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.

Bulging, circular body with plain rim, flat bottom and open-ended, tapered tubular handle fitted over and double-riveted through an integrally cast extension; white enameled interior.
Description
Bulging, circular body with plain rim, flat bottom and open-ended, tapered tubular handle fitted over and double-riveted through an integrally cast extension; white enameled interior. Hollow cast with seam around middle and single gate mark at center of bottom underside; cast-in marks "MARIETTA PA / M H & E C\o" and "5 QTS" in incuse sans serif letters at perimeter on underside. No cover.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
ID Number
DL.64.0939
catalog number
64.0939
accession number
253789
Small, square, wire-rimmed baking pan with scrolled tab handles slipped through slots on two sides. No marks.Currently not on view
Description
Small, square, wire-rimmed baking pan with scrolled tab handles slipped through slots on two sides. No marks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890-1920
ID Number
DL.314637.2445
catalog number
314637.02445
accession number
314637
Four-piece stacking tea service, consisting of a plain, low-domed lid with mushroom knop, a cylindrical sugar bowl with loop strap handle, a matching creamer, and a squat, globular teapot with hollow C-shaped handle and S-curve spout with split lip.
Description
Four-piece stacking tea service, consisting of a plain, low-domed lid with mushroom knop, a cylindrical sugar bowl with loop strap handle, a matching creamer, and a squat, globular teapot with hollow C-shaped handle and S-curve spout with split lip. Teapot body perforated at spout. Sugar bowl, creamer and teapot each banded with five grooves. Bottom underside of teapot struck incuse with maker's mark and pattern number; other pieces are unmarked.
Maker is Bernard Rice's Sons of New York, NY; in business, circa 1897-1950.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1928-1929
ID Number
1990.0339.14
catalog number
1990.0339.14
accession number
1990.0339
Dutch oven with an arched-handled, flat-domed cover cast with a grid of dots or spikes on its underside to catch moisture. Flat-bottom pot has a wire bail handle looped around horizontal, E-shaped lugs or ears and a tab assist handle between them.
Description
Dutch oven with an arched-handled, flat-domed cover cast with a grid of dots or spikes on its underside to catch moisture. Flat-bottom pot has a wire bail handle looped around horizontal, E-shaped lugs or ears and a tab assist handle between them. Cover exterior is stamped incuse "LODGE" in sans serif letters and cast with a raised "8"; its underside has raised cast-in mark "W" at center.
Maker is Lodge of South Pittsburg, TN.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900-1920
ID Number
1992.3069.03
catalog number
1992.3069.03
nonaccession number
1992.3069
Wire skewer with flattened, circular hanging loop at one end and a small, sharp hook or barb at the other. No marks. One of 6 skewers with holder, DL*388272A-G.Currently not on view
Description
Wire skewer with flattened, circular hanging loop at one end and a small, sharp hook or barb at the other. No marks. One of 6 skewers with holder, DL*388272A-G.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1875 - 1925
ID Number
DL.388272F
catalog number
388272F
accession number
182022
Miniature cast iron skillet on three legs. Circular bowl with rounded bottom, sitting on three tapered legs. Thin, tapered handle on one side, flattened on top. No mark.Currently not on view
Description
Miniature cast iron skillet on three legs. Circular bowl with rounded bottom, sitting on three tapered legs. Thin, tapered handle on one side, flattened on top. No mark.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1850-1920
ID Number
DL.388245
catalog number
388245
accession number
182022
Dessert knife. Straight silver-plated steel blade with rounded tip and “yankee” style bolster. Blade, bolster, and tang are one piece of steel fitted into a tapered handle with rounded sides and butt. Tang is held in place with steel pin through side of handle.
