Dressing glass

Dateca. 1786

MediumPrimary woods: Mahogany and Spruce; Secondary: Oak; Ivory

DimensionsOH: 19 7/8" OW: 15 7/8" OD: 7 5/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1964-244

DescriptionOval glass surrounded by oval, veneered frame bordered by band of herringbone inlay around exterior edge; glass fits between two tapering, S-shaped supports which are doweled into top of dressing case; each support has circular, ivory boss at top and near base; pair of original, brass bolts extend through sides of supports through oval, brass plates, into sides of looking glass frame and secure it to all surfaces except base and rear veneered with mahogany; front composed of two small and one larger center drawer, each with veneered fronts; each drawer with small, drop brasses; edges of top and front outlined with herringbone inlay; supported on four ogee bracket feet.Mark(s)On back of looking glass backboard are the following inscriptions: "Elizath Sanders" (written twice); "Miss Elizabeth Van Rensselaer/ 25th April 1786"; "og/" On base of stand are branded initials: "PEE"ProvenanceThe early history of this piece seems clear from the various inscriptions. It was apparently purchase ca. 1786 by or for Elizabeth Van Rensselaer, daughter of Philip and Maria (Sanders) Van Rensselaer. In 17963 Elizabeth married Peter Edmund Elmendorf, whose brand is on the base. Elizabeth died in 1798 and her husband married soon after. The piece apparently then went to an Elizabeth Sanders. It has been assumed that the Elizabeth in question was the daughter of John and Deborah (Glen) Sanders who live from 1777-1850, and who was a cousin of the deceased Elizabeth. If this was so, she must have been left the glass shortly after the death of Elizabeth, for she married William Anderson and her name would have changed (date of marriage unknown). There is in the files of Glen-Sanders papers at CW an undated later from "Elizabeth" to "Maria". Maria is probably Maria Elmendorf (1796-1869) daughter of Peter Edmund Elmendorf, who married Peter Sanders in 1824. The Elizabeth is unidentified. She probably was not Elizabeth (Sanders) Anderson as the two (Maria and Elizabeth) seem to be writing as contemporaries. In the latter, Elizabeth requests, among other items, your "dressing box". This may be 1964-244. It would have been logical for Maria to have inherited the box from her mother. It would also explain the "Elizabeth Sanders" signature, which, however, could not have been the daughter of John and Deborah, as she would have been married at the time the letter was written, and not been Elizabeth Sanders at that time either. The piece apparently eventually came down to Charles P. Sanders II, who about 1923 made an inventory of furniture in which he referred to "Dressing Box (Shaving Glass) 1760-1780. (See copy in object folder). The widow of his son was the last of the family to own the items before they came to CW.