Domestic Furnishings

Tiffany Floor Lamp

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.

Date: 1880s

painting

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1880
ID Number
DL.61.0003
catalog number
61.0003
accession number
228471

fork

Dinner fork. Two-tined with baluster stem. Tines and stem are one piece of steel inserted into a teardrop-shaped horn handle with small silver pommel cap. Minor pitting and rust on steel. Silver is irregularly-shaped. Horn is scratched overall and nicked.
Description
Dinner fork. Two-tined with baluster stem. Tines and stem are one piece of steel inserted into a teardrop-shaped horn handle with small silver pommel cap. Minor pitting and rust on steel. Silver is irregularly-shaped. Horn is scratched overall and nicked. No mark.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1840- 1880
ID Number
1986.0531.241
accession number
1986.0531
catalog number
1986.0531.241

Soda Glass Holder

Cylindrical glass holder with a high scrolled strap handle attached to a cast openwork ring of daisies and anthemions mounted to a spun tapered cup on circular, domed pedestal base.
Description
Cylindrical glass holder with a high scrolled strap handle attached to a cast openwork ring of daisies and anthemions mounted to a spun tapered cup on circular, domed pedestal base. Six-petaled flower thumbrest; die-rolled geometric floral patterns on handle and on angled rim on cup. Underside of base struck with two marks, "JAMES W. TUFTS / BOSTON / WARRANTED / QUADRUPLE PLATE" arranged in a circle around a "T" at center of four-pointed star and "2151"; "33" scratched on side opposite of stamp. Holds a bowl from a clear, colorless wine glass.
Maker is James W. Tufts (1835-1902) of Charlestown and Boston, MA. Tufts was an apothecary store apprentice who went on to open his own chain of drugstores in Massachusetts. His interest in sodas sold at his stores led him invent and patent the Artic soda fountain in 1863 and he served as the first president of the Artic Soda Fountain Co. (later merged into the American Soda Fountain Co.). He diversified his business by manufacturing soda fountain equipment and, beginning in 1875, a variety of silverplated wares (not all were soda-related). He retired to North Carolina in 1895, where he worked with Frederick Law Olmstead to develop the town of Pinehurst. The silverplating business continued under his name until around 1915.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1885
ID Number
1989.0733.01
catalog number
1989.0733.01
accession number
1989.0733

Boston and Sandwhich Glass Company Paperweight

In the 1700s, paperweights made from textured stone or bronze were part of the writer’s tool kit, which also included a quill pen and stand, inkpot, and blotter.
Description (Brief)
In the 1700s, paperweights made from textured stone or bronze were part of the writer’s tool kit, which also included a quill pen and stand, inkpot, and blotter. By the mid-1800s, decorative paperweights produced by glassmakers in Europe and the United States became highly desired collectibles.
Decorative glass paperweights reflected the 19th-century taste for intricate, over-the-top designs. Until the spread of textiles colorized with synthetic dyes, ceramics and glass were among the few objects that added brilliant color to a 19th-century Victorian interior. The popularity of these paperweights in the 1800s testifies to the sustained cultural interest in hand craftsmanship during an age of rapid industrialization.
Deming Jarves found the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company in Sandwich, Massachusetts in 1825, after leaving the New England Glass Company. The wares of these two companies can be easily confused as they shared owners, employees and managers.
This Boston and Sandwich Glass Company paperweight encases a twelve-petal red and white Poinsettia with a green and white center Rose. It was made by glassworker Nicolas Lutz.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1852-1880
maker
Boston & Sandwich Glass Company
ID Number
CE.60.109
catalog number
60.109
accession number
211475

