Stand (Wash stand)

Description

James V. Calver, a Shaker cabinetmaker in the New Lebanon, New York Shaker community, made this pine wash stand, with poplar drawer bottoms and hardwood pulls, in 1862. The upper portion of the wash stand has sides cut with ogee profiles and a tall backboard which extends above the sides. The case contains three full, graduated drawers. An inscription on the underside of the bottom drawer reads “Made by James V. Calver / April 1862” followed by writing in shorthand and “Matthew 5th.” Calver probably learned his trade from Orren N. Haskins, head cabinetmaker and joiner in the New Lebanon Shaker community. Born in Norfolk, England in 1839, Calver joined the New Lebanon community in 1850 and left in 1872, after which he started a toothpick factory.