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The Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund, 2005.124.0  Photograph by David Stansbury © 2012 The Conn…
Sign for Butler's Inn
The Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund, 2005.124.0 Photograph by David Stansbury © 2012 The Connecticut Historical Society.
Photographs and all rights purchased by the Connecticut Historical Society.

Sign for Butler's Inn

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Benjamin Butler American, 1751 - 1813
MediumWood and paint with iron hardware
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth, oval shape): 50 x 35 5/8 x 2 5/8in. (127 x 90.5 x 6.7cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineThe Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund
DescriptionTwo-sided, oval-shaped tavern sign with a banded boarder enclosing a painted panel. The words "A Bird in the Hand is Worth two in the Bush" are painted in the border curving over the top of the oval. The name "E. Butler" is painted in the border curving around the bottom of the oval; part of the name "Benjamin" is still visible under the paint layer with the current name. In the right foreground of the painted panel, a hand grasps a bird with red, black, and white plummage. In the left foreground, extending all the way to the top of the painted panel, is a tree with two more birds. In the background, the landscape slopes down a hill toward pine trees. An iron ring hanger is mounted on each side of the frame, about fifteen inches from the top.
Object number2005.124.0
Subject Terms
    Collections
    • Tavern and Inn Signs
    On View
    On view
    1945.1.1396.9a,b
    Unknown
    1800-1810
    Gift of Mrs. Florence Van Fleet Lyman, 1939.2.1, Connecticut Historical Society, Copyright Unde…
    Simeon Jocelin
    about 1820
    Gift of Mabel Johnson, 1953.2.0, Connecticut Historical Society, Copyright Undetermined
    John Avery Jr.
    about 1780, case reworked in the late 19th century
    Punch Bowl
    Unknown
    early 20th century
    Militia Hatplate
    Unknown
    1812-1820
    The Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund, 2007.4.1, Connecticut Historical Society, Copyright Undet…
    Albert G. Walker
    1858
    Gift of Frederick and Margaret Barbour, 1961.9.2  © The Connecticut Historical Society.
    Calvin Willey
    1780-1800
    Soup Tureen and Tray
    Unknown
    1800-1810
    Child's Rocking Chair
    E. W. Vaill
    1876-1885
    Platter
    Royal-Saxonian Porcelain Manufactory Meissen
    mid 19th century