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: 1830s

Tray

Silver-gilt or vermeil, flat oval tray with piercework gallery having a die-rolled band of pointed leaves and single buds at rim and beading below; four cast tab feet each have an anthemion outlined by split scrolls with rosettes.
Description
Silver-gilt or vermeil, flat oval tray with piercework gallery having a die-rolled band of pointed leaves and single buds at rim and beading below; four cast tab feet each have an anthemion outlined by split scrolls with rosettes. Oval brass tag stamped "3325" is wired to gallery. Underside struck with three hallmarks; and one mark on gallery exterior at center of long side. Part of a five-piece service, DL*59.2346A-E.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1819 - 1838
maker
Cahier, Jean-Charles
ID Number
DL.59.2346E
catalog number
59.2346E
accession number
226997
collector/donor number
72

Lamp Stand

Tripod fat lamp stand made of three pieces, circular in section at bottom and flat at top, that are forge-welded together at center. No marks.Currently not on view
Description
Tripod fat lamp stand made of three pieces, circular in section at bottom and flat at top, that are forge-welded together at center. No marks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1780-1830
ID Number
DL.376153
catalog number
376153
accession number
136485

wimpole

Wrought iron kettle tilter, which held a heavy kettle full of boiling water, allowing it to be tilted to pour the hot water into a cup or container. Long, arched arm extends upward from two hooks below, which hold the kettle handle. No mark.Currently not on view
Description
Wrought iron kettle tilter, which held a heavy kettle full of boiling water, allowing it to be tilted to pour the hot water into a cup or container. Long, arched arm extends upward from two hooks below, which hold the kettle handle. No mark.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800-1830
ID Number
DL.388214
catalog number
388214
accession number
182022

Fireplace Patent Model

Patent model (U.S. Patent No. 1,001) of a portable, enclosed, trapezoidal coal grate with mica doors on two scroll-ended battens, made by James Atwater of New Haven, CT, and patented on November 9, 1838. Surround incised with geometric designs.
Description
Patent model (U.S. Patent No. 1,001) of a portable, enclosed, trapezoidal coal grate with mica doors on two scroll-ended battens, made by James Atwater of New Haven, CT, and patented on November 9, 1838. Surround incised with geometric designs. Maker's name lightly incised in cursive on top. No patent tags.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1838-11-09
patent date
1838-11-09
ID Number
DL.251498
catalog number
251498
accession number
48890
patent number
1001

Platter

This platter features a transfer print of St Paul's Church in Boston 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,
Description
This platter features a transfer print of St Paul's Church in Boston 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.62.909H
catalog number
62.909H
accession number
171126

Box

Small, white-painted, flat-top trunk or lidded box with scrolled hasp lock on front and one hinge at back; no handle. Box front has a crossed pair of sprigs of light orange-red roses and clusters of three buds on green stems with green, serrated-edge, brushstroke leaves.
Description
Small, white-painted, flat-top trunk or lidded box with scrolled hasp lock on front and one hinge at back; no handle. Box front has a crossed pair of sprigs of light orange-red roses and clusters of three buds on green stems with green, serrated-edge, brushstroke leaves. Box sides each have one similar sprig, that at left facing forward and at right backward. Another sprig of fruit or floral motifs covers the lid top. One-piece lid has a wire-rolled rim on front; the other three sides are folded. The three-piece, flat-bottom box has a folded top edge with a raised bead on the front and sides and a wire (for hinge) along the back. Tinned interior. No marks.
Attributed to the Upson Tinshop in Marion (in the Town of Southington), CT, circa 1773-1837.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1800 - 1835
ID Number
1978.0119.21
accession number
1978.0119
catalog number
1978.0119.21

Platter

This platter features a transfer print of the Boston Hospital 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 forme
Description
This platter features a transfer print of the Boston Hospital 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
maker
William Ridgway and Company
ID Number
CE.62.909E
catalog number
62.909E
accession number
171126

hinge

One of a pair of wrought iron H L hinges, likely from a cupboard. Paint residue. No mark. See DL*388820B.Currently not on view
Description
One of a pair of wrought iron H L hinges, likely from a cupboard. Paint residue. No mark. See DL*388820B.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1700- 1830
ID Number
DL.388820A
catalog number
388820A
accession number
182022

hook, pot

Wrought iron pot hook. Tubular shaft with a curled hook on each end, one slightly small than the other, and 90 degrees opposing one another. No mark. Rust spots and white spots.Currently not on view
Description
Wrought iron pot hook. Tubular shaft with a curled hook on each end, one slightly small than the other, and 90 degrees opposing one another. No mark. Rust spots and white spots.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1700- 1830
ID Number
DL.64.0471
catalog number
64.0471
accession number
252005

