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.

Place: Philadelphia

chair, piano

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1870s
ID Number
DL.66.0028
catalog number
66.0028
accession number
261086

chair, wing

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1750 - 1760
ID Number
DL.391790
catalog number
391790
accession number
71679

Coffeepot

Japanned conical coffeepot with a rounded, hinged lid topped by a small loop at front. Tapered D- or ear-shaped strap handle is opposite of the straight, tapered, soft-soldered lapped-seam spout; flat bottom with projecting, folded edge.
Description
Japanned conical coffeepot with a rounded, hinged lid topped by a small loop at front. Tapered D- or ear-shaped strap handle is opposite of the straight, tapered, soft-soldered lapped-seam spout; flat bottom with projecting, folded edge. Wire-rimmed body has an added triangular piece below its vertical folded seam and is perforated at spout. Painted decoration features a red, left-facing, kidney-shaped flower on curved red stem with green leaves; flower is accented by rows of yellow, alizarin and white dots above a fan of white and alizarin overtones, and is surrounded by yellow and green leaflets. Yellow and red brushwork covers lid and borders rim and base. Fine yellow strokes beneath spout. Mottled asphaltum background. No marks.
Attributed to one of the Filley Tinshops, located in Bloomfield, CT, Lansingburgh, NY, and Philadelphia, PA; with decoration painted by Edward Francis (d. 1826), who worked for the Filley family at all three shops.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1820 - 1825
ID Number
1978.0119.08
accession number
1978.0119
catalog number
1978.0119.08

Waste Bowl

Raised hemispherical bowl engraved with a large, shaded foliate script "G" on a flared or trumpet-shape circular pedestal atop a square base with applied sides. Beading at rim and at top and bottom of pedestal.
Description
Raised hemispherical bowl engraved with a large, shaded foliate script "G" on a flared or trumpet-shape circular pedestal atop a square base with applied sides. Beading at rim and at top and bottom of pedestal. Outside of base to right of monogram is struck "I•M\c/.Mullin" in raised italic roman letters in a rectangle. Underside of pedestal is incised twice "oz 12=19". No centerpunch. 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.037811
catalog number
037811
accession number
117389

Plate

Single-reeded circular plate with flat well scored once near booge; no foot ring.
Description
Single-reeded circular plate with flat well scored once near booge; no foot ring. Six marks on underside of well include the arched crowned-rose-and-column touchmark of Cornelius Bradford struck twice, both partial, above four pseudo hallmarks (left to right): the raised serif letters "DS", a flaming heart pierced with crossed arrows, a left-facing lion rampant, and possibly a leopard's head, all in serrated squares.
Maker is Cormelius Bradford (1729-1786), working in New York, NY, and Philadelphia, PA, circa 1750-1786.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1750 - 1786
ID Number
1986.0027.04
catalog number
1986.0027.04
accession number
1986.0027

Ladle

Old English type ladle with circular bowl and pointed downturned handle with midrib on back, bright cut pendant ovals on front, and"JMT" engraved in conjoined foliate script in the reserve; no shoulders. Swage-formed pointed drop on back of bowl.
Description
Old English type ladle with circular bowl and pointed downturned handle with midrib on back, bright cut pendant ovals on front, and"JMT" engraved in conjoined foliate script in the reserve; no shoulders. Swage-formed pointed drop on back of bowl. Back of handle is struck with a spreadwing shield-body eagle in a diamond and "D.V.VOORHIS" in raised serif letters in a rectangle, facing reverse directions.
Maker is Daniel Van Voorhis (1751-1824); working, New York, NY, circa 1772-1775; Philadelphia, PA, 1775-1782; Princeton, NJ, 1783-1784; New York, NY, 1784-1787; Bennington County, VT, 1787-1788; New York, NY, 1788-1803. Worked alone and in partnerships.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1782
ID Number
DL.383590
catalog number
383590
accession number
162866