Tilting kettle and stand

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

Charcoal Stove

Portable charcoal stove with wire bail handle consisting of a wide-rimmed, tapered cylindrical firebox on a scalloped pedestal base with three flared legs.
Description
Portable charcoal stove with wire bail handle consisting of a wide-rimmed, tapered cylindrical firebox on a scalloped pedestal base with three flared legs. Low rectangular opening at base of firebox and an incurved-corner, square shelf in pedestal base together form a small hearth. Two, removable, patterned grates, one rests inside the firebox and the other on its rim. Firebox, base and inside grate all have a cast-in, raised "3".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
ID Number
DL.103632
catalog number
103632
accession number
28022

knife, dinner; cutlery, set, part of

Set of six dinner knives (1986.531.162-.167) in light brown flannel carrying pouch with individual pockets for each knife (1986.531.247). Straight silver-plated steel blade with rounded tip and “yankee” style bolster fitted into tapered ivory handle with rounded sides and butt.
Description
Set of six dinner knives (1986.531.162-.167) in light brown flannel carrying pouch with individual pockets for each knife (1986.531.247). Straight silver-plated steel blade with rounded tip and “yankee” style bolster fitted into tapered ivory handle with rounded sides and butt. Tang is held in place with single steel pin through side of handle. Blade is scratched, corroded, plate is worn, tarnished. Ivory is yellowed, cracked, and crazed. Minor losses at butt. Clear residue on handle.
Blade is stamped: “LAMSON & GOODNOW MFG Co/S. FALLS WORKS”; partially worn.
Maker is Lamson & Goodnow Company, a manufacturer and wholesaler active in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts 1844-present.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1860- 1880
maker
Lamson & Goodnow
ID Number
1986.0531.167
accession number
1986.0531
catalog number
1986.531.167

Pantry Box

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1830 - 1880
ID Number
DL.305626.0002
catalog number
305626.0002
accession number
305626

Cigarette Case

Rounded rectangular case relief-engraved on lid and underside with dense foliate scrollwork accented by grotesques; an empty, curvilinear shield is at one corner of the inset, snap-closure, hinged lid. Gold washed interior. Angled, pointed tab across lid front.
Description
Rounded rectangular case relief-engraved on lid and underside with dense foliate scrollwork accented by grotesques; an empty, curvilinear shield is at one corner of the inset, snap-closure, hinged lid. Gold washed interior. Angled, pointed tab across lid front. Front of lid collar and inside bottom both struck with four marks, "G.A.S." in incuse sans serif letters, a hexagonal right-facing Diana head (Dianakopf) with "2" and "A", a combined crescent moon and imperial crown in a surround (Reichsmark), and "900".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1888 - 1921
post 1888
ID Number
DL.60.1941
catalog number
60.1941
accession number
200122

Double Decilitre Measure

Bracket-handled, cylindrical metric measure with high collar pinched into spout at front and sloped at back for the rounded inset lid; molded lower rim and base. Hooked tab thumb piece with wedge extension; five-knuckle hinge; stepped thumbrest.
Description
Bracket-handled, cylindrical metric measure with high collar pinched into spout at front and sloped at back for the rounded inset lid; molded lower rim and base. Hooked tab thumb piece with wedge extension; five-knuckle hinge; stepped thumbrest. Stamped on front of body "DOU[B]LE / [D]ECIL[ITRE]" in incuse serif letters; on front of lower rim with "** / 3" next to clasped hands in an oval; on face of handle and top front of lid with clasped hands mark; and on extension and top of rim with an indecipherible number of letter verification marks. Underside of flat bottom struck once with arched touchmark "ALBERT" in incuse serif letters. One of an assembled set of six metric measures, DL*67.0334-.0339.
Maker is Albert of Lille, France.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885
ID Number
DL.67.0337
catalog number
67.0337
accession number
250853

knife, dinner

Dinner knife. Straight steel blade with rounded tip and long tang with wooden scales riveted with brass pins to form block handle with straight sides, chamfered edges, and blunt butt. Scratched and stained overall, “X” shaped incision on both sides of handle.
Description
Dinner knife. Straight steel blade with rounded tip and long tang with wooden scales riveted with brass pins to form block handle with straight sides, chamfered edges, and blunt butt. Scratched and stained overall, “X” shaped incision on both sides of handle. Scales are separating from the tang.
Blade is stamped: “LAMSON & GOODNOW MFG CO/S. FALLS WORKS”
Maker is Lamson & Goodnow Company, a manufacturer and wholesaler active in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts 1844-present.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1860- 1880
maker
Lamson & Goodnow
ID Number
1986.0531.169
accession number
1986.0531
catalog number
1986.0531.169

