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: Connecticut

Bowl

"Ultra" pattern serving bowl; features a wide, inverted ovoid body with three, low-relief, vertical ears of wheat applied to sides on a short, fluted pedestal with conical base. Flat, incurved rim.
Description
"Ultra" pattern serving bowl; features a wide, inverted ovoid body with three, low-relief, vertical ears of wheat applied to sides on a short, fluted pedestal with conical base. Flat, incurved rim. Underside struck with maker's mark and pattern number.
Greek-American industrial designer John Vassos (1898-1985) designed the "Ultra" pattern in 1934 for R. Wallace & Sons Mfg. Co. of Wallingford, CT; 1871-present. "Ultra" flatware 1989.0700.01-.06, five-piece coffee and tea service 1989.0700.07-.11, and bowl 1989.0700.12, all belonged to the Vassos family.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1934 or later
ID Number
1989.0700.12
catalog number
1989.0700.12
accession number
1989.0700

chair, rocking

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800
ID Number
DL.391789
catalog number
391789
accession number
71679

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

chair, side

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1700 - 1724
user
Copp Family
ID Number
DL.245048.0002
catalog number
245048.0002
accession number
245048

Dessert Knife

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855 - 1866
ID Number
DL.61.0394D
catalog number
61.0394D
accession number
232677

Nutpick

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
ID Number
DL.60.1039G
catalog number
60.1039G
accession number
71656

Plate Case

Black leather-covered, square case for a set of four Limited Edition Plates entitled "The SEASONS of AMERICA Past", created by Eric Sloane for International Silver Company.
Description
Black leather-covered, square case for a set of four Limited Edition Plates entitled "The SEASONS of AMERICA Past", created by Eric Sloane for International Silver Company. Square clasp on front and two brass hinges along back; the lid lined with white satin and the fitted bottom covered in red velvet. Exterior and interior of lid are stamped in silver with a large circle encompassing the title and maker of the set. From set, DL*322784.0001.-0005.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1976
maker
International Silver Company
ID Number
DL.322784.0005
catalog number
322784.0005
accession number
322784

Sugar Bowl

Two-handled, covered, raised circular sugar bowl with twelve-lobed bulbous lower body accented by faceted diamonds on a domed and stepped circular pedestal base; one lobe is engraved "SM" in small, faint script.
Description
Two-handled, covered, raised circular sugar bowl with twelve-lobed bulbous lower body accented by faceted diamonds on a domed and stepped circular pedestal base; one lobe is engraved "SM" in small, faint script. Tiered upper body and repousse chased cover, which is topped by a cast basket of fruits and flowers. Cast convex, symmetrical floral patterned rims at shoulder and top of pedestal; die-rolled bands of matching decoration at opening and base. Hollow, reeded S-curve handles sprout from anthemion volutes, the upper terminals with a five-petaled flower at sides. Centerpunch on underside of rounded bottom. Underside of base is struck "W. Thomson" in raised script in a stepped rectangle and scratched "26 11". Handwritten note giving history stored inside. From cream and sugar set, DL*62.0248-.0249.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1826
ID Number
DL.62.0248
catalog number
62.0248
accession number
1979.0955

Box or Trunk

Japanned, dome-top trunk or lidded box with scrolled hasp lock on front, circular wire ring handle on top, and two hinges at back.
Description
Japanned, dome-top trunk or lidded box with scrolled hasp lock on front, circular wire ring handle on top, and two hinges at back. Box front and sides are painted with a white band of salmon-red circular flowers or fruits alternating with two varieties of green leaves, one large, right-leaning, triangular and lobed and the other a small oval; black veins and details. Yellow double-apostrophe brushstrokes are below and two lines of yellow penciling border the base. Lid top has yellow, double-crab brushstrokes around handle bordered by single apostrophes and crossed double lines; lid front and sides with additional yellow drops. Three-piece lid has a wire-rolled rim. Three-piece box has a top edge folded with a wire bead below and a flat bottom. Possible signature mark of a black-outlined pointed oval at bottom right of front band.
Attributed to the Upson Tinshop of Marion (Southington), CT, circa 1773-1837.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1800-1840
ID Number
DL.322631.0006
catalog number
322631.0006
accession number
322631

Mortar and Pestle

This mortar and pestle was owned by the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the 18th and 19th century.
Description
This mortar and pestle was owned by the Copp family of Stonington, Connecticut during the 18th and 19th century. While the mortar and pestle is often associated with pharmaceuticals, it was an essential kitchen tool for grinding plants and spices into powder.
The Copp Collection contains a variety of household objects that the Copp family of Connecticut used from around 1700 until the mid-1800s. Part of the Puritan Great Migration from England to Boston, the family eventually made their home in New London County, Connecticut, where their textiles, clothes, utensils, ceramics, books, bibles, and letters provide a vivid picture of daily life. More of the collection from the Division of Home and Community Life can be viewed by searching accession number 28810.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1700 - 1800
ID Number
DL.006836
accession number
028810
catalog number
006836