Coffeepot

Japanned conical coffeepot with low-domed, hinged lid topped by a small tight scroll at front. Tapered D- or ear-shaped strap handle is opposite of the straight, tapered, soft-soldered lapped-seam spout; flat bottom with projecting, folded edge.
Description
Japanned conical coffeepot with low-domed, hinged lid topped by a small tight scroll at front. Tapered D- or ear-shaped strap handle is opposite of the straight, tapered, soft-soldered lapped-seam spout; flat bottom with projecting, folded edge. Wire-rimmed body has a grooved band near top, an added triangular piece below its vertical folded seam, and is perforated at spout. Later, darkened varnish obscures painted decoration, which features overlapping fruit and flower motifs, several shaded or fingered-off; all detailed in black and set against an underlying, semitransparent white circle. Yellow brushwork borders rim and covers lid. No marks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1818 - 1853
ID Number
1977.1227.02
accession number
1977.1227
catalog number
1977.1227.02

Creamer

Tapered oval cream pitcher engraved with a large shaded foliate script "G"; flat bottom, no base. Incurved neck flares to a curved rim with applied beading and wide pouring lip.
Description
Tapered oval cream pitcher engraved with a large shaded foliate script "G"; flat bottom, no base. Incurved neck flares to a curved rim with applied beading and wide pouring lip. High-loop, tapered C-curve strap handle extends from rim to base with lower portion rising to a sprig. Bottom underside is struck four times "I•M" in incuse roman letters arranged in a square. No centerpunch. 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.037812
catalog number
037812
accession number
117389

Double Oven Patent Model

Patent model (U.S. Patent No. 13, 375) of a vertically-oriented double oven, the upper oven having a removable lining, made by John P. Hayes of Philadelphia, PA, and patented on July 31, 1855. Painted brown or faux grained with gilt accents.
Description
Patent model (U.S. Patent No. 13, 375) of a vertically-oriented double oven, the upper oven having a removable lining, made by John P. Hayes of Philadelphia, PA, and patented on July 31, 1855. Painted brown or faux grained with gilt accents. Both ovens have panel-patterned double doors and internal racks. Proper right side has a horizontal top vent with sliding door, two vertical panels with heart-shaped air vents, and a horizontal bottom vent. Loose part of unknown purpose and what appears to be a small plate are stored inside object. Maker's name and location cast in pediment. Fragments of darkened paper tags tied to object and reproduction patent tag stored with object are printed and handwritten with patent information and catalog numbers.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1855-07-31
patent date
1855-07-31
inventor
Hayes, John P.
ID Number
DL.251516
accession number
48890
patent number
13,375
catalog number
251516

Child's Cup

Small, seamed octagonal or 8-panel-sided mug on flared cylindrical base with rococo-style, repousse chased foliate decoration and die-rolled, shell-patterned bands at rim and base.
Description
Small, seamed octagonal or 8-panel-sided mug on flared cylindrical base with rococo-style, repousse chased foliate decoration and die-rolled, shell-patterned bands at rim and base. Foliate and ruffled C scroll reserve opposite the spurred scroll handle bears the engraved inscription "Cassy Mason / from her / Uncle" in script; pendant tulips and scrolled foliage fill the remaining panels. Inset flat bottom is struck on underside "BAILEY & CO." and "PHILAD." both in raised serif letters in rectangles, above and below centerpunch; illegible letters scratched to left.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1851
maker
Bailey and Company
ID Number
DL.65.1426
catalog number
65.1426
accession number
70138

vase

Date made
1876 - 1878
date made
1876
maker
Gillinder & Sons
ID Number
1990.0255.03B
catalog number
1990.0255.03B
accession number
1990.0255
1990.0255

Decorative Stud

Large with hexagonal pyramid head and square, tapered and pointed shank; made as one piece. No marks.Maker is Keyser Brothers Iron Works, 4041 Ridge Ave. in Germantown, Philadelphia, PA, 1928-1971.
Description
Large with hexagonal pyramid head and square, tapered and pointed shank; made as one piece. No marks.
Maker is Keyser Brothers Iron Works, 4041 Ridge Ave. in Germantown, Philadelphia, PA, 1928-1971. Run by James Moore Bryant Keyser (1902-1977) and master blacksmith Howard Keyser III (1904-1980). Specialized in residential and ecclesiastical ornamental wrought ironwork, including the High Altar Gates in the National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. The forge was housed in an 1850s stone industrial complex that was dismantled in 1971 (documented by HABS/HAER).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1928-1971
ID Number
DL.72.0023
catalog number
72.0023
accession number
299610

