WILLIS HENRY AUCTIONS, INC                      SHAKER AUCTION 2009

SPIT BOX

Maple and pine, original chrome yellow painted finish, three fingers, stenciled black "6" on the side (indicating the room number), possibly made by Daniel Crossman for the New Lebanon Church Family, (see p. 184, Shaker Design, J. Sprigg, Whitney Museum, 1986, for a similar example), 3 3/4" h, 9" dia. 

SMALL OVAL BOX

Pine and maple, original Meeting House blue painted finish, three fingers, rare color and small size, c. 1820-1830, 1 1/2" h, 3 5/8" l.   

MINIATURE BLANKET CHEST

Pine, original bittersweet red painted finish, original chrome yellow painted interior, hinged molded top board, bootjack ends, constructed with tiny "T" head nails, (old repair at hinge), c. 1840, 3 1/4" h, 6" l, 2 1/2" d.   

TWO OVAL BOXES

Pine and maple, original varnish finish, labeled in black ink "Notions.", and "Buttons", both with two shaped fingers right to left, smaller box found with blue bird feathers, two seed pods, dice, a clipping "To remove ink stains", felt sewing patch, and two lace basket of flowers; larger box contains a button, Harvard, MA, c. 1840, 5 1/2" and 6" l. 

WORK TABLE

Birch and pine, original cherry red stained varnish finish on base, single-board figured birch top, 23 1/2" d, pegged onto skirt boards with seven original pegs, turned legs with slight medial swell and ringed collars at the top, dovetailed drawer, lipped on sides, thumbnail molded on bottom and sides, original brass drawer pull, chalk script inside drawer "Shaker...", Enfield, NH, c. 1830-1840, classic style, 27 1/4" h, 30" w, 23 1/2" d.   

MANUSCRIPT SHEETS, BOOK, ETC.

1816 Memorandum, written in brown ink by Matthew Mecom, describing "things to be particularly attended to" before he left the "society", such as giving his tools to Benjamin Youngs and Joseph Allen; Shaker poem handwritten on Mt. Lebanon, NY stationery, "Office of Shaker's Medical Department, Henry T. Clough 188...", in five stanzas on a single sheet in black ink, "A Shaker Girl's Logic" lamenting somewhat the fact that a young girl cannot look as pretty as she might like in the Shaker society, "I cannot understand it! Perhaps I will some day, when I'm as old as Dolly was, and my auburn hair is gray."; four copies of "The Shaker Quarterly", 1964; The Community Industries of the Shakers, Andrews, Edward D., 1933, (paperboard); reprint Broadside "Advice to Children on Behavior at Table"; and a typed five-page manuscript, "A Shaker's Viewpoint", signed in ink "Emma B. King, October 29, 1956".   

WOODEN BOWL

Pine, original yellow paint with varnish, slightly beveled rim with raised exterior collar, carved finger hold on one side, c. 1850, 6" h, 18 1/2" dia.   

BOOK AND PAMPHLET

Brown cloth, Shakerism, its meaning and message, by Anna White and Leila S. Taylor, Columbus, OH, 1904, inscribed on front flyleaf "To our Valued Brother Henry Clough, with the best wishes and love of his Shaker friend and Sister Anna White. 9th no. 19th. 1909"; separate sheet tipped in to inside front cover of a three-stanza poem, "Come Brothers & Sisters I think it no wrong...", and another 10-line poem on the next flyleaf "Hold fast to Truth, what e'er be the strife,...", and a pamphlet bound in pink paper cover, "A Concise Statement of the Principles of the Only True Church...dated October 9th 1785", "reprinted in the United Society. New Gloucester, Me. 1847.", includes a letter from James Whitaker. 

OVAL BOX

Pine and maple, original Meeting House blue painted finish, three fingers, c. 1830-1840, rare color, 1 3/4" h, 5 1/8" l. 

SIDE CHAIR

Maple, original chrome yellow painted, with light clear over varnish finish, original tilters (not attached), taped seat in beige and two shades of brown, finely turned finials, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1830, 17" seat h, 37" overall h, (ex. Charles and Helen Upton collection). 

FOUR SISTER'S HANGERS

Carved pine, original finish, original string and leather loops, all appear to be signed, "Julia" (2), "S.E.H.", and "Annie.", slightly curved, 14" to 17" l.   

OVAL BOX

Pine and maple, original red painted finish, four fingers right to left, Maine Bishopric, c. 1850, original Shaker repair to one end at the base, 11 1/4" l. 

LARGE OVAL BOX

Maple and pine, original salmon red painted finish, five fingers, small copper tacked elegantly shaped fingers, tiny break at right bottom nail, excellent dry color, 6" h, 13 1/4" l.   

SEWING TRAY AND APRON

Cloth covered octagonal sewing basket, multi-color wools, with red piping scalloped top, 4 1/4" h, 11 1/2" dia; Fancy goods cotton apron with six embroidered pockets, "Sundries", Comb and Brush, Soap, Toothbrush, Washcloth, with a tufted tomato pincushion, salmon colored tape gathered for tying apron, 24" h, 24" w. 

YARNWINDER

Maple and birch, original red painted finish, four arms with original bulbous turned handle, (possibly a tool handle recycled), finely carved gear wheel with forged iron lever for marking a skein, splayed peg legs, c. 1830.   

CHILD'S ROCKING CHAIR

Maple, original dark walnut stained finish, carved mushroom capped curvilinear arms, acorn finials, original Shaker bittersweet red and autumn gold taped back and seat, very fine decal transfer on inside of left rocker blade, "No. 0, Mt. Lebanon, NY", c. 1875, excellent rare condition, 8 1/2" seat h, 23 3/4" overall h. 

CHILD'S ROCKING CHAIR

Maple, original black walnut stained finish, mushroom capped curvilinear arms, three slats, acorn finials, woven splint seat, very fine decal transfer on back of bottom slat "Mt. Lebanon, N.Y.", "No. 0" stamped on back of top slat, c. 1875, excellent condition, 9" seat h, 21 1/4" overall h. 

WRITING DESK BOX

Butternut and pine, original stained varnish finish, inset brass hinged and slanted lid with tongue and groove breadboard ends, small pull out lipped drawer on right side with early ink bottle, interior pen shelf on left, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1840, 4 1/2" h, 19 7/8" w, 12 3/4" d.

SIDE CHAIR

Maple, original dark walnut stained finish, original bittersweet red and khaki green tape seat, with original sawdust filling, stamped "2" on back of top slat, original trademark decal on back of lower slat, 15" seat h, 33 1/2" overall h. 

RARE WORK TABLE

Figured cherry, cherry and pine secondary woods, original varnish finish, three drawers, original cherry wood turned pulls, finely tapered square legs, purchased from the Shakers, Eldress Rosetta Stephens, New Lebanon, NY, c. 1840, (Note: includes original photograph of the table with a clock, and on the back of the photograph in ink "Eldress Rosetta's Table, 1st choice."), 26" h, 27 1/2" w (case), 31" w (top), 17" d.   

TWO SANDERS AND ADJUSTABLE PINCUSHION

Finely turned fruitwood, 4" and 3" h, smaller sander with punched star pattern, larger sander punched with concentric circles; Cherry, original dark varnish stained finish, brown velvet covered cushion, finely turned clamp with two fitted wood thumbscrews, 8" h. 

SMALL OVAL BOX

Pine and maple, original yellow painted varnish finish, five fingers, one finger on lid somewhat right of center, four fingers on box far left of center, rare form, stretched oval shape caused a fracture in the body on right side and a small line above the bottom finger on the left, Enfield, NH, c. 1830-1835, 2 1/4" h, 4 1/2" l. 

FANCY GOODS POPLARWARE SEWING BOX AND PINCUSHIONS

Octagonal shape, edged in kid leather, red satin lined, fitted with strawberry emery, beeswax cake, tomato pincushion, tied with red silk ribbons in bows, wallpaper bottom with scene of flowers and birds, original cardboard box "Canterbury Shakers", (unused condition), 2 1/4" h, 6 1/2" l; Tomato sewn cushions in royal purple and dark cranberry velvet, circular forms, with matching silk ribbons, trimmed in kid leather, wallpaper with purple grapes and burgundy red leaves, Canterbury, NH, 2 1/2" h, 3" dia. 

RARE RULE AND SQUARE

Highly brilliant figured fruitwood, original varnish finish, triangular shaped, 1/8 inch increments, hand-stamped numbers on two sides, signed "S.D. 12.25.95."; Cabinetmaker's square, walnut, original patina finish, lapped and double pinned with flush pewter rivets at the corner, hand-stamped on both sides to 8 and 10 inches, dated with stamped stars on either side of "1855", applied rectangular paper label "1.50", Canterbury, NH, (ex. J.J. Gerald McCue collection). 

DESK BOX

Pine, original red painted finish, arched back board, slanted hinged lid with interior brace boards attached with symmetrically aligned screws, dovetailed case, interior shelf with a small central drawer below with finely turned maple pull, 16" h, 28" w, 21" d.    

THREE BOOKS

Calf and marbled paper covers, Shaker Manifesto bound monthly volumes, 1878-1880, G.A. Lomas, Editor, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., includes articles authored by various Shakers throughout the communities, as well as poems, hymns, obituaries, views of Shaker Villages, and also "worldly" and Shaker advertising, (ex. Gus Nelson collection).   

TWO SIDE CHAIRS

Cherry, original dark varnish finish, tall flame finials, three graduated slats, top slat is single pinned through the mortise, bottom two slats are double pinned, back of bottom slat on both chairs is stamped "2" indicating room number, (Note: very rare to find two community chairs from the same dwelling room), both with cane seats (one appears to be original), and both chairs with tilters on bottom of back legs, Harvard, MA, c. 1830-1840, 15" seat h, 38" overall h. 

TAILOR'S MEASURE

Maple, original varnish stained finish, hand-stamped numerals, string for hanging on pegboard, (Note: #1 is inverted), paper label on top of reverse side "G2.", exceptional condition and finish, 36" l.   

SISTER'S SILK NECKERCHIEF

Iridescent light purple silk sewn in two sections, forming a 33 1/2" square, 3/8" hand-stitched hem, initialed in a corner in white thread "M J", accompanied by a white tag with blue ink "Shaker Silk - 100 years old. Made in Kentucky by Silk Worms they raised. Bought July 27, 1957, Miriam Wall.".   

BLANKET CHEST

Pine and poplar, original bittersweet red painted finish, original inset carved bone octagonal-shaped escutcheons, single board top with inset breadboard ends, two lipped, dovetailed and graduated drawers with hardwood pulls, original forged strap hinges and a carved wood lid support, carved foot, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1830, top and left side show splits in the wood, classic form and color, 31" h, 42" w, 21" d. 

BLANKET, SHEETS, TOWEL

19th c. hand-woven wool bed cover with red crocheted ends; fringed woven linen hand towel with blue stripes initialed "MJ"; woven linen sheet initialed "M.U.V." on one corner; handwoven cotton laundry bag with sewn initials "WS" in blue; and another woven cotton bag.   

PEG BOARD

Pine, original pumpkin stained finish, long finely turned cherry pegs in original pink/red painted finish, thumbnail molded rail, 13' 2" l, 3" w rail, 3" pegs, (ex. Sister's Shop, Hancock, MA; ex. Charles and Helen Upton collection). 

CHILD'S CLOAK

White and white silk trim, with hood, labeled in blue "The Dorothy, Hart & Shepard, Canterbury, N.H.", shadow-box framed on dark background, cloak - 26" l; frame 32" h, 20 1/2" w. 

EARLY OVAL BOX

Maple and pine, original pumpkin orange washed finish, three fingers, rare long low oval proportion, written in script on the bottom in red "December 5, 1829", Mt. Lebanon, NY, excellent condition, 2 1/2" h, 10 1/4" l. 

SEWING DESK

Poplar and cherry, original varnish finish, six drawers in top section over a flat work surface, with an extra pullout work board below, the bottom section showing a single drawer on left side, over a hinged double paneled door with a bank of four drawers on the right, all on a stepped bracket base, original white porcelain pulls, c. 1880-1900, Elder Henry Green, Alfred, Maine, 40" h, 32" w, 23" d.   

LUNCH BOX

Pine with hickory handle, original red painted finish, removable top, cleated on the ends, hand-lettered on top "Lunch" in black with green shadowing, green leaves in corners, fixed hoop handle, (probably used to carry lunch to the field hands, bought from the Shakers at Harvard pre-1930), 10" h, 16" l, 10 3/4" d. 

