Jan & John Maggs

Antiques and Art

An early oak butter firkin

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An early firkin, secured by clinched nails. On its lid are crudely carved initials “I P”. The firkin came to us through the auction of the collection of a Southampton, Massachusetts family.

Inside, there are two small pieces of paper. The first, discolored with age reads: “My great uncle Isiah Perkins Butter Firkin 1796”. The second, perhaps reflecting the result of research by a recent owner, states “Butter firkin – Belonged to Isiah Perkins – Harwich, MA”.

The piece itself carries many decades of shelf life and is stained black at its base and at other random spots. The bentwood handle is secured with turned wooden pegs.

American, ca. 1800

Diameter” 8”; Height, with lid: 5 ¾”

Price: $165

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