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.

Spot-hammered bowl with wide, folded and angled rim, rounded flaring sides, and flat fishtail or shield-shape handle pierced with four slots; engraved on front of bowl "ELIZABETH REARDON / JANUARY 1 - 1919" in serif letters.
Description
Spot-hammered bowl with wide, folded and angled rim, rounded flaring sides, and flat fishtail or shield-shape handle pierced with four slots; engraved on front of bowl "ELIZABETH REARDON / JANUARY 1 - 1919" in serif letters. Underside of flat bottom struck with four incuse marks, the Gorham trademark (lion passant facing right in clipped-corner square, anchor in shield, and gothic or Old English "G" in clipped-corner square) to left of "STERLING" in sans serif letters, "2531A" in serif letters, and scimitar date mark.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1917
date engraved
1919-01-01
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1992.0071.01
catalog number
1992.0071.01
accession number
1992.0071
Small, rounded rectangular case with side-hinged lid featuring continuous, vertical, repousse fluting with leafy volutes around case and spiral, volute-ended fluting or lobes across lid and case bottom. Notched strike plate at bottom. Gold washed interior.
Description
Small, rounded rectangular case with side-hinged lid featuring continuous, vertical, repousse fluting with leafy volutes around case and spiral, volute-ended fluting or lobes across lid and case bottom. Notched strike plate at bottom. Gold washed interior. Collar outside is struck incuse on one side (hinge at right) with Gorham trademark (right-facing lion passant in clipped-corner square, anchor in shield, and gothic or Old English "G" in clipped-corner square) and "STERLING" in serif letters, and on opposite side with date mark of a waxing crescent moon and "1075".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1895
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
DL.60.2160
catalog number
60.2160
accession number
200122
Round-cornered, rectangular case with two-tone gold (yellow and rose) bands across the flat lid and back; blank trapezoidal reserve at one corner of lid. Gold washed interior; both halves are lipped to hold matches in place. Push-tab catch.
Description
Round-cornered, rectangular case with two-tone gold (yellow and rose) bands across the flat lid and back; blank trapezoidal reserve at one corner of lid. Gold washed interior; both halves are lipped to hold matches in place. Push-tab catch. Lip of lid is struck incuse along top with Gorham trademark (right-facing lion passant in clipped-corner square, anchor in shield, and gothic or Old English "G" in clipped-corner square), "STERLING", "B" and "7247/20", and along left "ART MFG CO. N Y PAT NOV 29-04" in sans serif letters.
Location
Currently not on view
patent date
ca 1904
1904-11-29
retailer
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
DL.60.2148
catalog number
60.2148
accession number
200122
Rounded, rectangular case for "Solace" chewing tobacco, repousse chased in a scrolled font diagonally across its snap-closure, hinged lid; rest of box is plain. Rounded tab at center front of lid to open. Gold-washed interior.
Description
Rounded, rectangular case for "Solace" chewing tobacco, repousse chased in a scrolled font diagonally across its snap-closure, hinged lid; rest of box is plain. Rounded tab at center front of lid to open. Gold-washed interior. Lid inside is struck incuse at lower left "GORHAM MFG. CO" over trademark (outline of a right-facing lion passant, anchor, and gothic or Old English "G"), "STERLING" and date mark of a right-facing rooster; and at upper right "COMPLIMENTS OF / JOHN ANDERSON & CO." in incuse roman letters.
One of two identical "Solace" boxes, DL*60.1814A-B. Made by Gorham for John H. Anderson & Co. of New York, NY, manufacturer of "Solace" brand chewing tobacco.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
DL.60.1814A
catalog number
60.1814A
accession number
200122
Raised bulbous baluster-shaped teapot with overall chased and repousse grapevine decoration on four cast feet of looped branches of blooming flowers. Double-domed, hinged lid is topped by a cast asymetrical floral bud on looped stem atop flowers and leaves.