RARE SEED BOX

Pine, original red painted finish, with original exterior and interior labels, "Shakers Genuine Garden Seeds", Mt. Lebanon, Columbia County, NY, 3 1/2" h, 23 1/2" l, 11 1/2" d, (ex. Doug Towle collection, WHA 2005, Lot 86; ex. Canterbury, NH family who collected directly from the Shakers). 

WASHSTAND

Pine, showing original chrome yellow painted finish, (a latter overcoat of blue was removed), square head nailed backsplash, graceful arched sides with single step with continuing inverted arch to a raised front board carved to accommodate a wash bowl, with shelf below, pegged shelf supports, tapered square legs, similar in concept design to Plate 40, Shaker Furniture, The Craftsmanship of an American Sect, Edward Deming Andrews and Faith Andrews, 1937, Yale University Press, New Lebanon, NY, c. 1840-1850, 30 1/4" h, 22" w, 13" d. 

SAMPLER

Black wool cross-stitch on off-white wool, two alphabets upper case and lower case with numbers 1 through 12, separated by stitched lines, "Eliza Ann Taylor, 1850", a typed history attached to the back "Eldress Eliza Ann Taylor, Mt. Lebanon Shakers,...a 'Mother in Israel', Head of the Central Ministry." "This sampler was found crumpled in a Shaker fitted sewing box which once belonged to Sister Sadie (Neale) and which was given by her to a resident of New Lebanon.", framed and glazed, 4 5/8" x 5 3/8" (sight). 

ELDER'S ROCKING CHAIR

Tiger maple and maple, original walnut brown stained finish, four finely shaped ladders, tall turned finials, flat curvilinear shaped arms, natural rush seat, turned front posts pegged through the arms, original early style rocker blades, elegant classic form in original finish and patina, New Lebanon, NY, c. 1820-1840, minor imperfections, 16" seat h, 45 1/2" overall h. 

LISTING SHUTTLE AND TOY TOP

 Maple, original finish, thinly carved with circular holes in ends for chair taping ("listing"), with tag "Gift of Eldress Frances B. Hall, Hancock, Mass. Shuttle used for chair listing", 13 1/2" l; Finely turned maple, original varnish finish, steel rod fitted through the center forming the turning point, purchased from the Shakers, 5" h. 

TABLE DESK

Tiger maple, walnut and poplar, original varnish finish, tiger maple raised back panel dovetailed into a sloping side rail, hinged and slanted lid with applied tiger maple raised front lip with small dovetail at the corners, all attached with original round brass screws, over a finely dovetailed walnut case with small ivory diamond escutcheon plate, exceptional condition, Enfield, CT, c. 1850, 7 1/4" h, 12 3/4" w, 10 3/4" d. 

SMALL OVAL BOX

Maple and pine, original yellow painted finish, three fingers, c. 1830-1840, excellent condition, 1 1/4" h, 3 1/2" l.   

OVAL BOX

Maple and pine, original raspberry red painted finish, three fingers, copper tacks, 1 3/4" h, 4 5/8" l.   

CANDLESTAND

Pine, birch, maple and oak, old red stained varnish finish, round pine top is an early Shaker replacement, tapered cleat fastened with six screws, turned shaft with extending pole within a turned sleeve, two turned and threaded thumbscrews for adjusting height of top, on a 2" thick oak circular base, 9 1/2" dia, with three turned and splayed feet, 20 1/2" dia top, 24 1/2" h, 33 1/2" w (fully extended top). Note: manila stringed tag with handwritten inscription in blue ink "Shaker Candlestand. Among the first made by the Shakers, probable date 1790, for the base. Top was renewed about 75 years ago for Eldress Annie Belle Tuttle of Harvard Shaker Society, Harvard, Mass.", purchased from the Shakers in the 1950's.   

SIDE CHAIR

Tiger maple, maple, early light clear varnish finish, three graduated and beveled slats, tall elegant finials, tiger maple stiles, ending in original tilters, early caned seat in excellent condition, Harvard, MA, c. 1830, 19" seat h, 42" overall h. 

RULE

Maple, original varnish finish, hand stamped and blackened numbers, 1/8 and inch increments on one side, and dated in an arch with stamped and blackened "1857" on the other, 12" l, (ex. J.J. Gerald McCue collection). 

APPLE CORE SPOOL AND DONUT CUTTER

Maple, original chrome yellow finish, exceptional turned form and color, 2 7/8" h; Maple, original red stained finish, finely turned form and color, 4 3/8" h, 2 5/8" dia.   

SISTER'S STEP STOOL

Walnut, in original varnish finish, two-step form, arched sides, dovetailed back brace, c. 1850, purchased from the Shakers, 9 1/2" h, 10" w, 8 1/2" d.    

SEED SHOP DESK

Butternut, pine and cherry, inscribed on underside of drawer "Orren Haskins Maker Dec 18 1838 John Allen; Made by Orren Haskins December 18th 1838 for John Allen & used at the seed shop upwards of two years. It was then put upon legs by John Allen & taken into the house on the first Monday in January 1841", exhibited in Making His Mark, Orren Haskins catalog, p. 20, (Note: very rare signed Orren Haskins cabinetwork with exceptional history of the New Lebanon, NY Seed Shop) 31 7/8" h, 25 3/8" w, 22 1/4" d. 

YARN SWIFT

Cherry, poplar and maple, original yellow stained finish, threaded top cup, adjustable arms, finely turned table clamp, Hancock, MA, c. 1850-1870, 26 3/4" h.   

PINCUSHIONS AND SPOOL HOLDER

Turned cherry, original varnish finish, tufted light gray pincushion, six wire spool holders, Shaker turned maple spool, 6" h, 6" dia; Poplar and blue velvet heart needlecase with blue satin ribbon, 3"; Three tomato cushions by Sister Eva May Libby, c. 1960, and a post poplar basket with letter signed "Sister Mildred Barker"; and a cushion, Canterbury, NH, with authentication letter dated 1994, signed "Sister Frances A. Carr". 

RECTANGULAR BOX

Poplar, original yellow washed varnish finish, finely dovetailed, symmetrically nailed red leather hinge, Canterbury, NH, c. 1850, 2 3/4" h, 7 7/8" l, 4 5/8" d. 

SEED BOX

Pine, original red painted finish, original front display label "Shakers Genuine Garden Seeds, Mount Lebanon, NY", multi-sectioned interior with labels "Beets.", "Carrot.", "Sage & Pepper.", "Tomato.", "Flowers.", "Corn.", small paper label on lid "J. Pityen & Son, Beidersville, R.I.", dovetailed with original wire snipe hinges, marked "140" in black on bottom (indicating number of seed packets shipped), 3 3/4" h, 23 1/4" w, 11 1/2" d. 

RARE AND IMPORTANT TRESTLE TABLE

Cherry, original cranberry red painted finish, breadboard top, over two rectangular posts supported by arched trestles on small extended feet, New Lebanon, NY, c. 1830-1840, hand forged bolts and nuts secure trestle to the posts, top is secured with handmade screws to gentle arched supports following the lines of the trestle, all shaped edges on the supports are lambs tongue beveled, top retains a red patinated surface and shows an age line through the middle, top appears to be two-board with beveled edges and selected specifically for this dining table used by the Ministry of Mt. Lebanon, NY, 27" h, 65" l (5' 5"), 35" w, (It is only one of two trestle tables of this size known to be in private collections; ex. Charles and Helen Upton collection). [Note: The Upton's purchased the table from a Mrs. Nichman of Schenectady, NY in 1966. She had purchased it from the Shakers at Hancock, pre-1950.] 

TWO FOOTSTOOLS

Maple, original dark walnut stained varnish finish, turned splayed legs with button feet, removable Shaker hand-woven plush covering with red and blue stripe top, and solid khaki green sides, 7 1/2" h, 13" l, 8" w; Maple, original varnish finish, production style, turned legs and side stretchers, trademark decal "Shakers, No. 1, Mt. Lebanon, N.Y.", sold Willis Henry Auctions (WHA) The John Roberts Collection (1990) Canaan, NY, with removable Shaker woven plush wool covering in brown and beige stripe, tied with brown Shaker tape, 6 1/2" h, 12 1/2" sq. 

DROP LEAF WORK COUNTER

Pine, natural varnish finish, hinged leaf in front with full drawer below, two graduated drawers on both ends, on square tapered leg, New Lebanon, NY, c. 1840, 29" h, 46" w, 19" d. 

ARMCHAIR

Maple, original light walnut stained finish, elegant tall finials, four shaped slats, curvilinear arms with flat mushroom caps, original tan on beige stripe seat, transfer trademark decal inside left back leg, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1930, made by Sister Lillian Barlow and Brother William Perkins, 18" seat h, 46" overall h, purchased by consignor from Robert Herron Auctions, Austerlitz, NY, c. 1990. 

BROOM AND DUST PAN

Birch, original varnish finish, hand-laced broom corn, twisted steel wire top partially covered with cotton, inventory number "B203" on handle, also with shaped steel wire supporting broom handle with top loop for peg, Canterbury, NH, c. 1880-1900, 42 1/2" l, (ex. Doug Hamel collection); and a shaped steel soldered dust pan, original bittersweet red/orange painted finish, with top loop for hanging on peg, purchased from Robert Herron Auctions, Austerlitz, NY, c. 1990, 13" h, 12 3/4" w. 

WRITING DESK

Cherry, pine, original varnish finish, hinged slanted lid, top shelf edged on three sides, dovetailed case, plain interior, locks with brass oval escutcheons, dovetailed drawer with original brass pulls, thumbnail beaded edge, classic turned leg, purchased from the Shakers in the 1950's, exceptional form and condition, 31 1/4" h, 23 3/4" w, 16" d, 29" writing h.   

SIDE CHAIR

Birch and pine, original red stained varnish finish, carved crestboard, spool back, carved plank seat, "H" stretcher base, pencil inscription under seat "Carriage Room S House", penciled history "bought by R.E. Cabauh Sept 1956. Note: used by Sister Rebecca Hathaway Canterbury Shakers, E. Canterbury N.H.", (Note: used with the Writing Desk, Lot 60), 15 1/2" seat h, 29 1/4" overall h.    

STOVE TOOLS

Hand-forged steel shovel and tongs, and the forged steel tool holder for hanging the tools from a wood box, mid 19th c., purchased from the Shakers, 20" l.   

WOOD BOX

Pine, natural finish, sloping sides, open front for log storage, arched base, bootjack end, large dovetailed top board, case joined with rosehead nails, c. 1800-1820, (one of the earliest Shaker wood boxes WHA has sold), 36" h, 26" w, 16" d.  

FOOTWARMER

Walnut, original varnish finish, holes cut into diamond designs, dovetailed box, sliding side lid with cut finger hole, bevel molded baseboard, two original tin handled hot coal carriers, c. 1850, rare double size, 6" h, 15" l, 10" d.   

DOUBLE SCHOOL DESK

Pine top, maple base, oak feet, varnish finish, dovetailed, slant lid case with two hinged lids, shaped maple supports pegged and mortised into a trestle footed base, shaped horizontal support board under the desk, classic form, Enfield, CT, c. 1820-1830, 30" h, 49 1/2" l, 18" d. 

RARE BOUND MANUSCRIPT

Brown calf, chrome yellow edged leaves, blue paper label inside front cover, "Bound by Henry DeWitt, New Lebanon", with pencil signature "Louise Young", first page heading "Index. Anthems." an alphabetical list; next page is "Contents" listing a series of 70 Spirit Messages from 71-140 and dating from 1838-1840; most messages are from the earliest Shakers, many from Mother Ann, and others such as "Father William to E. Brother David Meacham", "Sent to Eldress Ruth from Mother Lucy", "Sent to the Deacons", "This Song was sung by Electa Blanchard and sent to Mary Ann Mantle, 1840", leather bound, minor edge wear, New Lebanon Shakers, very fine and rare, 6 3/4" by 5 1/2". 

ABACUS

Cherry frame, maple handle, original varnish finish, 12 steel strands with threaded red, white and blue painted wood balls, four each per strand, finely turned base and tapered handle with medial double concentric lines, c. 1860-1870, 14 1/2" l, 12 1/4" w. 

LARGE CARRIER

Maple and pine, original soft yellow stained finish, finely carved fixed hoop handle, three fingers, New Lebanon, NY, c. 1830, 9 1/2" h, 14 3/4" l, (ex. John Roberts, Shaker Farm Collection; sold WHA 1990, Lot 123). 

