Lions, and Soldiers?, and Unicorns? Oh my!
4/23/18 – Our April 28th, 2018 auction is filled with great objects. There is great American History with the George Washington and Thomas Jefferson signed documents and letters, but which for me are not eye catching enough for my pick of the week. There is the historic blue Staffordshire Arms of Pennsylvania platter, holder of the world record for a piece of Historical blue Staffordshire. Despite being my favorite color and its overwhelming importance, I did not choose that either. There is a Western Pennsylvania piece of stoneware by Eberhart and Williams, which, being so rare I can find no other with that very marking. Again, rare and the right color but I did not pick that. So, what could possibly eclipse all of these wonderful things? Well my pick this week is the Berks County, Pennsylvania dower chest, lot 1138. Did you see the drawer fronts with the soldiers who are arm armed and wielding tulips? How about looking at that blue background with every inch filled with vibrant tulips and trailing vines? Looking closer you can find a number of birds perched on flowering branches overlooking the gardens below. The rearing unicorns under a tree take center stage in the middle panel. How could anyone not love the rampant lions with their whimsical faces? This chest just seems to have it all. What is it going to bring and who is taking it home? We will find out soon enough!
by: Jamie Shearer
