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The Captain William Elerson Sea Chest

Offered by: David A. Schorsch - Eileen M. Smiles Fine Americana

Description
The Captain William Elerson Sea Chest
Sandwich, Massachusetts, circa 1850
White pine, original painted decoration, original iron strap hinges, steel lock, and brass escutcheon, the ends in old green paint, replaced rope handles
Height 18 ½ inches, width 45 ½ inches, depth 18 ½ inches
Inscribed: “WILLIAM ELERSON”

In the period the family name Elerson was variously spelled as Ellison. William Ellison (1815–1865) was born in Charlestown, Vermont, about fifteen miles from the Canadian border to James and Elizabeth Ellison, originally of Long Island, New York. He relocated to Sandwich, Massachusetts, and married Abigail “Abbie” Wing of Sandwich. Both William Ellison and his brother-in-law, Isaac Wing, were ship captains, out of New Bedford and Nantucket respectively. Ellison is listed as a “mariner” and “seaman” in census records, and he captained the whaling ship William Rotch of New Bedford, 1856–1860. An 1856 ship log kept by master Benjamin Mitchell, now in the collection of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, makes several mentions of Ellison as captain in documenting their south Atlantic and Pacific voyage. Ellison died on August 31, 1865, of “apoplexy” and is buried in the Quaker Meetinghouse Cemetery in East Sandwich.

This is one of the most exceptional sea chests known to us, elevated to iconic importance by the original painted decoration, with a monumentally scaled American eagle in flight, clutching a banner inscribed “William Elerson,” soaring high above a miniaturized landscape of hills, trees, and houses.

More Information

Period:	19th Century
Creation Date:	1850
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	812154

Dimensions

W.	45.5 in;	H.	18.5 in;	D.	18.5 in;
W.	115.57 cm;	H.	46.99 cm;	D.	46.99 cm;

Message from Seller:

David A. Schorsch and Eileen M. Smiles are nationally recognized dealers in American antiques and folk art, specializing in weathervanes, folk paintings, Shaker furniture, and more. With over forty years of experience, they offer expert services in private and corporate collections, authentication, and auction representation—contact them today at 203.263.3131 or via email at contact@schorsch-smiles.com.