An untouched and remarkable NH folk art find that includes an 1824 WATERCOLOR MEMORIAL of Dr. ADONIJAH HOWE (1784-1815) by the hand of his eldest daughter MARY ELOISA HOWE (1808-1837) whose framed MINIATURE PORTRAIT on IVORY along with her signed and dated 1822 SKETCH BOOK is included in this lot. The unframed memorial bears an 1824 watermark of "J. Whatman Turkey Mill" and measures 18" x  23". The miniature portrait is identified in early handwriting on its original frame backing as "Mary Eloisa Howe b. 1808 Jaffrey" and measures 2  1/8" by 1  3/4" (sight) with its original frame measuring 5" by 4  1/8". The profusely illustrated sketch book is signed on its inside cover "Eloisa Howe 1822" and measures 10" by 8". Dr. Adonijah Howe was an early physician in Jaffrey, New Hampshire. To be sold as they were found.......together!

This heartfelt 1837 letter of sorrow is penned by then Secretary of the United States Treasury LEVI WOODBURY to his grieving sister MARY WOODBURY HOWE, the mother of the recently passed Mary Eloisa Howe (whose watercolor memorial to her father, miniature portrait on ivory and sketch book, appear above). This letter was written in "Washington City", shortly after Secretary Woodbury received notice of the death of his niece Mary Eloisa on Feb. 2, 1837. Post marked from 'WASHINGTON CITY" the letter is stamped and signed by Levi Woodbury as "free" mail on its cover. Our genealogical research reveals that Mary Woodbury Howe (b. Francestown, NH 1787), the wife of Dr. Adonijah Howe was the younger sister of the noted New Hampshire Governor, Senator, Presidential cabinet member and U.S. Supreme Cout Justice LEVI WOODBURY of Francestown, NH and Washington, D.C. According to records available on the internet Levi Woodbury served as Governor of New Hampshire from 1824 to 1825; as United States Senator from New Hampshire from 1825 to 1831; as United States Secretary of the Navy under President Andrew Jackson from 1831 to 1834; as Secretary of the Treasury under President Jackson and President Martin Van Buren from 1834 to 1841, and served again as U.S. Senator from New Hampshire from 1841 to 1845. He was a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, 1845 to 1851 and holds the distinction as having been the first United States Supreme Court Justice to have attended law school.

This remarkable letter will accompany LOT #65.

TWO HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT DISCOVERIES!

Recently discovered in a home in Guilford, Maine these two offerings are steeped in EARLY NEW HAMPSHIRE history via a remarkable 17th century Hampton, NH provenance!! Each with similar early handwritten EARLY labels, the 17th century tape loom and early 18th century Whieldon porcelain bowl were originally the property of MARY GOVE SANBORN (born 1666) of HAMPTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE. Mary was the daughter of the legendary EDWARD GOVE, the chief conspirator in the 1683 GOVE'S REBELLION at EXETER, NH! Born at Hampton on April 4, 1666 MARY GOVE was the fourth child of Edward Gove and Hannah Partridge Gove. She would, at the age of sixteen marry Joseph Sanborn at Hampton on December 29, 1682. This bowl and "Inkle" or tape loom descended through her family to the consignor who is a direct descendent of Edward Gove. A most amazing EARLY American discovery with provenance available to the buyer. Please note that each of the two items will be sold individually.

A newly discovered SIGNED Paint Decorated Maine box!!

This boldly decorated Maine box is signed on its lid "JAMES M. CARTER ......... RUMFORD, MAINE". Its twin, having been pictured on page 79 of  Edward A. Churchill's outstanding work: SIMPLE FORMS ....VIVID COLORS Maine Painted Furniture 1800-1850 is signed in the exact unusual manner, having been inscribed (likely with a nail point) when its original paint was still wet. James Carter's superb compostion of  colorfully dabbed mustard painted "fish form" panels on a red ground combine to produce an exhuberantly pleasing decoration. The box has the EXACT dimensions (29  3/4" wide  x  15  1/2" deep and 12  1/4" tall ) of its afore mentioned twin. Inscribed on the interior of the Maine State Museum's box is the name "Amasa Carter". According to genealogical records James and Martha Carter had two daughters. Mary (born 1846) and Amasa (born 1848). This leads us to believe that although not inscribed with her name, this box was very likely a presentation from her father James M. Carter to his eldest daughter Mary Carter, the sister of Amasa. A GRAPHICALLY SUCCESSFUL and RARE, signed piece of Maine paint decorated furniture!

Found recently in central Maine, this rare late 18th Century or early 19th Century Cabinetmakers "Trade Stick" is profusely carved with symbols of his successful and productive life. Many of his tools appear amongst the many symbolic carvings that run the full length of the stick . Also coming in rather handy is a one foot rule whose calibrations are carved into the stick. Its original molded pewter pommel caps this dry red painted, Maine folk art gem. Measures 42" long.

