Named for its principle use, this mahogany table top, with its oblong top and bead molded edge, was typically found at the side of a bedstead. The table's skirt is three to four inches deep and contains a single drawer that is the full width of the skirt. The drawer has two original brass knob pulls and a top centered brass escutcheon keyhole. The table is supported by four round tapering legs with ring and ball turnings at the top and two sets of ring turnings approximately two inches above the tapered feet of the legs.
Provenance
Alexander Speer, maternal first cousin to James Buchanan
Bowfront mahogany veneer chest of drawers in the Hepplewhite style. Four drawers have progressing depths from the top to the bottom, each with overpressed drawer pulls two per drawer. At the top center of each drawer is a brass escutcheon keyhole. The top of the chest and each drawer are decorated with satin wood inlay. Chest is supported at its base by four french feet which feature a slightly outswept bracket foot combined with a valence skirt.
Provenance
Dr. Alexander Speer (James Buchanan maternal cousin)
Shaving stand is comprised of a mahogany veneer; the mirror attached to the top has a veneered bull-nose frame supported by ring and vase-turned stiles set into the top with tenons at a backward cant. The skirt has two half-drawers; however, the brass knob drawer-pulls are missing. The stand is supported by four ring and ball turned feet
Red button in center of pleated red, white and blue striped ribbon. Pin on back. Red and blue ribbons hang from pin. Gold lettering: " Volunteer / Hostess Committee " on red ribbon. "Republican / National Convention / 1948" on blue ribbon. Made by Phila. Badge Co., 1007 Filbert St., Phila. PA. Buttons, Emblems, Badges.
Blue ribbon held by gold-colored metal pin with profile of Lincoln in oval at top. "Alternate/ 1948" with bunting below. Ribbon is looped to hold a metal medallion with eagle on top of "Philadelphia." Liberty bell is centered below with "Republican National Convention" surrounding it.
Two very small pocket knives, each with one folding blade and clad with riveted ivory-colored plastic. Hanging ring at end of each.
Smaller knife has metal diamond decorating one side. Larger knife printed in black with "Surety Bonds / Casualty Insurance" on one side and "U. S. F. & G./ Baltimore, Md." on opposite side.
