Important Historic Americana | October 17, 2024
Thu, Oct 17, 2024 10:00AM EDT
Lot 1138
Rare and Important Initialed Hingham Round Patriotic Pantry Box, War of 1812
Estimate: $12,000 - $18,000
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
Massachusetts, circa 1812-1815, initialed "NR" on base (for maker Nehemiah Ripley II or III of Hingham, Massachusetts), circular lidded box with original blue paint, top with incised patriotic motifs, Federal eagle with shield and flags, thirteen stars, cannon and cannonballs, and drum, border with lettering "United States Arms" and name "John Roberts", 5-1/2 x 10-1/2 in. diameter
Provenance: Estate of Janet P. Elliot, Boston; Sold Christie's New York, October 19, 1985 lot 51; Collection of Eddy Nicholson; Sold Christie's New York, January 28, 1995 lot 856; Nathan Liverant & Son Antiques, purchased June 17th, 2023 for $16,000 (accompanied by copy of receipt and write up); Private New England Collection
Note: According to the Liverant write up: "While the identity of the owner, John Roberts, is unknown, it is possible it was made for John Roberts (1787-1860) of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, located just 20 miles south of Hingham. Another possible and intriguing candidate is John Roberts (b. 1793), who was born in Massachusetts and is listed in the United States Census of 1850 as a resident of Dover, New Hampshire, with the occupation of "Carpenter." The unusual quality of the carved decoration and bold identification of the owner suggests that a trained carpenter added this decoration. Reinforcing the likelihood this box was modified after construction is that few other known pantry boxes made in Hingham feature such elaborate carved decoration...
This rare and important pantry box featuring the patriotic carved cover and the name John Roberts stands out for its unusual decoration as well as its fine state of preservation. The details of the carved decoration supports its creation during the patriotic period surrounding the War of 1812."
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Purchased items will be available for pick up or shipping from our Asheville, North Carolina auction facility within ten business days of the auction will be assessed a storage fee of $5.00 per day, per item. Purchaser agrees that packing and shipping is done at the purchaser's risk and that the purchaser will pay in advance all packing expenses, materials, carrier fees and insurance charges. At our discretion, items will either be packed by an agent such as a packaging store or Brunk Auctions. Please allow two weeks for shipping after payment is received. Shipment of large items is the responsibility of the purchaser. We are happy to provide names of carriers and shippers if a purchaser so requests. Brunk Auctions will have no liability for any loss or damage to shipped items.
Estate of Janet P. Elliot, Boston; Sold Christie's New York, October 19, 1985 lot 51; Collection of Eddy Nicholson; Sold Christie's New York, January 28, 1995 lot 856; Nathan Liverant & Son Antiques, purchased June 17th, 2023 for $16,000 (accompanied by copy of receipt and write up); Private New England Collection
according to Liverant write up, "in good condition with original construction and retaining the original blue painted surface ", box with typical wear, rubbing, and losses to paint, surface scratches and bumps throughout, surface losses at base underside