Description
Raised bulbous baluster-shaped teapot with overall chased and repousse grapevine decoration on four cast feet of looped branches of blooming flowers. Double-domed, hinged lid is topped by a cast asymetrical floral bud on looped stem atop flowers and leaves. Band of angular twisted branches at rim. High-loop C-curve handle and S-curve spout also cast as branches or woody trunks wrapped with budding and blooming floral vines; handle is pinned into ivory insulators. Body perforated at spout. Underside of rounded bottom struck above and below centerpoint with Gorham trademark of a lion passant facing left, an anchor, and the raised roman letter "G", all in clipped-corner surrounds, and "COIN" in incuse roman letters. Interior stained. From a six-piece coffee and tea service, 1988.0569.01-.06.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c. 1855-1860
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1988.0569.03
accession number
1988.0569
catalog number
1988.0569.03
1988.0569.01-06
Circular bowl with plain, everted rim on molded, flared foot. One side of body is engraved with an armorial device for Field, consisting of a coat of arms having a chevron between three wheatsheafs, at center of "1920" and "1960" with "AMANDA S. DRAYE" below.
Description
Circular bowl with plain, everted rim on molded, flared foot. One side of body is engraved with an armorial device for Field, consisting of a coat of arms having a chevron between three wheatsheafs, at center of "1920" and "1960" with "AMANDA S. DRAYE" below. Bowl underside is struck incuse with two sets of marks: "GORHAM" above trademark (right-facing lion passant in clipped-corner square, anchor in shield, and gothic or Old English "G" in clipped-corner square), "STERLING", "41660" and a "9" in shield at top; "P.REVERE / REPRODUCTION" at bottom.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1959
date presented
1960
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1992.0294.01
catalog number
1992.0294.01
accession number
1992.0294
Inverted pear-shaped tilting kettle decorated with intertwined rose branches around its shoulder and a cast rose finial on its swing-up, trumpet-shaped, circular lid; engraved "M\L/K" on one side above the circular, low-domed, ruffle-edged foot.
Description
Inverted pear-shaped tilting kettle decorated with intertwined rose branches around its shoulder and a cast rose finial on its swing-up, trumpet-shaped, circular lid; engraved "M\L/K" on one side above the circular, low-domed, ruffle-edged foot. Floral-decorated S-curve spout and hollow bail handle with bow grip and S-curve ends pinned into ivory insulators; body perforated at spout. Pairs of button knobs at sides fit onto two cast floral supports mounted to a matching, low-domed, circular stand that holds a removable, cylindrical spirit burner with long ivory-knob handle for diaphragm shutter; wire mesh beneath shutter and vent holes below top edge. Burner replaced; not original. From a six-piece coffee and tea service, 1980.0027.01-.06.
Underside of kettle struck incuse with a stylized "M" trademark, "815" above "4 P'T'S." in roman letters,"STERLING" in sans serif letters with "5.626" scratched below. Inside of lid is scratched near edge "28\10(double underlined)". Underside of interior opening of stand has four equidistant incuse marks, a stylized "M" trademark, "815", and "MARCUS & CO." and "STERLING" in sans serif letters.
Underside of burner struck incuse with Gorham trademark of lion passant facing right, an anchor, and gothic or Old English "G", all in clipped-corner outlined surrounds above "STERLING" in sans serif letters, the roman letter "P" and, at center, "PAT.APPLIED FOR" in sans serif letters.
Maker is Marcus & Co., of New York, NY; 1892-1962 (merged with Black, Starr & Frost; founded 1810-present).
Location
Currently not on view
date kettle and stand made
c. 1900
date burner made
1883
maker
Marcus and Company
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1980.0027.01
accession number
1980.0027
catalog number
1980.0027.01
1980.0027.01-06
Brightcut tongs with large, seven-fingered claw grips, made of one fixed arm having a flared and pointed terminal engraved with a gothic or Old English "W" on front, to which the smaller spring handle is secured with two rivets.
Description
Brightcut tongs with large, seven-fingered claw grips, made of one fixed arm having a flared and pointed terminal engraved with a gothic or Old English "W" on front, to which the smaller spring handle is secured with two rivets. Back of fixed arm struck at pointed shoulders with "900 FINE" in incuse serif letters to left of Gorham trademark (right-facing lion passant in rectangle, anchor in pointed shield, and roman letter "G" in rectangle).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900 - 1920
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
DL.60.1258
catalog number
60.1258
accession number
70231
Rounded, rectangular case for "Solace" chewing tobacco, repousse chased in a scrolled font diagonally across its snap-closure, hinged lid; rest of box is plain. Rounded tab at center front of lid. Gold washed interior. Inside lid is struck incuse at lower left "GORHAM MFG.