Fireplace Patent Model

Patent model (U.S. Patent No. 249) of a freestanding fireplace with grate that has three horizontal radiators placed above the mantel, made by Roger M. Sherman of Fairfield, CT, and patented on June 30, 1837.
Description
Patent model (U.S. Patent No. 249) of a freestanding fireplace with grate that has three horizontal radiators placed above the mantel, made by Roger M. Sherman of Fairfield, CT, and patented on June 30, 1837. One flue with damper that connects directly from the grate to the chimney and three separate flues with dampers open into the radiators. Maker's name engraved on back. Patent information printed and handwritten on original patent tag glued to index card stored with object and on reproduction patent tag tied to grate with red wove ribbon.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1837-06-30
patent date
1837-06-30
inventor
Sherman, Roger M.
ID Number
DL.251496
catalog number
251496
patent number
249
accession number
48890

Sevres porcelain cup

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1839
ID Number
CE.P-142
catalog number
P-142
accession number
225282

Cooking Fork

Long-handled fork with cylindrical shaft ending in a slightly downturned, flattened, shaped hanger with pierced oval; two, circular-section, curved tines have stirrup or rounded shoulders. No marks.Currently not on view
Description
Long-handled fork with cylindrical shaft ending in a slightly downturned, flattened, shaped hanger with pierced oval; two, circular-section, curved tines have stirrup or rounded shoulders. No marks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1780 - 1830
ID Number
DL.59.2363
catalog number
59.2363
accession number
115031

Oven Model

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
patent date
1831-10-12
ID Number
DL.251509A
catalog number
251509A
accession number
48890

Cooking Stove Patent Model

Patent model of a cooking stove marked with three rectangular brass tags embossed "WILSONS PATENT" in roman letters, made by James Wilson of New York, NY, and patented on August 15, 1837.
Description
Patent model of a cooking stove marked with three rectangular brass tags embossed "WILSONS PATENT" in roman letters, made by James Wilson of New York, NY, and patented on August 15, 1837. Features a large firebox with hearth next to two vertically stacked ovens with adjustable racks below four small rectangular holes for cooking vessels. No other marks on object; old darkened paper tag tied on with purple wove ribbon is printed and handwritten with patent information and object numbers.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1837-08-15
patent date
1837-08-15
ID Number
DL.251447
catalog number
251447
accession number
48890

Commemorative pitcher

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c.1832
1832
ID Number
CE.P-223
catalog number
P-223
accession number
225282

Sevres porcelain plate

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1832
maker
Sevres
ID Number
CE.P-1056D
catalog number
P-1056D
accession number
225282

Ladle

Ladle with circular bowl attached with three rivets to a slender, cylindrical handle flattened into an almost vertical, flared and pointed end with pierced hole; turning and chatter marks visible on front and back of bowl.
Description
Ladle with circular bowl attached with three rivets to a slender, cylindrical handle flattened into an almost vertical, flared and pointed end with pierced hole; turning and chatter 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
1978.0939.011
accession number
1978.0939
catalog number
1978.0939.011

hinge

One of a pair of wrought iron H hinges, covered in several layers of beige and white paint, now flaking and worn off. Iron is slightly bent. No mark. See DL*388819B.Currently not on view
Description
One of a pair of wrought iron H hinges, covered in several layers of beige and white paint, now flaking and worn off. Iron is slightly bent. No mark. See DL*388819B.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1700- 1830
ID Number
DL.388819A
catalog number
388819A
accession number
182022

Plate

This plate features a transfer print of the New York City Hall 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 form
Description
This plate features a transfer print of the New York City Hall 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
maker
J & W Ridgway
ID Number
CE.62.909O
catalog number
62.909O
accession number
171126

Pint Measure

Baluster measure with an angular, grooved embryo-shell thumb piece; pint size. Grooved triangular extension is burnt to the flat lid, which has one incised line around edge.
Description
Baluster measure with an angular, grooved embryo-shell thumb piece; pint size. Grooved triangular extension is burnt to the flat lid, which has one incised line around edge. Body has a galleried rim and flared base; two incised lines around rim, one at base, and two pairs around body. Strap handle with stepped thumbrest and short terminal; conical strut. Rim exterior is stamped on front "RA / D(?)G", possibly a Dean of Guild mark. Two concentric circles on bottom inside.
Dean of Guild mark used until 1835.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1835
ID Number
DL.67.0225
catalog number
67.0225
accession number
250853

