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Publisher’s Corner

History Contained journalofantiques.com

or this month’s theme, “History Contained,” we Charleston Museum was established Publisher
selected feature subjects that reflect a less literal, more by the Charleston Library Society on Maxine Carter-Lome
Fout-of-the-box interpretation of the topic beyond the the eve of the American Revolution Maxine Carter-Lome journalofantiques@gmail.com
obvious examples of antique and vintage general store tins, to preserve and tell the story of Business Manager
antique packing crates, apothecary bottles, candy jars, Charlton’s deep-rooted regional history. Jeffrey Lome
crocks, and spice containers. Charleston’s early history was characterized by associ- jeffrey@journalofantiques.com
Secret compartments for containing private papers and ation with distinguished South Carolinians and scientific Managing Editor
concealing precious belongings were a common characteristic figures including Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Thomas Judy Gonyeau
of furniture among the elite for centuries but was perhaps first Heyward, Jr., Reverend John Bachman, and John J. editorial@journalofantiques.com
revealed (at least publicly) in an 18th century desk designed Audubon. The Museum continued to develop prominent
by the Roentgen brothers—German decorators in the 18th collections of ethnological and zoological specimens, Contributing Writer
century—for King Friedrich William II. The desk was which Harvard scientist Louis Aggasiz declared in 1852 to Erica P. Lome, Ph.D.
designed with hidden drawers in hidden drawers, all operated be among the finest in America. Today, the Museum’s Art Director
by a sophisticated mechanical system. Today, this desk is on collections represent the most comprehensive assemblage of Lynn Cotterman
view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. South Carolina materials in the nation, focused on the ads@journalofantiques.com
Hidden compartment furniture reached the height of South Carolina Lowcountry, preserving its history and Production
popularity and novelty in the Victorian Era where design telling its ever-evolving story with new acquisitions for Jill Montague
and technology married to produce elaborately carved generations to come. In this month’s “Great Collections,”
furniture with ingeniously hidden surprises accessed in Charleston Museum Director Carl Borick shares its Judy Gonyeau
creative ways. Secret compartments behind sliding panels, beginning and its initial collection encased within its walls
hollow pilasters, false drawers, and hidden compartments on page 32. 508-347-1960
revealed only with the removal of embellishments in a During the 19th century, museums in America followed Toll free:
certain order … were incorporated into the design and one of two basic paths: institutions focused on science, 888-698-0734
construction of mostly English and American bureaus, history, and education in the items it collected, preserved,
traveling desks, chests, and full-sized desks during this era. and displayed, and commercial enterprises that put novelty, Fax: 508-347-0911
Many owners may not even be aware that they have an oddities, items of a dubious nature, and freakish attractions Mailing:
antique piece with such a secret as they were designed on display. Keeping the doors of these later and increasingly P. O. Box 950
to mislead. popular types of public museums open meant selling tick- Sturbridge, MA 01566
Secret compartments in furniture have been the subject ets; selling tickets meant continually introducing new
of literary plot twists for centuries, most famously in Edgar attractions and exhibits to capture the public’s attention info@journalofantiques.com
Allen Poe’s The Purloined Letter, and more recently in and keep them coming back for more. That took showman-
Nicholas Cage’s National Treasure, where historical ship. And who better than P.T. Barnum to take museums UPS and FedEx
documents were hidden inside the Resolute desk that sits in to the next level? You can read more about the commercial- Shipping Address:
46 Hall Road
the Oval Office. On page 21, Kary Pardy tells us more ization of 19th century cabinets of curiosity and the role Sturbridge, MA 01566
about the unique hidden features to be found in antique P.T. Barnum played in taking these collections to the
pieces; a fashionable novelty that never loses its appeal. general public in my article on page 17. Journal of
Managing Editor Judy Gonyeau looks at the ethical and Also in this issue, Jim Dawson of The Unicorn Antiques and Collectibles
legal issues surrounding containing antiquities in their place Bookshop in Trappe, MD, and a monthly contributor to is published monthly in digital
of origin. Items of cultural heritage have been looted, the Journal with his “Collecting Old & Rare Books” and bi-monthly in print by
exported, smuggled, and commercially sold for centuries, column, takes a look at bookbinding – the craftsmanship, Weathervane Enterprises, Inc.
many today residing far from home in museums and private utilitarian function, and maintenance of books holding 46 Hall Road
collections. To repatriate or not to repatriate? That is a history between their covers. And Travis Landry, director of
question under continuing regulatory and legal review by pop culture at Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers in Cranston, RI, Sturbridge MA 01566.
organizations such as UNESCO and U.S. Immigration & looks at the escalating market values of pop culture Periodicals postage paid at
Customers Enforcement (ICE) under the U.S. Department collectibles still contained in their original packaging. Sturbridge MA.
of Homeland Security. While you will be reading this month’s issue on your
For some experts, it is a matter of whether or not history computer, tablet, or phone, I am excited to share that with
can only be told in its place of origin – if it still exists. For your support, and the support of our advertisers, we will be
others, it is a matter of where are these items best preserved? returning to print on a bi-monthly, rather than quarterly POSTMASTER:
And still, others consider the public benefit resulting from basis, starting with the August 2021 issue. Now, we will be Send address changes to
where collections are housed currently. Another side of publishing 12 digital and six printed issues a year. Look for
the antiquities debate is, did the item come to reside in its us again in your mailbox, at your favorite antique shops The Journal of Antiques
current location legally? (if we are not there, please ask them to carry us), and at the and Collectibles
Judy delves into this debate, and looks at the case of antiques and collectibles shows and flea markets you attend ISSN: (1539-5618)
the U.S. Government vs. Hobby Lobby and its President around the country. P.O. Box 950
Steve Green, in her article on page 26, addressing the Speaking of shows … they’re back! And all early Sturbridge, MA 01566
compelling and timely question of who can and should own indicators suggest that both dealers and show-goers are
The Journal of Antiques and Collectibles
a country’s history? excited for the opportunity to re-connect and get back to
reserves the right to reject any advertising that
Country of origin issues aside, most can agree that the the business of buying, selling, and loving antiques. Follow does not comply with our standards. The
answer to where objects of history should be contained is in us on Facebook and visit our website for up-to-the-minute Journal will not be liable for any errors or
omissions but will print a correction in the
a museum, where its story can be told contextually and show information. following issue if notification of such error is
educationally, and shared with the public. That was the sent by the appropriate deadline. Original
manuscripts are welcomed by qualified
founding mission behind The Charleston Museum, writers. We assume no responsibility for loss
commonly regarded as “America’s First Museum.” Inspired of unsolicited material.
in part by the creation of the British Museum, The Maxine Carter-Lome, Publisher Copyright 2021
All rights reserved
2 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles