NANTUCKET, MADE BY CAPTAIN DAVID FOLGER, CIRCA 1850

Details

THE LYDIA N. FOLGER DOLL AND DOLL'S BED
Nantucket, made by Captain David Folger, circa 1850
The mahogany miniature four-poster bed with scrimshaw finials fitted with a bisque-head doll, mattress, linens, and patchwork quilt
11½in. height, 9½in. width, 15½in. length (4)

Provenance

Lydia M. Folger (b. 1847) of Nantucket
Mrs. Webster (cousin, of 7 Gardner Street, Nantucket)
Franklin Folger Webster of Nantucket
Paul H. Madden
E. Norman Flayderman

Literature

E. Norman Flayderman, Scrimshaw and Scrimshanders, (New Milford CT, 1972), p. 236

Exhibited

Charles G. Coffin Mansion, "Loan Exhibition of Heirlooms and many other old-fashioned things from the homes on Nantucket Island," 1935

Special notice

Notice Regarding the Sale of Material from Endangered Species. Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country

Lot Essay

A signed affidavit outlining the history of this doll, bed, and bedding indicates that group has been together since Lydia Folger's father, Captain David Folger, made them for her in circa 1850. As E. Norman Flayderman notes, this is a rare example of documented, pedigreed scrimshaw. The affidavit, a catalog from the 1935 exhibition, and a photograph of Lydia Folger circa 1865 accompanies the lot.

More from Important American Furniture, Silver, Prints, Scrimshaw and

View All