded circular dish with flat well incised at perimeter; no foot ring. Underside struck twice with faint rose-and-crown touchmark for Henry Will (only part of crown visible) above pseudo hallmarks, only two of four visible: Britannia or Columbia seated and a leopard's head, both in clipped-corner rectangles; a sword or elongated cross shape stamped in small chevrons is between them.
Maker is Henry Will (circa 1735-1802), working in New York, NY, 1761-1775 and 1783-1793; and Albany, NY, 1775-1783 (fled there at the outset of the Revolution). His father John Will (1696-1774) , who emigrated from Neuwied, Germany and worked in New York, 1752-1774, as well as his brothers Philip (also worked in New York City and Philadelphia, 1763-1787), and William (worked in Philadelphia, 1764-1798), were also pewterers. Henry Will stopped using the rose-and-crown touch upon moving back to New York City after the Revolution.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1756 - 1783
1761 - 1783
ID Number
1986.0027.11
catalog number
1986.0027.11
accession number
1986.0027
Bellied-bowl porringer with angled rim and bossed bottom; cast crown handle with triangular bracket is pierced with 11 voids and struck on top with the incuse serif letters "LB" at center of a circular shield on indistinct support flanked by bossed foliate volutes below a five-pe
Description
Bellied-bowl porringer with angled rim and bossed bottom; cast crown handle with triangular bracket is pierced with 11 voids and struck on top with the incuse serif letters "LB" at center of a circular shield on indistinct support flanked by bossed foliate volutes below a five-pearl (ducal) coronet with textured ground. "Mason" and "10" scratched on underside of boss. No touchmarks. Diamond or lozenge linen mark with sink hole from tinker's dam used to burn handle on to bowl. Turning marks across entire bottom underside.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 18th or early 19th century
1770 - 1780
ID Number
DL.388320
catalog number
388320
accession number
182022
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1785
ID Number
CE.P-850Cab
catalog number
P-850Cab
accession number
225282
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1780
ID Number
DL.313860.0001
catalog number
313860.0001
accession number
313860
Lidless tapered cylindrical tankard or mug engraved in script on front "The Gift of Jeremiah Powell Esq\r to the / First Church in North Yarmouth". Applied molded bands at slightly flared rim and base; flat bottom set in.
Description
Lidless tapered cylindrical tankard or mug engraved in script on front "The Gift of Jeremiah Powell Esq\r to the / First Church in North Yarmouth". Applied molded bands at slightly flared rim and base; flat bottom set in. Hollow S- and C-curve handle, square in section, with small upturned thumbrest above a concave indent at top face of handle. Centerpoint on bottom underside. No marks. One of six, DL*60.3902A-F.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1784
ID Number
DL.60.3902C
catalog number
60.3902C
accession number
226997
Lidless tapered cylindrical tankard or mug engraved in script on front "The Gift of Jeremiah Powell Esq\r to the / First Church in North Yarmouth". Applied molded bands at slightly flared rim and base; flat bottom set in.
Description
Lidless tapered cylindrical tankard or mug engraved in script on front "The Gift of Jeremiah Powell Esq\r to the / First Church in North Yarmouth". Applied molded bands at slightly flared rim and base; flat bottom set in. Hollow S- and C-curve handle, square in section, with small upturned thumbrest above a concave indent at top face of handle. Centerpoint on bottom underside. No marks. One of six, DL*60.3902A-F.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1784
ID Number
DL.60.3902D
catalog number
60.3902D
accession number
226997
Single-reeded circular plate with shallow, flat well; no foot ring.
Description
Single-reeded circular plate with shallow, flat well; no foot ring. Underside has three faint, partial marks, what appears to be a scrolled cartouche at top center, a portion of an oval or circular touch mark containing "WAN" to the lower left, and one hallmark at bottom left of a golden fleece facing left in a shield.
Marks appear to be those Thomas Swanson of London, England, working 1753-1783. Swanson was trained by and partnered with pewterer Samuel Ellis, also of London, working 1721-1765. In 1765, Swanson was granted use of Ellis' touches (including "SE" mark). Both Swanson and Ellis were major exporters of pewter to the colonies.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1765-1783
ID Number
DL.388306
catalog number
388306
accession number
182022
Backward loop- or ring-top andiron with a tapered rectangular shaft split at bottom into square, arched legs with tab feet. Billet bar tenoned through square base of upright. No marks. Back of billet bar replaced. One of a pair, DL*63.0958A-B.Currently not on view
Description
Backward loop- or ring-top andiron with a tapered rectangular shaft split at bottom into square, arched legs with tab feet. Billet bar tenoned through square base of upright. No marks. Back of billet bar replaced. One of a pair, DL*63.0958A-B.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1740-1780
ID Number
DL.63.0958A
catalog number
63.0958A
accession number
247177
catalog number
63.0958
Hannah Chandler (1761-1836) wove this "American Beauty" pattern, overshot coverlet using a light and medium blue 2-ply, S-twist, Z-spun indigo-dyed cotton and linen warp, a Z-spun cotton single weft, and a 2-ply, S-twist, Z-spun gold wool supplementary pattern weft.
