New Orleans Heirloom Paris Universal Exposition 1867

Title

New Orleans Heirloom Paris Universal Exposition 1867

Artist

Michael Hoard

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

This extraordinary heirloom 153 years old circa 1867 from the Paris Universal Exposition 6 years after the very first introduction was later re named to The Worlds Fair. This along with collected and inherited objects one of many in my private collection I inherited from my mother. My mother had decided many years prior to her death shared with all my brothers and sisters her collection of objects we all treasured. As we grew up she would pull from her woman's cedar chest which included everything she saved of all my brothers and sisters growing up and also show us her treasure's. The very first moment I laid eyes on this I always fascinated by its history and beauty. As I grew up I was a collector of antique furniture and collector items.

This extraordinary case is a ivory woman's sewing kit from the 6th Universal Exposition held. This unique antique rare, yet in private collections has an extraordinary story. It was discovered behind one of the draws along with other treasures of a man's Empire Chest of Draws furniture along with other treasures The Rex mirror, and silver tray from 1912 and 1913 which can be viewed in my gallery of Mardi Gras.

The owner of a house across the street of the family home I grew up here in New Orleans had died in the 30's. The gentleman's wife name was Sarah Barnes is inscribed on the reverse side. She was from Europe and more than likely attended the Paris Universal Exposition.. When he died his house was sold the remaining contents of his home was placed on the curb. After doing extensive research on him and his wife the family had met tragic events and he was the last of his descents his wife Sarah had died many years prior to his death in a car accident. My parents were living in the house my grandmother gave to them after my grandmother lost her husband in World War !. .My grandfather Thomas Needham came to America in 1913 met my grandmother and built their home here in New Orleans...

My parents saw objects set out to the curb one particular piece which I still have was my father's gentleman's Empire Chest of Draws with huge bear claw feet and veneer and glass pull knobs.. When my mother and father brought the chest of draws to the house my mother and father cleaned it up and to their astonishment found fabulous objects behind one of the draws. The new owners obviously did not want the oak chest of draws and placed items out to the curb.. These objects have remained in my family and given to me years before my mothers death as part of a living will.

This particular heirloom was appraised at New Orleans State Museum The Cabildo located at Jackson Square and next to the St. Louis Cathedral. It is something you rarely see the curators of the museum appraised at a public appraisal day near 1,200.00 this was also one of my appraisal items when I was featured on The American Antique Road Show and the Blue Book in my collection which I found on the curb after a neighbor had died and the new owners put items to the curb side.

The Antiques Road show was slightly lower and informed they do appear from time to time and still remain in private collections.

Back in the 90's I had visited Houston and went to the America Quilt Convention and Exposition and I did see a newer white the very same case ivory from venders at the convention selling for 800.00 with none of the items inside the case. Because of its age this case has turned beautiful amber coloring.... The case common were made in Europe. The ivory case has gained valued since the last appraisal and may auction it off to international gallery or include in my private collection of objects which are part of my collection in the New Orleans Historic Collection in my name with family records, photos from after civil war and documents dating to 1830's which are currently part of the museum collection.

I have always been a preservationist and marvel at collections in museums and learn towards sharing and then now that I have reached the age of 65 I may cash in on the value of some of my personal collection which may turn out to become a fortune of sorts. Its not everyday individuals get the opportunity to view such beautiful objects not housed in museums this ivory case is 153 years old.

Uploaded

January 25th, 2017

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