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Unusual Canted Little Document Box
--Dated 1778
With Big Bold Dovetails
New England, ca. late 18th century, dated under the lid 1778.
The canted design on such a small box is unusual, one typically sees this feature on large chests made for use on a ship, the wider base reducing the potential to tip in rough seas. Perhaps this box was made for ship use as well. Hand-wrought nails, and especially large dovetails for such a small size. High degree of originality retaining the lock, snipe hinges, batons under projecting molded lid, and dark, worn, original surface. Appears to be mostly maple with a bit of pine. Soft sheen from burnishing from frequent handling.
Exceptional robust undamaged structural condition. About 12 inches x 4 3/8 deep at the base, 4 1/8 at the lid, x 4 ¾ tall.
THE
PUFFY SLEEVE ARTIST
.....SOLD
SCARCE PAIR
of Silhouette Portraits
Pictured in the
Magazine Antiques
Massachusetts, ca. 1830. Hollow-cut silhouettes with gouache on paper.
It’s been 20 years since I last handled a pair by the Puffy Sleeve Artist, who is now believed to be Ezra Wood. Profiles by the Puffy Sleeve Artist are immediately recognizable given characteristics like the distinctive way their bodies are turned toward the front while their heads remain in profile, woman wear the fashionable dress of that period with exaggerated puffy sleaves and iconic little hands at their tiny waists, men have broad chests, and both women and men have hands that are oddly shaped and colored. They often hold books (sometimes date 1830 or 1831) or other accoutrements.
From the Magazine Antiques, July/August 2014 “UNMISTAKEN IDENTITY”, Michael & Suzanne Paine and Sam Herrup: “For Americana and Folk Art collectors, among the most sought after silhouette portraits from the early 19th century are those produced by an individual who has been nicknamed the Puffy Sleeve Silhouette Artist”. The article makes the case that the Puffy Sleeve Artist was Ezra Wood, Buckland, Massachusetts. In that same article is pictured this pair of portraits, page 127, of Harriet and John Wilder, and notes that they are of an unusual larger size for this artist. Harriet has a particularly beautiful profile.
The portraits are in excellent condition with minor toning. The frames are probably original. Frames each about 6 x 5 inches.
Until recently in a long time Maine collection.
In addition to the Magazine Antiques, see “A LOVING LIKENESS”, the collection of Ray Egan, for many more examples and more detailed information on the characteristics that identify portraits by the Puffy Sleeve Artist.
.
SMALL BIBLE OR VALUABLES BOX IN ORIGINAL RED PAINT
.....SOLD
New England, ca. late 18th.
Pine, and basswood with original dark very dry crusty red paint. Also retains original iron hinges, lock, key, and side batons. (lock and key still function). The brass escutcheon shows no signs of being replaced. Nicely molded front of lid. Joinery by early cut nails.
The box in excellent condition with just minor period wear. Interior crisp and clean and has a pencil inscription under the lid as shown.
Just 19 ½ inches wide x 8 tall x 10 deep, a desirable smaller example of this form.
Delightful Pair Portrait MINIATURES
American or English, 19th C., watercolor on paper.
Information on the backs of the frames indicates the names Janice Ward, and her little brother Thomas. One appears to be dated 1830 on the frame back. The images are beautifully composed retaining strong colors, the subjects in full length. The girl on a woodlands trail with her pull-toy, the little boy in dress seated holding a booklet.
Gilt frames about 7 inches x 6 ½. Formerly in a fine long time private NYC collection..
Exceptional
Small Portrait
A Lovely Young Lady
.....SOLD
Northeast, ca. 1810-1820, likely New York, Pennsylvania, or Ohio. Oil on thin wooden panel.
Soft and very pleasing.
The young lady in profile with lacy high-waisted dress with pink ribbon, her hair held up on a comb with distinctive tendrils.
Attributed to Jasper Miles, formerly misidentified tied as “Mr. Boyd”, was the subject of a research paper in Magazine Antiques in 2016. This portrait bears that distinctive Jasper Miles "horn shaped" inner ear, and precise attention to detail in the hair.
Excellent untouched condition. Old frame not original yet works well with the portrait. Shadows may be faintly seen about the perimeter of the portrait from the first frame. Frame size about 9 inches x 6 ¾.
Folk Art Portrait of a Young Boy.
Prior-Hamblen School
.....SOLD
New England, probably Boston, ca. 1840-1850. Oil on board. Attributed to E.W. (Eli) Blake, a physician at a Boston hospital, who is believed to be the "Double Swag Artist" and/or the “Pointed Finger Artist”.
The very pleasing gray-blue eyed little boy wears a GREEN buttoned shirt with white collar and holds a riding crop ......
Colorful Primitive
House Portrait
or Birth Record
American, Pennsylvania, dated 1850.
Fraktur watercolor and ink on paper. Above the date and flanking it on the left and right written in ink in German. I suspect the translation would tell us who was born on this property in 1850 (would welcome translation). Even toning to the paper.
Painted frame appears original with nicely bubbled glass, frame size about 15 inches x 12 ¾..