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.

Black and white print; half length portrait of a man (R. Walsh Jr.) with his head resting on his hand and his elbow resting on an open book.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Black and white print; half length portrait of a man (R. Walsh Jr.) with his head resting on his hand and his elbow resting on an open book.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
maker
Sully, Thomas
Childs, Cephas Grier
ID Number
DL.60.3135
catalog number
60.3135
accession number
228146
Color print of a large panoramic view of Philadelphia. The New Jersey shore is in the foreground. A key identifies aspects of the view. Three small vignettes, below the main image above the title, are of the State House, Old Courthouse and Friends Meeting House, and the prison.
Description (Brief)
Color print of a large panoramic view of Philadelphia. The New Jersey shore is in the foreground. A key identifies aspects of the view. Three small vignettes, below the main image above the title, are of the State House, Old Courthouse and Friends Meeting House, and the prison.
Date made
1875
maker
Wade, F. J.
ID Number
DL.60.3752
catalog number
60.3752
Color print of the steamship "New Jersey" in flames. Passengers are jumping off the ship and many are already in the water. The names of all on board are listed below the image in groupings: the dead {31}, the missing {30}, the saved {46}.
Description (Brief)
Color print of the steamship "New Jersey" in flames. Passengers are jumping off the ship and many are already in the water. The names of all on board are listed below the image in groupings: the dead {31}, the missing {30}, the saved {46}.
Date made
1856
maker
Pharazyn, A.
ID Number
DL.60.3301
catalog number
60.3301
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c. 1875-1900
c.1875-1900
maker
Gillinder & Sons
ID Number
1986.0446.0070
accession number
1986.0446
catalog number
1986.446.70
Raised ovoid sauceboat with rounded sides and narrow pouring lip on a circular flared or trumpet-shape pedestal atop a flat oval base with applied seamed sides; cast beading at rim and bottom edge of pedestal.
Description
Raised ovoid sauceboat with rounded sides and narrow pouring lip on a circular flared or trumpet-shape pedestal atop a flat oval base with applied seamed sides; cast beading at rim and bottom edge of pedestal. One side of body is engraved "JPG" in conjoined foliate script inside a heart-shaped cartouche topped by a tripartite scroll motif draped with bright-cut swags; two crossed ears of wheat below. Double C-curve handle has an open-ended, scrolled leaf upper terminal and split bud lower terminal. Centerpunch on underside of rounded body. Underside of flat base struck twice "JLownes" in raised script in a partially-conforming rectangle; pedestal underside scratched "twt / 27,,2".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1795
ID Number
DL.383544
catalog number
383544
accession number
162866
Raised bulbous or bellied cann or mug engraved "RUTH BRADLEE" on front in shaded block letters. Molded rim, rounded bottom, and cast stepped circular foot.
Description
Raised bulbous or bellied cann or mug engraved "RUTH BRADLEE" on front in shaded block letters. Molded rim, rounded bottom, and cast stepped circular foot. Hollow, double C-scroll handle has a sprigged upper terminal with flared strut and a split scroll lower terminal with cylindrical strut and oval attachment. Bottom underside struck above and below centerpoint "PERKINS" in incuse serif letters with possible traces of a surround.
Maker is Jacob Perkins (1766-1829); worked in Newburyport, 1783-1816, in Boston briefly, and in Philadelphia, from 1816.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1810 - 1820
ID Number
DL.383560
catalog number
383560
accession number
162866
Large, baluster-shaped pitcher on domed foot with bulbous body seamed near middle and tall, raised incurved neck flaring to a curved rim with wide pouring lip; cast gadrooning applied at rim and ribbing at foot.
Description
Large, baluster-shaped pitcher on domed foot with bulbous body seamed near middle and tall, raised incurved neck flaring to a curved rim with wide pouring lip; cast gadrooning applied at rim and ribbing at foot. Armorial engraving on one side of body consists of the coronet of a Spanish marquess above a quartered coat of arms on an oval escutcheon. Cast, hollow, double C-curve handle with acanthus upper terminal and engraved acanthus below. Underside of rounded bottom is struck twice with two marks around centerpunch: "H.I.PEPPER" in raised serif letters in a rectangle stamped on opposite sides facing inwards, and "PHILAD\A" in raised serif letters in a serrated rectangle on the other two sides facing inward; "53/1" scratched below one of the maker's marks. Part of set, DL*59.2201A-B.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1830
ID Number
DL.59.2201B
catalog number
59.2201B
accession number
70138
Two-handled, rectangular, rounded-bottom bowl on a rectangular, stepped pedestal base with applied reeded molding for foot; flared cover is chased with veined leaves and topped by a cast rectangular urn.
