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THBElmira, Fulton County, Ohio Inlaid Secretary Bookcase
About Seller
6270 Este Ave.
Cincinnati , OH 45232
United States
With offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Denver, Cowan’s holds over 40 auctions each year, with annual sales exceeding $16M. We reach buyers around the globe, and take pride in our reputation for integrity, customer service and great results. A full-service house, Cowan’s Auctions specializes in Am...Read more
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| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
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| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
About Auction
LiveJun 20, 2015 - Jun 21, 2015
Cowan's Auctions dawnie@cowans.com
View Full Catalog (436)
- Lot Description
American (Elmira, Fulton County, Ohio), late 19th century. An intricate two-piece secretary bookcase in mixed woods, primarily consisting of figured maple and walnut, with poplar secondary, the upper section having a projecting cornice and paneled sides above a pressed wood floral band and two glazed doors opening to an adjustable three-shelf interior, the glazed door panels inset with foliate valences and flanked by chamfered stiles, all over two aligned and dovetailed drawers fitted with mushroom knobs. The lower section having a pressed top edge and paneled sides above a slightly outset fall front opening to a desk interior fitted with drawers and dividers, all over three dovetailed and graduated long drawers, the fronts edged with pressed wood bands and fitted with carved, fruit-shaped pulls, the whole above a shaped apron centered by a pressed leaf design and rising on curved stiles with carved flower heads. The upper and lower sections inlaid with light and dark wood chevrons. The back of the upper section with a partially obscured inscription reading Mg. by. J Nofziger(?) and Co. / Elmira. / March 13. .1885(?) Ohio., the back of the lower section incised 7 Pines; ht. 88, wd. 45.25, dp. 21.5 in.
According to the U.S. Federal Census of 1880, there were two J. Nofzigers living in Fulton County, Ohio. The first, Jacob D. Nofziger (German/American, 1842-1928), lived in the Village of Archbold, Fulton County, Ohio with his wife Barbara and four sons. Census records indicate his profession as a farmer, though it was common for many agricultural workers to subsidize their income as cabinetmakers.
The other is Jacob J. Nofziger (American, 1847-1918), a Mennonite, who lived in German Township, Fulton County, Ohio with his wife Barbara and three children. He also worked as a farmer. The U.S. Federal Census of 1860 lists his post office as Elmira.
This lot bears a striking resemblance to a secretary bookcase made by Jacob Werrey (American, 1838-1893), which sold during Cowan's Spring Americana sale on June 23, 2007. Like the Nofzigers, Werrey was a Mennonite farmer residing in German Township, Fulton County, Ohio. Living in such a close-knit community, it seems likely that the Nofzigers knew Werrey and were familiar with his work as a carpenter, possibly even emulating his designs.
Provenance: Property from the Collection of Robert and Jeanette Woodgeard, Bryan, OHRefinished. Missing crown. Door latches and pulls replaced. Upper section electrified. Some scratches to glass on left door. Some scuffs to top of lower section. Bottom two drawers and divider with a scratch running across the fronts.Condition
- Shipping Info
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SHIPPING. At the request of the buyer, Cowan's will authorize the shipment of purchased items. Shipments usually occur within two weeks after payment has been received. Shipment is generally made via UPS Ground service. Unless buyer gives special instructions, the shipping method shall be at the sole discretion of Cowan's Auctions, Inc.. Cowan's is in no way responsible for the acts or omissions of independent handlers, packers or shippers of purchased items or for any loss, damage or delay from the packing or shipping of any property.
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