Nathaniel Young; Figured and Fancy coverlet, double-cloth; 1836; New York or New Jersey

This coverlet has a side to side and top-to-bottom mirror image depicting flowers, fruits, cornucopias, and scrollwork, except for the center medallion, which contains the information "Phebe Ann Baylis 1836" embellished with four simple birds on the wing and a pair of rosettes, a
Description
This coverlet has a side to side and top-to-bottom mirror image depicting flowers, fruits, cornucopias, and scrollwork, except for the center medallion, which contains the information "Phebe Ann Baylis 1836" embellished with four simple birds on the wing and a pair of rosettes, all framed by a garland of simple stylized flowers. The arabesque leafy border is interrupted on either side by a strangely proportioned urn and scattered eight-pointed stars, along with fruits, flowers, and birds sparsely placed between the center of motif and border. The coverlet is double-cloth containing two sets of cotton and indigo-dyed wool, warp and weft. The coverlet was woven for Phebe Anne Baylis (b. 1828) of Suffolk County, New York in 1836, when she was just eight-years-old. It was common practice for parents to being building up their children’s wedding trousseaus at an early age, and coverlets and other bedclothes were an expected contribution from the family. It was not uncommon for families to place coverlet orders with weavers for all of their children at once. This coverlet is representative of this arrangement.
According to the 1850 Federal Census, Baylis, at age 22, was living in the household of her 29-year-old brother, Orlando (b. 1821) with her presumably widowed mother, Mehitable (b. 1801) in Suffolk County, New York. The weaver of this coverlet has been the source of much debate over the past thirty years. Nathaniel Young (life dates unknown) was the weaver of this coverlet. His life is a bit of a mystery, but he was likely a Scottish immigrant, first working in the vicinity of New York City and later moving and working in Hudson, Bergen, and finally Morris County, New Jersey. Unsigned Nathaniel Young coverlets are identifiable by the stylized foxglove flower found in the corners of this coverlet, which may appear as a shaded pear to modern audiences. It is unclear whether Young worked for New Jersey’s most famous coverlet weaver David Haring (1800-1889), but the similarity in design and pattern is striking. The details of his life have yet to be fully worked out. He was first described as an itinerant weaver, but the cumbersome nature of the barrel or cylinder loom he would have been using would make this very unlikely. The style and arrangement of the patterns of Young and Haring’s New Jersey coverlets are also linked to those found and made on Long Island, New York, and the existence of this identifiable coverlet may be the missing link connecting those early Long Island coverlets written about by Susan Rabbit Goody with the later coverlets from New Jersey in a similar style.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1836
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T16835
catalog number
T16835.000
accession number
306589

knife, dinner

Dinner knife. Straight steel blade with rounded tip and chamfered bolster. Blade and bolster are one piece of steel with tang fitted into ivory handle with rounded corners, carved sides, and rounded butt. Tang is held in place with steel pin.
Description
Dinner knife. Straight steel blade with rounded tip and chamfered bolster. Blade and bolster are one piece of steel with tang fitted into ivory handle with rounded corners, carved sides, and rounded butt. Tang is held in place with steel pin. Blade is scratched and stained, ivory is yellowed and crazed.
Blade is etched: “J. RUSSELL & CO/1834/GREEN RIVER WORKS” within double diamond.
Maker is John Russell & Company, Turner Falls, Massachusetts, 1834-present.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1834
ID Number
1986.0531.145
accession number
1986.0531
catalog number
1986.531.145

Taster Porringer

Diminutive basin-bowl porringer with square rim and shallow bossed bottom; cast, modified crown-type handle with tongued or linguiform bracket is pierced with 3 voids and struck once on top with partial oval touchmark of a fleur-de-lis between the raised serif letters "RL" for Ri
Description
Diminutive basin-bowl porringer with square rim and shallow bossed bottom; cast, modified crown-type handle with tongued or linguiform bracket is pierced with 3 voids and struck once on top with partial oval touchmark of a fleur-de-lis between the raised serif letters "RL" for Richard Lee Sr. or Jr. Oval linen mark. Turning marks on underside of boss.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1788 - 1830
ID Number
1986.0027.48
accession number
1986.0027
catalog number
1986.0027.48

Teaspoon

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1815
1830 or later
ID Number
1977.0918.58H
accession number
1977.0918
catalog number
1977.0918.58H

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