The Winterthur Library

 The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, Winterthur, DE  19735

302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883

 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

 

Creator:          John Ragatz and Son               

Title:               Furniture Drawings

Dates:             ca.1880-ca.1900

Call No.:         Col. 334

Acc. No.:         94x31; 03x1; 07x123; 09x47

Quantity:        386 items

Location:        4 F 2-4

 

 

 

HISTORICAL STATEMENT

 

This furniture making firm was headed by John H. Ragatz.  At different times, the shop was located at 212 Pear St. or 219 So. 11th St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The exact dates of the business are unknown, but it probably existed from ca.1870 to ca.1920.

 

 

SCOPE AND CONTENT

 

The collection consists of rendered drawings or photographs of furniture done by Ragatz or someone else working in his shop.  A wide variety of furniture types are depicted, including chairs, screens, benches, couches, sideboards, bureaus, tables, and wall cabinets.  Many revival styles are represented.  Some of the drawings are in color, with the remainder done in pencil or ink.  Some contain descriptive text.  For example, a chair or sofa could be made with mahogany, gold (presumably gold leaf or gold paint), or Circassian walnut.  One of the screens featured panels "as per accompanying pamphlet," with heraldic design panels at the bottom, and claw feet.  A few of the illustrations of screens contain notes about using antique leather and studded nails.  Ragatz showed a sideboard designed for a Mr. Haupt both with and without a mirror, depending on whether he used an overlay as a way to conceal or reveal construction details.  Many of the drawings bear prices, notes on scale, dimensions, and numbers.  The numbers suggest that while Ragatz did custom work, he may have offered the same piece of furniture to other customers or carried some standard stock.  Holes in the corners of the drawings indicate that they may have been mounted at some point or were part of a portfolio.

           

 

ORGANIZATION

           

The drawings are arranged in accession number order.  The 2003 addition is arranged by furniture type.

 

 

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

 

The materials are in English.

 

 

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

 

Collection is open to the public.  Copyright restrictions may apply.

 

 

PROVENANCE

           

Accession 94x31: Gift/purchase from Robert Trump.

Accession 03x1: Gift from Mr. and Mrs. Merritt C. Burke.

Accession 07x123: Purchased from Garrison Grey Kingsley.

Accession 09x47: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Merritt C. Burke.

 

 

ACCESS POINTS

 

People:

            Ragatz, John H.

 

Topics:

            Furniture - Drawings.   

            Furniture industry and trade - Pennsylvania - Philadelphia.

            Furniture design - Drawings.

            Upholstered furniture - Drawings.

            Seating (Furniture)

            Carving (Decorative arts)

            Decoration and ornament.

            Scrolls (Decorative arts)

            Pencil drawing.

            Drawings.

            Furniture makers.

 

 

 

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

 

Location: 4 F 2-4

 

 

Box 1: Accession 94x31:

 

.1         Pencil drawing of an upholstered sofa 5' 8" in length.  There is a notation about muslin at the bottom of the page.

 

.2         Pencil drawing of a sideboard with extensive carved decoration on the front cabinet doors.  There is a mirror at the back with a shelf and cartouche above.  Another sketch shows an alternate cartouche.  Note at the bottom indicates the piece was made with either a low back board or a high backboard and mirror.  The name Mrs. W.K. Haupt, whose address was 2034 Spruce St., appears at the top of the page.

 

.3         High backed sofa.  Details of the fabric design are drawn in.  A note indicates that the piece was made in walnut and the fabric used was muslin.

 

.4         Three fold screen with claw feet, carved wood panels in a Heraldic design.  Dimensions given.  A note reads panel as per accompanying pamphlet.

 

.5         Three fold screen.  Middle panel is wider than the two side panels.  Decorative scroll carving runs along the top.

 

.6         Three fold screen in a plain design.

 

.7         Upholstered sofa with three circular sections along the back.  A note indicates that it was made in walnut.

 

.8         Upholstered tete-a-tete.  Initials at the bottom.

 

.9         Upholstered divan with ball and claw legs.

 

.10       Upholstered arm chair with decorative carving.  Note at the bottom indicates prices for the chair as follows: mahogany in muslin, gold in muslin, Circassian walnut in muslin.

 

.11       Wooden bench with high back and panels.  Dimensions given.  Initials Wm. F.S.  Name Mr. Berluter and another set of dimensions.

 

.12       Upholstered sofa.  Includes a note about muslin.

 

.13       Caned sofa in Circassian walnut.

