IMPORTANT SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA FEDERAL WALNUT PUNCHED-TIN-PANELLED FOOD / PIE SAFE, rectangular top with wide applied rounded-edge moldings, above two doors, each set with three hand-punched tins featuring a central eight-point star within a chain border containing corner fans, three matching tins on each end, one tin bears two sets of "GK" initials, another tin bears a set of illegible initials, each likely added in the period but probably post-maufacture, the whole raised on tall square tapered legs. Back comprising three horizontal fielded panels. Yellow pine secondary wood. Retains original brasses, hinges, and escutcheons, and an old surface with rich color. Reserve. The shop of Jeremiah Evans and James McCann, New Market, Shenandoah Co., VA. Circa 1810. 65" H, 38 3/4" W, 17 3/4" D.
Published: Russ and Evans - "Opening the Door": Safes of the Shenandoah Valley, p. 3 fig 1.2.
Provenance: From the John H. and Joan S. Byrd estate collection, Harrisonburg, VA.
Descended in the Byrd/Harrison family.
Catalogue Note: The present walnut safe is the earliest documented Shenandoah Valley example of the form we have encountered. In addition to its provenance, attribution for the present safe to James McCann and Jeremiah Evans in New Market is based on a safe sold by us on June 23, 2018 (lot 1392), which exhibits a nearly identical tin pattern and bears the initials "JM" for James McCann.
Shipping Note: IN-HOUSE SHIPPING IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS LOT. Please contact our local UPS store store6595@theupsstore.com for information on shipping or see our website for a list of third-party shippers https://www.jeffreysevans.com/buying/pick-up-and-delivery.
Excellent overall condition with very minor scattered wear and discoloration. Very slight bow to two legs.