SIDE CHAIR

Maple, original yellow varnish finish, beige taped seat, three graduated slats, original tilters, Canterbury, NH, c. 1830, excellent condition, illustrated on page 177, Shaker Life, Art and Architecture, Scott Swank, 16" seat h, 37 1/2" overall h, (ex. George Marks collection; ex. Mark Reinfurt collection; private collection, Nantucket, MA). 

CANDLESTAND

Butternut, original brown stained varnish finish, round top (14" dia) over a rectangular cleat fastened with handmade screws, cylindrical shaft with flared turning at the base, finely shaped arched flat snake leg, Watervliet, NY, c. 1820-1830, rare and early form in good condition, 24" h. 

OVAL BOX

Maple and pine, original cherry red painted finish, four fingers, small copper tacks, 2 1/8" h, 5 3/8" l.    

ROCKING CHAIR Maple, original ebony stained finish, original Shaker taped seat and back in purple and beige, shawl bar back, transfer trademark decal on inside right rocker, #4 size, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1890, excellent condition, 15 1/2" seat h, 34 1/2" overall h. 

LABELS AND BOTTLE

Six framed colored paper labels, "Cicuta, Butternut, Sarsaparilla (2), Yellow Dock, Deadly Nightshade", 19th c., New Lebanon, NY; Pickle bottle, triangular clear glass with Shaker label, "Shaker Pickles", 8" h. 

GATHERING BASKET

Black ash, dark natural patina, finely carved hoop handle, single wrapped rim, square to round with cat's head bottom, c. 1850, very fine condition, purchased from Ed Clerk in the 1980's, 13" h to top of handle, 14" dia. 

RARE DOUBLE CUPBOARD OVER DRAWERS

Pine, natural finish, two double inset vertical panel doors, with 11 drilled holes above (possibly for ventilation) opening to two sets of removable slatted shelves (possibly for drying), and two sets of seven graduated dovetailed drawers, one of the lower drawers fitted with compartments lettered with paper labels, signed in ink in two places "Made by Amos Stewart February 1839", purchased from Sister Sadie Neale of Mt. Lebanon in the 1940's, 6' 6" h, 5' w, 20" d. 

CARPENTER'S MEASURE

Maple, original varnish finish, hand-stamped numerals on both sides, lap and screw joined, multi-angled builder's measure, 7 1/2" h, 36" x 22 1/2" x 9 1/2".   

FIVE BRUSHES

Maple and cherry turned handles, four with colored velvet tops, all with black horsehair, 9" to 13" h. 

LIDDED PAIL

Pine, original blue painted finish, two iron bands with cut/notch ends, bail handle with birch hand-hold in original reddish stain, c. 1850, 9 1/2" h to lid, 15" h to top of handle, 12" dia. 

OPEN SEWING BOX

Pine, original Meeting House blue painted finish, rectangular form, nailed construction, interior shelf with metal spool pegs, five finely turned maple spools in original lipstick red painted finish, original sewing notions to include beeswax, thimbles, blue round silk needlebook with gold silk ribbon, round burgundy velvet pincushion with white silk sewn side, three strawberry emeries, 3 3/4" h, 10" w, 6" d (box), 1 1/8" h (spools). 

BENCH

Birch and pine seat, original red stain weathered finish, shaped crest rail, 22 turned and fitted spindles, carved, shaped and beveled plank seat, three turned and stretchered legs, hand-forged iron braces on back legs, Enfield, NH, c. 1860, rare form, 31" h, 80" l. 

WORK BASKET

Black ash, dark natural patina, finely carved hoop handle, single wrapped rim, inverted bottom, script print in black paint "Kettle House" on side, c. 1840, minor breaks in bottom, overall good condition, 14" h to top of handle, 13 1/4" dia. 

APPLE BASKET

Wide ash slat with overlapping construction, two horizontal bands, one on top rim and one in middle, round wood bottom, tall hoop handle, with separate original card stick label MCINTOSH RED "Maine Standard Apples, Grown and Packed by D.C. Wilson, Sabbathday Lake, Maine,... one bushel.". 

RARE SET OF FOUR OVAL BOXES

Pine and maple, original olive green painted finish, graduated sizes, top two boxes have three fingers, the bottom two have four fingers, elegantly shaped with beveled ends, c. 1840, (Note: rare to find four Shaker nesting oval boxes in original painted finish), 5 7/8", 7 1/8", 8 3/4", and 10 1/4" l.    

SIDE CHAIR

Birch, original varnish finish, tall flame finials, three graduated slats, early caned seat, tilters, shaped brass bands at bottom of back legs to keep feet from splitting, twice labeled underneath front stretcher with "15" in ink indicating room number, "18" stamped on top of both front stiles, Enfield, NH, c. 1840, 15" seat h, 41" overall h. 

WORK TABLE

Cherry, pine secondary wood, original varnish finish (base), natural varnish finish original two-board top, single thumbnail molded and dovetailed drawer with original metal pull, tapered and turned legs with small button foot, Enfield, NH, c. 1830, 29 1/4" h, 28 1/4" l, 23" w.    

CHILD'S ROCKING CHAIR

Maple, original walnut stained varnish finish, original blue and red taped seat and back, curvilinear arms with mushroom caps, original transfer trademark decal inside left rocker, "No. '0', Mt. Lebanon, N.Y.", c. 1890, 7" seat h, 23" overall h.    

WORK BASKET

Black ash splint, original brown patina, double carved inset handles, convex interior bottom, finely woven, underside secured with rosehead nail, and signed in chalk "EVA", Sabbathday Lake, Maine, c. 1830-1840, 15" h (to top of handle), 18 1/2" dia. 

DUSTER AND BRUSH

Maple and cherry, finely turned handles, light wool with red silk ribbon bow, 16" l; Gray horsehair, leather loop hanger, 11" l. 

RARE SIDE CHAIR

Birch, original red stained varnish finish, two graduated slats, flame finials, early caned seat, one rail replaced, tilters on back legs, Enfield, NH, c. 1840, 13" seat h, 38" overall h, (sold WHA 1991, Lot 256). 

SISTER'S SEWING DESK

Pine, old varnish finish, molded top over three small flanking molded and lipped drawers, dovetailed, over a well compartment with 1/2" raised lip, over a sliding work surface, above three larger dovetailed drawers, arched base, dovetailed drawer on right side and a pull-out support board to hold a work surface, inset side panels, one-piece back board, cherry wood turned pulls, Canterbury, NH, c. 1840, 36" h, 24" w, 20" d. 

CHILD'S ROCKING CHAIR

Maple, original dark walnut stained varnish finish, original khaki green and raspberry red taped back and seat, curvilinear arms with mushroom caps, #1 size, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1870, 12" seat h, 29" overall h.   

CHILD'S CLOAK

Red wool, striped red silk lined hood and ties, interior pockets, silk shows wear and a few moth holes, otherwise good condition, original label at collar "The Dorothy, Shakers, Hart & Shepard, Canterbury, N.H.", c. 1900-1920, 36" l, (sold WHA, 1980's). 

CANDLE DRYING STAND

Birch, maple, original brown painted finish, four lapped crossbeam tapered arms on a circular hub, detachable to accommodate candle dipping, all on an octagonal tapered column, supported by four flat snake legs pegged into a squared base, found in Harvard, MA, c. 1840, 26" h, 35" w (arm tip to arm tip). 

SORTING STATION AND WORK BOX

Pine, original gray paint, five-sectioned top with raised dividers, bootjack arched feet, 6 3/4" h, 20" w, 7 1/2" d; Box with hinged lid and mitered edge, dovetailed case, symmetrically "T" head nailed bottom board, original gray painted finish, Alfred or Sabbathday Lake, ME, 5" h, 12" w, 7" d. 

RARE TRESTLE TABLE

Cherry, maple and pine, old natural varnish finish, 37 1/2" breadboard top, 8' 2" long, two rectangular trestles, arched base with two extended toes, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1830. 

CANDLESTAND

Maple and birch, natural varnish finish, round top, beveled rectangular cleat, turned shaft, raised double rings at top, tall arched spider legs, small repairs, early shaped steel anchoring plate on bottom, c. 1850, 26 1/2" h, 16" dia.    

ROCKING CHAIR

Maple, original varnish finish, natural rush seat, curvilinear arms with early transitional mushroom caps, four slats, original oak shawl bar, stamped "7" on back of top slat, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1870, 15" seat h, 44" overall h.    

WOOD STOVE

Cast iron, finely cast door with original turned maple handle, small ash door with hand-forged latch, penny feet, c. 1830-1840, 17" h, 36" l, 12" w, (includes Shaker cast iron damper, 4 1/2" dia). 

FOUR OVAL BOXES

Maple, tiger maple and pine, graduated sizes, all with three fingers, varnish finish, smallest box contains a manuscript note "This box made by Brother Delmar (Wilson) from Hancock, Mass and given as a gift about 1955 or a little earlier. Not a good example. He was better at repairing clocks. Jean Carbauh Cutler.", Note: remnants of an oval transfer "Shaker" decal on bottom, 4 1/2" l; 20th c. oval box, 5 1/2" l; 19th c. oval box, possible lid from another box, 6 1/2" l; Dark varnish stain, 7 1/4" l; slight imperfections.   

WOOD BOX

Pine, original mustard yellow painted finish, (an outer coat of white was removed), breadboard hinged lid, dovetailed case, all on turned maple legs, Sabbathday Lake, ME, c. 1840, shows a shadow for a cast iron tool holder on right side, used for storing wood for cast iron Shaker stoves, 31" h, 26" w, 20" d. 

THREE RULES AND MINIATURE CUTLERY BOX

Maple, original varnish finish, hand-numbered, 1" to 5", 1" to 3", and a 2" mini-rule (reused with numbers 3 and 4); and a cherry, original varnish, handled two-section carrier, early 20th c. canted sides, 2 1/2" h, 6" l.   

SMALL TOOL COLLECTION

Two rare button hole punches, both with turned horn handles and steel blades, 3" and 3 1/2" l; a small turned wood sewing device, with hole for thread; hand-cast flat nose pliers, 4" l; miniature auger with cherry turned handle; and a double-ended iron leather punch.    

SMALL OVAL BOX

Maple and pine, original dry salmon red painted finish, with good patina, three fingers, lid shows split and small repair at back, 1 3/4" h, 4 1/4" l. 

CHOPPING BOWL

Pine, original red stained finish, oval form, carved inset finger grip on each side, (wear in bottom indicates use of a rolling herb cutter), 3 1/2" h, 19 1/2". 

WASHSTAND

Pine, natural finish, dovetailed backsplash, inset vertical panel door, through mortised and double pinned on the diagonal, original finely turned maple pull and carved door closure, New Lebanon, NY, c. 1840-1850, 33" h, 28" w, 19" d. 

FOLDING MIRRORS AND HAT BRUSHES

Carry-cased mirror with brass hanger, ebony and maple line inlay surrounding the oval glass, marked "Robins", two pin hinged pieces cut on a slant to fit together when closed, 4 3/4" l; Smaller bird's-eye maple mirror, ebony and maple inlay surrounding an oval beveled glass, similar pin hinged cover to larger mirror, 3" l, both with varnish finish; Shaped hardwood handled brush with light and dark bristle spelling "HAT", with container on the right side possibly for talcum powder, with threaded cap, 8" l; Finely turned cherry wood handled brush with light and dark bristle shaped for interior hat cleaning, Canterbury, NH, late 19th c., 10" l.   

BROTHER'S HAT

Black beaver, black silk bow, hand-sewn interior band, 4 1/2" h, 11" w, 13 1/2" l. 

TWO BOOKS

Essays on the History and Doctrines of the Society of Friends, Philadelphia, after 1851, signed on flyleaf in pencil "Catherine Allen; Immortalized; Elder Frederick W. Evans. Pittsfield, Mass. Eagle Press.".   

CANE

Hardwood, possibly locust, natural varnish finish, carved relief banner with block print "F.W. Evans. Mt. Lebanon. N.Y." inside under handle, possibly a presentation to Elder Evans from another Shaker, c. 1880, rubber boot replaced, 33" l. 

WORK STAND

Birch, pine and cherry, original varnish finish, single board top, pine drawer with birch front attached with screws, delicately turned and tapered cherry legs, early Shaker repair to left rear leg, (Note: an early example of exceptional Shaker craftsmanship), 26" h, 26" w, 18" d. 