 

.14       Sofa with carved frame.  Dimensions given.

 

.15       Different view of sofa depicted in .13.

 

.16       Upholstered sofa with carved frame.  Includes a note about muslin and the dimensions.

 

.17       Looking glass.

 

.18       "Centre cupboard to have open face shielding drawers."  Dimensions are given.

 

.19       Upholstered sofa available in two lengths and a muslin fabric.

 

.20       Screen in three sections carved on one side and chair.  Drawing in pencil with yellow shading.

 

.21       Carved settee.

 

.22       Carved settee.

 

.23       Upholstered sofa that appears to be in the Queen Anne style.  Bears the stamp "This design is only loaned and must be returned in good condition.  Property of John H. Ragatz, 212 Pear St., who reserved the sole right to estimate upon it."

 

.24       Decorative screen in two sections.  Dimensions given.

 

.25       Upholstered sofa with carved claw leg and carved heads.  Prices for leather and muslin are given.  Dimensions are given.  Bears the stamp of John H. Ragatz, Furniture, 215 Pear St., Philadelphia.

 

.26       Screen in three sections with ornate carving at the top.  Dimensions and price are given.

 

.27       Upholstered divan.  Dimensions given.

 

.28       Upholstered divan with carved sides.  Prices if covered in muslin on one or both sides given.  Dimensions given.

 

.29       Screen in four sections with light carving.  Dimensions and price given.  Bears the stamp of John H. Ragatz.

 

.30       Upholstered sofa.

 

.31       Watercolor of an ornately carved chair.

 

.32       Free standing looking glass.  Dimensions of glass area given.

 

.33       Pen and ink sketch on an upholstered sofa with decorative carving.

 

.34       Screen in three sections with dimensions given.  Contains a note about prices for covering it in leather and using studded nails on one or both sides.

 

.35       Looking glass with carved frame.  Dimensions given.

 

.36       Screen in three sections.

 

.37       Square pole screen.

 

.38       Oval pole screen.

 

.39       Watercolor of screen in two sections.  Dimensions are given.

 

.40       Straight back sofa in Circassian mahogany.  Note says "no drapery."

 

.41       Sofa with decorative carving and ball and claw legs.  Dimensions given.

 

.42       Sofa shape with high square panel back and sides.  Dimensions given.

 

.43       Upholstered sofa with modest decorative carving.  Dimensions and prices given.

 

.44       Cabinet with bottom drawer and door that opens to reveal shelves. Shelves are not shown but dimensions for them are given.  Overall dimensions given.  Prices for a plain and carved version are supplied.

 

.45       Upholstered sofa with decorative carving.

 

.46       Side table that appears to be in the Empire style.  Dimensions are given.

 

.47       Sofa with decorative medallion shape in the center of the back.  The name "J.J. Adams" in pencil at the bottom.

 

.48       Side table with attached looking glass.  It has decorative carving and ball and claw legs.

 

.49       Screen in three sections.

 

.50       Free standing looking glass.  Dimensions given.

 

.51       Cabinet with ball and claw legs, with carving on the door.  Dimensions are given for the piece and shelves (not shown).

 

.52       Cabinet with carving on the door.

 

.53       Watercolor of a round table.

 

.54       Watercolor of a screen in three sections.  Prices for leather or burlap on one or both sides are given.

 

.55       Watercolor of screen in three sections.

 

.56       Free standing looking glass.  Dimensions are given.  The name John H. Ragatz is written in pencil at the bottom.

 

.57       Three back settee and side chair with muslin upholstery.  Pencil notations also refer to a two back settee and arm chair.

 

.58       Hanging shelf.  Dimensions given.  Bears Ragatz's stamp.

 

.59       Side table with looking glass.  Partial dimensions are given.  Bears Ragatz's stamp.

 

.60       Watercolor of a screen in three section.  Price information for leather on one or both sides and with or without a gold band is included.

 

.61       Hutchback cupboard with elaborate carving and mirrors in the center.  Dimensions are given.  Bears Ragatz's stamp.

 

.62       Watercolor of a cabinet with mirror and shelf.  Price is given.  The name John Ragatz & Son appears at the bottom.

 

.63       Cabinet with marbled top and decorative carving as a back piece. Pencil notation "Colonial #8" at the bottom. The note "Mrs. Tyson, China cabinet 5104" appears on the back along with a sketch of an oval table.

 

.64       Upholstered sofa.