Description
Dessert knife. Straight silver-plated steel blade with rounded tip and “yankee” style bolster. Blade, bolster, and tang are one piece of steel fitted into a tapered handle with rounded sides and butt. Tang is held in place with steel pin through side of handle. Heavily scratched and stained, plate is worn. Ivory is yellowed and crazed. Blade stamped: “MERIDEN CUTLERY / COMPANY”.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1855 - 1925
ID Number
1986.0531.118
accession number
1986.0531
catalog number
1986.531.118
Small, spiral-ribbed, rectangular case with side-hinged lid. Notched, serrated bottom edge for striking matches. Gold-washed interior.
Description
Small, spiral-ribbed, rectangular case with side-hinged lid. Notched, serrated bottom edge for striking matches. Gold-washed interior. Collar is struck incuse on one side with "STERLING" in sans serif letters to left of trademark "C" in a right-facing arrowhead; opposite side is lightly scratched with a series of numbers.
Maker is probably Carter, Hawkins & Sloan (1876-1902) or Carter, Howe & Co. (1902-1915) of Newark, NJ. Firm began as Pennington, Carter & Doaremus, c. 1841 and underwent multiple partnership and name changes, ending with Carter, Gough & Co. (1915-1922) at the time of its closure; the later companies used the same marks. Manufacturing jewelers; produced fine jewelry for the retail trade.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1850
1900 - 1920
ID Number
DL.60.2142
catalog number
60.2142
accession number
200122
Dinner or table knife with blunt blade and solid rounded-end handle, oblong in section, with arched hollow shoulders above the single-groove ("Yankee") bolster; made as a single piece. No monograms. No marks.
Description
Dinner or table knife with blunt blade and solid rounded-end handle, oblong in section, with arched hollow shoulders above the single-groove ("Yankee") bolster; made as a single piece. No monograms. No marks. One of five knives, 1986.0531.204-.208, from a 13-piece flatware set, 1986.0531.204-.216 (knives unmarked; forks and spoons marked).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900 - 1925
maker
Charles Parker Company
ID Number
1986.0531.208
accession number
1986.0531
catalog number
1986.0531.208
Metal churn. Mixing element comprised of one piece of heavy steel, perforated with large circular holes throughout, attached sideways on thick metal shaft.
Description
Metal churn. Mixing element comprised of one piece of heavy steel, perforated with large circular holes throughout, attached sideways on thick metal shaft. Shaft attaches to iron cogwheel and crankwheel at top, which turn to create mixing action, metal arm with unpainted wooden handle attached. Molded handle on side, all upper components are molded iron or steel. Mixing apparatus is attached to thin metal lid, flat with upper lip which fits into top of accompanying container, metal cylinder. Cylinder has white sticker on bottom with "428" handwritten on it. Only mark on mixing apparatus is the number "83" stamped on top.
Unmarked, but may be a product of the maker Bernhardt Novelty Company, Spokane, Washington.
Related patent: US 1215214 A, February 6, 1917, Charles A. Stewart, Worcester, Massachusetts, for "Dasher".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1917-1925
ID Number
DL.322793.28
accession number
322793
catalog number
76-FT-01.1061
collector/donor number
428
Molded glass ball, thick plied blue cord inserted and knotted into opening on top for hanger, two metal bent wire hooks attached to cord.
Description
Molded glass ball, thick plied blue cord inserted and knotted into opening on top for hanger, two metal bent wire hooks attached to cord. Likely manufactured to be used as a glass target ball for practice shooting, and then at some point the cord and hooks were added so that it could be used as a Christmas tree ornament, as with DL*298065.0280, a similar (marked) ornament. See also DL*298065.0419. No mark.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1870-1920
ID Number
DL.298065.0418
catalog number
298065.0418
accession number
298065
Circular, round-bottom piercework cream pot on pedestal base with conforming, clear, cobalt blue glass liner. Cast and applied fasces molding around shallow curved rim with wide pouring lip and at circular foot.