POSTCARD AND PHOTOGRAPH

Group portrait of Mt. Lebanon, NY Shakers including Elder Frederick Evans, Daniel Offord, Lucy Bower, Rosetta Stephens, Jane Cutler, Charles Graves, Lydia Staples, et al; and a larger framed and matted print of the same photograph, 7 1/4" x 11 3/8" (sight). 

WORK BASKET

Black ash splint, natural patina finish, square to round form, open weave bottom, tall carved hoop handle, found in Harvard, MA, c. 1860-1880, 8" h to rim, 16" h to top of handle, 16 1/2" dia. 

TWO-STEP STOOL

Pine, traces of original red stained finish, inset carved carrying handle in top tread, symmetrically placed screw construction, beveled boards, slightly arched side panels, c. 1850, 12" h, 17" w, 16" d. 

EARLY ROCKING CHAIR

Maple, original green paint over red stained finish, finely worn patina on finials, arms and front stretcher, three wide shaped slats, early black ash woven splint seat, pegged and carved arms with pegged and shaped rockers, Watervliet, NY, c. 1790-1810, 14" seat h, 42" overall h, (Note: one of the earliest of Watervliet rocking chairs).   

WASH TUB

Pine, original red painted finish, original cream painted interior, three hand-forged iron bands, two coopered sculptural handles extending 5" above the rim, c. 1830-1840, New Lebanon or Watervliet, NY, 24" h, 35" dia.    

COVERED TIN PAIL

Printed yellow paper label "Shaker's Apple Sauce, N.F. Mount Lebanon, NY", c. 1880, wire bail, 7" h, 6" dia.   

SHELF AND DIPPER

Hanging shelf, pine, original varnish finish, rounded top with hole, sloping sides, rounded shelf front, c. 1880, possibly used as a candle sconce, 11 1/2" h, 6" w, 4" d; Dipper/mortar and pestle, birch, natural varnish finish, heavy turned bowl, turned short removable threaded handle, to be used as an herb pestle and the bowl serving as the mortar, 4 1/2" h, 4" dia. 

FOUR DINING CHAIRS

Maple, two in original dark walnut stained varnish finish, two in original red walnut stained finish, all with blue taped seats, spherical shaped finials, two shaped slats, three with trademark decals, two with "2" stamped on back of top slat, "R.M. Wagan & Co. Shaker Chairs", c. 1900, (Note: rare to find four matching dining chairs in this style), 17 1/2" seat h, 29 1/2" overall h. 

STORAGE BOX

Cherry and pine, original red stained varnish finish, finely dovetailed, double hinged lid with original brass hinges, eight interior compartments (four on each side), New Lebanon, NY, c. 1840, 2 1/2" h, 12 1/2" w, 9" d, (sold WHA 2002, Lot 121). 

SISTER'S WORK TABLE

Cherry, poplar secondary wood, natural varnish finish, 21 1/2" single-board cherry top, two finely dovetailed drawers, each on opposing ends, square tapered and flared legs, finely turned 1" cherry pulls, 26 1/2" h, 36" l, 21 1/2" w.   

PAIL

Pine, original dark varnish finish, turned lid, shaped iron band, steel diamond shaped bail attachments, iron bail with turned birch handle, stamped on bottom "N.F. Shakers, Enfield, N.H.", 10" h, 12 1/2" dia. 

STANDING WORK CHEST

Pine, original red and sponge painted finish, breadboarded and hinged lift lid, dovetailed drawer below with turned maple wooden knobs, square turned legs, Canterbury, NH, c. 1840-1850, pictured p. 15 The Essential Book of Shaker Furniture, David Larkin, and p. 56 Shaker Style, John S. Bowman, 2004, 29 1/2" h, 37" l, 23" d, (ex. Doug Towle collection, WHA 2005, Lot 88). 

ARMCHAIR

Maple, original burgundy red painted finish, red and black taped back and seat, acorn finials, curvilinear arms with finely turned mushroom caps, #3, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1870-1880, (pre-decal production), 15" seat h, 33 1/2" overall h. 

RARE SEED BOX

Pine, original red stained finish, stenciled on front "Garden Seeds, Enfield, NH", original breadboarded locking lid, (Note: hand-forged Shaker locking mechanism), leather hinged, 3 3/4" h, 28" l, 11 1/4" d, (ex. Doug Towle collection, WHA 2005, Lot 87). 

MEETING HOUSE

Wooden replica of the Mt. Lebanon Meeting House, arched tin roof, clapboard siding, carved faux granite foundation, four separate steps and entryways, with four arched tin roof gables, 26 partitioned windows, a stairway up to back of building is open and shows third floor bedroom, furnished with double cupboard over chest of drawers, also two stoves, blanket chests, chair, tables, rugs, spirit drawing, tin wash tub, dolls (6" h) include 20 Brothers, 20 Sisters, and 17 seated guests, fired bisque head, hands and feet, all dressed in appropriate 19th c. garb; mid 20th c., 34" h, 5' l, 3' wide (step way to step way). 

DOLL

Marked "Armand Marseille, 370, Germany", porcelain, brown eyes, open mouth, Shaker dressed in cloak, with silk lined hood, poplarware bonnet, Bertha with silk lace edging, matching skirt, dark brown stockings, black leather shoes, 16" h. 

BLANKET

Finely woven wool, dyed blue, soft pink and white, checkered pattern, center hand-sewn seam, c. 1850, possibly purchased or gifted from the Harvard Shakers in the early 1900's, 58" x 70". 

RARE TALL REVOLVER CHAIR

Maple, pine and tiger maple, original varnish finish, back with turned posts, carved slat and four turned spindles, shaped pine seat, circular cast iron revolving mechanism seated in a finely carved cross member attached with screws to side stretchers, finely turned tiger maple legs, with three sets of four box stretchers, (Note: seat appears to have been made to become a dining chair as holes were drilled for four legs, it became instead this rare revolver chair), a similar top of a chair is pictured on p. 199, The Shaker Chair, Muller and Rieman, in the workshop of Sister Sarah Collins, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1840-1860, 30" seat h, 45" overall h, 15 1/4" w at the top post. 

ARMREST

Maple, original black walnut stain, stuffed horsehair, padded hourglass shaped top, supported on four turned posts, with three deep scribe lines at medial section, on a similar hourglass base, probably made for visitor's use on a meeting house bench, found in Harvard, MA, c. 1850, 12" h, 12" l, 5 1/2" w. 

WORK STAND

Cherry, pine and poplar, original red painted finish, pegged three-board top, single dovetailed drawer with original turned pull, round tapered legs, Whitewater, OH, c. 1840-1850, 27 1/2" h, 21 1/2" w, 22" d, (ex. Doug Hamel/Paul McGinnis auction, July 1991). 

DINING CHAIR

Birch and pine, natural varnish finish, single curvilinear slat with six low spindles, four tapered legs (two pegged), thick shaped beveled seat, turned box stretchers, Canterbury, NH, c. 1840, 17 1/2" seat h, 25" overall h, (ex. Doug Hamel/Paul McGinnis auction, July 1991). 

DRESSING MIRROR

Pine, natural varnish finish, single beveled frame, original glass mirror, carved side supports with rounded tops pegged into case top, swiveling mirror with turned maple spacers, rounded backsplash, dovetailed drawer with white porcelain pull, original brass threaded feet, c. 1880-1890, (ex. Tad and Ed Case; ex. George Marks; ex. Willis Henry Auctions, Lot 123, October 12, 1992), with written history of Enfield, Connecticut Shakers. 

TWO PAILS

Pine, original salmon red, and green painted finishes, green pail with varnish, black painted steel strapping, wire bail handles, birch grips, white painted interior, 7" h, 5 1/2" dia. 

CHILD'S SIDE CHAIR

Maple, natural finish, flame finials, two slats, early style caned seat, rare Harvard Shaker form, Harvard, MA, c. 1830, 12 1/2" seat h, 28 1/4" overall h.   

CHILD'S ROCKING CHAIR

Maple, natural varnish finish, three slats, early splint seat, New Lebanon, NY, community chair, c. 1830, 12" seat h, 28 1/2" overall h. 

SISTER'S SEWING DESK

Cherry, walnut, butternut and poplar, original varnish finish, raised backsplash above two rows of three dovetailed drawers with original white porcelain knobs, above a molded cherry wood work surface above an extra pullout sliding work surface, breadboarded and recessed for a felt, with original small white porcelain pull, over two graduated and dovetailed drawers with figured butternut drawer fronts, top drawer is sectioned for writing materials, finely turned walnut pulls, inset butternut side panels, all on four tapered and turned legs, New Lebanon, NY, c. 1860-1870, 41 1/2" h, 32" w, 22" w. 

STARCH BOWL AND OVAL BOX

Figured or burled maple, finely turned, thin walled bowl, with slightly raised foot used for starch in the laundry room, 2" h, 4" dia; Maple and pine, original natural patina finish, four fingers right to left, Maine origin, 2 1/8" h, 5 3/8" w, (ex. Gus Nelson collection).   

ROCKING CHAIR

Maple or cherry, original dark stained varnish finish, three wide shaped rockers, elongated finials, early rush seat with original yellow painted finish, long shaped rockers, Enfield, CT, c. 1830, 16 1/2" seat h, 40 1/2" overall h.   

TEXTILES

Small white cotton towel, initialed in blue cross-stitch "RV"; two blue and white checked kerchiefs, one initialed "AM", (originally purchased from WHA, 1980's). 

STORAGE CHEST

Poplar, original red painted finish, dovetailed construction, wrought iron side handles, original lock, small brass ringed escutcheon, hinged lid, two-sectioned compartment interior, Enfield, CT, c. 1850, 16" h, 31 3/4" w, 17 1/2" d. 

OVAL BOX

Maple and pine, original red painted finish, four fingers, paper label on left side with black/brown ink "fancy...", interior with wooden spool dowels (some missing), c. 1830-1840, 3 3/4" h, 9 1/4". 

OVAL BOX

Maple and pine, original pumpkin orange painted finish, four fingers, four-section interior, probably used for sewing notions, lid with pewter pull on top, c. 1840, 4 1/4" h, 10 1/4" l, 7 1/2" d, (ex. Ed Clerk collection). 

DRESSING CHAIR

Tiger birch and birch, original dark red/brown varnish, flattened acorn finial (variation), two turned horizontal rods, light brown and beige taped seat, original trademark decal inside back stile, (referred to as a boudoir chair), Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1880, 18" seat h, 28" overall h, (ex. Pam Boynton, 1984, Groton, MA). 

STORAGE CHEST

Pine, original pumpkin orange wash, molded lid, Shaker forged hinges, two beveled cleats fitted to underside of lid, original lock, oval bone escutcheon (replaced), dovetailed case, leather strap side handles, 12 1/2" h, 24" w, 12" d. 

RARE EARLY ROCKING CHAIR

Maple, four graduated and shaped hickory slats, top slat is double pinned, natural varnish finish, turned bulb finials, finely carved flat curvilinear arms, early black ash splint seat, cherry wood rockers, Sabbathday Lake, ME, c. 1830, (Note: a rare and early form), 14" seat h, 39" overall h. 

DRYING RACK

Walnut, original varnish finish, three shaped rectangular horizontal bars, two vertical posts with half-rounded tops, through mortise construction, arched trestle feet (each with two shaped side wedged post supports at the base), c. 1850, 35 3/4" h, 25 3/4" w. 

DESK BOX

Cherry and pine, original varnish finish, inset black leather covered slant lid, hinged, opening to a large storage compartment, underside of lid with tacked pink ribbon for holding papers, Hancock, MA, c. 1860-1880, 7" h, 26 1/4" d, 12 1/2" w. 

SIDE CHAIR AND STOOL

Maple and tiger maple, original dark stained varnish finish, both in original beige pinstripe and light olive tape, both with trademark decals "No. 3, Mt. Lebanon, NY", c. 1890-1900, rare to find matching chair and stool. 

TWO BRAIDED RUGS

Tightly tied oval rug with rectangular carpet center, red, brown, green and beige, 40" l, 31" w, purchased from Hazel Hamilton, 1991; Scalloped edge circular rug with eight-spoked wheel design, 36" dia, purchased at William Smith, Inc. Auction, August 1992. 

CHEST

Pine and poplar, original dark red stained varnish finish, larger dovetailed drawer over two smaller drawers, original threaded wood pulls, support board under bottom drawer dovetailed into sides, canted square feet, Enfield, CT, c. 1850, 37" h, 42" w, 18"d, (ex. Ketchum collection). 

