A Fine Mourning Sampler representing an epitaph to the Death of Capt Cook made of silk on linen, circa 1811+. The piece was framed on Long Island, New York, and since much of Long Island was a traditional seafaring region, it is probably reasonable to assume that the piece originated on Long Island. On the other hand, the elaborate floral border is a pattern indicative of New England, especially New Hampshire, also a region that relied on the seafaring industry. Someone more knowledgeable will have to decide.

The content of this sampler is quite intriguing. Reading: “Lines / on the / Death of Capt T Cook / Obt Dec ‘r’ 26 1811 Aged 38 Years” Verse: “Alas how short are all the joys of sense / The brittle thread of life how soon it parts / God takes the soul nor can we call it thence / Though keen the pain that wounds our troubled hearts / Thus went the soul that once was cloath-d in clay / His friends must then submit and wait the final day.” Note the common misspelling and the traditional fashion of placing the end of a line that’s incomplete above it. Signed “EC / Agd 13.” Note that this was probably the work of a daughter of Cook’s, assuming that the “C” in “EC” undoubtedly stood for Cook and the right age to engage in such a project. (cont. below)

The overall condition of the sampler is quite good, though the corners of the piece may be glued down – the total piece is not. The sampler itself measures approximately 13” x 13”; the overall presentation is 19 ¾” x 19 ¾”. I bought 4 samplers from the estate years ago and sold the other 3 and kept this one until now.

(MX059)  Click on Photo for larger image. Contact us for additional photos. 

Price $1995 plus shipping

Terrific Little Mid-19^th Century Pencil Box with a Slide Top and Dove-Tailed Sides. Designed in the same fashion as a small candle box, this piece, which measures 10 ¼” in length, 2 5/8” in width, and 2 ½” in height, was undoubtedly made as a pencil box. The Dove-tails are nicely done and the scribe lines for the various cuts are still present. Interestingly, the “young” maker was either unsure of the end cuts or using an extra piece of wood in the shop because pieces of wood have been unnecessarily cut out (visible in additional photos. The pencil making industry goes well back to the colonial period with Thomas Jefferson establishing a pencil making operation and in the mid-19^th century Thoreau and his brother attempting the same. At some point, this box has been cleaned and very small nails used to tighten the dove-tails. Truly a Unique Piece.

(MX061)  Click on Photo for larger image. Contact us for additional photos.  

Price $175 plus shipping

A Classic “Sheffield” Bit Brace with Brass Support Plates on both sides, a Turned Ebony Head with a Brass Base and Top, and a Brass Push Button Chuck. The Brace is marked by the chuck: “I. & H. Sorby / Sheffield” England; the “I” in Sorby and the “S” in Sheffield are not visible on the brass. Overall Condition of the piece is Very Good and the Chuck is still in working order. Some dents, No cracks, Former collector’s number on one side (easily removable). A Nice Mid-Late 19^th Century Bit Brace. Request additional photographs.

(MX051)  Click on Photo for larger image. Contact us for additional photos.

Price $150 plus shipping