Description
Circular, round-bottom piercework cream pot on pedestal base with conforming, clear, cobalt blue glass liner. Cast and applied fasces molding around shallow curved rim with wide pouring lip and at circular foot. Cast, D- or ear-shaped handle has split-scroll terminals and graduated beads at top; a small tab that secures the liner in place is mounted to rim in front of it. Bottom underside is struck incuse "QUADRUPLE PLATE" arched above a spider web with "W" in five-pointed star at its center, and "11" below. From cream and sugar set, 1977.0918.75-.76.
Maker is E. G. Webster & Son of Brooklyn, NY, 1886-1928.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1886 - 1928
ID Number
1977.0918.75
accession number
1977.0918
catalog number
1977.0918.75
Shallow, circular dish or bowl made from one piece with an irregular, rolled rim and uneven well; no foot. Pierced with one hole at side of well. Bottom underside struck incuse "E.G. WEBSTER & SON / 97" in sans serif letters. Reddish finish.Maker is E. G.
Description
Shallow, circular dish or bowl made from one piece with an irregular, rolled rim and uneven well; no foot. Pierced with one hole at side of well. Bottom underside struck incuse "E.G. WEBSTER & SON / 97" in sans serif letters. Reddish finish.
Maker is E. G. Webster & Son of Brooklyn, NY, 1886-1928. Named for Elizur Goodwin Webster (1829-1900) and his son, Frederick Hezekiah Webster (b. 1860); successor firm to E. G. Webster & Brother (Elizur and Adelbert Ashley Webster) of New York, NY, 1865-1886, also known as Webster Manufacturing Co., 1866-1874. E. G. Webster & Son was purchased by International Silver Co. in 1928, but the trademark was used until c. 1961 when the line was consolidated with Wilcox Silver Plate Co. (a founding member of Insilco in 1898) into Webster-Wilcox.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1886 - 1928
maker
Elizur G. Webster and Son
ID Number
DL.315267
accession number
207992
catalog number
315267
Single-reeded circular dish with flat well; no foot ring. Underside struck with four incuse marks for maker and pattern.Maker is Colonial Silver Co. of Portland, ME; in business, 1899-1943.Currently not on view
Description
Single-reeded circular dish with flat well; no foot ring. Underside struck with four incuse marks for maker and pattern.
Maker is Colonial Silver Co. of Portland, ME; in business, 1899-1943.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1929
ID Number
1989.0122.07
catalog number
1989.0122.07
accession number
1989.0122
Rectangular lidded box with an inset rectangular panel on lid featuring five period domestic scenes framed by foliate C scrolls, flowers and diapering, all in relief. Box divided into two equal-sized compartments; its sides and bottom are flat. No marks.Currently not on view
Description
Rectangular lidded box with an inset rectangular panel on lid featuring five period domestic scenes framed by foliate C scrolls, flowers and diapering, all in relief. Box divided into two equal-sized compartments; its sides and bottom are flat. No marks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880-1920
ID Number
DL.61.0310
catalog number
61.0310
accession number
200122
Parcel-gilt, two-handled, lobed oval sheet silver tray with high-relief repousse chased clusters of fruit, including melon, pomegranates, grapes and berries, along with ears of wheat and seed corn adorning the gold washed well and four wide lobes; no foot.
Description
Parcel-gilt, two-handled, lobed oval sheet silver tray with high-relief repousse chased clusters of fruit, including melon, pomegranates, grapes and berries, along with ears of wheat and seed corn adorning the gold washed well and four wide lobes; no foot. Raised bead borders around well and between lobes. Two, vertically mounted, cast C-curve dragon handles. Well is struck incuse near grapes with a crowned sans serif "G" and "N:A" in rectangular outline. A series of marks along rim interior include German hallmarks obliterated by a zigzag line.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1886
ID Number
DL.368730
catalog number
368730
accession number
107929
Baluster- or pear-shaped cream pot with molded midband on a flared, molded base. Plain, curved rim has wide pouring lip, and cast double C-scroll spurred handle has split scroll terminal. Underside of body struck incuse "PAIRPOINT / PEWTER" and "P170" in sans serif letters.