TWO ROLLING PINS

Cherry, original finish, turned side handles with three graduated "S" curve lines, top turned bar/handle finely turned with rings and scribe lines, 7" h, 13" w; Double rolling pin, maple, 20" l. 

ROCKING CHAIR WITH ARMS

Maple, dark walnut stained finish, arms with mushroom caps, red and white taped back and seat, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1870-1880, #4 size, 15" seat h, 38" overall h.

 153.

TWO BOOTJACKS

Bird's-eye maple, clear varnish finish, shaped with hole on the end for hanging on a peg, 14 1/2" l; Traveling walnut bootjack with brass hinges, notched on both sides with brass wedges for closing, signed underneath "Flo...", 9 1/2" l.   

TWO STOOLS

Maple, original varnish finish, one taped in camel brown and beige, one taped in light yellow and blue, transfer decal "Mt. Lebanon, NY, Trademark Shakers", c. 1880-1900, 16 1/2" h, 13 3/4" sq. 

BLANKET CHEST

Pine, early natural varnish finish, lift lid with two inset original hinges, two interior tills (one on each side), six drawers (three graduated side-by-side), each with finely molded legs and original turned wood pulls, applied single arch molding to front and sides, all on a cut out arched base, two-board back, beveled, Sabbathday Lake or Alfred origin, c. 1840, found in Maine, 44" h, 48" w, 20 1/2" d. 

 156.

BEEKEEPER'S BOX

Pine, original green and gray painted finish, finely constructed with over 100 symmetrically aligned inset screws on sides and bottoms of both cases, interior carrier with leather handle and two drawers, one with spring closure and screen bottom and lower drawer with a copper tube for smoke to keep the bees docile, probably used in transporting a Queen bee from the hive, c. 1880-1900, 8" h, 14" w, 8" d.    

LARGE OVAL BOX

Maple and pine, natural varnish finish, four fingers, copper tacks, early Shaker nailed repair to lid rim at right side, refitted carrier, c. 1840, 5 1/4" h, 13 1/8" l. 

WOVEN RUG

Yarn plied stair runner, red, gray, green and white, twisted and woven to create a dazzling effect, New Lebanon, NY, c. 1850, some unraveling and minor imperfections, 21' 3" l, 22" w. 

CUTLERY CARRIER

Cherry, red stained varnish finish, medial dividing board with oval cutout for carrying, dovetailed, inset bottom board.   

STORAGE CHEST

Pine, original deep red painted finish, four hinges on breadboard lid, dovetailed construction, raised on small flat feet, built for castors (inside chest), carved pine beveled lid support on left side, New Lebanon, NY, c. 1830-1840, 26 3/4" h, 55" w, 25" d. 

ROCKING CHAIR

Maple, original red walnut stained finish, blue and white taped back and seat, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1880, #4 size, 15" seat h, 34" overall h.   

 162.

THREE OVAL CARRIERS

Maple and pine, original varnish finish: four-finger construction with swing handle, 8" h, 11" l; two-finger construction, fixed handle with large copper rivets, 9" h, 14 1/2" l; and three-finger construction with swing handle, 6" h, 18" l.   

ROCKING CHAIR WITH ARMS

Maple with ebony stained finish, flat mushroom capped arms, back of top slat stamped "6", black and green stripe taped back and seat, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1875, 15" seat h, 40" overall h. 

GRAIN SHOVEL

Birch, original natural patina finish, carved from one piece of wood, (note the matching grain in the blade), originally purchased from the Hancock Shakers in the 1940's, excellent condition, 36" l. 

DOUBLE BOOKSHELF

Pine, original red stained varnish finish, three shelves tall, beaded and dovetailed into the sides, metal labels "172", "173" and "174" in black stencil, "170" and "171" on opposite side, Harvard/Shirley, MA, c. 1850, 30" h, 49" w, 14" d. 

COLLECTION OF WOODENWARE

Maple darning ball; Listing or chair taping tool, Enfield, CT; Turned pill box with fitted lid; Three Shaker wooden hair pins; Two small mirrors; Shaped cherry wood tool for smoothing sewn seams; Tiger cherry wood tool for turning a spinning wheel. 

OVAL BOX

Maple and pine, original natural finish, marked "LD, 51" in pencil script under lid, five fingers, copper tacks, imperfections on lid, 5 1/2" h, 13 1/4" l. 

TWO FOOTSTOOLS

Birch, original stained finish, turned and splayed legs with concentric rings, covered with hooked mat, label on bottom reads "Shaker footstool, Hancock, Mass, Faith Andrews Collection, Ethel Van Vorst was a Shaker and also her sister was a Shaker, Plate 15, Shaker Furniture, 11-84", and also in pencil "From Ethel Van Vorst, 1963.", 7" h, 11 1/2" l; Birch, original finish, octagonal shape with beveled underside, splayed turned legs with extended foot, stamped underneath "SN.", 7" h, 13" l. 

THREE BASKETS

Black ash, two hoop handle, one with sliding lid and formed on a cat's head mold; double handle work basket with lid. 

UTILITY CUPBOARD

Pine, original red paint grained finish, single door with vertical panels, opening to four shelves, horizontally double pinned and through mortised, arched base, original brass button spring loaded door closure, Harvard/Shirley, MA, c. 1850-1860, 56" h, 36" w, 13" d. 

ARMCHAIR

Maple and figured birch, original dark walnut stained varnish finish, cranberry red taped back and seat, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1880, minor imperfections, 16" seat h, 37" overall h. 

ROCKING CHAIR AND STOOL

Maple, original dark walnut stained varnish finish, black and off-white taped seat, three slats, stamped "3" on back of top slat, Shaker trademark Mt. Lebanon decal on back of bottom slat, 15" seat h, 34" overall h; Maple, original ebony stained varnish finish, trademark decal on bottom, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1880, 7" h, 11 1/2" sq; (both in excellent condition). 

SHAKER DRESSED DOLL

Poplarware bonnet with silk lining, gray cloak over gray Bertha with tatting border, gray pleated dress, lace petticoat, black knit mesh stockings, black shoes (as is), 15 1/2" h.   

CHILD'S ROCKING CHAIR

Maple, original black walnut stained finish, three slats, acorn finials, curvilinear arms (left arm is an early replacement), low mushroom caps, early woven cane seat, stamped "1" on back of top slat, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1875 (pre-decal), 12 1/2" seat h, 29" overall h. 

WASH TUB

Pine, early gray painted finish, with original white interior, three carved single finger 2 1/2" securing bands, two extended staves with rectangular cut handles, inset bottom boards, (sold WHA, Lot 209, 1980's), 20 1/2" h (to handle), 27" dia. 

CHILD'S ROCKING CHAIR

Maple, original dark red stained finish, three slats, acorn finials, woven split seat, Mt. Lebanon, NY trademark decal on inside of left rocker, #1, c. 1875-80, 12 1/2" seat h, 29" overall h. 

HYMNAL STAND

Walnut, natural varnish finish, tilted triangular formed shelf, supported on two "Y" shaped flat columns, on slightly arched trestle feet, flat board medial stretcher, through mortise construction, rare and possibly unique form, Union Village, OH, c. 1850, 32 1/2" h, 38 1/4" w, 17 1/2" d at base. 

SIX BOOKS

Holy, Sacred and Divine Roll and Book, Canterbury, NH, 1843, yellow cover, signed inside on flyleaf "A present unto you by the Command of Him that seeth not as a man seeth. Let him that readeth understand.", John Lyon; Hendrick, Robinson, three leather bound copies of the Shaker Hymnal Millennial Praises, Hancock, MA, 1813, one labeled "Elce Bigelow; A Summary View of the Millennial Church, Albany, 1848, leather bound; Christ's First and Second Appearing, by Shakers, Fourth Edition, Albany, 1856, leather bound, signed on inside back cover "John W. Copley", with a listing of Trustees of Second Family, (ex. Gus Nelson collection).   

EIGHT BOOKS

Bound vol. Harper's New Monthly Magazine, 1857, New York, p. 165-177, "The Shakers" with woodcuts; The Aletheia by Mace; Millennial Church (2); A Summary View of the Millennial Church or Shakers; Christ's First and Second Appearing; Shakerism; and Autobiography of a Shaker, (ex. Gus Nelson collection).  

SEWING WORK STAND

Flame birch, birch and pine, original red stained varnish finish, rectangular top with cut corners, lipped and dovetailed drawer with fitted three-section interior, over a lipped medial shelf, square tapered leg, double pinned and through mortise construction, Enfield, NH, c. 1820, 27" h, 17" w, 13" d. 

BOTTLE FILLER, FUNNELS AND BOTTLES

Pine and maple, original finish, adjustable two-funnel platform, 18" h; Two tin funnels; Two aqua bottles: "Shaker Digestive Cordial, J. White, NY", 7" h, and "Shaker Fluid, Extract Valarian", 3 3/4" h; and a Rare dose glass "Dr. Turner's Shaker Medicine", with measuring lines.   

SIDE CHAIR

Birch, early clear varnish finish, three graduated arched slats, elegantly turned finials, early cane seat (break on left side), early repair to right rail, original tilters, Enfield, NH, c. 1840, 16" seat h, 41 1/2" overall h. 

ROUND KNIT RUG

Multicolored, recycled wool knitted tubes sewn flat, spiraling outward in 14 concentric circles from a dark gray center with reds, matted blacks, pink, light green, orange and beige, rug making technique described in Shaker Textiles, B. Gordon, p. 108 and 109, 42" dia. 

SIDE CHAIR

Tiger maple, original dark walnut stained varnish finish, original taped seat in mustard yellow and black, stamped "3" on back of top slat, original Mt. Lebanon decal on back of bottom slat, excellent condition, 15" seat h, 33 1/2" overall h. 

BLANKET CHEST

Pine, green painted finish over original red, breadboarded lid, dovetailed case, shaped and canted feet, c. 1840, 22 1/2" h, 44 1/2" w, 20" d. 

MINIATURE CHEST

Thinly laminated walnut and maple, poplar bottom, original varnish finish, hinged lid with intricate shaped spiral formed and laminated molding fitted to the case, shaped and raised cherry wood escutcheon plate, spiral molded base, all on laminated turned ball feet, rare form, attributed to Thomas Fisher, Enfield, CT, c. 1880-1900, 5" h, 10" w, 4 3/4" d.   

TWO RUGS

Shaker cotton rag rug with wide black border, multi-color striped rectangular center, stitched in three panels, c. 1860, 36" l, 28" w; Shaker silk confetti rug, thin black border, gray and vibrant blue with multi-color confetti style center section, 34" l, 19" w. 

TWO PAILS

Pine, original burnt pumpkin orange painted finish, with white painted interior, heavy bent wire with turned birch handle, two black painted metal bands, 7" h, 5 1/2" dia; Laminated pine and walnut staves, original varnish finish, bent wire with birch handle, two black painted metal bands, 6 1/2" h, 5 3/4" dia. 

THREE UTILITY OBJECTS

Adjustable rug stretcher, tiger maple, cherry, forged metal ends with teeth, very fine patina, hand forged wing nut, Hancock, MA, c. 1830-1840, 34" l, (ex. Alistaire Martin collection; ex. Litchfield Auction Gallery, Nov. 1992); Broom, hand-tied flat form with tiger maple handle, 31 1/2" l; Rug whip, maple handle, hickory whip, original finish, 40 1/2" l. 

CHEST

Butternut and poplar, original red paint and clear varnish finish, shaped backsplash, two small flanking drawers over two long drawers, original white porcelain pulls, all on turned and tapered feet, inset panel ends, Ohio origin, c. 1850, 29" h, 29" w, 16" d. 

OVAL BOX

Maple and pine, original varnish finish, three fingers, lid decorated with red roses and flower sprigs, and red painted lines around cover, lid and base, oversized decorative tacks on lid and base, history of early 20th c. gift giving in pencil on inside of lid "Given to Mother 50 years ago...", and another Shaker history in pencil in a different script "Presented by a Friend...Abigail Crossman, Mount Lebanon Columbia Co., NB.", 2 3/4" h, 6" l. 

SIDE CHAIR

Maple, original varnish finish, three heavy beveled slats, top slat stamped on front "8" (room number), later rush seat, Watervliet, NY, c. 1830, original tilters, 16 1/2" seat h, 41" overall h, (ex. J.J. Gerald McCue collection). 

TWO RUGS

Round confetti rag rug, c. 1880, purchased in 1992 from American Decorative Arts, Canaan, NH, Enfield, NH, South Family, 33" dia; Round concentric circle rug with multi-color border, burgundy, gold, gray and blue, purchased from Hazel Hamilton in 1991, 42" dia. 

