Quadruple looped chain with ring on end; sliding metal bead, turned and molded; chain looped through ornate, thick ring around larger, thinner double ring connected to handle of signet. Ornate piece with scroll, acorn, foliate, and cabbage rose motifs. B
Provenance
said to have been worn by Buchanan during his Presidency. Given by Miss Mary Kittera Snyder to the donors. Mary was thought to be Buchanan's intended for marriage in the 1840s. She or her sister became postmistress of Selin's Grove PA. where the donors l
Quadruple looped chain with ring on end; sliding metal bead, turned and molded; chain looped through ornate, thick ring around larger, thinner double ring connected to handle of signet. Ornate piece with scroll, acorn, foliate, and cabbage rose motifs. B
Said to have been worn by James Buchanan during his Presidency. Given by Miss Mary Kittera Snyder to the donors. Mary Kittera Snyder was thought to be Buchanan's intended for marriage in the 1840s. She or her sister became postmistress of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania
Rosewood bed with walnut, poplar, and pine. Headboard higher than footboard, but identical in shape. Arched crest with c-curved finish. This is repeated with molding below and on footboard. Molding is cyma-curved and appears on the outside of footboard and inside of headboard. The top of each post is capped with a round finial that transitions to squat bun above a smooth cylinder above a ring and ball shape that transitions to ring and vase surmounting an octagonal post terminates on bun feet Scroll cut brackets connect the posts to the side rails that feature cyma-curved molding.
Bed is higher at headboard than at footboard. Footboard height is 42.625'.
Condition
Excellent
Condition Date
2022-11-10
Condition Notes
Restoration done in 1992-1993 by David Weaver, cabinetmaker, Quarryville, PA. Restoration of rosewood.
Object ID
W.1992.001.039
Notes
Harriet had this custom built with large dimensions to accomodate her Uncle James Buchanan's size. It was intended for his use whenever he would visit her at her Baltimore, Maryland home.
Majolica tin glazed earthenware dish in shell-like form. Whorl at one end with curving corrugations radiating outward. Dish sides have regular pattern of perforations for drainage. Low footring base. Hand-painted decoration on pale greenish yellow color overall with delicate vining done with delicate brush strokes and daubs of ochre for leaves. Additional decoration of larger scale flowers or flower clusters and a moth-like insect. Dish edges and whorl painted ochre with diagonal stripes.
Underside, within footring, is the famous cockerel mark painted in wispy brush strokes, representing the Cantagalli family factory in Florence, Italy - likely the period when Ulisse Cantagalli succeeded his father in 1878 and started to produce highly decorative Italian ceramics in the Renaissance style. This pottery style was hugely popular at this time in English-speaking countries. Ulisse died in 1901 but his family continued the business.
Provenance: Dish owned by Harriet Lane Joohnston, then descent within family to donor.
Provenance
Plate owned by Harriet Lane Johnston, then descent within family to donor.
Asian Design Compote Owned by Harriet Lane Johnston
Description
Majolica tin glazed earthenware compote. Round dish with serpentine rim mounted on a short pedestal base. Hand-painted decoration is pale greenish yellow color overall with delicate vining branches done with delicate brush strokes and daubs of ochre for leaves. Additional decoration of larger scale flowers or flower clusters and a moth-like insect; Three larger flowers at center. Rim painted ochre as well as bands of ochre on pedestal, along with striping,
Underside of pedestal base has abstract hand-painted mark quite different from the expected cockerel mark, although this dish otherwise matches 2014.002.18. Nevertheless attributed to the Cantagalli family pottery factory in Florence, Italy - likely the period when Ulisse Cantagalli succeeded his father in 1878 and started to produce highly decorative Italian ceramics in the Renaissance style. This pottery style was hugely popular at this time in English-speaking countries. Ulisse died in 1901 but his family continued the business.
Provenance: Dish owned by Harriet Lane Johnston, then descent within family to donor.
Provenance
Compote owned by Harriet Lane Johnston, then descent within family to donor.
Asian Design Sugar Bowl Owned by Harriet Lane Johnston
Description
Majolica tin glazed earthenware sugar bowl. Compressed-round bowl with very short neck and low foot ring. Domed fitted lid with finial of inverted acorn shape. Bowl and lid both hand-painted with decoration on pale greenish yellow color, with faint wispy vining branches done with delicate brush strokes and daubs of ochre for leaves. Additional decoration of larger scale flowers or flower clusters and a moth-like insect. Rim painted ochre as well as a band on pedestal with two stripes.
Underside of base has very stylized hand-painted cockerel mark. This bowl has same decoration as 2014.002.17&.18. Attributed to the Cantagalli family pottery factory in Florence, Italy - likely the period when Ulisse Cantagalli succeeded his father in 1878 and started to produce highly decorative Italian ceramics in the Renaissance style. This pottery style was hugely popular at this time in English-speaking countries. Ulisse died in 1901 but his family continued the business.
Provenance: Bowl owned by Harriet Lane, then descent within family to donor.
Provenance
Sugar bowl owned by Harriet Lane Johnston, then descent within family to donor.
Asian Design Saucer Owned by Harriet Lane Johnston
Description
Majolica tin glazed earthenware saucer. Round plate with center indentation for cup and tiny foot ring. Hand-painted with decoration on pale yellow-green ground color, with wispy vining branches done with delicate brush strokes and daubs of ochre for leaves. Additional decoration of larger scale flowers or flower clusters and a moth-like insect. Edge painted ochre.