 

 

Box 2: Accession 03x1.1-.78:

 

Chairs:

 

.1         upholstered arm chair, with caster, prices for muslin or leather covers, in color

.2         carved arm chair, possibly a dining chair

.3         two upholstered chairs, one with arms, the other without, labeled as Louis XV style, in brown ink

.4         upholstered arm chair, with high arms, priced in mahogany or oak

.5         photographic print of a Windsor chair with arms, labeled Boston Library [chair]

.6         upholstered arm chair, in brown ink

.7         arm chair, with x-shape frame

.8         large carved arm chair, Renaissance style         

.9         printed drawings of two arm chairs, one on a swivel frame, both priced in mahogany with leather

.10-.11             arm chairs

.12       two upholstered chairs, same style but one larger than the other, with price code for upholstery

.13       arm chair, also available as a davenport, with prices for choices in upholstery material

.14       arm chair, also available as a davenport, with upholstery prices

.15       arm chair

.16       upholstered arm chair, with or without mahogany arms

.17       arm chair no. 904, for a hall

.18       upholstered arm chair

.19       upholstered arm chair

.20       upholstered arm chair

.21       upholstered arm chair, with high arms

.22       upholstered club chair, with price codes for different upholstery material

.23       upholstered club chair, with tufted or plain seat

.24       wing chair, with price codes for different upholstery material

.25       wing chair

.26       two wing chairs

.27       photograph of arm chair and matching side chair, Flemish style

.28       photograph of arm chair and matching side chair, Chippendale style, available with straight or serpentine fronts

.29       photograph of arm chair and matching side chair, Chippendale style

.30       photograph of arm chair and matching side chair, no. 643, early 19th century style

.31       drawings of three chairs, one with arms, other two side chairs, with shield backs, some yellow tinting

.32       photographic print of arm chair and matching side chair, Chippendale style, no. 6757

.33       photographic print of arm chair and matching side chair, Queen Anne style, no. 6700 and 6701

.34       photographic print of arm chair and matching side chair, Chippendale style, no. 2892 and 2890

.35       photographic print of arm chair and matching side chair, Queen Anne style, no. 951 and 953

.36       photographic print of arm chair and matching side chair, Sheraton or Hepplewhite style, no. 5615

.37       drawing of arm chair and matching side chair, in black ink with wash

.38       drawing of arm chair and matching side chair, Renaissance style

.39       drawing of arm chair and matching side chair, with solid shield backs, in brown ink

.40       drawing of arm chair and matching side chair

.41       printed drawing of arm chair and matching side chair, Renaissance style, prices for mahogany and oak on back

.42       drawing of arm chair and matching side chair, with winged creature for arms

.43       drawing of arm chair and matching side chair, with heavily carved backs and winged creatures for arms

.44-45  drawing of arm chair and matching side chair, with highly carved backs

.46       drawing of arm chair and matching side chair, Jacobean or Flemish style

.47       drawing of arm chair and matching side chair, with caned sides (and probably caned seats)

.48       drawing of arm chair and matching side chair, Pilgrim style

.49       drawing of arm chair and matching side chair, with reeded tapered legs

.50       drawing of arm chair and matching side chair, no. 19

.51       drawing of arm chair and matching side chair; arm chair not really suited for use at dining table

.52       drawing of arm chair and matching side chair, with oval backs

.53       drawing of arm chair and matching side chair, with rough sketch of another chair on back

.54       drawing of arm chair and matching side chair, with winged creatures for arms

.55       drawing of arm chair and matching side chair; arm chair not really suited for use at dining table

.56       photographic print of arm chair and matching side chair, Chippendale style, no. 962 and 963

.57       small sketch of a Chippendale side chair, with name Robert Morris

.58       colored drawing of a side chair

.59       drawing of a side chair, with colored highlights

.60       colored drawing of a side chair with shield back

.61       drawing of a side chair, with colored seat

.62       drawings of 2 side chairs, with colored highlights, early 19th century style

.63       drawing of a side chair, plain Queen Anne or Chippendale style

.64       drawings of 2 side chairs, one with caned seat and oval back; other available with rush seat (although not depicted in drawing)

.65-.69             drawings of side chairs (one per sheet), in various styles, in ink or pencil

.70       drawing of a side chair; on back: sketch of a sofa

.71       drawings of two side chairs, Sheraton or Hepplewhite styles, in ink

.72       drawings of two side chairs, with Chippendale style legs

.73       drawing of a Windsor chair

.74-.78             drawings of side chairs, in various styles; .80-.81 are almost identical, but .80 has yellow highlights

 

 

