Collection Highlights
Architect's Sign
Date:
ca. 1837
Object Number:
1953.197
Medium:
Wood
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Box
Object Number:
1944.26
Date:
1872
Medium:
Silver
Dimensions:
Overall: 4 3/8 x 6 3/8 x 4 3/4 in. ( 11.1 x 16.2 x 12.1 cm )
Silver Weight: 13 oz (troy) (405 g)
Description:
Silver presentation box; ovoid casket with applied concave sides with a die-rolled geometric grapevine design and an applied beaded band, on four cast foliate pad legs; hinged, matte, ovoid lid with an applied beaded band along the rim; band of engraved flowers around the edge and an engraved tapestry with tassels in the center; cast bird finial, on a branch holding sheet music in its beak, screwed through the center of the lid; gilt interior; inscribed on the base, "To remind/ Miss Emma C. Thursby/ of her great triumphs in a series of Grand Concerts/ throughout the principal cities of America/ in/ connection with/ GILMORE'S BAND/ this souvenir is presented/ with the best wishes/ of/ the members of that organization." in script; maker's marks stamped on the base.
Gallery Label:
This decorative box was given in private and intended as a personal tribute to the recipient. The box, probably intended to hold jewelry, was presented by bandleader Patrick S. Gilmore (1829-1892) to singer Emma Cecilia Thursby (1845-1931) in 1875 after an extended tour in which she performed with his celebrated brass band in fourteen American cities. Several weeks after the close of the tour, in April 1875, Thursby noted in her diary that she received the box from Gilmore following a meeting at the Union Square Theatre.
Credit Line:
Gift of the Estate of Ina Love Thursby
Provenance:
Emma Thursby (1845-1931); to her sister Ina Love Thursby (1855-1942), the donor.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
