Name/Title
Flatware trayEntry/Object ID
SS.86.4Description
Green leather-covered conifer box for holding flatware: box is covered on 4 sides and top by leather and on the bottom by dark blue-green paper; on the 4 sides, 2 parallel lines run around the perimeters of each rectangular section, top and bottom; 2 black lines flanking a gilt line form a 7/8" wide border around the top of the box (a small dot marks each corner on the 2 innermost lines); a large reserve is formed by a black border composed of S- and C-curves; this border is nearly surrounded on the outside (except for the middle of the top and bottom) but another border of C- and S-shaped lines and foliate devices in black and gilt; in between these borders, on each side, are two devices: a medallion formed from shell and leaf shapes in black and 2 S-shaped Rococo Revival style devices of gilt; the brass hardware on the exterior of the box includes: 1) a swinging U-shaped handle held to the box by 2 round plates; 2) beneath the handle, a rectangular plaque with cut corners bearing the engraved initials "WI" in Gothic script and a small diamond between the letters; 3) 1 tack near the top and the bottom of the plaque to protect the top of the case from the swinging handle; 4) on either side of front, hinged latch with elaborately curved outline fits into hook held in place by elaborately curved plate and small tacks hold latches and plates in place) and 5) 4 round feet which box rests on. Interior lined with reddish-orange flannel, the inside of the top is lightly stuffed and the flannel-lined depressions are designed to hold 24 forks, 3 serving spoons and another implement, possibly a cheese scoop; reddish-orange paper covers top edge of bottom on 4 sides; cotton ribbon over left end of unidentified depression; in the back left corner, cotton ribbon is attached to the top by 2 brass tacks and to the bottom to help support the top when open.Collection
Sunnyside Object CollectionMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
UnknownAttribution
MakerDate made
circa 1850Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
InscriptionTranscription
See descriptionDimensions
Dimension Description
OverallHeight
1-3/4 inWidth
18-1/8 inDepth
10-5/8 inDimension Notes
Display Dimensions: 1 3/4 x 18 1/8 x 10 5/8 in. (4.4 x 46 x 27 cm)Dimension Description
height of handleHeight
1-3/4 inDimension Notes
Display Dimensions: 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm)Material
Gilt, brass, Conifer, Paint, silk ribbon, Leather, flannel, Paper, CottonCondition
Notes
Remarks: Details of Condition: One hook missing, overall staining, leather ripped on back right corner of top, several gouges and white paint spatters.Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Washington Irving (1783-1859)Notes
Former ownerPerson or Organization
Sarah Temple Grinnell Metzger (1931-?)Notes
Former ownerPerson or Organization
Grinnell FamilyNotes
Former ownerGeneral Notes
Note Type
StorageNoteNote
Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Union Church, Storage, Shelf 15D