Description
Baluster- or pear-shaped cream pot with molded midband on a flared, molded base. Plain, curved rim has wide pouring lip, and cast double C-scroll spurred handle has split scroll terminal. Underside of body struck incuse "PAIRPOINT / PEWTER" and "P170" in sans serif letters. From three-piece coffee service, 1989.0122.02-.04.
Maker is Pairpoint Corporation of New Bedford, MA; 1880-1958. Started as Pairpoint Manufacturing Company, producing plated mounts for Mt. Washington Glass Company; Pairpoint merged with Mt. Washington in 1894 and name changed to Pairpoint Corporation. Only glass made after 1929.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1929
maker
Pairpoint Corporation
ID Number
1989.0122.03
catalog number
1989.0122.03
accession number
1989.0122
Bowl beater/mixer or churn. Mixing apparatus is comprised of two four-winged, bulb-shaped mixing components, bent sheet metal, connected with bent metal wire, attached at top to two small cog wheels.
Description
Bowl beater/mixer or churn. Mixing apparatus is comprised of two four-winged, bulb-shaped mixing components, bent sheet metal, connected with bent metal wire, attached at top to two small cog wheels. Large crankwheel sits between cog wheels, and when turned with coiled metal handle creates mixing action. Mixing apparatus is attached to lid, which comes apart into two pieces. Bent metal handle at top. Accompanying mixing bowl is clear glass, fluted sides, pedestal bottom. Based on contemporary advertisements, this may be missing a pouring spout attachment.
Crankwheel is marked: "LADD BEATER/OCT. 18, 1921/OTHER PAT'S PEND./NO.1/NEW YORK, U.S.A./UNITED ROYALTIES CORP." Bottom of bowl has white sticker with "406" handwritten on it. Bowl pedestal is embossed: "'LADD MIXER CHURN'/NO.1"
Maker is Ladd/United Royalties Corporation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1921-1929
ID Number
DL.322793.06
accession number
322793
collector/donor number
406
catalog number
322793.06
Bail-handled circular basket with twisted wire-mesh midsection on flared circular pedestal foot. Gadrooning at rim and foot. Hinged handle has five graduated beads at bow and one at each side; double-bead hinge with ruffled shell attachment inside rim.
Description
Bail-handled circular basket with twisted wire-mesh midsection on flared circular pedestal foot. Gadrooning at rim and foot. Hinged handle has five graduated beads at bow and one at each side; double-bead hinge with ruffled shell attachment inside rim. No marks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1925
ID Number
DL.66.0541
catalog number
66.0541
accession number
265238
Rotary style egg beater (eggbeater) or food mixer, with accompanying container. Mixer comprised of two bulb-shaped, two-winged blades, bent sheet metal with third bent wire wings, attached at top to two cog wheels and large metal crankwheel.
Description
Rotary style egg beater (eggbeater) or food mixer, with accompanying container. Mixer comprised of two bulb-shaped, two-winged blades, bent sheet metal with third bent wire wings, attached at top to two cog wheels and large metal crankwheel. Horizontal handle (coiled metal wire) on crankwheel, vertical handle at top, light green with pale yellow stripe, painted, wooden. Mixer is attached to single piece of sheet metal, lid, which sits on top of glass measuring bowl, handled, transparent bright green glass. Bowl has pint, ounce, quart, and cup measurements embossed on side; "H(over)A" and "A&J" diamond trademarks are embossed on bottom. Crankwheel is engraved/stamped: "MADE IN U.S.A./PAT. OCT. 9 1923" with "A&J" diamond trademark. Tag attached with white cotton string, white paper, "408" handwritten.
Patent referenced is likely: US 1470169 A, October 9, 1923, Charles E. Kail, Binghamton, New York, for "Egg beater".
Maker of mixer is A&J (A & J) Manufacturing Company, Binghamton, New York (which was purchased by Ekco Housewares Company, Chicago, Illinois in 1929, all products thereafter had both companies' trademarks).