Description
Hannah Chandler (1761-1836) wove this "American Beauty" pattern, overshot coverlet using a light and medium blue 2-ply, S-twist, Z-spun indigo-dyed cotton and linen warp, a Z-spun cotton single weft, and a 2-ply, S-twist, Z-spun gold wool supplementary pattern weft. The coverlet was woven as one length, cut in half, folded back on itself, and seamed up the middle, creating the full coverlet width. Although undated in the weave and lacking an embroidered date on the hemline, this coverlet was most likely woven c. 1790-1825 near Wilmington, Vermont. This coverlet is said to be made by Hannah Chandler. The donor is the great-granddaughter of Hannah, wife of Medad Smith. Hannah Chandler was born October 28, 1761 and died April 26, 1836. Medad Smith was born February 22, 1755, and married Hannah October 23, 1781. The coverlet was originally dated at 1780, but this is too early for plied cotton yarns to be found in the warp. Technology improved toward the end of the 18th century allowing for stronger cotton yarns that could withstand the tension of the loom. This coverlet is interesting because of the blue-dyed cotton and linen threads. When contrasted with the gold wool, this coverlet would have really stood out in a room.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1780
ca.1780
date made
c. 1790-1825
maker
Chandler, Hannah
Chandler, Hannah
ID Number
TE.T7728
catalog number
T7728
T. 7728
accession number
139053
Old English type ladle with circular bowl and pointed downturned handle with midrib on back, bright cut graduated ovals on front, and a foliate script "H" engraved in the reserve; no shoulders. Swage-formed pointed drop on back of bowl.
Description
Old English type ladle with circular bowl and pointed downturned handle with midrib on back, bright cut graduated ovals on front, and a foliate script "H" engraved in the reserve; no shoulders. Swage-formed pointed drop on back of bowl. Back of handle is engraved "1780" and struck with three marks, "I&T.D" in raised serif letters in a rectangle to left of an eagle's head in profile facing right and a wheat sheaf, both in squares. "1780" added later.
The secondary marks of an eagle's head and wheat sheaf are those of Joseph Dubois (1767-1798) and Teunis Denise (Denyse) Dubois (1773-1843), respectively, also of New York City, in partnership, 1795-1797.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1780
1795-1797
ID Number
DL.64.0140
catalog number
64.0140
accession number
250794
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca. 1787
ID Number
CE.P-77
catalog number
P-77
accession number
225282
1757 George II sixpence or half shilling ladle with twisted baleen or whalebone handle. Raised bowl has bulbous sides, plain flared rim and single pouring spout with the coin set in at bottom center.
Description
1757 George II sixpence or half shilling ladle with twisted baleen or whalebone handle. Raised bowl has bulbous sides, plain flared rim and single pouring spout with the coin set in at bottom center. Silver portion of shaft consists of a flat, tapered section bright cut with a shield containing "TR" in conjoined script and a conical socket for the capped handle, which is secured by a single pin. Underside of spout is struck with five hallmarks, an undecipherable maker's mark, a lion passant facing left in a clipped-corner square, a crowned leopard's head in a clipped-corner rounded shield, the raised lowercase roman date letter "l" in a clipped-corner pointed shield, and a sovereign's head in profile facing right in an oval.
Ladle was made thirty years after coin was minted.
Location
Currently not on view
date ladle made
1786-1787
date coin made
1757
ID Number
DL.383728
catalog number
383728
accession number
166645
This blue and white, overshot coverlet is woven in a simple patch pattern variation. The customer’s initials, "M S" and the date “1787” are woven into the fabric at one corner. The weaver of this coverlet is unknown; however, there are several others known.
Description
This blue and white, overshot coverlet is woven in a simple patch pattern variation. The customer’s initials, "M S" and the date “1787” are woven into the fabric at one corner. The weaver of this coverlet is unknown; however, there are several others known. There are two others in the NMAH collection. It is thought that the weaver worked in the Albany, New York area. The earliest coverlet that is dated in the weave was woven by this weaver. It is dated 1771 and is currently in the collection of the National Museum of the American Coverlet in Bedford, Pennsylvania. The coverlet was constructed from two panels and measures 89 inches by 64 inches.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1787
maker
unknown
ID Number
1979.0723.02
accession number
1979.0723
catalog number
1979.0723.2
Backward loop- or ring-top andiron with a tapered rectangular shaft split at bottom into square, arched legs with tab feet. Billet bar tenoned through square base of upright. No marks. One of a pair, DL*63.0958A-B.Currently not on view
Description
Backward loop- or ring-top andiron with a tapered rectangular shaft split at bottom into square, arched legs with tab feet. Billet bar tenoned through square base of upright. No marks. One of a pair, DL*63.0958A-B.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1740-1780
ID Number
DL.63.0958B
catalog number
63.0958B
accession number
247177
catalog number
63.0958
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1785
ID Number
CE.P-850Hab
catalog number
P-850Hab
accession number
225282
Plain, flat-rim circular dish with shallow flat well; no foot ring. Two faint undecipherable marks on underside, a tombstone shape with letters along top and what appears to be a rosette below, and a rectangle possibly with figure. Overall wear.
