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2022-29, Box
Box
2022-29, Box

Box

Date1815-1825
OriginAmerica, Delaware, Wilmington or Maryland, Baltimore or Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
MediumWood, paint, gilt, gesso
DimensionsOverall: 5 7/8 × 8 7/8 × 5in. (14.9 × 22.5 × 12.7cm)
Credit LineGift of Brian Mitchell Cannin in loving memory of Nancy Cann Purcell (Mrs. John B. Purcell) and Rebecca Pearce Cann (Mrs. Richard T. Cann)
Object number2022-29
DescriptionSmall rectangular box with boxed hinged lid and gilt ball feet; brass keyhole escutcheon set in center of facade below top; exterior surfaces of box faux-grain painted in black and red resembling rosewood; top, front and sides detailed in two to three gilt rectangles outlining perimeter and slightly in from perimeter; front and sides painted with musical trophies with paint and gilt; front depicts an open musical book and trumpet; ends depict an open musical book and flute; top outlined in four gilt rectangles with gilt outlined oval in center with gilt initials "CB" on greenish background; edges of top detailed in four gilt lines; interior of box painted red; underside of bottom painted black.

Construction: Box and lid have nailed construction.
Label TextFancy furniture and household accessories were very popular in the early years of the 19th century. While Baltimore was a center for Fancy furniture production, little grain-painted boxes like this with decorative details could have been produced in other cities as well including Philadelphia or Wilmington, Delaware. A suite of furniture (CWF 2003-1, 1-7) made by the Finlay manufactury in Baltimore for the Bailey family of Maryland around 1819 has similar rosewood graining with gilt and painted decorations.

While family history suggests the box was owned by Caleb Bennett, a Revolutionary War soldier and Governor of Delaware, the initials on the lid could also be those of his wife Catherine Britton Bennett. Women’s education of the late 18th and early 19th century often highlighted musical abilities. The inclusion of painted musical trophies on the front and sides of the box as well as its later ownership by Catherine's niece (her sister's daughter) suggests Catherine rather than Caleb might have been the original owner.
Inscribed"C B" painted on lid of box.
ProvenanceCaleb Prew Bennett (1758-1836) and Catherine Britton Bennett (1768-1838) of Wilmington or New Castle County, Delaware; to Catherine’s niece Injuber Stidham Frazer (1809-1887) of Wilmington, DE; to granddaughter Rebecca Lawrence Pearce Cann (1850 or 1857-1943) of Newark or Wilmington, Delaware; to granddaughter Nancy Allen Cann Purcell (1918-2016) of Richmond, Virginia; to nephew (donor).