Maker of measuring bowl is Hazel-Atlas Glass Company, Wheeling, West Virginia, who had manufacturing plants in Wheeling, WV; Washington, PA; Clarksburg, WV; Zanesville, OH; Grafton, WV; Ada, OK; Pomona, CA; Blackwell, OK; Lancaster, NY; Oakland, CA; Montgomery, AL; and Plainfield, IL.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1923-1929
ID Number
DL.322793.08
accession number
322793
collector/donor number
408
catalog number
322793.08
Rectangular, aqua-blue guilloche enamel box with snap-closure, hinged lid pierced at its center and corners with a bowl of flowers and scrolls accented by bright-cut engraving and bordered by a black geometric pattern along its canted edge. Curvilinear tab across lid front.
Description
Rectangular, aqua-blue guilloche enamel box with snap-closure, hinged lid pierced at its center and corners with a bowl of flowers and scrolls accented by bright-cut engraving and bordered by a black geometric pattern along its canted edge. Curvilinear tab across lid front. Gold washed interior. Inside lid and bottom are struck "AUSTRIA" and "STERLING" in raised and incuse sans serif letters at one side, and "935" in rectangle, "K·W" in raised roman letters in clipped-corner surround and a right-facing hoopoe bird between "1" and "A" in pentagonal surround at the other side.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1921
1922 - 1924
ID Number
DL.60.2006
catalog number
60.2006
accession number
200122
Triangular or pointed-toe, denatured alcohol travel iron with detachable, black-painted wood-grip handle, cylindrical fuel container or tank, cylindrical burner and two stands (one for iron and for container); all fitted inside a tan leather-covered case with red stitching and hi
Description
Triangular or pointed-toe, denatured alcohol travel iron with detachable, black-painted wood-grip handle, cylindrical fuel container or tank, cylindrical burner and two stands (one for iron and for container); all fitted inside a tan leather-covered case with red stitching and hinged lid having two clasps. Case interior painted black with green felt lining the flatiron compartment. Side of one cylinder marked "Travelers' / PAT. APL'D FOR". No other marks on iron or case.
Patent and maker not identified. Tilden-Thurber of Providence, RI (1880-present) was a high-end retailer of fine china, jewelry, silver, timepieces and other luxury goods; the firm now deals in art and antiques. Unlikely to have manufactured this iron; just retailed it.
Location
Currently not on view
date purchased
ca 1922
ID Number
DL.66.0189
catalog number
66.0189
accession number
263338
Small, open-top or semicylindrical scoop with a plain-edged, rounded opening and a vertical, D- or ear-shaped, tapered strap handle with soft soldered to the semicircular flat back. Back is folded over body and soft soldered.
Description
Small, open-top or semicylindrical scoop with a plain-edged, rounded opening and a vertical, D- or ear-shaped, tapered strap handle with soft soldered to the semicircular flat back. Back is folded over body and soft soldered. No marks.
The dimunitive size of this scoop suggests it was probably used with tea, spices, or sugar.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1875 - 1925
ID Number
DL.238049.0092
catalog number
238049.0092
238049.092
accession number
238049
Tipped pattern teaspoon having an ovoid bowl and rounded fiddle handle with ogee shoulders and front midrib. No monograms. Stamped widthwise on back of terminal "MADE / IN / U.S.A. / CPC" in raised sans serif letters.
Description
Tipped pattern teaspoon having an ovoid bowl and rounded fiddle handle with ogee shoulders and front midrib. No monograms. Stamped widthwise on back of terminal "MADE / IN / U.S.A. / CPC" in raised sans serif letters. One of four spoons, 1986.0531.213-.216, from a 13-piece flatware set, 1986.0531.204-.216 (knives unmarked; forks and spoons marked).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900 - 1925
maker
Charles Parker Company
ID Number
1986.0531.213
accession number
1986.0531
catalog number
1986.0531.213

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