Description
Rounded, rectangular case for "Solace" chewing tobacco, repousse chased in a scrolled font diagonally across its snap-closure, hinged lid; rest of box is plain. Rounded tab at center front of lid. Gold washed interior. Inside lid is struck incuse at lower left "GORHAM MFG. CO" over trademark (outline of a right-facing lion passant, anchor, and gothic or Old English "G"), "STERLING" and date mark of a right-facing rooster; and at upper right "COMPLIMENTS OF / JOHN ANDERSON & CO." in incuse roman letters.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
DL.60.1814B
catalog number
60.1814B
accession number
200122
Repousse chased, rounded rectangular case with side-hinged lid featuring a putto riding a mythical beast with walrus-like head and serpentine tail on churning waves that wrap around to the opposite side, the rest of which is plain. Strike plate at bottom. Gold washed interior.
Description
Repousse chased, rounded rectangular case with side-hinged lid featuring a putto riding a mythical beast with walrus-like head and serpentine tail on churning waves that wrap around to the opposite side, the rest of which is plain. Strike plate at bottom. Gold washed interior. Collar is struck outside above putto with Gorham trademark (right-facing lion passant in clipped-corner square, anchor in clipped-corner rectangle, and gothic or Old English G in clipped-corner square) next to "COPYRIGHTED" in incuse sans serif letters, and on plain side with a possible date mark to left of "STERLING" and "780" in incuse serif letters.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1891 - 1903
ca 1888
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
DL.60.2138
catalog number
60.2138
accession number
200122
Plain, rounded rectangular case with side-hinged lid and shallow faceted sides, one side (hinge at left) engraved "JCV" in ribbon script. Strike plate at bottom. Gold washed interior.
Description
Plain, rounded rectangular case with side-hinged lid and shallow faceted sides, one side (hinge at left) engraved "JCV" in ribbon script. Strike plate at bottom. Gold washed interior. Collar outside is struck incuse above monogram with date mark of scissors or shears to left of "PAT.APPLIED FOR" in sans serif letters, and on opposite side with Gorham trademark (right-facing lion passant in clipped-corner square, anchor in shield, and gothic or Old English "G" in clipped-corner square) next to "STERLING" in sans serif letters and "B1215" in serif letters.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1907
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
DL.60.2154
catalog number
60.2154
accession number
200122
Round-sided, rectangular case with an inset, flat, snap-closure, hinged lid featuring a diamond- or lozenge-shape reserve formed by bright-cut and wrigglework engraved pairs of leafy volutes and C scrolls. Plain, flat bottom. Tab at center front of lid. Matte silver interior.
Description
Round-sided, rectangular case with an inset, flat, snap-closure, hinged lid featuring a diamond- or lozenge-shape reserve formed by bright-cut and wrigglework engraved pairs of leafy volutes and C scrolls. Plain, flat bottom. Tab at center front of lid. Matte silver interior. Outside front of lid collar struck incuse with Gorham trademark (outline of a right-facing lion passant, anchor and gothic or Old English "G"), "STERLING" in sans serif letters, "725" and date mark of a hat.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900
1892
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
DL.60.1804
catalog number
60.1804
accession number
200122
Rectangular stamp box with hinged lid featuring a plain, raised center framed by applied gadrooning and corner shells; additional gadrooning at top and bottom edges of box. Gold washed interior is divided into two equal compartments with curved bottom plate.
Description
Rectangular stamp box with hinged lid featuring a plain, raised center framed by applied gadrooning and corner shells; additional gadrooning at top and bottom edges of box. Gold washed interior is divided into two equal compartments with curved bottom plate. Lid inside is struck incuse "STERLING" in sans serif letters. Underside of bottom plate struck incuse with Gorham trademark (right-facing lion passant in clipped-corner square, anchor in shield, and gothic or Old English "G" in clipped-corner square), "STERLING" in sans serif letters, "B862" in roman letters, and a date mark of a bell.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
DL.60.1855
catalog number
60.1855
accession number
200122
Handleless, seamed cylindrical cup with straight tapered sides, applied beaded rim and greek-key patterned foot ring; flat bottom set in. No engraving.
Description
Handleless, seamed cylindrical cup with straight tapered sides, applied beaded rim and greek-key patterned foot ring; flat bottom set in. No engraving. Bottom underside struck "BLYNN & BALDWIN." in incuse roman letters above Gorham trademark (left-facing lion passant, anchor, and roman letter "G", all raised in clipped-corner surrounds), "COIN", and "A", also in incuse roman letters; centerpunch visible.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1855 - 1860
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
DL.59.0597
catalog number
59.0597
accession number
219034
Raised bulbous baluster-shaped coffeepot with overall chased and repousse grapevine decoration on four cast feet of looped branches of budding flowers and leaves. Double-domed, hinged lid is topped by a cast cluster of grapes on looped stem.