A Massachusetts Redware rarity and a remarkable survivor! This Bristol County, Massachusetts redware porringer was found recently in the same early Westport Point, Massachusetts "Cape" that was home to the wonderful Bristol County jar that we sold in 2005. This delicate vessel has wonderful "swag" decoration and was likely a "sweetheart" piece taken home by a local potter to a loved one. Measures 1  7/8'’ tall x 3  3/4'’ at widest x 3 1/4'’ rim diameter.

BRIGADIER GENERAL G.H. BOND

16TH VERMONT  VOLS. CIVIL WAR, G.A.R. and NATIONAL GUARD COLLECTION

An amazing collection and historical record of a VERMONT MILITARY LEGEND! In the fall of 1862, sixteen year old GEORGE HERBERT  BOND of DUMMERSTON mustered into the (soon to be lauded) 16th VERMONT  VOLUNTEER INFANTRY REGIMENT. Little did Pvt. Bond know that he was embarking on a short yet remarkable single year "hitch" in the Civil War with I Co. of the legendary 16th VT Vols. (who saw notable service in halting "Picketts Charge" at Gettysburg, among other gallantry) but also was starting a brilliant career of National and VT military service that would, over the next 36 years, see him rise to the rank of Brigadier General in the 1st Division Vermont National Guard. This recent discovery of his many Civil War letters, written home from the rigors of war; his RARE Civil War XXII Corps Badge (with his name, company and regiment inscribed atop); his G.A.R. belt buckle, hat badge, medals, pins and ribbons; his Vermont State and Estey Guard (Brattleboro) uniform epaulets and shoulder insignia; portrait photos in uniform at various junctures of his service and his Civil War and military related literature, combine to make this a particularly poignant and important discovery. The collection will be offered as exactly that.......a COLLECTION! More than 30 of Pvt. Bond's Civil War letters chronicle the 16th VT regiment footsteps through the war from "CAMP VERMONT" to bivouacking at HAGERSTOWN, MD a few days after the Battle of Gettysburg.  Included are graphic descriptions with battle content and picket duty at such locations as Washington, D.C., Bull Run, Catletts Station (battle description), Union Mills, Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax Station with mentions of such Civil War notables as Jeb Stuart, General (Joe) Hooker, General (W.L.) Stoughton ("Old Stought"), Confederate Cavalryman J.S. Mosby ("The Gray Ghost") and Colonel  (W.G.) Veazey amongst many local names of the 16th VT. And to top it all off, upon retiring after 36 years of U.S. Military service, Brevet Brigadier General G.H.. Bond would serve once again at our Nation's Capitol. This tour of duty would be as an official messenger in the chambers of the United States Senate. Interestingly, among the literature of General Bond, are two official entrance passes to the U.S. Senate on April 6, 1917, the very day that the U.S. officially declared war on Germany, hence the beginning of World War I.

A most complete and infinitely interesting collection, being offered for the first time ever!

A BEST in FORM set of beautifully cast 19th century American Indian Andirons in splendid condition and original surface. Found recently in a Southeastern Massachusetts home. 19" tall and 18  1/2" deep

A SUPERB New Hampshire Hepplewhite Tray Stand in original surface. Exhibiting superior cabinetry in mahogany (with pine secondaries) and a handsomely grained, thin top resulting in a pleasing and a bit more urban example than its painted rural relatives. Portsmouth area ca. 1800. Untouched original condition.

Originally found in Southern Maine this AMAZINGLY UNTOUCHED wooden Rooster Weathervane is undoubtedly the work of the well documented vane maker JAMES LOMBARD (b. 1868) of BRIDGTON, MAINE. Remarkably weathered and generously garnished with better than a century of lichen, hints of its original white paint remain at its underside edges. Measures 14" tall by 16" long. A classic Maine form with a spectacular and didactic surface!

Found recently in a home near Bristol, Maine this RARE "High Country" PAINT DECORATED PINE Sheraton CARD TABLE is in untouched and original condition. This table  (perhaps more than any other piece of country furniture we have known), captures the essence of plagiarism in the tradition of "High Country", paint decorated furniture!!  Robbing from its urban counterparts to the south, this "Salem" style table exhibits remarkably stylish lines and a keen eyed proportion. Its paint and decoration simulate the best woods of the day! Measures 28 5/8'’ tall x 37'’ wide x 37'’ open (18 ½'’ closed). A particularly rare and pleasing form in painted furniture, in a particularly fine surface. Coastal Maine, ca. 1820.

Recently discovered in the attic of a Lakes Region, New Hampshire home this 18th century Queen Anne "Button Foot" tea table is in outstanding original and undisturbed condition. With only a coat of Victorian varnish over its fine original red paint, its circular top is lightly scrubbed, leaving much of its original dry red paint. Of splayed legs, pleasing proportions and superb cabinetry, its two board top is as flat as the day it was made.....thanks to a nicely shaped cleat, which has done its job superbly for far better than two centuries! Having the typical New Hampshire pine top and maple base with pegged construction throughout, the table measures 27" tall and its nearly round top measures 29" diameter (with proper shrinkage to 28  3/4"). An attic fresh Queen Anne table in superb form and condition!