Box 3: Accession 03x1.79-.142:

 

Chairs (continued):

 

.79-.81             drawings of side chairs, in various styles; .80-.81 are almost identical, but .80 has yellow highlights

.82       drawings of three side chairs, in color

.83       printed drawings of two armchairs, no. 9 and no. 10

.84       drawing of an arm chair with carved front feet

.85       drawing of a Chippendale style chair, also available as a side chair, with prices and dimensions given

.86       drawings of two arm chairs

.87       printed drawings of two arm chairs, no. 7 and no. 8

.88-.91             drawings of large scale arm chairs in various styles

 

 

Sofas, settees, hall benches:

 

.92       colored drawing of a divan (backless sofa)

.93-.98             drawings of upholstered sofas, in various styles

.99-.101           drawings of hall benches with backs and arms, with carved or plain panels; the seats appear to be hinged, with storage compartments underneath [see also .105]

.102     drawing of a settee with carved back and arms (not upholstered)

.103     drawing of a bench, showing variations in all its parts: seat, arms, legs

.104     drawing of carved settee

.105     drawing of hall bench with back and arms, with carved panels; the seats appear to be hinged, with storage compartments underneath [see also .99-.101]

.106-.109         drawings of large hall benches; .107-.109 include mirrors; .107 also has hooks for hats or coats

 

 

Hall tables:

 

.110-.113         drawings of large tables with mirrors attached, possibly for use in a hallway (.111 has hooks for hats or coats); .112 could possibly be a dressing table

 

 

Serving tables:

 

.114-124          drawings of serving tables in various styles, with combinations of drawers, shelves, and cabinets

 

 

Sideboards:

 

.125     drawing of a small sideboard, Sheraton or Hepplewhite style, with yellow highlights

.126-.131         drawings of carved sideboards, some with mirrors; .126 has yellow highlights

 

 

Cabinets (for liquor, music, records, and unspecified uses):

 

.132     drawing of a cabinet, with Chippendale feet and Gothic details on the doors

.133     drawing of a liquor cabinet, including a drawing of the inside showing glasses and bottles in place

.134-.137         drawings of cabinets in various styles

.138     drawing of a record cabinet, with details of size

.139     drawing of a tall cabinet with 8 drawers, possibly a lingerie chest, in ink

.140     drawing of a cabinet, with a detail of the inside showing shelves and compartments of various sizes, use is not specified

.141     drawing of a music cabinet

.142     drawing of a cabinet

 

 

 

Box 4: Accession 03x1.143-.206:

 

Cabinets (for liquor, music, records, and unspecified uses) (continued):

 

.143     drawing of a cabinet, showing details of inside compartments

.144     drawing of a cabinet, showing detail of inside drawers, the top 3 of which are to have dark blue lining, possibly intended for jewelry or silver storage

.145     drawing of a chest of drawers

.146     drawing of a cabinet with many small and several larger drawers, probably for storage of a collection

.147     drawing of a cabinet, rendered in brown ink

 

 

Corner cupboards:

 

.148-.156         drawings of corner cupboards, in various styles, most of which include a profile of the triangular shape of the piece; .148 has colored highlights

 

 

China cabinet:

 

.157-.201         drawings of china cabinets in various sizes and styles; some in pen, some in color or with colored highlights

 

 

Tables:

 

.202     drawing of a small round side table

.203     drawing of a round side table [note: badly foxed]

.204     drawing of a ornate pier table

.205-.206         drawings of round dining tables into which leaves could be inserted

 

 

 

Box 5: Accession 03x1.207-.273:

 

Drawings with more than one furniture form depicted:

 

.207     drawings of a china cabinet and a serving table

.208     drawings of a coffee table and a cabinet with shallow drawers

.209     drawings of a hall bench and a large mirror

.210     drawing of a table and a large mirror with hooks (which are shown used together)

.211     drawings of a hall bench with back and arms and a large mirror (which does seem to be attached to the bench)

.212     drawing of a china cabinet (labeled “china closet,” and showing china displayed on the shelves) and an arm chair

.213-214          drawings of two matching side chairs and a hall or library table

.215     drawings of a table or pedestal with open sides and a cabinet or pedestal with closed sides

.216     drawings of a small side or bedside table and a side chair (probably with cane back and seat), both with yellow highlights

 

 

Mirrors:

 

.217     mirror with feet, perhaps meant to be used on top of a table

.218     large mirror (or possibly a screen), in three panels, for use in a dressing room

.219-.222         mirrors in various style frames, one of which includes hooks for hats

