email: [email protected]
phone: 585-385-9002
Rare ELL RULE
Dated 1738
Wrought in iron, inlaid in brass with the initials ‘ST’ and the date ‘1738’. England.
In England at this time, the “ELL RULE” was a standard measure of length by which all cloth was sold, based loosely on the length of an arm. Ell translates to "arm", and now in modern English "elbow" (arm-bend). There are several scribed lines on this ell suggesting shorter lengths were also measured.
In perfect condition with rich surface, this wrought ell is flattened and tapers from the dated area to the bottom end. Above the date is fully rounded, with pierced finial for hanging and flatten knop. Total length about 36 inches. .
Miniature Country Blanket Chest
.....sale pending
Dated 1806.
First Surface
Original White Paint
New England. The back inscribed “ML” 1806 in flowing script within the then wet paint.
Retains first surface dry patinated white paint on pine, the top unpainted in natural patina, appearing to have been covered in fabric based on tiny nail witness holes about the rim. Applied bracket base. About 12 1/4 inches wide x 8 5/8 tall x 6 deep. Retains original hinges.
Provenance: Private Northeast collection, years ago from Nancy Prince (oldtime Maine antiques dealer). A high character little survivor.
The Lew Scranton Paint Decorated Box
....SOLD
Likely Guilford, CT., ca. late 18th/early 19th century. Dark red ground on pine with tulip and dot decoration on the sliding lid. Cabinet-maker made with thin stock, dovetailed corners, extending base, and a delicately molded rim.
Excellent condition. Dry surface and strong patina. Paint decoration of this manner is associated with Guilford, CT. See THISTLES AND CROWNS, The Painted Chests of the Connecticut Shore. Likely used in period for candles. SMALL size of just 9 inches long x 4 ½ wide x 3 ½ tall.
Provenance: The Personal Collection of Lew Scranton, Skinner, 2016, lot 192; private New England collection.
Colorful Portrait of a Baby Girl
Probably Northeast, 19th century, appears to be dated 1838. Pastel on paper.
The toddler, holding a rattle, wears a vivid blue dress with lace top. She is seated on a patterned sofa or chair. Presented in a fine gilt frame which is likely original. Clean and crisp in exceptional condition. About 20 ½ inches tall x 16 ¼ wide.
Just acquired from a private Northeast collection where she has been since the 1960’s.
Fine Burl Bowl with Especially Good Surface
Northeast, ca. 1800. Ash burl, lightweight, thinly and expertly turned on a slow lathe, in the classic rimmed and footed form of this period.
With an especially desirable very dry surface, never varnished, nutty brown color, showing darkening at the rim, graduating to less away from the rim, reflecting how is was handled.
Fine condition; internal checks; hairline at rim. About 7 7/8 inches diameter x 3 1/8 tall.
Provenance includes a Midwest collection; Bob Jessen and Jim Hohnwald (NH). .
Ash Burl Bowl in Original Blue Paint
....SOLD
Probably Northeast, ca. 1800.
Dry, well worn from use blue paint on ash burl. Burl bowls with genuine early paint are scarce. It was clearly used in food preparation, as there are thousands of overlapping knife marks in the interior.
Feels nice in-hand, weighty, smooth at the rim from burnishing by long-time handling., Cracks in the bottom that formed long ago within natural burl inclusions; ancient small loss at the rim. About 12 inch diameter x 4 ½ tall. .
ANCIENT TWO-LIGHT TABLE-TOP
LIGHTING STAND
.....SOLD
New England ca. 1700-1740.
Classic form in untouched complex dry original surface.
Just 28 inches tall, so although it could be well positioned on the floor, the small size was designed to provide lighting from a tabletop, desk, or chest. Owing to its early date, the chipped carved base is made from oak. Oak was not used often after the early 18th century as it was in demand for ship building. The column and candle arm, probably from maple, have hand-cut screw threads to raise and lower the lights, the threads still turning easily,
The lights (candle cups) are made from copper or brass, the patina now very dark with some verdigris. The candle arms have very dark patination and marks from years of scraping off built-up wax. Terrific 3-century condition with inconsequential checks to the candle arm
.
An authentic pre-Revolution lighting time capsule. Provenance includes decades ago purchased from ROGER BACON.
Exquisite and Exceedingly Rare Broad-Rimmed Burl
Deep Serving Dish
.....SOLD
New England
ca. 1720-1740.
Ash burl. Of impressive size, masterfully lathe-turned with a dramatic broad-rim, relating to pewter examples of the period.
While most burl bowls were utilitarian in nature, this serving dish stands out with its refined form, meant not only to be functional but to be prominently displayed and admired, and served from at the table.
Excellent condition with delightful undulation to the bowl and rim. High polish/burnish to the shellac surface. The interior bears intriguing stains, including what appear to be traces of ink, and a small split (or cut) to the rim’s edge, all bearing witness to its usage. About 16 ½ inch diameter x 3 ½ deep.
Provenance: From the 1950s to the 1970s.....