Shaker Mahogany Sewing Carrier
Brother William Perkins (1861-1934)
Mount Lebanon, NY | c. 1930
Cuban mahogany, pine, copper, and silk
Original varnish surface
box: 4” h. x 10 ½” w. x 7 ⅛” d.
overall: 8 ½” h. x 10 ½” w. x 7 ¾” d.
Provenance: Robert & Hazel Belfit, Watertown, CT; acquired from Brother William Perkins (1861-1934)
Illustrated: John Wilson, Shaker Oval Boxes Volume 2 (2017), p. 205.
When Robert and Hazel Belfit drove up to the Mount Lebanon Woodworking Company in pursuit of a Shaker chair, they were greeted by Brother William Perkins (1861-1934) who, for the next decade, became a treasured friend. Among his many products, Brother William made Shaker sewing carriers sold in the Shaker Fancy Goods Store. Interestingly, Rob Belfit helped Brother William resolve an issue with the finish on his carriers and other woodenware by pointing him towards new shellac developed by William Zinsser & Co. According to Rob Belfit’s memoir, Brother William was happy with the new shellac because it dried smooth and without any tackiness.
This Carrier, rendered in Cuban mahogany, was a short-lived but striking experiment. According to Rob and Hazel’s son, Robert “Bob” Belfit, Jr.:
“The mahogany oval box was made by Brother William Perkins about 1930 in response to the worldly peoples’ interest in mahogany furniture. After making 56, he discontinued because they were so hard to make and the wood split easily.”
According to John Wilson, author of the Shaker Oval Boxes three-volume series, Brother William’s mahogany carriers were the last carriers ever made in the Mount Lebanon community. “Cuban mahogany” is inscribed on the underside of the Carrier in Brother William’s hand. Overall, the piece is in an excellent state of preservation.
Condition note: the number “20” in black Sharpie marker was written in the 1980s by Robert “Bob” Belfit Jr. as part of an inventory of his parents’ collection. Though this may be considered a misstep today, Bob’s efforts preserved much of the information related to the provenance of the Robert & Hazel Belfit Shaker Collection and we are indebted to his work.
To inquire about this piece,
please get in touch with us by phone:
914-763-8144
Or, you can reach us by email: jkr@jkrantiques.com