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, shallow, circular skimmer attached with three rivets to a slender, cylindrical, downturned handle flattened into a flared and pointed end with pierced hole.
Description
Large, shallow, circular skimmer attached with three rivets to a slender, cylindrical, downturned handle flattened into a flared and pointed end with pierced hole. Bowl is perforated with small holes arranged into a circle around the center rivet with eight straight radiating arms and groups of four holes between them; turning marks visible on front and back of bowl. Front of handle struck incuse above hanging hole "W.BARTON" in roman letters.
Skimmer 1978.0939.006 and ladle 1978.0939.011 appear to be a pair. Both were possibly made by William Barton (1762-1849), who established foundries for making horse and sleigh bells in East Hampton, CT, in 1808, and in Cairo, NY, in 1826.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800 - 1830
ID Number
1978.0939.006
accession number
1978.0939
catalog number
1978.0939.006
The Remmey and Crolius families dominated the New York stoneware industry from the early 1700s through the early 1800s. Both families emigrated from Germany, bringing with them the stoneware traditions of their homeland.
Description
The Remmey and Crolius families dominated the New York stoneware industry from the early 1700s through the early 1800s. Both families emigrated from Germany, bringing with them the stoneware traditions of their homeland. Sometimes business associates, the two families also inter-married. Remmey family members went on to establish stoneware factories in Philadelphia and Baltimore, as well.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1795-1830
maker
Remmey III, John
ID Number
1980.0614.363
accession number
1980.0614
catalog number
1980.0614.363
This blue and white, Summer-and-Winter coverlet features a block woven, geometric design throughout based on variations of “Snowball” and “Rose and Star” patterns. The coverlet has a “Pine Tree” variation border on three sides.
Description
This blue and white, Summer-and-Winter coverlet features a block woven, geometric design throughout based on variations of “Snowball” and “Rose and Star” patterns. The coverlet has a “Pine Tree” variation border on three sides. The border designs on geometric, block-woven coverlets are created from fractional reductions of the block pattern motifs. This coverlet uses two different block pattern designs. The block pattern repeat measures 5 inches by 5 inches. There is a relatively long, knotted applied fringe on two sides of coverlet. It is believed this fringe was added much later. One edge is unfinished, the other is hand hemmed. The coverlet was woven in two pieces and seamed up the middle with whip stitch. There is no information about who may have made this coverlet or where is originally was used. These patterns and style of coverlet could be found all along the East Coast and were woven by English, German, and Scots-Irish settlers. This coverlet was likely woven anytime between the years, 1790-1830 because of the use of mill-spun cotton yarn in the warp and weft.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
19th century
date made
c. 1790-1830
ID Number
1980.0376.01
accession number
1980.0376
catalog number
1980.0376.01
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1820 - 1830
ID Number
DL.64.0110
catalog number
64.0110
accession number
251851
This platter features a transfer print of the Pennsylvania Hospital building in Philadelphia and is part of J&W Ridgway's "Beauties of America" series, a blue transfer decorated dinner service decorated with views of American buildings and a border of roses on the vine, superimpo
Description
This platter features a transfer print of the Pennsylvania Hospital building in Philadelphia and is part of J&W Ridgway's "Beauties of America" series, a blue transfer decorated dinner service decorated with views of American buildings and a border of roses on the vine, superimposed on regularly formed, lighter blue leaves.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1814-1830
maker
J & W Ridgway
ID Number
CE.62.909S
catalog number
62.909S
accession number
171126
Large, shallow-belly cooking pot with wide angled rim, tapered triangular-section curved ears, and three fillets (all around body) on three, heavily fire-eroded, triangular-section legs. Hollow cast in a three-part mold with two parallel gate marks on bottom underside.
Description
Large, shallow-belly cooking pot with wide angled rim, tapered triangular-section curved ears, and three fillets (all around body) on three, heavily fire-eroded, triangular-section legs. Hollow cast in a three-part mold with two parallel gate marks on bottom underside. No other marks. Together with a pair of pot tongs having two hooked-end curved arms hinged with pin that attach to the ears for hanging and carrying.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1820 - 1830
ID Number
DL.64.0108
catalog number
64.0108
accession number
251851
Strainer made of flat wire woven in imitation of a shallow wicker basket, slightly oval in shape. Suspended from a single-loop hairpin spring with everted ends that is wound through a small twisted loop at center of the wire bail handle. No marks.
