Shaker Tilting Side Chair signed by Sister Rebecca Hathaway (1872-1958) – SOLD
Canterbury, NH | c. 1850
Yellow birch
Old, Shaker refinished surface
40 ¾” h. (17″ h. seat) x 19 ½” w. x 13″ d.
Provenance: Robert & Hazel Belfit, Watertown, CT
A classic Tilting Side Chair retaining its original tilting buttons from the Canterbury Shaker community. Originally stained red, this chair was refinished by the Shakers in the 19th century. It has graduated slats, a dramatic rake, and fine, turned finials with a medial scribe line.
The reverse of the lower slat has been signed and dated:
“Rebecca A. Hathaway, East Canterbury, NH, Sept 7, 1948″
Born in Providence, Sister Rebecca Hathaway (1872-1958) joined the Canterbury Shakers at age 10. She became the kitchen deaconess, supervising many culinary duties including the manufacture of herb confections for sale and canning. She also maintained a large garden of sage and was “very handy with tools.”
Condition note: the number “B-1” 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