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."