Description
Raised bulbous baluster-shaped coffeepot with overall chased and repousse grapevine decoration on four cast feet of looped branches of budding flowers and leaves. Double-domed, hinged lid is topped by a cast cluster of grapes on looped stem. Band of angular twisted branches at rim. High-loop C-curve handle and S-curve spout also cast as branches or woody trunks wrapped with budding and blooming floral vines; handle is pinned into ivory insulators. Body perforated at spout. Underside of rounded bottom struck above and below centerpoint with Gorham trademark of a lion passant facing left, an anchor, and the raised roman letter "G", all in clipped-corner surrounds, and "COIN" in incuse roman letters; "36/16" and three lines of geometric shapes are faintly scratched to right and crossed out by three lines, while "09071" is scratched upside-down below. Interior stained. From a six-piece coffee and tea service, 1988.0569.01-.06.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c. 1855-1860
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1988.0569.01
accession number
1988.0569
catalog number
1988.0569.01
1988.0569.01-06
Handleless, raised bulbous baluster-shaped waste bowl with everted rim of angular twisted branches and overall chased and repousse grapevine decoration on four cast feet of looped branches of blooming flowers.
Description
Handleless, raised bulbous baluster-shaped waste bowl with everted rim of angular twisted branches and overall chased and repousse grapevine decoration on four cast feet of looped branches of blooming flowers. Underside of rounded bottom struck below centerpoint with Gorham trademark of a lion passant facing left, an anchor, and the raised roman letter "G", all in clipped-corner surrounds, above "COIN" in incuse roman letters; "09071" is scratched at lower left, "15/3" is faintly scratched above, and four lines of geometric shapes, also faint and rubbed or worn away, are to right. From a six-piece coffee and tea service, 1988.0569.01-.06.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c. 1855-1860
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1988.0569.06
accession number
1988.0569
catalog number
1988.0569.06
1988.0569.01-06
Raised and spot-hammered handleless tulip-shaped copper cup with simple silver overlays around rim exterior and base, including a foot ring.
Description
Raised and spot-hammered handleless tulip-shaped copper cup with simple silver overlays around rim exterior and base, including a foot ring. Underside of flat bottom struck with four marks, an anchor in shield, "GORHAM CO.", "COPPER AND SILVER" and "BY308B", all in incuse sans serif fonts.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1880s
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1983.0186.01
accession number
1983.0186
catalog number
1983.0186.01
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1875 - 1900
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
DL.381981A
catalog number
381981A
accession number
162081
Repousse and etched figural case in the shape of a frog with head hinged at back of neck for lid. Matte silver interior. Collar struck incuse at throat with trademark anchor in rectangle, "GORHAM CO." in sans serif letters, and "045".
Description
Repousse and etched figural case in the shape of a frog with head hinged at back of neck for lid. Matte silver interior. Collar struck incuse at throat with trademark anchor in rectangle, "GORHAM CO." in sans serif letters, and "045". Inside back of head and inside underbelly both stamped "29".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1850
ca 1900
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
DL.60.2146
catalog number
60.2146
accession number
200122
"Maryland" pattern small soup ladle with a wide, five-lobed, flared-lip circular bowl and an upturned, wavy-ended handle threaded on front and back terminating in a ruffle tip flanked by C scrolls; gold wash inside bowl.
Description
"Maryland" pattern small soup ladle with a wide, five-lobed, flared-lip circular bowl and an upturned, wavy-ended handle threaded on front and back terminating in a ruffle tip flanked by C scrolls; gold wash inside bowl. The front additionally has pendant fruits and a ruffled shell reserve engraved with a flecked script letter "H". Nine-lobed shell on back of bowl. Pattern on back of shaft incorporates three raised marks at bottom, "PAT. 1896" arched in roman letters, Gorham trademark (right -facing lion passant, anchor, and gothic or Old English "G") and "STERLING" in roman letters.
