A Rare Miniature Memorial
New England
Early 19th century
Watercolor
With a view area of only 1.75 by 1.5-inches one is impressed by the inclusion of the mourning couple standing before the marked grave; hillocks and trees. The work is neatly framed and retains original backboard…both of white pine. Found behind the backboard is a simple hair wreath mounted on paper framed with faded pink silk ribbon surmounted by "Remember Eliza." (The molded frame with original red stain measures: 4 3/8 by 4.25-inches.)
Price: $2,450
176-15
Whale Ivory Spoon
Scrimshaw
A Present To Emma 1850
A splendid work...ship flying American flag with inscription within banner. The bowl is secured to handle with heart shape copper rivet. Length: 7.5-inches.
Price: $6,850
501-13
Ship Model of Sovereign of the Seas
Late nineteenth to early 20th century model of Donald McKay's clipper ship Sovereign of the Seas. The original clipper ship was built in 1852 on speculation by Donald McKay, East Boston, MA. Launched from the shipyard of McKay June 19, 1852 the clipper ship was sold to Andrew F. Meinke of the ship broker firm Funch & Meinke, New York. This incredibly detailed replica is 51.5 inches long by 14 inches deep by 33.5 inches tall. It is original with the exception of restored rigging.
Price: $4,850
GTD16
Indian Squaw Tobacconist’s Figure
Anonymous
Circa 1880-1900
A small trade stimulator with headdress and costume suggesting identity...otherwise here face is more western than the stereotypical Indian maiden’s face. This delightful carving has a great attitude from any viewing angle and is in old paint; she stands atop the original base created from the full tree trunk of which it was carved. (Height: 41.5-inches; base measures: 13 by 12-inches.)
Price: $38,000
589-5
Large Animated Whirligig
Washerwoman and Rocking Baby
Circa 1900
Powered by a twelve blade fan is the rotating cam; the washerwoman at work as the baby rocks within a shoofly; four other animated figures and rudder with cutout elephant. Constructed of copper, iron and sheet iron; traces or original paint. (Length: 48-inches; height: 21-inches.)
Price: $10,500
907-2
Ships Logbooks By Master George A. Bigelow, Circa 1860 - 1868; Clipper Zephyr, Built at East Boston Circa 1854 by Daniel E. Kelly
Built for Thomas B. Wales, she was 1184 tons; 193 feet long with a beam of 36 feet and draft of 25 feet. Her speed record set 1859-1860...New York to San Francisco was 167 days. The clipper ship's owners at the time Bigelow was master are noted in logs as Messrs Curtis and Peabody.
Three logbooks belonging to George A. Bigelow: one of the books is identified as Private Journal / of / Geo. A. Bigelow / from / Sept. 27th 1867. Another is labeled Private Log of Geo. A. Bigelow / Master of Ship / "Zephyr" / from / Nov. 18th 1864. The same book also contains the entry, Bark "Pursuit" / Capt. Geo. A. Bigelow / left the end of Battery Wharf / Boston / Feb. 22nd 1866 - at 1-30 P. M. / Bound for / Melbourne-Australia. One of the books contains a list of "...ships and vessels which Geo. A. Bigelow has been to sea in..." Eighteen vessels are listed, beginning with the bark "Kate Hastings" and concluding with the bark "Pursuit".
As is to be expected, most of the logs are taken up with readings, reports on weather and types of cargo. However, there are also a number of entries, some only a sentence long, which tell a great deal about life at sea and what it was like to be a ship's master. There is enlightening and exciting reading... he notes "Wife very low - & daily losing strength & flesh. Am anxious about her!" Later he is able to write, "My Wife is more comfortable today though very weak & low Rum & Whisky baths & Belladonna plaster are doing her good..." On one occasion Bigelow notes that he; had a row with Irish Stewardess - the Cook's wife..." about the quality and efficiency of her work. He notes that he insisted she do things as he directed, to which she declared, "...She would begin her work and do it just when & how it pleased her to do so..." With no one aboard to vent his frustration and anger the bemused Captain concludes his description of the incident with the heavily underlined exclamation, "I think I shall have my orders obeyed!"
It is May of 1861 before Bigelow learns that compromise was something that his fellow countrymen were unable to achieve. He receives some London newspapers from a passing ship and receives "...first news of civil war in United States..." Bigelow notes that "...The States are always making asses of themselves in the eyes of the whole world - both sides are to blame, & I hope they will both get a good drubbing & then come together again as they ought to, and be...the smartest nation on airth [sic]!!" In spite of his vexation with both sides, Bigelow's loyalty to the Union becomes obvious by
1862 when he "...Saw a small schooner who avoided me - and after passing, at long range, hauled up for Mobile. He was evidently intending to run the blockade - Wish I had a single small gun - I would have taken
him any how..." On July 4, 1865 Bigelow writes "Hurrah for the Union!! Confusion, perdition and punishment to all traitors !!!!!! May they meet their reward & doom!!!" Since Bigelow was in England when the war ended in April, he must have been aware of its outcome when he entered this rather strong epithet in his personal log.
The three books are in overall good condition. The binding on the smallest book is missing along the spine, but the folios remain intact and the covers are still held on with the original linen strips. There are a few loose pages, which have newspaper clippings of interest to mariners pasted on them, and the list of Bigelow's service is also on a separate sheet of paper in the small volume. The medium volume has splits along the spine and some pages that are coming loose. It has a green label on the inside cover which reads: J. L. FAIRBANKS, / STATIONER / and / ACCOUNT BOOK MANUFACTURER / 136 Washington St., Boston. The third volume is in the best condition, with minor damage to the spine but very tight overall. Small notes have been placed between pages to mark pages containing interesting passages.
Price: $1,850
117-3
19th Century Tobacconist Figure
In rarely encountered-original nineteenth century paint...
Probably New York City
Anonymous
The surface integrity of this figure is without compromise...having only the typical rubs and minor surface losses. The patina is excellent as is overall condition. There is the often encountered tight fissure on her back that was filled and colored many years ago; caused by shrinkage and a very narrow fissure on her left proper cheek. This terrific example stands at 5-feet.
Price: $39,500
ERN116
Trade Sign
Dispensing Department
Late Nineteenth Century
In fine original condition including the blue ground against which is gold lettering with gray silhouette. Very good patina...80 by 44-inches. Shipping or delivery not a problem.
Price: $14,500
SHF256
Hard To Find Large Texian Campaigne [Texan Campaign] Platter
Series by Anthony Shaw; Designs by “J.B.”
Remaining in superb original condition, this mid-19th century Staffordshire platter, in the most popular blue color measures 15.5 x 12.5 inches.
Price: $2,950
RS419
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