DINING CHAIR

Maple, early natural finish, two shaped crested slats, thumbback shaped back stiles, Shaker woven oak splint seat, Ohio origin, 17 1/2" seat h, 28" overall h. 

WORK TABLE

Maple, cherry and pine, heavy 1" scrubbed single board pine top pegged onto skirt, 21" w, 38" l, maple skirt, square tapered and turned legs with 2" ringed collar, leg with medial swell, and three concentric rings, taken down to a red stained finish, found in NY state, possibly Shirley, MA, c. 1820-1830, 27 3/4" h. 

FAN, RULE, SPOOL AND BLOCK

Fancy goods woven poplarware fan, with beige silk ribbon ties and bow, 15" l; Maple rule, 12 1/4" l; Maple apple core shaped spool with awl, 4" h; Chamfered tiger maple block, with inset lead weight and felt base, 5" l.   

BED

Maple and pine, original green painted finish, rectangular rails, each with an interior lambs tongue chamfer, through mortise and pin construction, tapered and turned legs terminating in cast iron fittings for the maple wheels, an early curved edge headboard, butternut and pine, natural finish, with attached pegs fitted for the rail, cast iron rods for mattress support, New Lebanon, NY, c. 1830, 20 1/2" h, 76" l, 41" w, 14" h headboard, (ex. Charles and Helen Upton collection). 

TRUSTEE'S DESK

Cherry, poplar secondary wood, natural varnish finish, double applied beveled moldings over double inset panel doors, double pegged and through mortised opening to inside chamfered panels, and four shelves, over a fall front horizontal inset panel, opening to a three-drawer and cubbyhole desk interior in original red stain, all above sits on a separate base with two full drawers below inset panel sides, on four turned hourglass style feet, Ohio Shaker origin, c. 1840-1850, 7' 1 1/2" h, 42" w, 19" d. 

SIDE CHAIR

Tiger maple, original walnut stained varnish finish, early rush seat, three shaped slats, Harvard, MA, c. 1840, excellent condition, 18" seat h, 42" overall h, (ex. J.J. Gerald McCue collection). 

WORK STAND

Pine, original ochre grain painted finish, single dovetailed drawer with hardwood turned pull, turned legs, (top appears to have been covered at one time), Shirley, MA, c. 1840-1850, 24" h, 18" w, 16" d.   

STOOL

Maple, original dark varnish finish, turned legs with eight turned stretchers, transfer "Shaker" trademark decal on inside of one leg, 16" h, 14" sq.   

OVAL BOX AND POPLARWARE SEWING BOX

Pine and maple, original yellow stained finish, lightly varnished, three fingers right to left, finely detailed, Maine origin, c. 1840-1850, 5 3/4" l; Small fancy goods poplarware sewing box, silk ribbon hinges with needlebook on lid, green velvet interior trimmed in white kid leather, 2" h, 4" w, 4 1/2" d. 

WARRANTY DEED

Print and manuscript deed of the sale of Enfield, CT Shaker land and buildings, for $1,600.00, signed by John Bradford and John Cummings, Trustees of Church Family, Enfield, CT, Dec. 3, 1898, with red seals, and documentary stamps, fold lines, overall good condition.    

ROCKING CHAIR

Maple with original dark walnut stained finish, red stripe and black taped back and seat, c. 1880-1900, Mt. Lebanon, NY, trademark decal inside right rocker, "4", excellent condition, 15" seat h, 35" overall h.   

ROCKING CHAIR AND FOOT REST

Maple, original dark red walnut stained finish, shawl bar, four ladders, red and black taped seat, pegged rockers, stamped "6" on back of top slat, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1870, (pre "Trademark" production), 15 1/2" seat h, 41 1/2" overall h; Production footstool, maple, original dark walnut stained finish, original trademark decal "Mt. Lebanon, NY" under top, 6 1/2" h, 11 1/4" l, 11 3/4" w. 

LIDDED PAIL

Pine, original bright cherry red painted finish, original carved round lid, wire bail with turned birch handle, two black painted metal bands, 9 1/2" h to top of handle, 7 1/4" dia. 

MECHANICAL FOOD CHOPPER

Cast iron, tin, pine base, original green paint with yellow stripe stencil "No 1", turned birch wood handle connected to cast iron gears operating a pump mechanism with extended arm and blade for chopping fruits and vegetables, in a connected cylindrical tin container that revolves with every chopping motion, 6" h, 8" dia, 16" overall length of base, 7" w. Note: identical example pictured in "The Shaker Museum" booklet, 1968, Old Chatham Museum & Library, in the Medicine Room; and also shown in American Shakers & Their Furniture, John Shea, p. 58.    

 208.

BOTTLE CARRIER AND CORN STRIPPER

Pine, natural finish, various cutout circular holes for holding bottles, tray underneath with rim to contain spillage, 14" l; Shaped pine board with canted side supports, 15 raised nail teeth, inset iron bar, shaped pine and five-nail cob holder, 14 1/2" l. Note: see Shaker Folk Art, Klankin, p. 64 (Old Chatham Museum & Library collection). 

SEED SIFTER

Butternut, original varnish finish, rectangular dovetailed form with inset screened bottom, attached with symmetrically aligned screws, arched dovetailed medial lifting handle, missing possible agitating paddle, open end with pail guide, 3 1/2" h, 30 1/2" l, 13" w. 

TALL WORK TABLE

Poplar and chestnut, original brown varnish finish, two-board top, pegged and mortised construction, Enfield, NH, c. 1840, 33" h, 48" l, 24" d. 

STRING HOLDER

Cherry, walnut and maple, natural varnish finish, round turned fitted lid, with central hole for string access, circular box in laminated walnut and maple 1/4" strips, fitted round cherry base, rare form, 3 1/2" h, 4 1/2" dia.

SEWING IMPLEMENTS

Two sewing clamps, cherry, birch and maple, one with original pincushion, watered silk cover over original white ticking with brown tape binding, 8" and 7" h; Sister's maple mallet, acorn turned finial, Canterbury, NH, c. 1880, 9 1/2" h; Double darning tool, finely turned, 7"; Maple turned and numbered sizer, original varnish, 10".   

TRAVELING WORK CHEST

Walnut and poplar, original varnish finish, slight molded overhanging top, with brass handle, hinged inset panel, fall front door, with original lock and key, opening to four graduated dovetailed drawers with double porcelain pulls, all on four small turned walnut feet, Enfield or Canterbury, NH, c. 1860-1870, 15" h, 15 1/2" w, 12 1/2" d. 

OVAL CARRIER AND PAIL

Maple, pine laminated lid in cedar, four long elegant fingers, shaped swing handle with copper hinges, 8" l; Maple and walnut laminated pail, with original dark varnish finish, wire bail with turned birch handle, inset round pine bottom, cut steel diamond bail plates, 7 1/2" h to top of handle, 5 1/2" dia. 

WHEELBARROW

Ash or oak handles, pine bed, sides and backboard, birch or oak legs, forged iron supports, original powder blue painted finish, interior removable sides in original red painted finish, lambs tongue chamfered edges on legs and crossbeams, through mortised and pinned, eight lambs tongue chamfered wheel spokes, forged iron strapped wheel, New Lebanon, NY, c. 1840-1860, see p. 152 and 154, Shaker Design, J. Sprigg, 28" h, 71" l, 27" w at handles. 

WORK STAND

Tiger maple, cherry and pine, original red/brown painted/varnished finish, scrubbed maple top, single dovetailed drawer with original long peg pull, signed on the back of drawer "S. Munson", lock, mortised and pegged skirt, tapered square legs, Enfield, NH, c. 1830-1840, 27 1/2" h, 19" w, 18" d. 

LARGE POPLARWARE BOX

Red satin ribbons, red satin interior, see Plate I, No. 1 - "Catalog of Fancy Goods", referred to as a "Veil Box, 10" x 6", $1.75", Canterbury, NH, c. 1900.   

DINING CHAIR

Maple, original varnish finish, low back, two shaped slats, graduated, splint seat, back and front stiles, each with raised ring, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1850, 17" seat h, 26 1/2" overall h, (ex. Ed Clerk; see pg. 150, The Shaker Chair, Muller and Rieman). 

BOOK AND BOOK STAND

Shakerism Unmasked, William J. Haskett (formerly of the Society of Shakers), Pittsfield, MA, 1828, rebound brown board with gilt lettering; Folding, hinged, mahogany adjustable book stand, Enfield, CT, c. 1890, 8" h, 12" w, (ex. Gus Nelson collection).   

SISTER'S DESK

Pine, original dark walnut stained varnish finish, two-piece, two-door inset panel top, dovetailed case, two-shelf interior, left door signed in ink "Sister Emily Chase", and below in pencil "E.S. Chase", original walnut pulls, bottom section with lift lid writing surface opening to a storage space with raised shelf and six cubbyholes, square legs, Groveland or Watervliet, NY, c. 1850, 51 1/2" h, 30 1/2" w, 23" d. 

WOODENWARE

Maple dipper, varnish finish, carved from one piece of wood, 9 1/2" l; Sieve, chestnut, cotton, wire repaired split, 9 1/2" dia; Small sieve, nylon stocking strainer, 2 3/4" dia; Measure, black ash, original finish, 6 3/4" dia; Sieve rings, 8 3/4" dia.   

PAIL

Pine, original blue painted exterior finish, original lipstick red painted interior, wire bail with turned pine handle, cast diamond shaped side plates, 16" h to top of handle, 12" dia. 

BASKETS

Three contemporary Shaker style baskets, two square to round, and one rectangular, kittenhead forms, all initialed "MW" (Martha Wetherbee), 10 1/2" h, 10" dia. 

BASKETS

Four contemporary Shaker style baskets: large rectangular hoop handle, 6 1/4" h, 9 1/4" l; round with kittenhead base, dated 1990, 7" h, 5 1/2" dia; and two oval baskets, dated 1990, 5" h, 6" l; all initialed "KI" (Kay Iversen, who studied under Martha Wetherbee). 

WORK STAND

Pine and poplar, mustard over original brown/red stain, three dovetailed and graduated drawers, with original small brass pulls, tall square tapered legs, Hancock Bishopric, c. 1840-1850, 37" h, 27" w, 17" d. 

TWO SWEATER STRETCHERS

Poplar, natural finish, shaped hinged stretchers, one small for child's sweaters, from a Harvard, MA collection, c. 1870-1880, 11 1/2" h, 22 1/2" w; 16 1/2" h, 28 3/4" w. 

SHAKER EMBOSSED BOTTLES

Aqua; two blown (open pontil), "Shaker Syrup, Canterbury, NH", and "D. Miller & Co.", 7 1/4" h; three "Shaker Digestive Cordial, A.J. White, New York", two are 9" h, one is 2" h; four "Shaker Anodyne, Nth Enfield, N.H.", 4" h; and "The Shaker Family Pills, A.J. White, Dose 2 to 4", 2 1/4" h, (ex. Doug Towle collection, WHA 2005, Lot 89C). 

SHAKER CONTAINER COLLECTION

Pine sap pail, original red painted finish, stamped on bottom "NF Shakers, Enfield, NH"; Lidded tins (8), extracts and herbs; Three cardboard lidded boxes for fancywork poplar sewing boxes, Canterbury, NH; Small "Corbett's Shaker Medicated Lozenge" box; Three stacked pantry boxes; Three early Shaker seed packets, "Squash", "Red Beet", and "Washington Peas", Hancock and New Lebanon, Note: one pantry box labeled in ink on side "Peg Awl No. 3", (ex. Doug Towle collection, WHA 2005, Lots 76, 85 and 214). 

SIDE CHAIR

Maple and birch, original varnish finish, three slats, original black ash splint seat, initialed paper label under seat "V R", original tilters on back legs, New Lebanon, NY, c. 1840, 14 1/2" seat h, 39" overall h. 

MEETING HOUSE BENCH

Pine, original red painted finish, plank seat supported with three vertical legs, with "V" shaped bootjack feet, all double through mortised into seat, canted over hanging front board, two angled support boards dovetailed in rear, c. 1850, 18 1/2" h, 10' l, 9" d. 

RARE HANGING SHELF

Butternut or walnut, original varnish finish, dovetailed sides, 7" h, 38" overall l, 4" d, (ex. Doug Towle collection, WHA 2005, Lot 214). 

