posted 12-15-2004 03:53 PM            

I picked out these examples for their interest in the concept of metal craft. It is frustrating to the collector that many early portrait miniatures aren’t signed. Even less common is a signed case. These examples aren’t signed but the first two cases include cut down trade cards.

The first miniature is unsigned but has the trade card of John B. Dumoutet who worked in Philadelphia1793-1813, Trenton 1797, and Charleston, S.C. 1802-13. Of course there is no guarantee that he made, or even sold the case. The card could have been handy, and used as a filler, the case could have been imported and just sold by him, or it could have been repaired by him at some date. I obviously prefer to believe he made it to order for a South Carolina miniature artist. I won’t give an opinion on which one because no one would agree with me anyway, if past experiences run true. For various reasons the cases themselves are often ignored by miniature collectors. There certainly should be regional styles or differences. This one has a nice little heart or shield cut out of the hanger. While most silversmiths supplied articles in gold, few marked items have been found, and of course except for watches few items would accept trade cards.

To be continued

The second miniature is much later. The trade card is of C.D. Sullivan St. Louis, 1842-68. In my opinion it is very unlikely that Sullivan made the case. It is engine turned, which is produced by a machine usually associated with major manufacturers. The sitter may be a member of the Lucas family, although it was purchased at auction.

posted 12-15-2004 10:13 PM            

Thanks.