Trunk

Japanned, dome-top box with scrolled hasp lock on front, circular wire ring handle on top, and two hinges at back. Box front is painted with a right-scrolling, red-stemmed sprig having two red flowers dotted with alizarin and white amidst yellow-veined or -edged green leaves.
Description
Japanned, dome-top box with scrolled hasp lock on front, circular wire ring handle on top, and two hinges at back. Box front is painted with a right-scrolling, red-stemmed sprig having two red flowers dotted with alizarin and white amidst yellow-veined or -edged green leaves. Swirling yellow brushwork around handle. Yellow pencilling on top and all sides except back. Three-piece lid has a wire-rolled rim. Three-piece box has a top edge folded with wire bead below and a flat bottom. Tinned interior. No marks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1820 - 1860
ID Number
1978.0119.26
accession number
1978.0119
catalog number
1978.0119.26

Ladle

Ladle with raised circular bowl attached with two rivets to a slender, cylindrical, downturned handle flattened into a reverse-tapered end with circular hanger; both rivets hammered flat on front and back.
Description
Ladle with raised circular bowl attached with two rivets to a slender, cylindrical, downturned handle flattened into a reverse-tapered end with circular hanger; both rivets hammered flat on front and back. Back of handle struck "PITKIN" in raised roman letters in a rectangle.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1790 - 1805
ID Number
1978.0939.010
accession number
1978.0939
catalog number
1978.0939.010

Confectionary Stand (Compotier)

Shallow, circular, footed dish with wide everted rim covered by a band of densely-packed flowers and foliage, to which is added a pendant border of scrolls and flowers. Short, incurved pedestal is joined to a domed circular foot with complementary raised floral decoration.
Description
Shallow, circular, footed dish with wide everted rim covered by a band of densely-packed flowers and foliage, to which is added a pendant border of scrolls and flowers. Short, incurved pedestal is joined to a domed circular foot with complementary raised floral decoration. Dish underside struck incuse with two overlapping circular marks (one of a pointed shield with balanced scales bordered by "MERIDEN / B. COMPANY" in sans serif letters and the other "QUADRUPLE / PLATE") above the number "55" and "U.S.A."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1886
maker
Meriden Britannia Company
ID Number
1992.0071.03
catalog number
1992.0071.03
accession number
1992.0071

Dessert Fork

Three-tined fork with chamfered baluster stem. Tines, stem, and rectangular bolster are one piece of steel with tang fitted into a tapered ivory handle with straight sides and rounded butt. Metal has minor discoloration.
Description
Three-tined fork with chamfered baluster stem. Tines, stem, and rectangular bolster are one piece of steel with tang fitted into a tapered ivory handle with straight sides and rounded butt. Metal has minor discoloration. Ivory is yellowed and separated from bolster, crack on one side. No marks. With matching knife, 1986.0531.113, marked “PRATT ROPES WEBB&Co/AMERICAN CUTLERY".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1846 - 1855
ID Number
1986.0531.114
accession number
1986.0531
catalog number
1986.531.114

Plate

Single-reeded circular plate with flat well faintly scored twice near booge; no foot ring. Barely visible, partial eagle-under-stars touchmark of William Danforth struck twice on underside of well.Maker is William Danforth (1769-1820) of Middletown, CT.
Description
Single-reeded circular plate with flat well faintly scored twice near booge; no foot ring. Barely visible, partial eagle-under-stars touchmark of William Danforth struck twice on underside of well.
Maker is William Danforth (1769-1820) of Middletown, CT. Began using his own eagle touchmark in 1794; re-cut twice, this appears to be the first re-cut (pellets above eagle's head changed to stars), ca. 1800.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1792 - 1820
ca 1800
ID Number
DL.391776
catalog number
391776
accession number
71679

armchair

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1910
associated person
Brewster, Frederick Foster
ID Number
DL.261213.0001
catalog number
261213.0001
accession number
261213

Cake Basket

Bail-handled, tapered-sided rectangular tray on four splayed cherub's head legs with an inset, clear aqua glass plaque or panel on its bottom painted in white enamel with a vignette of three children in an idyllic landscape.
Description
Bail-handled, tapered-sided rectangular tray on four splayed cherub's head legs with an inset, clear aqua glass plaque or panel on its bottom painted in white enamel with a vignette of three children in an idyllic landscape. Twisted-wire handle is riveted to cast fan-shaped tabs at gadrooned edge of tray. A die-stamped band of medallions and scrolled volutes covers the interior of the tray's sides, and chased scrolling floral sprays punctuate its bottom corners. Underside of bottom is struck incuse along one side "MIDDLETOWN PLATE C\o. / [QUADRUPLE PLATE]" encircling cross-topped scales, "1884", and "HARD / WHITE / [METAL]".
Painted decoration possibly by Mary Alice Gregory (1856-1908), who worked at the Boston and Sandwich Glass Co., Sandwich, MA, in the 1880s (sources differ on exact dates).
Basket manufacturer is Middletown Plate Co. of Middletown, CT. Middletown Plate Co. was founded in 1864 and became a subsidiary of International Silver Co. in 1898; International continued to use the Middletown name and mark until at least 1921.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1884
ID Number
1994.0145.04
catalog number
1994.0145.04
accession number
1994.0145

