Description:
With its fluted quarter-columns with simplified capitals, flaring French feet, and band of inlay at its base, this bow-front bureau may be the work of Greenfield, Massachusetts, cabinetmaker Daniel Clay (1770-1848). The backboard bears a legend from the late nineteenth century: “Avice (Stebbins) Arms' Bureau/A.S.A b.1785; d. 1859./Carried to Canada, 1829./Brought back, 1833/Cherished by Avice S. Arms/till her death, 1899 who/wished to have it come/back to the dear old/home./May it always be sacred./J.M.A.S.” Avice Stebbins (1785-1859), the daughter of Deerfield resident Joseph Stebbins, married Christopher Tyler Arms (1781-1854) in 1806. Avice may have received this chest of drawers as a wedding gift.

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2007.22

Research on objects in the collections, including provenance, is ongoing and may be incomplete. If you have additional information or would like to learn more about a particular object, please email fc-museums-web@fivecolleges.edu.