Spoon

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1887
ID Number
DL.382016A
catalog number
382016A
accession number
162081

Dessert knife

Dessert knife, one of a set of six (1988.763.4-9). Straight steel blade with rounded tip and “yankee” style bolster fitted into tapered ivory handle with rounded sides and butt. Tang is held in place with steel pin through side of handle.
Description
Dessert knife, one of a set of six (1988.763.4-9). Straight steel blade with rounded tip and “yankee” style bolster fitted into tapered ivory handle with rounded sides and butt. Tang is held in place with steel pin through side of handle. Blade is scratched and abraded, with minor corrosion and rust. Ivory is yellowed, small crack near pin. Steel pin through handle is rusted.
Blade is stamped: “CLEMENT HAWKES /& MAYNARD”; worn away, difficult to read.
Maker is the Clement Hawkes & Maynard Manufacturing Company, founded in 1866 in Northampton, Massachusetts. The company was reorganized circa 1882 as the Clement Cutlery Company.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1866- 1882
ID Number
1988.0763.04
accession number
1988.0763
catalog number
1988.0763.04

Jar

Cylindrical, clear, colorless pressed glass jar with plain rim, vertical S waves on its exterior, and a radiating star on bottom underside. Smooth interior has "PAT'D" in raised sans serif letters at bottom. Jar from pickle caster, 1979.0800.01-.04.Currently not on view
Description
Cylindrical, clear, colorless pressed glass jar with plain rim, vertical S waves on its exterior, and a radiating star on bottom underside. Smooth interior has "PAT'D" in raised sans serif letters at bottom. Jar from pickle caster, 1979.0800.01-.04.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1880s
ca 1880
ID Number
1979.0800.01
catalog number
1979.0800.01
accession number
1979.0800

Teapot

Apple-shaped teapot on shallow foot ring with domed and stepped, hinged lid topped by a cast flower-and-scroll ball; overall repousse floral decoration includes roses, daisies, chrysanthemums and violets; C-curve handle is pinned into ivory insulators that have been cracked off f
Description
Apple-shaped teapot on shallow foot ring with domed and stepped, hinged lid topped by a cast flower-and-scroll ball; overall repousse floral decoration includes roses, daisies, chrysanthemums and violets; C-curve handle is pinned into ivory insulators that have been cracked off from acanthus sockets on body. S-curve spout has matching acanthus base and ends in an open-beaked bird's head. Underside of flat bottom fully marked "TIFFANY & CO" above pattern and order numbers and with capacity in cups and gills, all struck incuse in serif and sans serif letters. No centerpunch. Used as a set with creamer and sugar bowl, DL*316497.0008-.0009.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1889
maker
Tiffany & Co.
ID Number
DL.316497.0007
catalog number
316497.0007
accession number
316497

vase

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c. 1878-1880
ID Number
1981.1000.2
accession number
1981.1000
catalog number
1981.1000.2

Panel

Vertical rectangular panel ornamented by a branch of chrysanthemums in high relief against a low-relief latticed ground. Cast iron, polished and electroplated in dead silver, bright copper and brass, and colored in shades of black.
Description
Vertical rectangular panel ornamented by a branch of chrysanthemums in high relief against a low-relief latticed ground. Cast iron, polished and electroplated in dead silver, bright copper and brass, and colored in shades of black. Back cast with two tabs at sides, pattern number near center, and copyright information along one long edge.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885
copyright date
1884
maker
Magee Furnace Company
ID Number
DL.093510
catalog number
93510
accession number
16161

