Summer 2015 Preview

14 www.antiquesandfineart.com Summer NOTEWORTH Y S A L E S The Butler-McClellan Pipe Tomahawk Fort Pitt (Pittsburg), Pennsylvania, circa 1770 Metalwork and handle attributed to Richard Butler Inscribed “R. Butler” and “Lt. J. Maclellan” Iron, cherry, steel, silver, pewter, and porcupine quills Shaft: 21⅛ inches; blade and pipe: 7¼ inches Sold to a private collector Image courtesy Kelly Kinzle Antiques, New Oxford, PA The pipe tomahawk form is a true weapon of the frontier, combining a smoking pipe and a small ax. It is a uniquely American invention and among the prized possessions used in the Revolutionary War by American and English soldiers. Less than five percent of the surviving pipe tomahawks are marked or attributed. The extraordinary history of this example spans several centuries and great distances. It bore witness to key events in the early years of American history, including the long march to the Battle of Quebec during the Revolutionary War. It traversed the Atlantic as a war trophy, and returned to America as a treasured relic and artifact. It is the sole known example of the work of Richard Butler, an armorer and Indian trader based at Fort Pitt from 1765–1772. Butler was a Pennsylvania gunsmith turned Revolutionary War general, revered hero, and friend to George Washington and General Lafayette. According to the curators at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, the quillwork is representative of wrapping that occurred throughout the Plains and the Prairies, and is most likely the work of the Shawnee tribes with which Butler traded. The quality of the blade, pipe and decoration excludes the possibility that the tomahawk itself was ever intended for the Indian trade and indicates it was made as a gift or custom order. It is in fact known that Butler made the tomahawk for John McClellan (1751–1775), a young farmer from the Juniata Valley who was commissioned for service in the Revolutionary War at the age of 24. The pipe tomahawk’s history is involved and fascinating; those interested in learning more may contact the gallery. Folk Art Masterpiece The Bingham Family Civil War Memorial Secretary Connecticut, dated 1876 Walnut, oak, ebony, poplar, pine, and maple H. 95½, W. 42¼, D. 19¾ inches. Purchased by the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford, CT Image courtesy of Allan and Penny Katz, Woodbridge, CT This remarkable secretary was the centerpiece of Allan and Penny Katz’s booth at the 2015 Winter Antiques Show this January. Alyce Perry Englund, the Richard Koopman Associate Curator of American Decorative Arts at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut, was among the many struck by the historic value and artistry of the secretary; the museum acquired the piece soon after the show. “We are thrilled to add this stunning piece to the collection,” says Englund, adding, “In addition to the exquisite craftsmanship, it tells a story so tragic and deeply-rooted in our country’s heritage, it is a treasure to behold for art and history buffs alike.” Allan Katz remarked, “We can think of no more appropriate nor venerable institution than the Wadsworth Atheneum to become the permanent home of the Bingham Family Civil War Memorial Secretary.” The secretary was made by members of Connecticut’s 16th Volunteer Infantry, and tells the heartbreaking story of East Haddam’s John and Wells Bingham, who fought at Antietam in 1862. John was among the 43 from the unit who lost their lives during the battle. Wells was haunted by his brother’s loss and, more than a decade later, friends presented the veteran with the secretary in memory of his brother. The imagery and text, executed in bone, horn, and abalone, captures riveting storylines of brotherhood, heroism, war, and liberty. The secretary is a collage of cultural references that include Civil War flags and military badges, miniature portraits based on popular prints and nostalgic keepsakes. Among the unique attributes is a music box that plays “Yankee Doodle Dandy” when the glass doors are opened. The Bingham Secretary will go on view in the museum’s Avery Memorial Building in Summer 2015. More information about the secretary is available in the 2015 catalogue of Allan Katz Americana: www.allankatzamericana.com.