Pilgrim Century Furniture Discovery 1658

While researching the Newbury Short family cabinet makers I came across Gary Sullivan's blog post on the Pilgrim Chest featured on the Anderson Cooper show in 2011. Gary is overseeing my Short family project and while the earliest piece in that family is the wedding dresser below the Shorts were part of the 1635 Newbury Massachusetts settlers. Imagine the hidden treasure troves that have not yet been discovered. How many more items are out there?! Recently a gentlemen contacted me on a few pieces that he has in his possession that were in his family from the early Allen sea captain line in Massachusetts. Well will just wait and see.
Here is the Henry Short and Ann Longfellow Short wedding dressing box ca. 1694.

• The Keno Brothers appraised the Pilgrim heirloom at 500,000.
• “Pilgrim Century” furniture discovery  From Gary Sullivan Antiques blog
• Video from Anderson Cooper Show  Revealed! Value of Sandy's Family Heirloom
• Check out more furniture from Pilgrim Hall Museum 
• New York Times 2000 ANTIQUES; Twin Brothers With One Pursuit: Old Treasures
• Salem Chests
• The Important Trask Family Pilgrim Century Oak, Maple and Walnut Chest with Drawer, attributed to the Symonds Shop, Salem, Massachusetts, probably James Symonds, circa 1690
• Chats on Old Furniture

Seking Collectors/Dealers of Joseph Short Furniture Makers of Newburyport Massachusetts

Looking for collectors of Short furniture made in Newbury MA and North Shore area. Signed or labeled furniture made by the Short family of cabinetmakers from Newbury Massachusetts and Newburyport Massachusetts is being sought for a research article by independent scholar Gary R. Sullivan and historian Melissa Berry, working in association with Short Family descendent Laurie Short Jarvis.
Newburyport, Massachusetts cabinetmaker, Joseph Short (1771-1819) is the best-known member of this 18th- and early 19th-century family of woodworkers. A large body of work is associated with him, including several signed and labeled pieces of furniture. A large number of cabriole-leg candle stands with a unique foot, lolling chairs with set-back arm supports and games tables with diamond inlay are also attributed to Joseph Short based on their similarity to the labeled examples.
Any individual or institution in possession of a labeled or documented piece of Short Family furniture is encouraged to contact Melissa Berry at 603-793-5984 or melissadavenportberry@gmail.com.

This complex dressing box with fitted interior is dated 1694 and was made as an acknowledgment of the wedding of Henry and Anne Short of Newbury, Massachusetts. Interesting features include a looking glass, secret drawer locks and a hidden drawer.

 

 A FEDERAL MAHOGANY SECRETARY BOOKCASE

Possibly Joseph Short (1771-1819), Newburyport, Massachusetts, 1810-1820
In two parts: the upper with rectangular top surmounted by a broken swan's-neck pediment centering a fluted plinth flanked by four fluted plinths above a conforming case with glazed doors with gothic arched mullions, opening to reveal a shelved interior; the lower conforming case with hinged writing flap over three graduated long drawers, on ring-turned and tapering lotus carved feet, appears to retain its original brasses

David C. Garcelon Seeking any information on Short family connection with Instrument Makers. 

More Short Info click links
DAR New England Chapters & Descendants of Moses Short Newbury MA Members
Short Family
Carolyn Heard Peatfield-Short Newbury MA
George "Jonah" Granville Short of Newburyport

• Short, Charles, cabinetmaker, 1792 - , Newburyport, MA.
• Short, Joseph, carpenter, cabinetmaker, 1771 - 1819, Newburyport, MA.
• Isaac Short furniture
• Moses Short nautical instruments
• Sewall Short cabinets
• George Short furniture
• Cornelius Short