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:          Unknown                    

            Title:               French watercolor catalog

Dates:             ca. 1806-ca. 1813

Call No.:         Fol. 89

Acc. No.:         64 x 68

Quantity:        2 vols.

Location:        5 / D / 9

 

 

SCOPE AND CONTENT

 

Consists of watercolor drawings of more than 1,565 personal, household, and hardware items sold in France during the first two decades of the 19th century.  In the first volume, labeled Échantillon 1, the figures are numbered from 3 to 583. The second volume, labeled Échantillon 4, picks up with no. 1676 and ends with no. 2611.  The range of objects represented is vast, including: gloves, tobacco boxes, watch keys and fobs, pocket pistols with bayonets, spurs, whips, dog collars, toothbrushes, combs, small boxes in a variety of shapes, shoes, cane heads, scrub brushes, lamps, Argand lamps, miniature furniture, and garter belts (both practical and sentimental). The two volumes show something of the nature of "middle class" decorative arts in the Napoleonic era. Each volume bears an engraved label of Lebeuf, a stationer whose shop was on rue Bourg l’Abbé in Paris and who bound the volumes.  Lebeuf was active from 1799-1813 as a stationer and binder; he also sold playing cards for a time.

 

Spine title: Échantillon.

 

Boards covered with alum tawed skin and has original ties. Guard sheets were laid between each page. The inscriptions on some of the leaves are cropped.

 

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 

E. Richard McKinstry. “Archives, Diplomatics, and French Watercolor Art, A Detective’s Journey.” Winterthur Portfolio, 37 (Summer/Autumn, 2002): 161-178.  http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/WP/journal/contents/v37n23.html

 

 

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

 

The materials are in French.

 

 

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

 

Open to the public.  Copyright restrictions may apply.  Scans of the images are available at this repository and must be examined before access to the original volumes will be given.  In-house users will find the images on the J drive, under Library, Downs, French peddlers.

 

 

PROVENANCE

           

Purchased from Richard S. Warmser, 1964.

 

 

ACCESS POINTS

 

Topics:

 

Combs --Pictorial works. 

Costume --France --History --19th century. 

Footwear --Pictorial works. 

Firearms --Pictorial works. 

Games --Pictorial works. 

Hardware --Pictorial works. 

Locks and keys --Pictorial works. 

Japanned ware --Pictorial works. 

Lighting --Pictorial works. 

Umbrellas and parasols --Pictorial works. 

Art metal-work. 

Sewing --Equipment and supplies. 

Tools --Pictorial works. 

Toys --Pictorial works. 

Gloves --Pictorial works. 

Peddlers and peddling --France --History --19th century. 

Decorative arts --France --History --19th century. 

Decoration and ornament. 

Miniature objects --Pictorial works. 

Miniature furniture --Pictorial works. 

Watercolor painting. 

Trade catalogs. 

Watercolors.

 

 

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

 

Vol. 1  Échantillon 1

 

p. 1      16 combs, all of the same shape. 

            Nos.: 3-18.

p. 2      10 combs, in different styles.

            Nos.: 19-28.

p. 3      14 walking sticks with differently shaped knobs and styles, penned in date, June 20, 1813.

            Nos.: 1-14.

p. 4      10 walking sticks, in different styles and shaped knobs.

            Nos.: 14 1/2-23.

p. 5      9 ornamental combs.

            Nos.: 29-37.

p. 6      10 combs differently shaped.

            Nos.: 38-47.

p. 7      5 large-tooth combs, no. 52 two sided, large and small tooth comb.

            Nos.: 48-52.

p. 8      7 wide-tooth combs.

            Nos.: 53-59.

p. 9      6 large- and small tooth hair combs.

            Nos.: 60-65.

p. 10    7 differently shaped large-and small tooth combs.

            Nos.: 66-72.

p. 11    7 differently shaped large-and small tooth combs.

            Nos.: 73-79.

p. 12    6 combs of different styles.

            Nos.: 80-85.

p. 13    8 ornamental combs.

            Nos.: 86-93.

p. 14    7 differently shaped large-and small tooth combs.

            Nos.: 94-100.

p. 15    4 cylinder shaped containers with some decoration and a hinged lid for opening.

             [use not known]          

            Nos.: 101-104.

p. 16    5 differently styled containers with some decoration and a hinged lid for opening. [use not known]

            Nos.: 105-109.

p. 17    8 differently shaped, closed flat boxes.

            Nos.: 110-117.

p. 18    8 differently shaped, closed flat boxes and with a small label on top.

            Nos.: 118-125.

p. 19    4 differently shaped brushes with flowery decoration.

            Nos.: 116-129.

p. 20    4 differently shaped brushes with flowery decoration.

            Nos.: 129 ½ -132.

p. 21    3 baskets, top view, with flowery decorations.

            Nos.: 134-136.

p. 22    3 baskets, top view, with flowery decorations.

            Nos.: 137-139.

p. 23    3 round boxes with decoration around the rim, and 1 round tray with a colorful bird in the center.

            Nos.: 140-143.

p. 24    French Republican calendar décades or “weeks” of ten days: Primidi, Duodi, Tridi, Quartidi, Quintidi, Sextidi, Septidi, Octidi, Nonidi, Decad, and one            Georgian Calendar week: Lundi, Mardi, Mercredi, Jeudi, Vendredi, Samedi, Dimanche.