Description
Strainer made of flat wire woven in imitation of a shallow wicker basket, slightly oval in shape. Suspended from a single-loop hairpin spring with everted ends that is wound through a small twisted loop at center of the wire bail handle. No marks. Possibly parcel-gilt or gold washed originally. Accompanies four-piece tea service, DL*387944A-D.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1835
ID Number
DL.387944E
catalog number
387944E
accession number
190331
Bellied-bowl porringer with angled rim and bossed bottom incised once around gutter on inside and underside; cast four-hearts-and-crescent handle with triangular bracket. No touchmarks.
Description
Bellied-bowl porringer with angled rim and bossed bottom incised once around gutter on inside and underside; cast four-hearts-and-crescent handle with triangular bracket. No touchmarks. Possible indistinct linen mark and sink hole from tinker's dam used to burn handle on to bowl. Faint turning marks on underside of boss.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1770 - ca 1830
ID Number
DL.388324
catalog number
388324
accession number
182022
This vegetable dish features a transfer print of Mt Vernon near Washington and is part of J&W Ridgway's "Beauties of America" series, a blue transfer decorated dinner service decorated with views of American buildings and a border of roses on the vine, superimposed on regularly f
Description
This vegetable dish features a transfer print of Mt Vernon near Washington and is part of J&W Ridgway's "Beauties of America" series, a blue transfer decorated dinner service decorated with views of American buildings and a border of roses on the vine, superimposed on regularly formed, lighter blue leaves.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1814-1830
maker
J & W Ridgway
ID Number
CE.62.909Mab
catalog number
62.909Mab
accession number
171126
Fluted-edge plate with beaded rim, slightly concave lip and rounded well with flat bottom on a shallow foot ring. Hollow cast with vestiges of a single gate mark on bottom exterior. No additional marks.Currently not on view
Description
Fluted-edge plate with beaded rim, slightly concave lip and rounded well with flat bottom on a shallow foot ring. Hollow cast with vestiges of a single gate mark on bottom exterior. No additional marks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
18th or 19th century
1800-1830
ID Number
DL.61.0466
catalog number
61.0466
accession number
234454
Stoneware maker Nathan Clark partnered with Ethan S. Fox, a relative by marriage, in 1829.
Description
Stoneware maker Nathan Clark partnered with Ethan S. Fox, a relative by marriage, in 1829. In response to increasing competition they began selling more elaborately decorated “Fancy Ware made to order.” The names on this inkwell, LYON & ASHLEY, may refer to the people or firm that placed the order.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1829-1838
maker
Clark, Nathan
Fox, Ethan
ID Number
CE.300894.029
accession number
300894
catalog number
300894.029
This sauce tureen stand features a transfer print of the Savannah Bank building and is part of J&W Ridgway's "Beauties of America" series, a blue transfer decorated dinner service decorated with views of American buildings and a border of roses on the vine, superimposed on regula
Description
This sauce tureen stand features a transfer print of the Savannah Bank building and is part of J&W Ridgway's "Beauties of America" series, a blue transfer decorated dinner service decorated with views of American buildings and a border of roses on the vine, superimposed on regularly formed, lighter blue leaves.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1814-1830
ID Number
CE.62.909Lc
catalog number
62.909Lc
accession number
171126
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c.1838
1838
ID Number
CE.P-123
catalog number
P-123
accession number
225282
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1830
ID Number
DL.60.1118
catalog number
60.1118
accession number
70138
Bulbous or bellied measure with a seven-lobed shell thumb piece; half pint size. Flat-top domed and molded lid. Body has a galleried rim and molded, flared base; slight bead flanked by pairs of incised lines at shoulder.
Description
Bulbous or bellied measure with a seven-lobed shell thumb piece; half pint size. Flat-top domed and molded lid. Body has a galleried rim and molded, flared base; slight bead flanked by pairs of incised lines at shoulder. Tapered, S-scroll handle with ribbed thumbrest and short terminal; no strut. Rim exterior stamped "HALF PINT" at front with three verification marks, including a George IV City of London mark, to right and left of handle. No maker's marks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800-1830
ID Number
DL.67.0147
catalog number
67.0147
accession number
250853
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1830 or later
1815
ID Number
1977.0918.58A
accession number
1977.0918
catalog number
1977.0918.58A
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1834
maker
Sevres
ID Number
CE.P-1057
catalog number
P-1057
accession number
225282
Barrel-shaped teapot with wide-rimmed, bell-domed, hinged lid topped by disk-and-ball knop on a flared and molded circular base. Body triple-scored at shoulder and bottom with molded midband at seam. Black-japanned, spurred C-curve handle with short cylindrical sockets.