Description
Plain, flat-rim circular dish with shallow flat well; no foot ring. Two faint undecipherable marks on underside, a tombstone shape with letters along top and what appears to be a rosette below, and a rectangle possibly with figure. Overall wear. Dents in well.
Catalog card with pencilled attribution to Thomas Danforth II (1731-1782) of Middletown, CT, w. 1755-1782. Probably based on reading of mark as Danforth's lion-in-gateway touch, but no supporting evidence given. Needs further research and examination.
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1755-1782
ID Number
DL.006813.02
accession number
28810
catalog number
6813.02
This is a brass mold and cast–spoon that belonged to the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the 18th and 19th century. The mold is for a Hanoverian type rattail spoon, with a stem that widens gradually toward its curved finial and then turns upward.
Description
This is a brass mold and cast–spoon that belonged to the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the 18th and 19th century. The mold is for a Hanoverian type rattail spoon, with a stem that widens gradually toward its curved finial and then turns upward. The pewter spoon is unfinished, with the remnant from the sprue still at the spoon’s lip and protrusions along the handle.
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1730 - 1780
Associated Name
Copp Family
ID Number
DL.006835
catalog number
6835
accession number
28810
Hemispherical bowl engraved "MB" in conjoined, shaded foliate script on a raised, short pedestal base with domed circular foot; repousse beads around everted rim and outside edge of foot. Gold washed interior. Centerpunch on underside of body; no other marks.
Description
Hemispherical bowl engraved "MB" in conjoined, shaded foliate script on a raised, short pedestal base with domed circular foot; repousse beads around everted rim and outside edge of foot. Gold washed interior. Centerpunch on underside of body; no other marks. Part of an assembled service (coffeepot, sugar bowl and waste bowl), DL*239176, DL*239178, and DL*239179.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1785
ID Number
DL.239179
catalog number
239179
accession number
46611
Gooseneck andiron with ball finial and tapered rectangular shaft shaped at its flat shoulders and split at bottom into square, arched legs with tab feet. Billet bar tenoned through base of upright. No marks. Traces of black paint. Billet bar repaired.
Description
Gooseneck andiron with ball finial and tapered rectangular shaft shaped at its flat shoulders and split at bottom into square, arched legs with tab feet. Billet bar tenoned through base of upright. No marks. Traces of black paint. Billet bar repaired. One of a mismatched pair, 2014.0004.175A-B.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1720-1780
ID Number
2014.0004.175A
accession number
2014.0004
catalog number
2014.0004.175A
Rectangular waffle iron, plier form; both plates feature a grid of squares. Two, long, tapered, cylindrical handles are integral with plates and end in ball terminals.
Description
Rectangular waffle iron, plier form; both plates feature a grid of squares. Two, long, tapered, cylindrical handles are integral with plates and end in ball terminals. Both plates are stamped on their exteriors at bottom near pivot "HPB" in raised serif letters in a rectangular surround. No evidence of locking ring.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1740-1780
ID Number
DL.59.2206
catalog number
59.2206
accession number
205078
Rectangular piece of laid paper inscribed "Virginia Currency / L34.6.6 / J Steuart." Lower portion of watermark visible along right edge "[plow] / WORK & BE RICH".Currently not on view
Description
Rectangular piece of laid paper inscribed "Virginia Currency / L34.6.6 / J Steuart." Lower portion of watermark visible along right edge "[plow] / WORK & BE RICH".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1775-1780
ID Number
DL.62.0538A
accession number
220760
catalog number
62.0538A
Large, single-reeded circular dish with deep, rounded booge and flat well engraved at center "S.C. / 1748." in a shaded, leafy-scrolled font accented by flourishes; no foot ring.
Description
Large, single-reeded circular dish with deep, rounded booge and flat well engraved at center "S.C. / 1748." in a shaded, leafy-scrolled font accented by flourishes; no foot ring. Underside struck with six marks, twice with the lion-in-gateway touch mark of Thomas Danforth II, above four pseudo-hallmarks (left to right): "I.D", lion's head erased facing left, Britannia seated, and dagger or sword pointing up, all in shaped shields.
Mark was used by Thomas Danforth II (1731-1782) of Middletown, CT; working 1755-1782.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1748
1755-1782
ID Number
1986.0027.28
catalog number
1986.0027.28
accession number
1986.0027
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1760 - 1780
ID Number
DL.035625
catalog number
35625
accession number
97135
Circular wafer iron, plier form; one plate features an incuse diamond pattern incorporating "JW / 1785", while the other has a stylized tree with "1786". Two, long, tapered handles, rectangular in section, with plain, rounded tips.
Description
Circular wafer iron, plier form; one plate features an incuse diamond pattern incorporating "JW / 1785", while the other has a stylized tree with "1786". Two, long, tapered handles, rectangular in section, with plain, rounded tips. Both handles have oblong pads double-riveted to plates. No additional marks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1785-1786
ID Number
DL.66.0421
catalog number
66.0421
accession number
264125

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