Oblong shaped walnut veneered container with a back-hinged lid, beveled shape raised central flat area carved with egg-bead molding. Brass 8-point star bail handles are on each end; one handle missing. Brass round keyhole escutcheon is centered on the top front façade of the box with egg & bead molding around the base surmounting four flat-bun shaped feet. Interior features two boxes with back hinged lids as storage compartments for tea leaves. In the center is a circular aperture lined with felt holding a star cut glass mixing bowl to blend tea leaves.
Open scroll work on rectangular music stand; elaborate lyre-shaped pedal support with two pedals. Three massive legs with ten-faceted tapered legs. Sides of keyboard area scrolled with foliate carving. Around bottom is rope-like molding.
Ames, Kenneth L [ed], 'Victorian Furniture: Essays from a Victorian Society Autumn Symposium', Victorian Society in America, 1982.
Height (in)
37.437
Length (in)
98.5
Width (in)
57
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2022-11-17
Condition Notes
adjusted' piano 5/16/1949
Last cleaning & tuning September 2006
Several strings are broken and the sound board no longer holds its tuning.
Object ID
W.1936.001.004
Notes
Jonas Chickering (1798-1853), whose firm made the piano, began his career as a cabinetmaker in Ipswich, New Hampshire. In 1818 at the age of twenty, he went to Boston and apprenticed himself in one of the town's cabinet shops.
American Rococo Revival Walnut Sofa. The serpentine back centered by a rose and shell scrolled carved crest, the back joined to closed arms, with a serpentine apron and raised on cabriole legs terminating in casters, silk velvet upholstery.
Left earlobe has broken off. Base is chipped. Various smudge marks all over.
Object ID
W.1960.006.001
Notes
James Buchanan Henry inherited this bust when his Uncle James Buchanan died; his cousin, Harriet Lane Johnston inherited the matching bust, which she later donated to the Corcoran Gallery of Art.
James Buchanan Henry bequeathed this bust to his son, Frank Anderson Henry, who donated it to the James Buchanan Foundation in 1960.
Engraving print taken from "History of the United States" publication dated 1869. Image shows full-length portrayal of President James Buchanan in formal dress suit extending his left hand that is holding a paper document. Facing the President are the four Japanese Delegates to the United States dressed in traditional garb. To the President's left are cabinet members, Lewis Cass, Secretary of State and Howell Cobb, Secretary of Treasury. Standing behind the President is Miss Harriet Lane, Hostess and an unidentified gentleman.
Provenance
Michael Hall, Dealer - Grove City, OH to Samuel Slaymaker, Lancaster, PA to The James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland
Silver serviing spoon with the silver mark for Philadelphia silversmiths Bailey & Co. and Christmas 1864 engraved on the handle accompanied be an engraving on the back of the handle that reads J.B. from H.R.L. (James Buchanan from Harriet Rebecca Lane.) 136 Chestnut St., Philadelphia
Provenance
Lane, Harriet R.
Christmas gift to Buchanan, James
To Johnston, Harriet Lane
To Lane, John Newton (son of James B. Lane) To Fay, Patty Lane (JB Lane daughter)
To Sebrell, Patty Lane Fay (JB Lane granddaughter)
Originally Bailey & Co, the company was founded by Joseph Trowbridge Bailey and Andrew B. Kitchen. It was located at 136 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1840 Joseph’s brother Eli Westcott Bailey, a New York City jeweler and importer hurt financially by the Panic of 1837, came to Philadelphia and entered the firm. The name continued as Bailey & Kitchen. When Joseph died, Eli became the senior partner of Bailey & Co. until he retired in 1867.
Length (cm)
22.86
Length (ft)
0.75
Length (in)
9
Object ID
W.1998.001.003
Notes
Originally Bailey & Co, the company was founded by Joseph Trowbridge Bailey and Andrew B. Kitchen. It was located at 136 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1840 Joseph’s brother Eli Westcott Bailey, a New York City jeweler and importer hurt financially by the Panic of 1837, came to Philadelphia and entered the firm. The name continued as Bailey & Kitchen. When Joseph died, Eli became the senior partner of Bailey & Co. until he retired in 1867.
Page 192 of "Gleason's Pictorial Drawing-Room Companion" from 1854. Includes an article on James Buchanan with images of him as Minister to England and of Wheatland. Also includes musings on "What is the hardest mode to die?"
Watercolor portrait of James Buchanan in profile, facing left. He wears a black coat and waistcoat, pale tan shirt with high, very white collar, and soft tie or cravat. His white hair is styled high at the crown and combed back on the sides. Very pale blue eye. Delicate grey and tan washes over background. Portrait is an 8.75in x 6.75in oval created by reverse painted glass. The glass is painted black with gold semi ellipses and diamonds arranged to create a sunburst like effect. The glass is 10in x 8in.
The reverse is inscribed "James Buchanan drawn from life at Wheatland February 10th 1866." Inscription is under a 10.75in x 8.75in piece of glass that has been built into the back of the frame. Some damage has occured from nails scratching the back of the frame upon hanging.
The frame is 3in wide, painted gold in alternating bands of shiny cool toned gold and matte or brushed warm toned gold. Losses around the edges reveal plaster, ochre and black or dark grey paint under the gold. Top edge of the frame is black either from paint or dirt.
Provenance
Descended in an Eastern Shore, Maryland family, purchased in 1948.
overall dimensions provided. See description for component dimensions.
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2016-05-11
Condition Notes
loss of gold paint on outer edge of frame. Dents and chips on frame. Discoloration on gold frame, possibly from tape or stickers. Loss of paint on glass at left side and upper right corner.