Location
Currently not on view
year pattern patented
1896
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
DL.68.0455
catalog number
68.0455
accession number
274913
Circular urn-shaped pitcher on an everted and flared, molded circular pedestal base, flat chased on front of its ovoid body with a curvilinear shield containing a five-pointed reserve engraved "W.G. AND M.F. / Dearth.
Description
Circular urn-shaped pitcher on an everted and flared, molded circular pedestal base, flat chased on front of its ovoid body with a curvilinear shield containing a five-pointed reserve engraved "W.G. AND M.F. / Dearth. / 1863." in gothic or Old English script surmounted by a crest of a griffin's head erased with a leaf in its beak on heraldic wreath. Incurved neck flares to a deeply curved, concave- and convex-beaded rim with V-shaped pouring lip. Hollow, tapered S-curve handle with serrated leaf. . Underside of rounded bottom is struck incuse "3" above Gorham trademark (left-facing lion passant, anchor, and raised serif "G", in individual surrounds) and "COIN(?)" below; "17/- TO\E" scratched on underside of base.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1855-1860
engraved date
1863
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
DL.59.2285
catalog number
59.2285
accession number
113420
Two-handled, raised bulbous baluster-shaped sugar bowl with overall chased and repousse grapevine decoration on four cast feet of looped branches of blooming flowers. Double-domed cover is topped by a large cast trumpet-shaped flower. Band of angular twisted branches at rim.
Description
Two-handled, raised bulbous baluster-shaped sugar bowl with overall chased and repousse grapevine decoration on four cast feet of looped branches of blooming flowers. Double-domed cover is topped by a large cast trumpet-shaped flower. Band of angular twisted branches at rim. Two horizontal bracket handles also cast as branches or woody trunks with budding and blooming flowers. Underside of rounded bottom struck above and below centerpoint with Gorham trademark of a lion passant facing left, an anchor, and the raised roman letter "G", all in clipped-corner surrounds, and "COIN" in incuse roman letters; "09071" is scratched at upper left while an illegible number and three lines of geometric shapes, faintly scratched and rubbed or worn away, are to right. Cover not marked. From a six-piece coffee and tea service, 1988.0569.01-.06.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c. 1855-1860
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1988.0569.05
accession number
1988.0569
catalog number
1988.0569.05
1988.0569.01-06
Raised bulbous baluster-shaped teapot with overall chased and repousse grapevine decoration on four cast feet of looped branches of blooming flowers. Double-domed, hinged lid is topped by a cast cluster of grapes on looped stem. Band of angular twisted branches at rim.
Description
Raised bulbous baluster-shaped teapot with overall chased and repousse grapevine decoration on four cast feet of looped branches of blooming flowers. Double-domed, hinged lid is topped by a cast cluster of grapes on looped stem. Band of angular twisted branches at rim. High-loop C-curve handle and S-curve spout also cast as branches or woody trunks wrapped with budding and blooming floral vines; handle is pinned into ivory insulators. Body perforated at spout. Underside of rounded bottom struck above and below centerpoint with Gorham trademark of a lion passant facing left, an anchor, and the raised roman letter "G", all in clipped-corner surrounds, and "COIN" in incuse roman letters; "31/7" and three lines of geometric shapes are faintly scratched above and to right. Clean interior. From a six-piece coffee and tea service, 1988.0569.01-.06.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c. 1855-1860
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1988.0569.02
accession number
1988.0569
catalog number
1988.0569.02
1988.0569.01-06
Rounded rectangular case with hinged lid featuring a polychrome enamel depicting a nude nymph or female sprite with small transparent wings and gauzy drapery over her midsection, sitting on a grassy bank with calm body of water to left as she looks at a yellow butterfly perched o
Description
Rounded rectangular case with hinged lid featuring a polychrome enamel depicting a nude nymph or female sprite with small transparent wings and gauzy drapery over her midsection, sitting on a grassy bank with calm body of water to left as she looks at a yellow butterfly perched on her left forefinger; softly focused backdrop of blues, greens and purples. Concave back is engraved "GBB" in conjoined script. Pin closure with two tabs at opposite ends of lid and back. Gold washed interior has a removable retainer stamped "STERLING" on reverse. Bottom inside edge of back is struck incuse with Gorham trademark (lion passant facing right, anchor, and gothic or Old English "G"), "STERLING" in sans serif letters, "190" and date mark of a double hemisphere world map; inside lid and back are both stamped "191" next to hinge.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1893
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
DL.60.2041
catalog number
60.2041
accession number
200122

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