Pantry Box

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1830 - 1880
ID Number
DL.305626.0003
catalog number
305626.0003
accession number
305626

knife, dinner

Dinner knife. Straight steel blade with rounded tip and “yankee” style bolster. Blade and bolster are one piece of steel with tang fitted into tapered ivory block handle with rounded sides and butt. Tang is held in place with a steel pin through side.
Description
Dinner knife. Straight steel blade with rounded tip and “yankee” style bolster. Blade and bolster are one piece of steel with tang fitted into tapered ivory block handle with rounded sides and butt. Tang is held in place with a steel pin through side. Blade and bolster have minor overall discoloration. Ivory is yellowed and has several small cracks at butt and one side near pin. A larger crack is on the opposite side from bolster to butt.
Blade is stamped: “LAMSON GOODNOW & Co/S. FALLS WORKS”
Maker is Lamson & Goodnow Company, a manufacturer and wholesaler active in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts 1844-present.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1860- 1880
maker
Lamson & Goodnow
ID Number
1986.0531.150
accession number
1986.0531
catalog number
1986.531.150

Nutpick

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1887 - 1922
1880 - 1890
patent date
1880-06-29
ID Number
DL.67.0786
catalog number
67.0786
accession number
269842

knife, dessert; cutlery, set, part of

One of a set of four dessert knives (1986.0531.152-.55). Straight silver-plated steel blade with rounded tip and small “yankee” style bolster. Blade and bolster are one piece of steel fitted into an ivory handle with rounded sides and butt.
Description
One of a set of four dessert knives (1986.0531.152-.55). Straight silver-plated steel blade with rounded tip and small “yankee” style bolster. Blade and bolster are one piece of steel fitted into an ivory handle with rounded sides and butt. Tang is held in place with a single steel pin through the side. Blade is scratched and tarnished. Ivory has crack down one side near pin.
Blade is stamped: “LAMSON GOODNOW & Co/S. FALLS WORKS”
Maker is Lamson & Goodnow Company, a manufacturer and wholesaler active in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts 1844-present.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1860- 1880
maker
Lamson & Goodnow
ID Number
1986.0531.153
accession number
1986.0531
catalog number
1986.531.153

knife, dinner

Dinner knife. Straight silver-plated steel blade with rounded tip. Blade and “yankee” style bolster are one piece of steel with tang fitted into tapered ivory block handle with rounded sides and butt. Blade is heavily scratched, tarnished.
Description
Dinner knife. Straight silver-plated steel blade with rounded tip. Blade and “yankee” style bolster are one piece of steel with tang fitted into tapered ivory block handle with rounded sides and butt. Blade is heavily scratched, tarnished. Ivory is yellowed and discolored overall, minor crazing.
Stamped on blade: “VANDERSLICE & CO”
Maker is possibly Vanderslice & Company, a San Francisco-based manufacturer and dealer active circa 1863-1908.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1860- 1880
ID Number
1986.0531.232
accession number
1986.0531
catalog number
1986.0531.232

"Chesterman's Patent Lever" Bottle Jack

Roasting jack or spit engine consisting of a tall, slender, cylindrical shaft with hanging hook mounted on top of a larger cylinder containing a spring-powered mechanism; conical turning tip with small suspension hook extends through opening in the flat hexagonal base plate and r
Description
Roasting jack or spit engine consisting of a tall, slender, cylindrical shaft with hanging hook mounted on top of a larger cylinder containing a spring-powered mechanism; conical turning tip with small suspension hook extends through opening in the flat hexagonal base plate and rotates the suspended cast iron spit wheel with sliding hanging rings. Rectangular embossed nameplate for "CHESTERMAN'S / PATENT LEVER / ROAST-JACK / SHEFFIELD."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855 - 1885
ID Number
DL.388233
catalog number
388233
accession number
182022

Match Safe

Small, three-sided box with fretwork front and plain, angled sides glued to a sawn, symmetrical back panel featuring a trefoil scrollwork hanger above two, inward-facing, kidney-shaped C scrolls. Penciled notations on both sides of panel.Currently not on view
Description
Small, three-sided box with fretwork front and plain, angled sides glued to a sawn, symmetrical back panel featuring a trefoil scrollwork hanger above two, inward-facing, kidney-shaped C scrolls. Penciled notations on both sides of panel.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1885
late 19th c.
ID Number
1982.0049.04
accession number
1982.0049
catalog number
1982.0049.04

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