Crib
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Samuel Colt
(American, 1814 - 1862)
Furniture MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1857-1862
MediumMaple, reed, paint
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 37 1/8 x 49 3/4 x 27in. (94.3 x 126.4 x 68.6cm)
ClassificationsFurniture
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Elizabeth R. Cushman
Object number1972.26.0
DescriptionMaple and reed crib in the Elizabethan Revival style. The rectangular frame of the crib consists of four posts, each topped with a carved horsehead. The upper half of each post is cylindrical, while the lower half is spiral-carved; each post has a brass castor. The posts are connected by a horizontal rail with cyma curve, or S-curve, molding at the exterior. All four sides of the crib are constructed of woven reeds that are painted white; the reeds are woven in three different patterns, including herringbone and checkered. On each short side of the crib, the woven reed arches up to the height of the carved horse heads. On each long side of the crib, the woven reed dips down; each long side also has additional woven reed below the rail.
Each side of the crib frame has an interior rail (later addition) nailed to the inside of the exterior rail; ten wooden dowels (later addition) are tenoned into the interior rail. A vertical, triangular block is screwed into the interior sides of the upper posts; these are painted white.
Condition: The rails and dowels that would support a mattress are replaced. The carved ears on each of the horses are damaged slightly.
Each side of the crib frame has an interior rail (later addition) nailed to the inside of the exterior rail; ten wooden dowels (later addition) are tenoned into the interior rail. A vertical, triangular block is screwed into the interior sides of the upper posts; these are painted white.
Condition: The rails and dowels that would support a mattress are replaced. The carved ears on each of the horses are damaged slightly.
Label TextIt is believed that this crib was a gift to Samuel Colt from the Swiss willowware workers in his employ. In the 1850s, Colt had a dike built to protect his factory from floods of the Connecticut River; he planted European willow to reinforce it. Colt hired willowware workers from Switzerland and constructed Potsdam Village as their residence. His Willow-Ware Works produced furniture that was sold across the country from its opening in 1860 until the factory burned down in 1873.
NotesObject Note: According to information provided by the donor, this crib was woven of reeds from the dike that protected Samuel Colt's company, The Colt Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company, from flooding from the Connecticut River. The donor's grandmother was the sister of Samuel Colt's wife, Elizabeth Hart Jarvis Colt (1826-1905). (Hudson 1/18/2006)Status
On view
