Dry Measure Signed Farrar Sealer Royalston Mass with Autumn Arrangement

It is always thrilling when I am able to obtain “signed” antiques that provides us with specific history about the maker and a timeline of when pieces were actually made. In this case this dry measure (considered rare) was produced during the 1876 to 1884 period. It is signed “S.N. Farrar Manufacturer & Sealer Royalston WC Mass". Farrar was in the manufacturing business and first started selling a shingle machine (1834 to 1836). The other manufactured products that followed consisted of sawhorses, pails, buckets, sieves, barrel covers, rolling pins, diapers, children’s sleds, wheelbarrows, rolling hoops and of course measures until his death in “1896”. His son took over the business and ran it with the same enthusiasm as his father.

A small chip as well as wood loss is also present on the bottom of the lapped over area as well as the edges as referenced in image 25. Dark areas can be found on the front where the vertical pattern of nails is located and also on the right side as shown in images 7 & 8. A couple spots on the backside near the middle are just a tad darker than the rest of the wood and happens to follow the same circumstance on the bottom of the measure. The condition is still very good and there are no cracks to be found.

A delightful folksy pumpkin awaits a home and promises to enchant you with his expressive face that I painted. The white pumpkin was also accent painted to lend individual personality that seemingly compliments his folksy neighbor. Pods, gum balls, orange canella berries, dried gourds and a pumpkin stem take up residence inside the measure adding exciting autumn flavor.

The grain measure is of the smaller variety and would look perfect set on a table with perhaps some fall leaves sprinkled nearby as well as displayed with pantry boxes or small firkins. You can certainly change out the contents to accommodate the holidays by using greens and berries along with favored cookie cutters placed inside. Adding lye soap with a piece of early homespun draped over the front could be a alternative for a laundry room or bathroom situation as well! Great piece that is big on charm with lovely character! Enjoy!

Measures stands 4 ¼” tall, measures almost 7 ½ across the top opening (right to left), measures 7 ¼” front to back and measures 7 ¼” across the bottom. Pumpkins vary in size, largest is 3” tall by 3 1/2 “ across bottom, smallest is 2” tall by 1 ¾” across the bottom.