Name/Title
Flower dome, France, ca. 1852Entry/Object ID
919Description
Silk flowers. Brought to Portsmouth in 1852 by Captain Samuel Billings of Portsmouth, NH. Captain Billings was the first American sea captain to sail up the unchartered river Seine in France. Capt. Billings made the trip on the challenge that it was too dangerous a trip to undertake. However, he successfully sailed his barque, the Mary-Annah, up to the city of Rouen, arriving there April 4, 1852. There he was given a great ovation, honored with a large bouquet and many gifts were bestowed on him by the citizens of the city. Among the gifts was this bouquet of silk flowers, which was to be given to his two daughters for whom the barque was named.
Porcelain vase; wooden base, glass domeCollection
Portsmouth Historical Society Curatorial CollectionAcquisition
Accession
919Source or Donor
Payne, Edith E.Acquisition Method
GiftCredit Line
Gift of Edith E. PayneMade/Created
Date made
circa 1852Place
County
FranceRegion
Western EuropeContinent
EuropeDimensions
Height
23-1/2 inWidth
13-1/2 inDepth
8-3/4 inMaterials
Material
Silk, wire, Wood, Porcelain (ceramic), GlassMaterial Notes
Silk flower composition with other ornaments in a porcelain vase with a wood stand
