Collection Highlights
Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
1916-1922
1954.164
Painted plaster
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Box
Object name
Box
Date
1872
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
Overall: 4 3/8 x 6 3/8 x 4 3/4 in. ( 11.1 x 16.2 x 12.1 cm )
Silver Weight: 13 oz (troy) (405 g)
Description
Silver presentation box; ovoid casket with applied concave sides with a die-rolled geometric grapevine design and an applied beaded band, on four cast foliate pad legs; hinged, matte, ovoid lid with an applied beaded band along the rim; band of engraved flowers around the edge and an engraved tapestry with tassels in the center; cast bird finial, on a branch holding sheet music in its beak, screwed through the center of the lid; gilt interior; inscribed on the base, "To remind/ Miss Emma C. Thursby/ of her great triumphs in a series of Grand Concerts/ throughout the principal cities of America/ in/ connection with/ GILMORE'S BAND/ this souvenir is presented/ with the best wishes/ of/ the members of that organization." in script; maker's marks stamped on the base.
Credit Line
Gift of the Estate of Ina Love Thursby
Object Number
1944.26
Marks
engraved: on the base: "To remind/ Miss Emma C. Thursby/ of her great triumphs in a series of Grand Concerts/ throughout the principal cities of America/ in/ connection with/ GILMORE'S BAND/ this souvenir is presented/ with the best wishes/ of/ the members of that organization." in script
stamped: on the base: lion passant, anchor, gothic, "G" over "STERLING/ E"
Gallery Label
Emma Cecilia Thursby (1845-1931), born in Brooklyn, was one of the finest American singers to achieve international renown. In 1875, Thursby went on her first extended tour, performing a series of concerts with Patrick S. Gilmore and his 65-piece brass band, then considered the finest in America. This tour included stops in over 14 U.S. cities, including New York. This box was presented to her by members of the band at the close of the tour, as a souvenir of their successful venture together.
Provenance
Emma Thursby (1845-1931); to her sister Ina Love Thursby (1855-1942), the donor.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
