David A. Schorsch-Eileen M. Smiles Fine Americana, 358 Main Street S, Woodbury, CT (2026)

06/12/2026

This important American ship’s figurehead, which depicts founding father John Dickinson in a rare “walking” full-figure pose, is a testament to his notable status as a patriotic subject. Figureheads representing revolutionary heroes and founding fathers were prevalent on military and merchant vessels in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, as evidence of emerging American civic pride.

The highly detailed style found in this John Dickenson figurehead was influenced by the Philadelphia workshop of William Rush (1756-1833), who is considered one of the most innovative and influential shipcarvers. It likely adorned the ship John Dickenson, constructed in Philadelphia between 1811 and 1812, owned by the prominent Hollingsworth family, and which remained active into the 1830s.

John Dickinson Ship’s Figurehead
Philadelphia, 1811-1812
White pine, original paint history, book inscribed “John Dickenson.” Overall height: 81 inches, figure: 67 x 19 x 18 inches

06/10/2026

This rare double-sided signboard was made for a community of English and German speakers; one side with block lettering in English, the reverse with Fraktur lettering in German (swipe). John Schneider was born in 1842 in Wurttemberg, Germany, and immigrated to the U.S. in 1865. He lived in St. Louis and later moved to Brighton and then Jerseyville, Illinois, where he worked as a shoemaker. As one of his daughters lived until 1989, the sign may have been passed down to her.

J. Schneider Boot and Shoemaker Sign
Brighton, Illinois, circa 1875
White pine, original painted decoration, original forged iron hanging hardware, 22 ½ x 18 x inches

06/05/2026

Our current ad in features this important new discovery, a signed still life by Isaac W. Nuttman, making it just the fifth known example by this important artist.

Isaac likely apprenticed with Tunis and Nuttman in Newark, New Jersey, a manufacturer of painted and decorated fancy and Windsor chairs co-owned by a relative. The earliest mention of Nuttman as an artist is October 1830, when he participated in the second American Institute Fair in New York, presenting two paintings: “Tomb of Archimedes at Syracuse” and a “fruit piece drawing.”

During the 1840s, Nuttman advertised in city directories and newspapers as a “Sign, Ornamental, Fancy and Chair Painter, Japanner and Bronzer," and in the 1856-1857 Newark Directory, he advertised his skills as “not to be surpassed in this or any other City.”⁠⁠
⁠
Inquiries: [email protected]⁠
⁠
ISAAC W. NUTTMAN (1801–1872)⁠
Fruit Still Life with Toppled Basket and Bird⁠
Newark, New Jersey, circa 1840⁠
Oil on artist board, 20 × 25 inches, in original gilt frame⁠
Signed on verso in ink: “Isaac W. Nuttman / Painter

06/03/2026

The decoration is a rare depiction of the buildings and goings on within Fort Ontario in Oswego, New York, including marching soldiers and a canon firing with billowing smoke. The “J. SISSON” may refer to the John Sisson born about 1776, who enlisted in the United States Army
on September 21, 1808, described as 5 feet 8 ½ inches in height with black hair, gray eyes, and fair skin, who served as a private in the War of 1812.

Inquiries: [email protected]

Paint-decorated blanket box with scene of Fort Ontario
Oswego, New York, circa 1830
White pine, original painted decoration, original iron butt hinges, 15 x 37 ½ x 17 ½ inches
Inscribed on lid: “J. SISSON”

Address

358 Main Street S
Woodbury, CT
06798

Telephone

+12039827574

Website

http://WWW.SCHORSCH-SMILES.COM/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when David A. Schorsch-Eileen M. Smiles Fine Americana posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to David A. Schorsch-Eileen M. Smiles Fine Americana:

David A. Schorsch-Eileen M. Smiles Fine Americana