Cornelius Solar Lamp Patent Model

Robert Cornelius submitted this patent model in his patent application that received patent number 3,028 on April 6, 1843. The novel innovation in Cornelius’s lamp was its ability to burn lard and other concrete fat with a minimal amount of heat.
Description
Robert Cornelius submitted this patent model in his patent application that received patent number 3,028 on April 6, 1843. The novel innovation in Cornelius’s lamp was its ability to burn lard and other concrete fat with a minimal amount of heat. This allowed lamps to use cheap lard for fuel instead of the costly whale oil that had dominated the lamp industry prior. The lamp used a deflector that heated a tube leading to the fuel, providing no more metal to heat the lard than was absolutely required. Cornelius’s lamp outsold those fueled by expensive whale oil, making his company the largest lighting company in America. Cornelius also attempted to perfect the daguerreotype photographic process, taking the first-ever self-portrait in 1839.
patent date
1843-04-06
inventor
Cornelius, Robert
ID Number
DL.331356
catalog number
331356
patent number
3,028
accession number
88881

Mug

Raised bulbous or bellied cann or mug engraved on front with an equestrian portrait depicting a jockey or rider with crop, facing left, seated astride a horse facing left. Flared rim scored around exterior, rounded bottom, and cast flared circular foot.
Description
Raised bulbous or bellied cann or mug engraved on front with an equestrian portrait depicting a jockey or rider with crop, facing left, seated astride a horse facing left. Flared rim scored around exterior, rounded bottom, and cast flared circular foot. Hollow, double C-scroll handle has a scrolled acanthus leaf on top and a split scroll lower terminal; short oval struts and stepped attachments. Bottom underside is struck twice, once above and below the centerpoint, "WH" in raised script in a serrated and conforming surround; "von Krafft." engraved in script below, with additional script possibly erased.
Maker is William Hollingshead of Philadelphia, w. circa 1757-1785.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1760
ID Number
DL.64.0763
catalog number
64.0763
accession number
253338

Architectural Ornament

Cluster of grapes and two leaves hanging from a ring at top; grapes are finished on both sides with hammer or plainishing marks visible. Made in two parts. No marks.Maker is Keyser Brothers Iron Works, 4041 Ridge Ave. in Germantown, Philadelphia, PA, 1928-1971.
Description
Cluster of grapes and two leaves hanging from a ring at top; grapes are finished on both sides with hammer or plainishing marks visible. Made in two parts. No marks.
Maker is Keyser Brothers Iron Works, 4041 Ridge Ave. in Germantown, Philadelphia, PA, 1928-1971. Run by James Moore Bryant Keyser (1902-1977) and master blacksmith Howard Keyser III (1904-1980). Specialized in residential and ecclesiastical ornamental wrought ironwork, including the High Altar Gates in the National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. The forge was housed in an 1850s stone industrial complex that was dismantled in 1971 (documented by HABS/HAER).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1920-1965
ID Number
DL.72.0020
catalog number
72.0020
accession number
299610

Creamer

Rectangular, rounded-bottom creamer with a high, right-angled, reeded strap handle on a rectangular, stepped pedestal base with applied reeded molding for foot.
Description
Rectangular, rounded-bottom creamer with a high, right-angled, reeded strap handle on a rectangular, stepped pedestal base with applied reeded molding for foot. Body consists of a wide die-rolled band of grapevine and oak branch decoration between a raised, flared neck with deeply curved rim and wide pouring lip and a raised lower section with bulbous upper half and two overlapping rows of chased points around bottom; a narrow, die-rolled band of laurel leaves is applied at rim. No marks; centerpunch visible. 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.383363A
catalog number
383363A
accession number
167322