Description
Two-handled, rectangular, rounded-bottom bowl on a rectangular, stepped pedestal base with applied reeded molding for foot; flared cover is chased with veined leaves and topped by a cast rectangular urn. Body consists of a wide, die-rolled band of grapevine and oak branch decoration at rim and a raised lower section with bulbous upper half and two overlapping rows of chased points around bottom. Right-angled, reeded strap handles. Underside of body is struck with four hallmarks, but no maker's mark; centerpunch visible. Opposite ends of base underside are struck with seller's marks. From a four-piece service, DL*383361-DL*383363A-B.
Hallmarks appear to be those for Chester, England, in 1814, although there is no town mark. Sellers are Liberty Browne (1776-1831) and William Seal (active, circa 1810-circa 1822) of Philadelphia, PA; in partnership, circa 1810-1811.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1814
ID Number
DL.383362
catalog number
383362
accession number
167322
Lidless, seamed tapered cylindrical tankard or mug scored with two sets of six lines around body and engraved "CMH" in conjoined foliate script on front. Applied bead-molded rim, seamed base molding with plain footring, and flat bottom set in.
Description
Lidless, seamed tapered cylindrical tankard or mug scored with two sets of six lines around body and engraved "CMH" in conjoined foliate script on front. Applied bead-molded rim, seamed base molding with plain footring, and flat bottom set in. Hollow S- and C-curve handle has faceted face and heart-shaped lower terminal. Centerpoint on bottom inside. Bottom underside struck once at center "C.Wiltberger" in raised roman letters in a conforming surround.
Maker is Christian Wiltberger (1766-1851) of Philadelphia, PA; working by 1793 (when partnership with Samuel Alexander dissolved) until 1817.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1793-1817
ID Number
DL.383600
catalog number
383600
accession number
162866
Raised circular urn-shape teapot with double-flared or -trumpeted, hinged lid topped by a large cast ball on a flared circular pedestal atop a square base with applied sides; one side of body is engraved with a large shaded foliate script "G".
Description
Raised circular urn-shape teapot with double-flared or -trumpeted, hinged lid topped by a large cast ball on a flared circular pedestal atop a square base with applied sides; one side of body is engraved with a large shaded foliate script "G". Beading at edges of lid, base of almost flat, incurved neck, top and bottom of pedestal, face and back of the S-curve spout and at tops of the cylindrical sockets, into which is pinned a C-curve handle with scrolled waterleaf. Body perforated at spout. Outside of base opposite monogram is struck "I•M\c/.Mullin" in raised italic roman letters in a rectangle. Inside of lid incised "oz / 22= dwt / 13". No marks on underside. Part of a six-piece coffee and tea service, DL*037807-DL*037812.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1797
ID Number
DL.037809
catalog number
037809
accession number
117389
Black and white print; bust portrait of a man (William Bradford Reed). Facsimile of sitter's signature is below the image.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Black and white print; bust portrait of a man (William Bradford Reed). Facsimile of sitter's signature is below the image.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1855
depicted
Reed, William Bradford
maker
Wagner & McGuigan
Traubel, Morris H.
ID Number
DL.60.3128
catalog number
60.3128
accession number
228146
Horizontally mounted, brown-speckled emu egg held aloft by a bearded aboriginal or Maori man in loincloth on one knee, flanked by an emu and a kangaroo, all three on an oval base shaped as rocky ground on four, three-lobed, split-scroll feet.
Description
Horizontally mounted, brown-speckled emu egg held aloft by a bearded aboriginal or Maori man in loincloth on one knee, flanked by an emu and a kangaroo, all three on an oval base shaped as rocky ground on four, three-lobed, split-scroll feet. Egg is secured with twisted wire tied between a small cylindrical cup covered by a cast spreadwing bird on top, two ring handles at sides, fern leaves on bottom, and a clipped-corner rectangular plaque on front inscribed in script "Souvenir / of the / Centennial Exhibition / 1776 Philadelphia 1876 / from / Australia". Underside of bottom mount on egg is struck "H.STEINER" in raised sans serif letters next to a lion passant facing left in shield, and a kangaroo standing in a vertical rectangle. Areas of black on man's legs, possibly losses in silverplate.
Maker is Henry Steiner (1835-1914) of Adelaide, Australia. A German-born and -trained silversmith, Steiner showcased his works at numerous international and intercolonial exhibitions of the late 1800s.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
ID Number
DL.317983.01
catalog number
317983.01
accession number
317983
Plain, raised hemispherical bowl on a flared or trumpet-shape pedestal atop a square base with applied sides. Applied beading at rim and at top and bottom of pedestal. One side of base is struck "C.Wiltberger" in raised roman letters in a conforming surround.
Description
Plain, raised hemispherical bowl on a flared or trumpet-shape pedestal atop a square base with applied sides. Applied beading at rim and at top and bottom of pedestal. One side of base is struck "C.Wiltberger" in raised roman letters in a conforming surround. Square piece of wood inserted into bottom of base is adhered with a large cloth label printed "SHIPP. / ACC." and a smaller paper label inscribed "345".
