Raven’s Way is pleased to offer an Exceptionally Fine Taconic (Taghkanic) Notched-Handle Splint Basket with a Double-Wrapped Rim and a Fine Kicked-In Bottom, circa 1860 – 1880s. The Origin of this Basket, given its Quality of Making, is Clearly Taconic. Taconic Basketmakers, immigrants from Germany living in the Taghkanic area of New York State, were as Skilled as their Shaker neighbors and the interaction between the two groups is apparent. See Robert Shaw’s American Baskets. This Beautifully Formed Basket is simply an attraction to the eye. The wrapping around the rim creates a classic “X” pattern, firmly reinforcing not only the weave of the basket but also the notched handle. The lashing of the oak staves creates a firm body and the kicked-in bottom offers a solid example of the larger working baskets. Adding to the exceptional quality of this basket, the maker has woven a circular bottom to the base to give it the utmost stability. Still, what first catches the eye is the outstanding patina, radiating character and age. It measures 4” in height and 7” including the handle; and it is 6” in diameter at the top and 4” in diameter at the bottom. A Wonderful Example of Taconic Basket Weaving.

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SOLD

“Winter Yellowlegs”, a Dry Point, by Frank W. Benson (1862 – 1951), Salem, Massachusetts, circa 1918. Benson is considered one of the Masters of Sporting Art Etching and Dry Point, as well as a Major Impressionist Painter. See Faith Andrews’ “The Sporting Art of Frank W. Benson”. Benson actually created a number of Etchings/Dry Points of Different Situations with Yellowlegs in their environment, and Winter Yellowlegs is one of them. The Image of Winter Yellowlegs is 6 ¾” x 10 ¾”; Framed Size 15: x 18 ¾”. Edition Size of 150; Signed in Pencil: “Frank W. Benson” and Number “102”. The Dry Point is in Very Good Original Condition with Minor Waving across the Right Top Edge where the Mat is Not Tight. Some color variation is caused by photographing through UV Glass.

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A Classic School Girl Sampler by Mary H. Stinson, Norristown, Pennsylvania, circa 1832. A search of Stinson’s history provides an intriguing look at a young girl who made a name for herself in history. Mary was born in 1819 to Robert Stinson (1787 – 1854) and Elizabeth (Porter) Stinson (1789 – 1868) who were married in Hartsville, PA., 1813. With limited information, it appears that Robert Stinson was a farmer in Bucks or Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and Elizabeth was the homemaker since no outside employment is listed. Mary Henderson Stinson (1819 – 1889), the maker of this sampler, appears to have had quite a life. Her early life was apparently limited to her family and school and she remained single throughout her life. More importantly, Census Records indicate that Mary graduated from the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1869 and was elected Assistant Physician for the Department of Women, a first for a woman. In 1880, Mary was elected a member of the Montgomery County Medical Society. She died in 1889 in Eagleville, Montgomery County with a headstone identifying her as “Mary Henderson Stinson, M.D.”, quite a feat for a woman in the 1800s.

Mary Stinson’s Sampler – a Silk on Linen Work -- makes an Appealing Use of Various Stitch Patterns. The Decorative Bands that separate the groups of Alphabets actually introduces the Stitch Pattern the be used. For instance, the First Band is in Simple Cross Stitch followed by the same pattern in the Alphabet; whereas, the Fourth Band is a Much More Complex Pattern followed by the Same Pattern in the Larger Alphabet. The Use of Five Different Alphabets is somewhat unusual for a Marking Sampler, but the Variation of Stitch and Color offer an Appealing Look. Adding an Especially Colorful Vase of Flowers and an Exceptional Butterfly directed toward the Flowers takes this Sampler to the next level. Interestingly, while Mary ends with her Name (Note that there is a classic mistake to her name “Stinson” where she inadvertently adds an “s” Stinsons, the way people would refer to the family.) and Date and a Decorative Vase, the last portion of the Sampler is left unfinished; whereas, her Needle and Thread are left pinned to the side. Such a Finish leaves one wondering what drew her away. Please note that the backing has been reinforced to remove wrinkles to the fabric. Measurements: 18 1/4" x 9 1/2". Intriguing Sampler given Mary Stinson's History.

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Price $400 plus shipping

Classic New England Oak Splint Gathering Basket from the Early 19^th Century. Gathering Baskets were a necessary part of everyday life in early New England and this basket represents that utilitarian necessity. Moreover, the Basket has maintained it durability throughout its history. Made from Oak Splint, the Basket displays a Double-Wrapped Rim with a Hand-Carved Handle that is Notched into the Rim, adding to the strength of the Basket. With its Raised Bottom, referred to as a “demi-john” form, it was probably used to gather eggs or similar produce. While the Basket undoubtedly had a Round Rim when made, Age and Use has created an irregular form which add to the “character” of the basket. The Durability of the basket is apparent since there are only very minor breaks to the splint. The Basket’s Rim measures 9 ½” in diameter; the Base 7” in diameter; Base to Rim Height 6”; Total Height 9 ½”. A Wonderful Example of a 19^th Century New England Gathering Basket.

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Price $195 plus shipping