Description
Barrel-shaped teapot with wide-rimmed, bell-domed, hinged lid topped by disk-and-ball knop on a flared and molded circular base. Body triple-scored at shoulder and bottom with molded midband at seam. Black-japanned, spurred C-curve handle with short cylindrical sockets. S-curve spout has an elongated D-shaped lip, faceted face and rounded belly. Body perforated at spout. Inside of flat, inset bottom struck with circular touch mark of "A. GRISWOLD" with spreadwing eagle, body facing right and head turned left.
Maker is Ashbil (or Ashbel) Griswold (1784-1853); working, circa 1802-1842. Trained with Thomas Danforth III as a pewterer; opened a shop in Meriden in 1808 and expanded into producing britannia wares at an early date, establishing Meriden as a major manufacturing center of pewter, britannia and plated goods. Was one of the founding partners of the Meriden Britannia Co. in 1852.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1820-1835
ID Number
DL.300859.0029
catalog number
300859.0029
accession number
300859
One of a pair of wrought iron HL hinges, covered in several layers of beige and white paint, now flaking and worn off. Iron is slightly bent. No mark. See DL*388818B.Currently not on view
Description
One of a pair of wrought iron HL hinges, covered in several layers of beige and white paint, now flaking and worn off. Iron is slightly bent. No mark. See DL*388818B.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1700- 1830
ID Number
DL.388818A
catalog number
388818A
accession number
182022
This is a carved ivory calling card case from the early 1800s. It was most likely used by a woman to keep the calling cards she would leave when making house calls to friends or family.
Description
This is a carved ivory calling card case from the early 1800s. It was most likely used by a woman to keep the calling cards she would leave when making house calls to friends or family. Calling cards were prevalent during the Victorian era and were often displayed in decorative receivers (or trays) near the front entry of one’s home.
date made
1800-1835
bequest of
James, Catalina Juliana Mason Myers
used by
Mason, Maria Dorado
ID Number
CS.033487
catalog number
033487
accession number
70138
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1832
maker
Sevres
ID Number
CE.P-1056C
catalog number
P-1056C
accession number
225282
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1825 -1830
ID Number
CE.P-519Eab
catalog number
P-519Eab
accession number
225282
Archibald Davidson (b. 1771), proprietor of the Ithaca Carpet Factory, wove this blue and white, Figured and Fancy, double- cloth coverlet in 1838. This centerfield design features a stylized “Double Tulip” carpet medallion motif offset by floral diamond motifs.
Description
Archibald Davidson (b. 1771), proprietor of the Ithaca Carpet Factory, wove this blue and white, Figured and Fancy, double- cloth coverlet in 1838. This centerfield design features a stylized “Double Tulip” carpet medallion motif offset by floral diamond motifs. The coverlet features borders along three side. The two side borders are composed of an adorsed “Stag and Tree,” and the bottom border is composed of a more developed Independence Hall and Great Seal Eagle border found on earlier Davidson coverlets. In the lower two corners, the words "Woven at the Ithaca Carpet Factory by Arch'd Davidson 1838" appear. This coverlet belonged to James Madison Wheeler, grandfather of the donor. Archibald Davidson was born in Scotland in 1771, where he was trained as a weaver. He married Jane McPhail on December 10, 1795 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and they had five sons, one born in Pennsylvania and the other four in New Jersey. They later lived in both Tompkins and Warsaw Counties, New York. Davidson died January 5, 1854. This coverlet is composed of two panels woven as one length, cut, and sewn together to create the finished width.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1838
weaver
Davidson, Archibald
manufacturer
Ithaca Carpet Factory
ID Number
TE.T11470
catalog number
T11470.000
accession number
212398
Gooseneck andiron with polyhedron finial and faceted rectangular shaft flared at shoulders on square, arched legs with tab feet. "(R. R.?) WILDER" is stamped incuse in serif letters sideways on both facets near top. Upright is tenoned through the legs.
Description
Gooseneck andiron with polyhedron finial and faceted rectangular shaft flared at shoulders on square, arched legs with tab feet. "(R. R.?) WILDER" is stamped incuse in serif letters sideways on both facets near top. Upright is tenoned through the legs. Billet bar tenoned through plinth of upright. One of a pair, 1982.0090.92A-B.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1780 - 1830
ID Number
1982.0090.92A
accession number
1982.0090
catalog number
1982.0090.92A

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