Nutpick

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
ID Number
DL.60.1039K
catalog number
60.1039K
accession number
71656

Knife (Dinner Knife)

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855 - 1866
ID Number
DL.61.0394F
catalog number
61.0394F
accession number
232677

Cake Basket

Bail-handled oval basket on flared oval pedestal base decorated at rim and base with cast bands of two rows of different-sized beads. Fluted, everted lower half encircles oval boss at bottom center.
Description
Bail-handled oval basket on flared oval pedestal base decorated at rim and base with cast bands of two rows of different-sized beads. Fluted, everted lower half encircles oval boss at bottom center. Hinged, semicircular handle has a plain, wavy edge, shell-ended segment at center and tapered ends with graduated beads. Circular medallion or tag applied on bottom underside is embossed "* ROGERS, SMITH & C\o. (arched) / (flourish) / N\o. / NEW HAVEN, C\T. * (curved)" and struck incuse "666".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1862 - 1877
parent company
Meriden Britannia Company
ID Number
DL.60.1265
catalog number
60.1265
accession number
121578

Butter Dish

Plain, oblong, covered butter dish containing a clear, colorless, pressed glass insert or liner with sunburst design on underside. High, rounded dome cover with ovoid bud or flame knop.
Description
Plain, oblong, covered butter dish containing a clear, colorless, pressed glass insert or liner with sunburst design on underside. High, rounded dome cover with ovoid bud or flame knop. Tray has a rounded rim and flat bottom struck incuse on underside with maker's mark and pattern number.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 20th century
maker
International Silver Company
ID Number
1990.3164.10
catalog number
1990.3164.10
nonaccession number
1990.3164

Dinner Knife

Straight steel blade with rounded tip and grooved bolster. Silver banded ferrule is fitted below bolster. Blade, bolster, and tang are one piece of steel inserted into an ivory block handle with carved and chamfered sides and blunt butt. Diamond is cut into butt.
Description
Straight steel blade with rounded tip and grooved bolster. Silver banded ferrule is fitted below bolster. Blade, bolster, and tang are one piece of steel inserted into an ivory block handle with carved and chamfered sides and blunt butt. Diamond is cut into butt. Blade may have originally been silver-plated. Steel is discolored, rusted in spots. Silver is tarnished. Ivory is yellowed, cracked near bolster. Blade stamped “PRATT ROPES&Co / AMERICAN CUTLERY”.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1846 - 1855
ID Number
1986.0531.110
accession number
1986.0531
catalog number
1986.531.110

Plate

Single-reeded circular plate with flat well incised at perimeter; no foot ring.
Description
Single-reeded circular plate with flat well incised at perimeter; no foot ring. Underside struck once with sawtooth circle touchmark of Otis Williams, and scratched "Hicks" and "Gardner's Plate / Presented from New York / from Hicks" in script and "6091".
Maker is Otis Williams (1799-1831) of Rocky Hill and Hartford, CT; he operated a block tin and pewter manufactory in Buffalo, NY, ca. 1826-1831.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1826 - 1831
ID Number
1986.0027.35
catalog number
1986.0027.35
accession number
1986.0027

Julia

Sentimental genre prints documented the social image of Victorian virtue through domestic scenes of courtship, family, home life, and images of the “genteel female.” Children are depicted studying nature or caring for their obedient pets as they learn their place in the greater w
Description
Sentimental genre prints documented the social image of Victorian virtue through domestic scenes of courtship, family, home life, and images of the “genteel female.” Children are depicted studying nature or caring for their obedient pets as they learn their place in the greater world. Romantic scenes picture devoted husbands with their contented, dutiful wives. In these prints, young women educated in reading, music, needlework, the arts, the language of flowers, basic math and science are subjugated to their family’s needs.
These prints became popular as lithography was introduced to 19th Century Americans. As a new art form, it was affordable for the masses and provided a means to share visual information by crossing the barriers of race, class and language. Sentimental prints encouraged the artistic endeavors of schoolgirls and promoted the ambitions of amateur artists, while serving as both moral instruction and home or business decoration. They are a pictorial record of our romanticized past.
This half length hand colored portrait print depicts a young woman with a rose adorning her dark upswept hair. She wears a red dress with huge puffy sleeves, a gold striped shawl and gold drop earrings on her right ear.
This print was produced by the lithographic firm of D.W. Kellogg & Co. Daniel Wright Kellogg (1807-1874) founded the company in 1830 Hartford, Connecticut. Before the opening of its first retail store in 1834, D.W. Kellogg & Co. lithography firm was well established and popular in United States, particularly in the South and the Southwest. As the founding member of the family company, Daniel Wright Kellogg established the initial growth and popularity of the firm. After he left the company it continued to flourish for decades under his younger brothers and other family members.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1833-1842
maker
D.W. Kellogg and Company
ID Number
DL.60.2509
catalog number
60.2509
accession number
228146

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