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2009-156,A&B, Fire Screen
Fire Screen
2009-156,A&B, Fire Screen

Fire Screen

Date1850-1933
OriginAmerica
MediumMahogany, glass, and silk
DimensionsPole: OH: 52 1/2"; Shield: OW: 16 1/2"; OH: 20 1/4"
Credit LineGift of Beatrix T. Rumford
Object number2009-156,A&B
DescriptionPole fire screen with a tripod base, with scrolled feet composed of plaques applied to either side of scroll, turned pedestal with fluted pillar over rings and ball, and tall pole with turned finial. Shield shaped screen with silk floral embroidery under glass.
A) Stand B) Shield shaped screen.
ProvenanceThe pole screen base could have been given to Catherine Deshler (1752-1837) in 1775 when she married Robert Roberts (1741/42-1791). However, the construction of the pole and shape of the turnings suggests a later date.

Belonged to James and Elizabeth Roberts Canby. To daughter Elizabeth Canby Rumford (Mrs. Charles A., 1848-1933) who "updated" the piece by replacing the original fire screen with a shield shaped frame for her ribbon work; to her son Lewis Rumford (1871-1961) to his nephew Lewis Rumford (1905-1997) to his daughter Beatrix R. Rumford (1939-).