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1972-84,19, Case
Case for Decanters
1972-84,19, Case

Case for Decanters

Date1790-1810
OriginEngland
MediumOak, iron, and paper
DimensionsOH: 12"; OW: 12"; OL: 18"
Credit LineGift of Mrs. W. B. Brokaw
Object number1972-84,19A&B
DescriptionCase for decanters is an oak box that has metal-bound edges, a bail handle at each end, a simple sheet metal lock plate on the front and a hinged lid. The box (A) is lined with blue sprigged wallpaper and divided into compartments to accomodate six large decanters (G1972-84,1 thru G1972-84,6) and six small decanters (G1972-84,7 thru G1972-84,12) that were accessioned with the case. The case has a removable tray (B) that rests on top of the bottle compartments and has partitions shaped to hold two matching tumblers (G1972-84,13 and G1972-84,14), one funnel (G1972-84,17) and three wine glasses (G1972-84,15, 16 and 18) also accessioned with the case.
Label TextThis portable oak bottle case has remarkably survived with almost all of its contents intact, including all twelve of its gilded glass decanters in two sizes. The case also contains 2 tumblers, 3 wine glasses, and a funnel. Made in England (case) and Europe (glass) at the turn of the nineteenth century, family tradition asserts that it was used by a sea captain aboard ship. The case retains part of its original blue lining paper of sprigged design.
ProvenanceFamily tradition states that the liquor chest was given to Mrs. Brokaw's family by a servant whose enslaved ancestor is supposed to have acquired it from an old sea captain.
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