 

 

Clocks:

 

.223     photograph of a tall case clock, topped with angels

.224-227          drawings of mantle or shelf clocks

.228-.238         drawings of tall case clocks, some with yellow highlights

 

 

Screens:

 

.239     drawing of a small screen, perhaps for use on top of a table, in ink with colored highlights

.240     drawing of a three panel screen

.241     drawing of a two panel screen, one half of which contains a mirror

 

 

Boxes and chests:

 

.242     drawing of a box or chest

.243     drawing of a box or chest, with detail of inside compartments, perhaps meant for liquor storage

.244     drawing of a box or chest with prominent hinges

.245-.246         drawings of carved chests

.247     drawing of a chest or box with prominent hinges

.248     drawing of a highly carved chest

 

 

Pedestals and stands:

 

.249-.256         drawings of pedestals or stands in various styles; .256 also includes a drawing on the back

 

Mantles:

 

.257-.268         drawings of mantles and fireplace surrounds, some of which include mirrors, in various styles; .257 is in color

 

 

Miscellaneous pieces and design drawings:

 

.269     drawing of a bowl or jardinière supported by rabbits

.270     drawing of a carved cornucopia design

.271     photograph of a carving of two children holding a garland, between them is a cartouche containing an open book

.272     drawings of two rectangular designs, possibly carved designs for furniture or for wall decoration

.273     note about a trousseau chest to be made for Mrs. Howard Clark, to include the date 1910

 

 

 

Box 6: Accessions 07x123.1-.49 and 09x47.1-.9:

 

Acc. 07x123:

.1         sideboard or serving table

.2         sideboard

.3         cupboard or china cabinet

.4         sideboard

.5         sideboard, with variations in foot design; matting covers most of the Ragatz stamp

.6         side chair and arm chair

.7         sideboard

.8         pedestal, stamped John H. Ragatz

.9         sideboard; on back: rough sketch of another sideboard; matted

.10       dining table, stamped John H. Ragatz; written on back: Mrs. T. P. Chandler, Rosemont, P.R.R., Pa.

.11       bookcase or china cabinet

.12       arm chair and side chair; on back: rough sketches of design elements

.13       sideboard, with prices

.14       sideboard

.15       china cabinet

.16       china cabinet, stamped John H. Ragatz, with price; on back: rough sketch of a cabinet

.17       sidebaord, matted; on back: sketches of furniture profiles

.18       dining table

.19       china cabinet, stamped John H. Ragatz

.20       two sideboards or serving tables, stamped John H. Ragatz; on back: rough sketch of a dressing table or sideboard

.21       china cabinet, with prices, stamped John H. Ragatz; on back: additional prices

.22       sideboard

.23       china cabinet, stamped John H. Ragatz

.24       breakfront cabinet, dated 4-18-1911

.25       china cabinet

.26       sideboard or court cupboard

.27       sideboard

.28       sideboard

.29       china cabinet or display case

.30       dining table

.31       dining table

.32       round dining table; on back: sketch of detail and rough sketch of another table

.33       dining table

.34       round dining table, Neoclassical style

.35       oval dining table; written on back: #13 dining table

.36       dining table, stamped John H. Ragatz

.37       dining table

.38       dining table; on back: sketches of details and various notes, name: Mr. Christian Fetizer(?), 4th [illegible] Higland, S.S.R.R.

.39       china cabinet or bookcase

.40       corner cupboard, including a view from above

.41       side chair, occasional chair

.42       large china cabinet, with notes about variations in size, how made, etc., with prices

.43       Sheraton sideboard #12

.44       sideboard #11, with name: Mrs. Ingersoll

.45       sideboard #10, available in different woods; on back: rough sketches of details

.46       Colonial sideboard #9

.47       sideboard #5

.48       Adams sideboard #4, with profile from above; written on back: #11 sideboard

.49       Sheraton sideboard #7 [? possibly #4]

 

Acc. 09x47:

.1         sideboard with much carving

.2         bookcase with shelves for large books

.3         china cabinet with scroll-top

.4         corner cupboard with glass door on upper section, carved doors on lower section

.5         hall bench with large mirror, with heraldic birds for arms and a helmet on top; gives prices for different kinds of wood

.6         corner cupboard with glass door on upper section, carved doors on lower section

.7         cupboard, showing door options: carved wood or glass

.8         hall bench with large mirror

.9         labeled on back: #14, Parlor china closets, a cabinet in three sections, two of which have glass doors; stamped as Ragatz property