KITCHEN HELPERS

Three small turned maple pestles, one labeled "Used by Shakers in Conn to crush herbs for medicines"; Cherry tall turned handle biscut piercer; Rectangular wooden cracker piercer; Tin donut cutter, (ex. Doug Towle collection, WHA 2005, Lot 75). 

TWO PINCUSHION SPOOL HOLDERS AND FIVE SPOOLS

Maple, original varnish finish, tomato pincushion tops, varnished steel pin spool holders, 6" and 5 1/2" h; Five Shaker turned spools, two with early thread. 

CHILD'S CHAIR

Maple and pine, original light varnish finish, carved rounded crest, three spindles, shaped plank seat, fitted wool and cotton backed seat cover trimmed and tied in Shaker red tape, short turned splayed legs, Canterbury, NH, c. 1860-1870, purchased at Richard Withington Auction, 1992, Hillsboro, NH, 10" seat h, 22 1/2" overall h. 

SHOP DESK

Pine, natural varnish finish, dovetailed case, slanted fall front lid, breadboarded with cherry wood, oval brass escutcheon plate, small brass pull, interior with single set back shelf and remnants of yellow wash color, double vertical panel door below, opening to a single shelf interior, applied molded base, c. 1850, 45 1/2" h, 36" w, 18" d. 

TWO OVAL BOXES

Maple and pine, original dark varnish stain, four fingers (right to left), 4 1/4" h, 10 1/8" l; Maple and pine, original dark varnish stain, four fingers, 5" h, 11 1/2" l. 

COLLECTION OF KODAK PHOTO POSTCARDS

Wonderful group of 22 black and white glossy photographic cards of Canterbury, NH, c.1950, including scenes of Sisters' at work and exterior scenes of the Village by Dunlap of Concord. 

HATCHEL AND TWO VISES

Tiger maple, maple and pine, natural finish and patina, tabletop tools, canted tiger maple board with rows of handmade nails for processing flax into linen, 18" h; Maple vise with hand-forged iron loop/grip mounted on a flat board, with a hinged shaped maple wedge used to tighten the vise, possibly used for leather, from a New Lebanon, NY collection; and a standing leather clamp vise with turned and threaded tightener seated on a shaped wood plank, through mortise construction, chestnut, original patina finish, 26" h. 

COLLECTION OF TABLE MATS AND RUGS

Three finely woven, braided oval silk and cotton table mats, 11" and 15 1/2" l; Small circular hooked rug, 16" dia; and a small braided rug, 20" l. 

STORAGE CUPBOARD

Pine, original orange stained varnish finish, two inset panel doors with beaded vertical panels, three-shelf interior, tall arched cutout base, pegged and mortise construction, c. 1840, 48" h, 42" w, 17" d. 

TOOLS

Two flyswatters, turned wood handles with twisted wire shafts, screen with sewn cloth bindings, 16" and 17 1/2" l; Birch and applewood Sister's hammer, with covered leather heads, 9" l; Maple finely turned herb crusher, 8 1/2" l; Two iron and hardwood handled tools, one with curved blade, 13" and 13 1/2" l.   

SHAKER BOOK

A Memorial to Eldress Anna White, and Elder Daniel Offord, "copyright 1912, by North Family of Shakers, Mount Lebanon, NY.", brown cover with impressed gilt letters.   

YOUTH'S SIDE CHAIR

Birch and figured birch, original dark varnish finish, early rush seat, three slats, long acorn style finial, rare style tilt chair (tilters missing), New Lebanon, NY, c. 1850-1860, 13 1/2" seat h, 33 1/2" overall h. 

THREE FANCY GOODS

Round swing handle carrier, maple, original varnish finish, lined with pink satin, strawberry emery, 6 1/2" dia; Two poplar work boxes, kid trim and lined in satin, silk ribbons, one marked "Shaker Goods, Alfred Me.", 4 1/2" and 5 1/2" sq; and a 1971 Reprint of Catalog of Fancy Goods, Alfred, ME. 

STEPLADDER

Pine, original gray painted finish, seven shaped steps, folding mechanism with two brass rods with hook and eye connection, cross-braced back with through mortise and tenon construction, Watervliet or New Lebanon, NY, 4' 5" h, 22" w. 

TWO BRUSHES

Shaker Fancy Goods, maple, original finish, finely turned handle, cut red velvet top, red Shaker silk ribbons, 8 1/2" l; Finely turned birch handle, original varnish finish, cut brown velvet top with colored silk thread crosshatch ties, black horsehair, red silk ribbon tied at top, 7 1/2" l. 

SIDE CHAIR

Maple, original red stained varnish finish, three graduated slats, green and black stripe taped seat, Enfield, NH, c. 1840, 16 1/2" seat h, 41" overall h. 

SEED BOX

Pine, missing lid, paper label "Shaker Choice Vegetable Seeds", D.M., Mt. Lebanon, NY, 4 3/4" h, 21 7/8" l, 9 1/4" d, (ex. Doug Towle collection, WHA 2005, Lot 85 without seed packets; ex. Pat Hatch). 

FRAMED EPHEMERA

Three A.J. White advertising cards, "Shaker Family Pills", "Shaker Extract of Roots, (Siegel's Syrup)", and "Shaker Soothing Plasters", finely framed and matted; and "R.M. Wagan & Co., ...Genuine Shaker Chairs" letterhead to Edward Gray, dated 1895, and a bill rendered to Mrs. Gray from G.D. Wright, M.D., dated June 14, 1892, New Lebanon, N.Y., both laid down in a thin frame. 

CHEESE PRESS

Pine, original sky blue painted finish, constructed with a cross member pulley system, carved and turned hardwood handle, vertical supports through mortised and pegged, shaped trestle feet, c. 1840, 49" h, 29" w, 18" d at feet. 

EPHEMERA COLLECTION

Two postcard albums containing approximately 90 black and white and colored cards, depicting buildings and Shakers, from Harvard, MA, Canterbury and Enfield, NH, Shakertown, KY, New Lebanon, NY, Sabbathday Lake, ME, etc.; and two framed pages of a manuscript written diary, July 3 and July 4 1876, both initialed "C.S.", "Enfield" (CT), interesting comments of the working of the Shakers on Independence Day, on July 3 "This morning we dried elderberry leaves and found a large snake in them, the boys carried it away...", (ex. Gus Nelson collection). 

PAINTING, HERBS AND PIPES

Wood toy shovel with oil landscape painting of mountains and stream, attributed to Cora Helena Sarle, Canterbury; Two clay pipes with long wood stems in a frame; Blue paper pack of "Johnswort, D.M. & Co., Watervliet, N.Y.", (ex. Gus Nelson collection).   

 253.

BLANKET AND RACK

19th c. Shaker woven wool blanket, checked pattern of brown and dark raspberry on beige, 80" x 64"; Pine and maple folding drying rack, squared frame with turned legs, 43" h, 18" w, (ex. Gus Nelson collection).   

TWO PHOTOGRAPHS

"1083 Carriers", by Brother Delmer Wilson, Sabbathday Lake, ME, posthumous print, Sabbathday Lake, c. 1980, framed and glazed, 13 1/4" x 11 1/4"; Original card mounted studio portrait of Sister Anna Delcheff, Hancock Shakers, standing in a full-length cloak with satin ties, reproduced on p. 101 The Shaker Image, Pearson, Neal & Whitehill, framed, 6" x 4" (sight). 

TWO SIDE CHAIRS

Tiger maple and maple, early natural varnish finish, red taped seat and green taped seat, Watervliet, NY, c. 1830-1840, tilter chair is stamped "4" on top of front stiles (room number), 16 1/2" seat h, 40" overall h, smaller chair is lifted in rear stiles, 15 1/2" seat h, 40" overall h, (ex. Gus Nelson collection). 

OVAL CARRIER

Cherry and pine, original varnish finish, three fingers, blue satin lined interior, 7" h, 8" l; fitted with original blue satin tomato cushion, beeswax, strawberry emery, cut felt needlecase, swing handle, split at side, also includes three strawberry emeries, and three satin ribboned beeswax, with typed note "lined oval carrier, Made by Br. Delmer Wilson, Sabbathday Lake, Maine, $150.00, signed Sister R. Mildred Barker" and a notebook page from Canterbury, NH trip. 

ROCKING CHAIR

Maple, original light varnish finish, light olive green taped back and seat, Mt. Lebanon, NY, transfer decal on inside right rocker, #3, c. early 1900, Sister Lillian Barlow/Brother William Perkins, 16" seat h, 34" overall h. 

CHILD'S BUGGY SEAT AND TRADE CARDS

Pine, maple and oak, original dark walnut stained varnish finish, finely shaped slanted sides, dovetailed, signed on bottom "CT, Shakers, WF", 3 1/2" h, 14" w, 9" d; Three colored lithograph trade cards featuring children, "Shaker Soothing Plasters", "Shaker Family Pills", and "Shaker Extract of Roots, Seigels Syrup", A.J. White, NY, vertically framed in a period Victorian frame, 16 1/2" x 5". 

THREE SCATTER RUGS

Yarn sewn, multi-color rag stripes with black border, 42" l, 18" w; Yarn sewn, bold black border in silk, with multi-color confetti field in silks and cottons, 33" l, 20" w; Yarn sewn, multi-color rectangles, brown, green, red, black, gray and blue, 30" l, 23" w. 

BLANKET CHEST

Pine, maple and poplar, natural varnish finish, breadboard hinged and fitted top, mitered half-round molding, no till, two dovetailed drawers, beaded face on top and bottom, on tall square tapered legs, Enfield, NH, c. 1840, 37 1/2" h, 41" w, (ex. Estate of Marion Colby Kidder, niece of Lewis T. Colby). 

ROCKING CHAIR

Maple, original varnish finish, flame finials, four slats, white taped seat, early rockers, 15 1/2" seat h, 38" overall h, (ex. J.J. Gerald McCue collection). 

INVALID'S DESK

Pine and cherry, original red stained varnish finish, shaped cut out top board, applied rim (partial), hinged to a turned footed rectangular base, adjustable height mechanism, support bar is a later replacement, through mortise construction, beveled bars, c. 1850, 9 1/2" h, 24" w, 17 1/2" d. 

STOOL

Maple, original ebony stained varnish finish, green and gray mottled tape seat, original Mt. Lebanon transfer trademark decal inside leg, c. 1880, 16" seat h, 14" sq. 

FOUR DOLLS

Two China head dolls, one in burgundy Shaker dress, 14 1/2" h, and one in violet, 8" h; Two molded plastic dolls, dress by "Guild of Shaker Crafts", one holding a sewing kit, 12" h, (ex. Gus Nelson collection). 

WORK STAND

Maple and pine, refinished, single board top, two dovetailed drawers, turned walnut pulls, pegged and mortised skirt, square tapered legs, c. 1850, 28" h, 30 1/2" w, 12" d.

FOUR BOTTLES

Aqua, blown in mold, embossed "No. 1, Shakers Syrup, Canterbury, NH", partial paper label "Thos. Corbett", 8" h; Brown, embossed "Shaker Hair Restorer", 8" h; Two blown in mold, embossed "Shaker Fluid, Extract Valerian", 3 1/2" h. 

THREE PEG BOARDS

Pine, early finishes: Five long (3 1/2") hardwood pegs, original mustard paint, 23" l; Three maple pegs (2 3/4"), original hand cut nails, 3' 7" l; Ten small oak pegs (1 1/2"), original finish, early hand-forged nails, c. 1800-1830, 6' 7" l, 3 3/4" w. 

SEWING CARRIER AND EARLY POPLARWARE PINCUSHION

Maple and pine, original light varnish finish, swing handle, round, lidded carrier, green satin lined, fitted with tomato pincushion, strawberry emery, beeswax and embroidered cut needlecase, with extra poplar case, pincushion, emery, and needlecase, 5 3/4" dia; Early woven poplar tomato pincushion, cotton top, (see "Toilet cushion", p. 6, #17, Catalog of Fancy Goods, pamphlet, 1908, Alfred, ME), 4 3/4" dia. 

APPLE CORE SPOOL AND AWL

Maple, original mustard yellow painted finish, turned maple and steel awl fitted for top of apple core shaped spool, finely turned spool, 5" h to top of spool. 

 270.

SEED CHEST Butternut and pine, natural varnish finish, six dovetailed drawers with molded lips, replaced turned pulls, arched bootjack sides, tongue and groove multi-board slat back, possibly recycled from a larger chest, paper labeled on inside of top middle drawer "HEMP SEED. (CANNABIS.)", and a galvanized steel and wood scoop, 24 3/4" h, 33 1/2" w, 12 1/2" d.   