Maker is Christian Wiltberger (1766-1851) of Philadelphia, PA; working by 1793 (when partnership with Samuel Alexander dissolved) until 1817.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1800
ID Number
DL.60.3904
catalog number
60.3904
accession number
226997
Wrought iron clips or catches, used to hold ornament or decoration in place. Flat bar with two parallel tapered points. No mark. According to the donor they were used in the High Altar Gates of the Washington Cathedral.
Description
Wrought iron clips or catches, used to hold ornament or decoration in place. Flat bar with two parallel tapered points. No mark. According to the donor they were used in the High Altar Gates of the Washington Cathedral. See DL*72.0034.
Maker is the Keyser Brothers, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1928-1971.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1928
ID Number
DL.72.0034A
catalog number
72.0034A
accession number
299610
Bulging, circular body with vertical rim, flat bottom, and long wooden handle attached to a tapered socket fitted over and single-riveted through an integrally cast extension with triangular pad; white enameled interior.
Description
Bulging, circular body with vertical rim, flat bottom, and long wooden handle attached to a tapered socket fitted over and single-riveted through an integrally cast extension with triangular pad; white enameled interior. Hollow cast with seam around middle and single gate mark across center of bottom underside; cast-in marks "CR[E]SSO[N]" and "1 qt (curved)" in incuse sans serif letters at perimeter on underside. No cover.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1850 - 1870
ID Number
DL.381467
catalog number
381467
accession number
157874
Electric flatiron. Metal, triangular-shaped body, chrome-plated. Fabric guide on top of body, “OFF/ART-SILK/SILK/WOOL/COTTON/LINEN” embossed into top, streamlines, circular design. Molded plastic pointer/selector, pointed, black, “PROCTOR” logo embossed into top.
Description
Electric flatiron. Metal, triangular-shaped body, chrome-plated. Fabric guide on top of body, “OFF/ART-SILK/SILK/WOOL/COTTON/LINEN” embossed into top, streamlines, circular design. Molded plastic pointer/selector, pointed, black, “PROCTOR” logo embossed into top. Handle comprised of bent metal, with molded cork grip, horizontal, black, molded plastic ends. Power attachment built into bottom of handle, power cord attached. Coiled metal wire, woven fabric cord, black, molded plastic plug, black, two-pronged, interior circuitry is visible. Cooling stand comprised of two bent metal wires, attached at heel rest, which rotate from top of body around to the underside of soleplate. Heel is marked: “PROCTOR/SNAP STAND SPEED IRON/NO 930 AUTOMATIC/USE ON ALTERNATING CURRENT ONLY/1000 WATTS VOLTS 110-120/MADE BY PROCTOR & SHWARTZ ELECTRIC CO./PHILADELPHIA, PA., U.S.A./PATENTS PENDING”. Red paper tag attached to power cord, printed, illegible.
Maker is Proctor & Shwartz Electric Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 1885 as the Philadelphia Textile and Machinery Company, now a part of Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.
An ad from 1935 featuring this iron stated that the dealer would buy your old iron from you for $1.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1935
ID Number
1988.3012.06
nonaccession number
1988.3012
catalog number
1988.3012.06
Bowl-shaped porringer with bulging sides, slightly angled rim, and large boss bottom with narrow rounded gutter; cast handle is pierced in a keyhole pattern with 13 voids and engraved on front "E+H" in serif letters facing in.
Description
Bowl-shaped porringer with bulging sides, slightly angled rim, and large boss bottom with narrow rounded gutter; cast handle is pierced in a keyhole pattern with 13 voids and engraved on front "E+H" in serif letters facing in. Struck three times along rim exterior and bottom inside "PS" in raised serif letters inside a curvilinear shield. Weight engraved on bottom underside "oz / 8=8". Centerpoint on bottom underside.
Maker is Philip Syng, Jr. (1703-1789); working, 1742-1772. Born in Cork, Ireland, and emigrated with family to Philadelphia, PA, in 1714.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1767
ID Number
1980.0466.01
accession number
1980.0466
catalog number
1980.0466.01
Single-reeded circular plate with flat well; no foot ring. Underside struck "A" and "K" in incuse serif letters near center, and twice with the very faint, partial touch mark of Thomas Byles, only part of a crown is visible.
Description
Single-reeded circular plate with flat well; no foot ring. Underside struck "A" and "K" in incuse serif letters near center, and twice with the very faint, partial touch mark of Thomas Byles, only part of a crown is visible. Old, red-bordered, clipped-corner paper label, adhered to underside with yellowed cellophane tape, is inscribed "Thos. Byles / L586 1712 on / only 6 known / examples of this / touch. / Newport / Phila. & Camden".