Teapot

Rectangular, seamed teapot with raised-panel, bulging sides and a flared, rectangular, hinged lid topped by cast acorn on four ball feet.
Description
Rectangular, seamed teapot with raised-panel, bulging sides and a flared, rectangular, hinged lid topped by cast acorn on four ball feet. Body is engraved "DFB" in conjoined foliate script and has die-rolled bands of eight-petaled flowers and snowflake motifs at top and bottom of its flared shoulder and a narrower band of leaves at its base. Spurred, right-angled, C-curve handle, rectangular in section, has ribbed fruitwood insulators. Bellied S-curve spout, also rectangular in section, has a curvilinear upper lip. Underside is struck twice "P.GARRETT" in raised serif letters in a rectangle and incised "$62.40" and "oz 26 dwt 7". No centerpoint. From a three-piece tea service, DL*303918.0001-.0002.
Maker is Phillip (or Philip) Garrett (1780-1851) of Philadelphia, PA; worked alone, 1801-1828, and in partnership with his son Thomas Cresson Garrett (1805-1888) from 1828 to 1835.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1815 - 1825
ID Number
DL.303918.0001
catalog number
303918.0001
accession number
303918

Bread Basket

Japanned oval basket or pan with tall, tapered sides cut with two semicircular or lunette handles at its higher ends and painted along its lower sides with wide white bands containing a repeating pattern, from right to left, of a red tulip with blue-dotted center next to an orang
Description
Japanned oval basket or pan with tall, tapered sides cut with two semicircular or lunette handles at its higher ends and painted along its lower sides with wide white bands containing a repeating pattern, from right to left, of a red tulip with blue-dotted center next to an orange, red and blue flower, a green and orange leaf, and a shaded or fingered red-to-yellow pomegranate at far left; yellow and alizarin overstrokes with black veins and a few curlicues or squiggles in the open spaces. Yellow brushwork under the handles. Crystallized well with yellow border overpainted with thin black lattice fence strokes. Made in three pieces with a molded, wire-rolled rim, folded seams, and a flat bottom. No marks.
Attributed to either the Harvey Filley Tinshop, circa 1818-1853, or Frederick Zeitz Tinshop, both in Philadelphia, PA.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1830 - 1870
ID Number
1978.0119.31
accession number
1978.0119
catalog number
1978.0119.31

Teakettle

Pit-bottom teakettle with bellied gooseneck spout and cast-in arched ears at its rounded shoulder for the strap bail handle, half-round in section; no feet. Pivoting lid swings on bearing beneath back ear.
Description
Pit-bottom teakettle with bellied gooseneck spout and cast-in arched ears at its rounded shoulder for the strap bail handle, half-round in section; no feet. Pivoting lid swings on bearing beneath back ear. Both pieces are hollow cast: body has a pronounced horizontal seam that extends to top of spout and single gate mark on bottom exterior; cover has "B. M. SAVERY / NY." cast in raised sans serif letters around a "7" at center.
"B. M. Savery" appears to be Bartlett M. Savery (born 1830), a holloware manufacturer and dealer at 26 Cliff Street, New York, during the late 19th century. Bartlett Savery was also a nephew of Peleg Barrows Savery (1805-1863) who founded Savery & Co. in Philadelphia in 1838, which became Barrows, Savery & Co. in 1875. Bartlett was an investor in and agent for Barrows, Savery & Co., and it is possible this kettle was cast there.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
ca 1860-1890
ID Number
1982.0090.75
accession number
1982.0090
catalog number
1982.0090.75

Salt Dish

Raised, bulbous oval salt with applied cast gadrooned rim on four cast legs with shell knees and three-toed feet. Gilt-washed bowl is engraved on exterior with an armorial device depicting a crest of a bird standing left on a perch rising from a heraldic wreath.
Description
Raised, bulbous oval salt with applied cast gadrooned rim on four cast legs with shell knees and three-toed feet. Gilt-washed bowl is engraved on exterior with an armorial device depicting a crest of a bird standing left on a perch rising from a heraldic wreath. Underside of rounded bottom is engraved in script "A. E. S. / 1854." above and below "J.E.CALDWELL& / PHILAD\A." struck in incuse serif letters; centerpoint visible. Torn red-bordered white paper label is inscribed with donor's name. One of two salts, DL*378849-378850.
Location
Currently not on view
date retailed
ca 1850
ID Number
DL.378850
catalog number
378850
accession number
136183