FOOTSTOOL AND OVAL BOX

Pine and oak, original red painted finish on legs, thick oval pine top, splayed legs with button feet, Alfred, ME, c. 1840-1850, frayed replaced cotton top, 7 1/2" h, 11" l; Maple and pine, old varnish finish, four fingers, c. 1840, 4 1/2" h, 10 1/4" l. 

PEN WIPE DOLL

Glazed clay and felt, silk ribbon, gray, beige and red felt dress, 2 1/2" h. 

PIE LIFTER, CHILD'S CLOAK HANGER AND FORK

Maple and iron, brass ferrule, finely turned handle with triple scribe lines, 14" l; Rare child's cloak hanger, long iron hook, scroll cut pine top, original patina finish, tapered pine bottom, 16" l, 11" w; Birch and steel double tined fork, finely turned handle, 17" l. 

SWIFT AND TONGS

Maple, original yellow stained table clamp and cup, Hancock, MA, c. 1880, 20" h, (sold ex. John Roberts Collection, Shaker Farm, WHA 1990; ex. Beverly Historical Society tag); Very fine, hand-forged iron stove tongs, 20" h. 

DROP LEAF TABLE

Birch, red stained varnish finish, originally found in New Hampshire, (purchased from Molly Hamilton, Colonial House Antiques, Lenox, MA, 1985), 29" h, 36" l, 36" w. 

WORK BENCH

Pine, old patina with natural finish, two-step bench, cut nailed construction, flared sides with half-round bootjack ends, c. 1840-1850, 24" h, 22" l. 

THREE BONNETS

Black and natural woven palm leaf, series of bonnets labeled "8", "9" and "10", "9" with cotton gingham bow and bonnet-cape, "8" with gray cotton bonnet-cape (some splits), see p. 203, Figure 57, Community Industries of the Shakers, Andrews, 1933, for similar example. 

TWO SIDE CHAIRS

Maple, light varnish finish, three slats, early taped seats, tilters, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1840, one chair is stamped #13 on top of stile, 14 1/2" seat h, 38 1/2" overall h. 

LARGE SEWING BASKET

Black ash splint, original finish, small finely carved side handles, kittenhead style square base extending to round rim, single wrapped with some thread repairs, eight interior openweave baskets for sewing articles, c. 1870, 7" h, 18" dia. 

THREE-DRAWER CHEST

Pine and poplar, original brown painted finish, graduated dovetailed drawers, turned wood pulls, shaped backsplash, square tapered legs, c. 1850, (sold Litchfield Auction Gallery, 4/28/91), 31" h, 39" w, 17" d. 

BRUSH, BASKETS, MIRROR AND SACHET

Shaped white horsehair crumb brush, 9 1/2" h; Wooden fancywork square lined sewing basket with lid, interwoven silk ribbon, 7" sq; Woven comb basket, 9 1/2" l; Beveled oval hand mirror, 12" l; Lavender herb sachet, with woven lavender color silk ribbon, 8 1/2" l. 

RUG BEATER AND DOOR LATCH

Hickory and maple, original patina and red paint, copper wire reinforcement, 41 1/2" l; Hand-forged exterior door handle with latch mounted on a pine block, very fine blacksmith work, 9 1/2" l. 

STEP STOOL

Walnut, original varnish finish, painted arch top, shaped trestle feet, c. 1860-1880, 18 3/4" h, 12 1/2" w. 

CANDLE DRYING STAND

Walnut, original varnish finish, small rectangular dovetailed slide lid box atop two extended flat arms, with a series of drilled holes, on a simple turned shaft supported by tripod peg legs, folding hinged mechanism evidently for storage, tilting hinge secured by wood knob with steel shaft and hand-forged nut, (Note: evidently box held pegs which secured candle wicks to arms), early splits at rim of box, New Lebanon, NY, c. 1840-1850, 33 1/2" h, 34 1/2" w across arms, (ex. Litchfield Auction Gallery, 1992). 

DROP LEAF TABLE

Birch, pine and maple, refinished with natural varnish finish, rectangular top, short turned legs with turned collar, found in Maine, (sold Litchfield Auction Gallery, Sept. 1990), 24" h, 40 1/2" l, 42" w. 

PRINT AND RUBBING

"A Bower of Mulberry Trees", 20th c. silkscreen print of 19th c. Shaker Spirit Drawing, Gifted to Gus Nelson from Faith Andrews 1970, 19th c. walnut and gilt lined frame, 20" x 25 1/2"; Charcoal on paper, "Mother Ann Lee. Born in Manchester England, Feb. 29, 1736. Died in Watervliet, N.Y. Sept. 8, 1784...", framed and glazed, 24" h, 18" w, (ex. Gus Nelson collection). 

SIDE CHAIR

Maple and tiger maple, original dark varnish finish, acorn finials, three slats, original blue and red striped seat, pre-production, stamped "3" on back of top slat, original tilters, a very fine New Lebanon, NY small tilt chair, c. 1850-1860, 15" seat h, 35" overall h, (ex. Denny Tracey, 1983). 

STORAGE CHEST

Pine, dark stained finish, single board molded top, early replaced hinges, till, bootjack ends, old repair to back foot, 19" h, 34" l, 13" d. 

THREE TOOLS

Fret saw, cherry and steel blade, natural finish, finely turned handle, used in the manufacture of oval boxes, c. 1840-1850, initialed "A.W.L.", 13" l; Hand saw, walnut, steel blade, natural patina, brass screws, beveled edges, 10" l; Wrench mold pattern (or caliper), walnut, natural finish, 10 1/2" l. 

ROCKING CHAIR

Maple, original dark walnut stained finish, acorn finials (one appears to be an early Shaker replacement), curvilinear arms with flat shaped mushroom caps, early rush seat, good patina, breaks in rockers, pre-production form, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1870, 14 1/2" seat h, 42" overall h. 

TWO SANDERS AND AN HERB MORTAR

Maple, original yellow stained varnish finish, turned holders with punched star designs, 3" h; Small, finely turned, footed mortar with three sets of three concentric circles, 2 1/8" h. 

ROCKING CHAIR

Maple, original walnut stained finish, production style, Mt. Lebanon, NY, c. 1880, shawl bar, four ladders, paper rush seat, "7" stamped on back of top slat, 15" seat h, 41" overall h. 

BED

Maple and pine, natural finish, traces of green paint on rails, original wood wheels with iron sleeves, pine headboard, New Lebanon, NY, c. 1840, 30" h, 65" l, 33" w. 

DRYING RACK AND EMBROIDERY CLAMP

Maple, dark walnut stain, three turned horizontal dowels, through mortised and nailed, tapered posts, beveled on the corners, through mortised into rectangular arched feet, 28 1/2" h, 18 1/4" w; Maple, original varnish finish, barrel-shaped table clamping device, finely turned wood threaded screw, two circular wood rings attached to turned post with counter sunk screws, 10" h, 7 1/2" dia. 

WORK TABLE

Birch and cherry, natural varnish finish, single board top, heavy beveled chamfer underneath top, cherry skirt boards mortised and double pegged into square tapering legs, attached to top with inset screws, 26" h, 33" l, 21 1/4" w. 

THREE SPOOL HOLDERS

Two maple, original light varnish finish, finely turned shaft and base with inserted steel pins for spools, tufted tomato style pincushions, one in red velvet, both 6" h; and a commercial-made mahogany spool holder, with Shaker style turned shaft, pins with spools and a drawer with sewing implements, on feet, 7 1/2" h. 

BOTTLE, BOX, FOOTSTOOL

Glass, paper label "Shaker Society, Home made, Ripe Cucumber Pickles, Sabbathday Lake, Maine", corked top, 7 1/2" h; Maple and pine, original varnish finish, two carved fingers left to right, 5" l; Maple and pine, original dark stained varnish finish, trademark decal under top "Shakers, Mt. Lebanon, N.Y.", 11 1/2" l, 11" w. 

OVAL CARRIER AND BOTTLE FILLER

Maple and pine, original orange stained varnish finish, finely shaped fixed handle with two copper rivets on both sides, two fingers, with tag "Two fingered oval carrier made by Roberts at Mt. Lebanon, NY, $450.", 8" h to top of handle, 14 1/2" l, (ex. Greenwillow Farm, Chatham, NY); Maple, original patina finish, finely shaped rectangular platform for four funnels, 13" l, adjustable turned collar with finely turned and threaded thumbscrew, itself threaded into a larger rectangular platform board, 14" overall h, (ex. WHA, Lot 228). 

THREE BASKETS

Square to round fancywork sewing basket, with two attached openweave article holders, black ash, two small carved side handles, 12 1/2" dia; Two small attachment baskets, with imperfections. 

TWO ROCKING CHAIRS

Maple, early black painted finish, three slats, acorn finial, #3, Mt. Lebanon, NY production rocker, stamped "3" on back of top slat, cream color taped seat, 15 1/4" seat h, 35" overall h; Maple, natural varnish finish, three slats, acorn finials, early rush seat, Mt. Lebanon, NY #3 production rocker, stamped "3" on back of top slat, 15 1/4" seat h, 35" overall h; (Note: both in very good condition). 

BOOKMARK AND BOOKS

Silk, "E.J. Neale & Co, Mount Lebanon, NY, Shaker Cloak" advertising bookmark; and eight Books: Shaker Communism, F.W. Evans, 1871; The Divine Book of Holy & Eternal Wisdom, Paulina Bates, at Watervliet, NY, 1849; A Bibliography of Shaker Literature, J.P. MacLean, 1905; The Aletheia, Aurelia, penned inscription "Lillian Barlow, Second Family Shakers"; Shaker Sermons, H.L. Eads, South Union, KY, 1884; The Kentucky Revival, Richard M. Nemar, 1846; Testimonies, 1827; Appendix to the Sacred Roll, 1843. 

SHAKER GIFTS

Two floral/herbal sachets, made of mesh-fabric bags tied with ribbon and decorated with artificial flowers in a Christmas box, with handwritten note "Sachet made by Sister Lillian Phelps and/or Sister Bertha Lindsay. Christmas gift to Miriam McCue about 1955-60."; Leather rollup sewing kit with embroidered needlecases and a thimble box, lined in red satin with red ribbon ties, 10" l; and an Easter cardboard box containing "Sugared Flag Root, Nt Wt 1oz." on an attached typed tag, (ex. J.J. Gerald McCue collection). 

SWIFT, YARNWINDER, AND EMBROIDERY HOOP

Maple, original yellow stained finish, adjustable height, cup on top, good condition and patina, Hancock, MA, c. 1880-1900, 23" h; Maple and walnut winder, original finish, tabletop clamp, two-width adjustable arms, turned and threaded pegs, 9" h, 19" w; Maple hoop, original light varnish finish, finely turned table clamp and screw, extra interior pair of hoops, 10" h, 9" dia. 

PAIL

Pine, original yellow and red painted finish, steel tab for hanging on tree for gathering sap, steel bands, 9 1/2" h, 11 3/4" dia. 

PEG BOARD FOR HARNESS

Pine, oak, original red stained finish, alternating large and colossal pegs, four each, 6" and 11", on a 10" wide beveled board, 90" overall l. 

COLLECTION OF BOOKS

Recapturing Wisdoms Valley, Filley Albany Institute, 1975; Hands to Work, Hearts to God, signed "Theodore Johnson" in ink; Shaker Music, Mt. Lebanon, NY, 1885, Daniel Offord; The Peg Board", 1936 (Reprint), signed "Sister Miriam Wall, Eldress Gertrude Soule, and Sister R. Mildred Barker, 9/6/68 SDL Maine"; Community Industries, E.D. Andrews, 1932; and other pamphlets and paperback books on the Shakers. 

TWO ROCKING CHAIRS

Maple, original dark walnut stained finish, single slat above a velvet covered back and seat, transfer trademark decal on inside rocker "Mt. Lebanon, NY Shakers", #7 stamped on back of slat, c. 1875-1880, 16" seat h, 42 1/2" overall h; Maple, early light varnish finish, light brown and beige taped back, rush seat, transfer trademark decal on inside rocker "Mt. Lebanon, NY, Shakers", #7, 16" seat h, 42 1/2" overall h. 

STOOL

Maple, original varnished ebony finish, khaki green stripe with black edges, and pale green tapes, trademark transfer decal on inside of one leg "Mt. Lebanon, NY Shakers", c. 1880, 16" h, 14" sq.