Gold pocketwatch belonging to James Buchanan. Simply designed, largely unadorned pocketwatch -- with only worn initials of three letters, only the third, "B," is legible on one side. Watch face is white with black Roman numerals . Small inset with seconds. Other side of watch opens to reveal two openings to wind watch. Engraved around openings "No. 16943/ Time Keeper/ Lewis Ladomus & Co/ Philadelphia Pa." On inside of cover "From/ James Buchanan/ May 9th 1865" Stamped E. T. & Co./ 18K/16943." Golden chain clipped to bow at top of stem with Albert or t-bar at other end, to attach to button hole on vest. Chain links are short and thick, giving the appearance of thick golden cord . Lighter, cooler toned gold than the watch.
Provenance
The gold watch was left by James Buchanan to his brother Edward Y. Buchanan through his last will and testament. Edward youngest daughter, Alice Cunningham Buchanan inherited from her father. Alice married Maskell Ewing and they had a total of 6 children; the youngest son, Buchanan Ewing, inherited the gold watch. Buchanan Ewing’s grandson, Edward “Ted” Ewing inherited the watch. Ted visited Wheatland two years ago in late spring. Upon meeting him, Ted was impressed by the high percentage of family artifacts on display. He mentioned that he owned a gold watch that had been handed down through the family from the Reverend Edward Buchanan and he wondered if we would want it. Pat gave him an enthusiastic yes as his answer. Ted called Pat in April 2016 and asked if he was remembered; Pat said “of course.” Ted added that he had found the watch and that he and his siblings were in agreement to donate it to LancasterHistory.org. The youngest sibling in the family would donate it because she lives in Allentown, PA. Jessie Ewing Snyder visited Wheatland on October 1, 2016 and donated the gold watch to the museum.
An oyster shell-shaped serving dish. Made from a hard-paste porcelain china manufactured at the Sèvres factory in France. Decorated and sold by Haviland, the decor consists of maroon and gilt boarders on a white background, gilt rings and highlights.
Provenance
Johnston, Harriet Lane
To - cousin, Riddle, Katherine W.
To - sister, Riddle, Anna S.
To - cousins, Coe, Sara W. & Coe, W. Travers To - Murphy, Elsie B. of Charles Town, W. VA. To - Governor's Mansion Virginia by Ms. Murphy's sister, Fletcher, Mrs. Robert.
Cherry writing desk, front of the desk, 4.25" below the top, has piano hinges that allow the top to converts to a writing surface covered with green felt. When closed, the piece serves as a chest with four progressively larger drawers. Both sides have recessed panels and the chest is supported by four vase and ring-turned legs.
Easgles Nest completed conservation on the image and frame.
Height (cm)
36.195
Height (ft)
1.1875
Height (in)
14.25
Length (cm)
6.985
Length (ft)
0.2291666667
Length (in)
2.75
Width (cm)
41.275
Width (ft)
1.3541666667
Width (in)
16.25
Dimension Details
Dimensions are for frame
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2022-07-21
Object ID
W.1995.015.001
Notes
Based on the pointed waistline of her bodice, this photograph was likely taken in Washington DC while she was the First Lady and before the year 1860. This style was at the height of fashion in the mid-1850s and quickly disappeared in the year 1860, when the straight waistline came into fashion.
One of 29 dinner plates. A hard-paste porcelain that originated at the Sèvres factory in France. Decorated and sold by Haviland's. Decor consists of maroon boarders on a white background, gilded edges and a centered gold ring with gilt highlights.
Provenance
Johnston, Harriet Lane
To - cousin, Riddle, Katherine W.
To - sister, Riddle, Anna S.
To - cousins, Coe, Sara W. & Coe, W. Travers To - Murphy, Elsie B. of Charles Town, W. VA. To - Governor's Mansion Virginia by Ms. Murphy's sister, Fletcher, Mrs. Robert.
A deep dish with a lid, used for serving soup. Made from a hard-paste porcelain china manufactured at the Sèvres factory in France. Decorated and sold by Haviland, the decor consists of maroon and gilt boarders on a white background, gilt rings and highlights.
Provenance
Johnston, Harriet Lane
To - cousin, Riddle, Katherine W.
To - sister, Riddle, Anna S.
To - cousins, Coe, Sara W. & Coe, W. Travers To - Murphy, Elsie B. of Charles Town, W. VA. To - Governor's Mansion Virginia by Ms. Murphy's sister, Fletcher, Mrs. Robert.
A bowl-shaped serving dish mounted on a stem. Made from a hard-paste porcelain china manufactured at the Sèvres factory in France. Decorated and sold by Haviland, the decor consists of maroon and gilt boarders on a white background, gilt rings and highlights.
Provenance
Johnston, Harriet Lane
To - cousin, Riddle, Katherine W.
To - sister, Riddle, Anna S.
To - cousins, Coe, Sara W. & Coe, W. Travers To - Murphy, Elsie B. of Charles Town, W. VA. To - Governor's Mansion Virginia by Ms. Murphy's sister, Fletcher, Mrs. Robert.
Round serving bowl with lid. Made from a hard-paste porcelain china manufactured at the Sèvres factory in France. Decorated and sold by Haviland, the decor consists of maroon and gilt boarders on a white background, gilt rings and highlights.
Provenance
Johnston, Harriet Lane
To - cousin, Riddle, Katherine W.
To - sister, Riddle, Anna S.
To - cousins, Coe, Sara W. & Coe, W. Travers To - Murphy, Elsie B. of Charles Town, W. VA. To - Governor's Mansion Virginia by Ms. Murphy's sister, Fletcher, Mrs. Robert.