STIREWALT FAMILY, SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA, PAINT-DECORATED YELLOW PINE AND POPLAR DIMINUTIVE BOX, the hinged rectangular lid (retaining remnants of original leather hinges) over a rectangular case of nailed construction, raised on four turned and ebonized feet mortised through the bottom of the case, the edges of both lid and bottom exhibit a mid-ridge profile which extends slightly beyond the parameters of the case. Retains original yellow and black stenciled decoration against a deep green ground, design featuring characteristic eight-pointed "Virginia" stars to ends, foliate design to front panel, and bold, stylized eagle to lid. Attributed to Jacob Stirewalt (1805-1869) and/or John N. Stirewalt (1802-1836), New Market, Shenandoah Co., VA. Circa 1835. 7 1/2" H, 10" W, 6" D.
Published: Moore and Goodman - "Painted Boxes and Miniature Chests from Shenandoah County, Virginia: The Stirewalt Group", The Magazine Antiques, September 2007, pp. 78, fig. 5, middle center.
Catalogue Note: The present box is one of an important group of paint-decorated chests boxes attributed to the Stirewalt family of New Market, Shenandoah Co., VA that are all linked by parallels in construction, materials, and decoration. It is unclear at present exactly who is responsible for the construction and decoration of these boxes, but it is clear that the effort was likely a collaborative one, given the degree of variation found in the group. Regardless, Jacob and/or John Stirewalt of New Market, Virginia and Rowan Co., North Carolina seem to be at the center of the story. See Lots 1162 and 1164 in the present sale for similar examples attributed to this school.

Good overall condition with minor to moderate wear and discoloration, scattered scratches to lid and front panel with associated minor inpainting. Lacking leather hinges and lid detached.