Scroll for High Altar Gates, National Cathedral

Thin rectangular bar of iron forged into a tight spiral at one end. No marks.Maker is Keyser Brothers Iron Works, 4041 Ridge Ave. in Germantown, Philadelphia, PA, 1928-1971. Run by James Moore Bryant Keyser (1902-1977) and master blacksmith Howard Keyser III (1904-1980).
Description
Thin rectangular bar of iron forged into a tight spiral at one end. No marks.
Maker is Keyser Brothers Iron Works, 4041 Ridge Ave. in Germantown, Philadelphia, PA, 1928-1971. Run by James Moore Bryant Keyser (1902-1977) and master blacksmith Howard Keyser III (1904-1980). Specialized in residential and ecclesiastical ornamental wrought ironwork, including the High Altar Gates in the National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. The forge was housed in an 1850s stone industrial complex that was dismantled in 1971 (documented by HABS/HAER).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1928-1971
ID Number
DL.72.0019
catalog number
72.0019
accession number
299610

Wash Bowl

Large, circular bowl with wide, everted rim on slightly flared, seamed foot; cast ribbing applied at rim and gadrooning at foot. Armorial device engraved on bowl exterior consists of the coronet of a Spanish marquess above an oval escutcheon with quartered coat of arms.
Description
Large, circular bowl with wide, everted rim on slightly flared, seamed foot; cast ribbing applied at rim and gadrooning at foot. Armorial device engraved on bowl exterior consists of the coronet of a Spanish marquess above an oval escutcheon with quartered coat of arms. 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; "60/13" scratched twice near marks. Part of set, DL*59.2201A-B.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1830
ID Number
DL.59.2201A
catalog number
59.2201A
accession number
70138

Mug

Oversized, raised bulbous or bellied cann or mug engraved "JAW" on front in shaded conjoined foliate script. Applied molded rim, rounded bottom, and cast stepped circular foot.
Description
Oversized, raised bulbous or bellied cann or mug engraved "JAW" on front in shaded conjoined foliate script. Applied molded rim, rounded bottom, and cast stepped circular foot. Hollow, double C-scroll handle has a plain, cyma-curved upper terminal attached at rim and lower heel terminal with large circular attachment on belly and rectangular vent in underside. Shaded serif initials erased from face of handle "(P?) / (I?)*E". Struck once on bottom underside at centerpoint "I•L" in raised serif letters in a rounded-corner square, and once on lower face of handle "I•L" beneath a ring, all in a conforming surround.
Maker is John Leacock, Jr. (1729-1802) of Philadelphia, PA; working, circa 1750-1767. A successful gold and silversmith, Leacock purchased an estate in nearby Lower Merion, PA, and retired from the trade to take up agricultural pursuits, including viticulture. He was active in the Revolutionary cause as a popular playwright and parodist, and served as coroner of Philadelphia from 1785 until his death.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1750-1767
ID Number
DL.383540
catalog number
383540
accession number
162866

Fruit Dish Centerpiece

Figural fruit dish with a tapered rectangular base on four bracket feet that is ornamented with a scallop-edged, shell-shape barge or boat on scrolling flowered supports being paddled by a female deity or fairy with star diadem standing atop a flower on the prow.
Description
Figural fruit dish with a tapered rectangular base on four bracket feet that is ornamented with a scallop-edged, shell-shape barge or boat on scrolling flowered supports being paddled by a female deity or fairy with star diadem standing atop a flower on the prow. Festoons of laurel leaves and berries hang from the boat's sides. Stamped and chased aesthetic-style designs fill the boat's interior and border the base. A die-rolled band of floral medallions covers the base's sides and additional flowers and large beads adorn its feet. Elements are individually cast and screwed into the base. Underside of base is struck incuse near center with two circular rampant lion marks for "MERIDEN SILVER PLATE CO.", one covered by the X support for the feet and the other deliberately engraved over. The number "4521" is stamped below these marks while a circular plate for "GEO. EAKINS. / PHILADLEPHIA" is affixed above and "41" is engraved to the left.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
ID Number
1978.0340.01
accession number
1978.0340
catalog number
1978.0340.01

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