Underside of base has very stylized hand-painted cockerel mark. This bowl has same overall decoration as 2014.002.16, .17 & .18. Attributed to the Cantagalli family pottery factory in Florence, Italy - likely the period when Ulisse Cantagalli succeeded his father in 1878 and started to produce highly decorative Italian ceramics in the Renaissance style. This pottery style was hugely popular at this time in English-speaking countries. Ulisse died in 1901 but his family continued the business.
Provenance: Bowl owned by Harriet Lane Johnston, then descent within family to donor.
Provenance
Saucer owned by Harriet Lane Johnston, then descent within family to donor.
Benjamin E. Heller received the chair from his maternal grandparents, Eberhard Lamparter and his wife Gertrude Hoffman Weidel. This chair and one matching chair were used in Wheatland and when their condition deteriorated they were given to Miss Shirley who worked at the mansion as a domestic servant. Miss Shirley took the chairs to a family friend, Eberhard Lamparter, who repaired them; his wife, Gertrude Hoffman Weidel decorated the new cushions with needlepoint designs. Miss Shirley gave this chair to the Lamparters as a gift; the Lamparters bequested it to their grandson, Benjamin E. Heller, the donor.
Ca. 1850 maple side chair with foliate carved crest and horizontal splat with floral motif carving along top edge. Back side rails surmount saber back legs. Upholstered cushion is fastened to side rails, back and serpentine-shaped apron with rosette decorative tack nails. The upholstery fabric has floral needlepoint decor with a bird center design.
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 & Kitchen and J.B. engraved on the back of the handle. 136 Chestnut St, Philadelphia
Provenance
Buchanan, James
To Johnston, Harriet Lane
To Lane, John Newton (son of James B. Lane) To Fay, Patty Lane (Daughter of JB Lane)
The silversmiths, Bailey & Kitchen was 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, remaining a special partner until 1889.
Length (cm)
21.59
Length (ft)
0.7083333333
Length (in)
8.5
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2021-10-15
Object ID
W.1998.001.002
Notes
The silversmiths, Bailey & Kitchen was 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, remaining a special partner until 1889.
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.
Black and white photo of President James Buchanan and his 7 cabinet members. Buchanan stands in center with his left hand resting on the left page of a large open book.
Crest of top rail, finger-molded in scalloped shaped. Horizontal splat curved upward, terminating in scroll on each end, thicker at middle. Seat is shield shape, serpentine front. Legs plain cabriole, back legs square and canted. 36.14.3 differs from 36.
Leaded wine glass with round foot, thickens near stem. Stem is wide near foot and tapers to a narrow shaped stem before slightly flaring wide near base of bowl. Eight faceted. Facets extend up to the bowl of the glass and ends in scallops. Body has slightl flare.
American Sheraton Windsor Arrow Back Arm Chair. Made from pine, maple, poplar, and tulip woods. Chair has four vertical flattened spindles. Stretchers on sides are lower than stretchers in front and back.
Provenance
Buchanan, James
To - Buchanan Edward Y. (Brother)
To - Ewing, Alice Conyngham Buchanan (EYB Daughter)
To - Brooke, Cornelia Lausdale Ewing (ABEwing Daughter)
Black Japanese box completely lacquered, inside and out, with removable lid (b) and two drawers (c,d) with metal handles that swivel 180 degrees. Top drawer is shallow, bottom drawer is deep. The rounded top front is painted with fine gold pattern, surrounded by gold border.
Various feathers painted on sides. All edges are painted gold. 3 birds painted on top with fine gold lines crossing at angles to create a mesh pattern.
Missing piece out of top part on side.
a. 100 stiff paper cards with a single black shadowed letter on one side of each card for each of the 26 letters of the English alphabet.
Measurements above for 35.75a (cards) each is 1.125 long x 1.25 wide (100 cards)
35.75b is lid
35.75c (top drawer) = 4' x 8.25" x 5/8 inch
35.75d (bottom drawer) = 4" x 8.25" x 1.5"
Condition
Fair
Condition Date
2003-07-17
Condition Notes
2 3/4" length gap in side of lid where a piece is missing. Piece of wood missing on inside edge of bottom drawer (35.75d). Some chipping and cracking of lacquer, pieces of veneer missing from drawer fronts. One corner foot missing from base.
Object ID
W.1935.075.a-d
Notes
Said to have been given to Buchanan by Japanese delegation
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
a.(medal): Circular bronzed copper commemorative medal. Raised profile of James Buchanan in center. Around edge:"James Buchanan, President of the United States." Beneath is name of the designer, "S.(alathiel) Ellis. SC."
On reverse: Border of 3 layers of oak leaves and acorns with a striped shield at bottom center. In center above: " In/Commemoration/of the/ First Embassy from/ Japan/to the/ United States/ 1860" On right, beneath striped shield: "Paquet F."
b. Leather case for Buchanan Commemorative medal in the shape of a large coin. On both black leather covers and spine is a gold 3-line border that frames an eagle perched on a striped shield with arrows and olive branches beneath its clawed foot. 13 gold stars surround it and sprays of peonies are in each corner. The book opens to the back. Wood edges frame a circular holder for the medal. Peony sprays are pressed into all 4 corners of the velvet covering.
Commemorates the Japanese Delegation visit to United States of America
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.