Maker is Thomas Byles (circa 1685-1771), who worked as a pewtersmith in Newport, RI, 1710-1735; and in Philadelphia, PA, 1738-1771.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1738-1771
ID Number
1986.0027.07
catalog number
1986.0027.07
accession number
1986.0027
Handleless, rectangular, rounded-bottom bowl on a rectangular, stepped pedestal base with applied reeded molding for foot.
Description
Handleless, rectangular, rounded-bottom bowl on a rectangular, stepped pedestal base with applied reeded molding for foot. A wide, die-rolled band of grapevine and oak branch decoration is at rim above a raised lower body with bulbous upper half and two overlapping rows of chased points around bottom. Underside of body is struck with four hallmarks, but no maker's mark; centerpunch visible. One end of base underside is struck with seller's mark and incised with weight. From a four-piece service, DL*383361-DL*383363A-B.
Hallmarks appear to be those for Chester, England, in 1814, although there is no town mark. Sellers are Liberty Browne (1776-1831) and William Seal (active, circa 1810-circa 1822) of Philadelphia, PA; in partnership, circa 1810-1811.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1814
ID Number
DL.383363B
catalog number
383363B
accession number
167322
Raised hemispherical bowl with an applied molded rim, under which is attached a cast handle pierced in a keyhole pattern having 10 voids.
Description
Raised hemispherical bowl with an applied molded rim, under which is attached a cast handle pierced in a keyhole pattern having 10 voids. Bottom of bowl is pierced with small holes arranged with one at center encircled by two concentric circles and three rows of scallops or petals. Struck once on underside of handle "IB" in raised serif letters in a rounded rectangle.
Maker is John Bayly of Philadelphia, PA; active 1754-1783. His son, John Bayly Jr., was also a silversmith who worked in Philadelphia and New Castle Co., DE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1765
ID Number
DL.383485
catalog number
383485
accession number
162866
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1876
ID Number
DL.60.0378
catalog number
60.0378
accession number
228471
Large, raised circular urn-shape pot with triple-flared or -trumpeted, hinged lid topped by a large cast ball on a flared circular pedestal atop a square base with applied sides; one side of body is engraved with a large shaded foliate script "G".
Description
Large, raised circular urn-shape pot with triple-flared or -trumpeted, hinged lid topped by a large cast ball on a flared circular pedestal atop a square base with applied sides; one side of body is engraved with a large shaded foliate script "G". Beading at edges of lid, base of tall, incurved neck, top and bottom of pedestal, face and back of the S-curve spout and at tops of the cylindrical sockets, into which is pinned a C-curve handle with scrolled waterleaf. Body has one large diamond- or lozenge-shape opening at spout. Pedestal underside is incised "oz / 42 dwt / 5"; base underside is struck four times "WILLIAMSON" in raised roman letters in a rectangle. Centerpunch on underside of body. Part of a six-piece coffee and tea service, DL*037807-DL*037812.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1797
ID Number
DL.037807
catalog number
037807
accession number
117389
Circular bowl with cast rim of intertwined wild rose branches, rounded sides that straighten at base, and boss bottom with flat gutter; no foot ring. Gilt-washed interior.
Description
Circular bowl with cast rim of intertwined wild rose branches, rounded sides that straighten at base, and boss bottom with flat gutter; no foot ring. Gilt-washed interior. Bottom underside struck incuse with two sets of marks facing inward, an "L" in crescent motif above "J.E.CALDWELL & Co" and "STERLING" above "433"; "16710" is scratched to left of L-and-crescent mark. One of two bowls, DL*61.0315A-B.
Probably made by Lebkuecher & Co. (Arthur E. Lebkuecher, Frank A. Lebkuecher, and Charles C. Wientge), of Newark, NJ, 1896-1918 (named Francis A. Lebkuecher & Co.,1912-1918) for retail by J.E. Caldwell & Co. of Philadelphia, PA; business founded in 1839 by James Emmot Caldwell but name and mark adopted 1848. Lebkuecher was acquired by The Eleder Co. in 1918, which became the Eleder-Hickok Co. in 1922, also located in Newark. Eleder-Hickok used the Lebkuecher mark as its own until it merged in the mid 1930s with the Matthews Co. to become Hickok-Matthews Co.; mark apparently discontinued at that time.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
ID Number
DL.61.0315A
catalog number
61.0315A
accession number
200122
Wrought iron clips or catches, used to hold ornament or decoration in place. Flat bar with two parallel tapered points. No mark. According to the donor they were used in the High Altar Gates of the Washington Cathedral.
Description
Wrought iron clips or catches, used to hold ornament or decoration in place. Flat bar with two parallel tapered points. No mark. According to the donor they were used in the High Altar Gates of the Washington Cathedral. See DL*72.0034.
Maker is the Keyser Brothers, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1928-1971.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1928
ID Number
DL.72.0034B
catalog number
72.0034B
accession number
299610

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