This is a tea set consisting of a teapot, sugar and creamer. The mark on the bottom is Meriden B Company and the imprinted number 1840. I have attached 2 photos. One of the 3 pieces; and one of the mark on the bottom. The teapot is about 5 1/4" tall to give you the scale. I bought it at an auction in N. Carolina in July of this year and want to know if I got a good deal or not!
My parents purchased both the Nichols & Stone Birch wood, Early American style dining room table set (oval table with 4 Captain's chairs), along with the Nichols & Stone, Birch wood, Early American Style china cabinet/hutch (with the upper glassed cabinets) from Higgins Furniture Store located in the City of Orange, CA. They purchased these items back in either the late 1950's or early 1960's.
Both the dining set and hutch were maintained extremely well during the time of my parents' ownership. In fact, the table used to be covered with very thick custom-made vinyl and felt pads of which we still have two sections of padding (one for each of the extra leafs). The furniture remained in the same place, in the same home for about 25 years.
The furniture was then loaned to a family member and his young family, which they used for approx. 20 years. It was during that time that the dining table and chairs were used a bit. HOWEVER, all the Captain's chairs and the table are firm and solid and they do NOT wobble whatsoever as oft times happens when there's extensive and somewhat intricate dowel work on furniture. The furniture was then stored, unused in a back office of the family member's employer for about 10 years.
When my family members were using the furniture, the table and chairs were used quite a bit. But the hutch was not and as such, is in VERY good condition! There has been some slight warping to the table leafs (you can see 1/3" hairline panel splits on the bottom of one of the table leafs). But it is slight enough that the table and leafs are still functional when used together.
The furniture is now in my possession and is now located in an office space belonging to a friend (meaning, they continue to be stored away from exposure to the elements) and is still not being used by anyone.
This painting was found in my backyard storage unit. It is held together by brads on the frame and on a redwood frame. The frame has dowels(?) to hold it together.
I have had this chair since 1976 and my Grandmother had it in her home for many years. I do not know the story of it. I have kept it un used in my home since. It needs repair it is not stable, just wabbles front to back needs structure strength. A piece was broken off, still have it. I was going to have it referbished but like the original cloth and am afraid to do so. I need to know the history and value of it if I am to get it fixed. Should I fix it?