            Nos.: 144-145.

p. 25    5 powder flasks of different shapes and sizes.

            Nos.: 146-153.

p. 26    6 powder flasks of different shapes and sizes.

            Nos.: 148-156.

p. 27    5 brushes with coarse bristles of different shapes.

            Nos.: 157-161.

p. 28    3 brushes, slightly curved, with coarse bristles.

            Nos.: 162-164.                       

p. 29    4 oval shaped brushes with coarse bristles.

            Nos.: 165-168.

p. 30    2 oval brushes, 1 shaving brush, 2 clothes brushes and 1 brush with a shaving strop?

            Nos.: 169-172½-173.

p. 31    3 shaving strops.

            Nos.: 174-176.

p. 32    3 shaving strops.

            Nos.: 177-179.

p. 33    5 colored belts.

            No.: 180.

p. 34    5 belts of different lengths.

            Nos.: 181-185.

p. 35    2 huntsman caps.

            Nos.: 186-187.

p. 36    1 huntsman’s cap with fur.

            Nos.: 188.

p. 37    1 gun belt.

            No.: 189.

p. 38    1 gun belt with three pouches and two straps for the powder flasks.

            No.: 190.

p. 39    2 wide belts, decorated, with 3 buckles each.

            Nos.: 191-192.

p. 40    1 decorated belt, and a pair of suspenders with button holes.    

            Nos.: 193-194.

p. 41    6 harness furnishings?

            Nos.: 195-199.

p. 42    1 long belt-like item with two buckles and eight button holes; harness furnishings?          

            No: 201.

p. 43    6 crucifixes, 2 pendants, tacks and rings, and 6 sprigs.

            Nos.: 202-230.

p. 44    decorative knobs, compasses and hooks.

            Nos.: 231-256.

p. 45    5 walking stick knobs or heads.

            Nos.: 259-263.

p. 46    5 walking stick knobs or heads and 5 walking stick tips.

            Nos.: 264-273.

p. 47    7 baby rattles.

            Nos.: 274-280.

p. 48    3 wicker bottles (wine bottles).

            Nos.: 281-283.

p. 49    12 pouches of different sizes and colors.

            Nos.: 284-295.

p. 50    4 small, colorful handbags.

            Nos.: 296-299.

p. 51    8 different sized pouches and /or receptacles of various closings and colors.

            Nos.: 300-307.

p. 52    8 different sized pouches of various closings and in two colors.

            Nos.: 308-314.

p. 53    13 etuis [small ornamental case or a sheath] for cigarettes, scissors, pince-nez or knives.

            Nos.: 315-327.

p. 54    9 etuis [small ornamental case or a sheath] for a thimble, perfume bottle or other toiletry.

             Nos.: 328-336.

p. 55    9 shuttlecocks in different colors.

            Nos.: 337-345.

p. 56    8 shuttlecocks and 7 elongated, pointed items [use not known].

            Nos.:  346-360.

p. 57    1 pair of bellows with a detachable tube and four different pouce measurements. [1 pouce = 1.006 inch]

            Nos. 360½-363.

p. 58    1 pair of bellows with a detachable tube and four different pouce measurements.

            Nos.:  364-367.

p. 59    1 pair of bellows with a detachable tube.

            Nos.: 368.

p. 60    1 pair of bellows with a detachable tube.

            No.: 369.

p. 61    1 pair of bellows with a detachable tube and one or two vents.

            Nos.: 370-371.

p. 62    1 pair of bellows with floral design, a detachable tube and one or two vents.

            Nos.: 372-373.

p. 63    1 pair of bellows with a detachable tube and one vent.

            No. 374.

p. 64    1 pair of bellows with a detachable tube and two vents.

            No.: 375.

p. 65    2 shoe soles, interior and exterior view.

            Nos.: 376-377.

p. 66    2 shoe soles, exterior view.

            Nos.: 378-379.

p. 67    3 green covers, one with a slipped out mirror and the other two closed with some sort of a metal catch.

            Nos.: 380-382.

p. 68    4 cornets [cone shaped paper bags] with elaborate decorations.

            Nos.: 383-386.

p. 69    8 differently shaped- and colored items, chests, some with feet, book boxes, oval boxes with closed lids.

            Nos.: 387-394.

p. 70    3 book boxes, 1 table, 2 chests, one arched and one with a flat top.

            Nos.:  395-400.

p. 71    2 chests on feet, 1 secretary with a round shutter, 2 closed tubes, all with decoration.

            Nos.: 401-405.

p. 72    3 book boxes, 2 chests on feet, 2 closed tubes and two differently shaped, closed boxes.

            Nos.: 406-414.

p. 73    9 cigar cases [?] and 3 boxes with thumbtacks.

            Nos.: 415-426.

p. 74    11 cigar cases [?], 3 boxes with thumbtacks.

            Nos.; 427-440.

p. 75    6 colored garters each with a large bow.

            Nos.: 441-446.

p. 76    6 colored garters, 1 with text: “Heureux Celui” [Happy the one or those].

            Nos.: 447-452.

p. 77    4 colored garters, 2 with text: “L’amour en fis les noeuds avec l’amitié” [love tightens the bonds of friendship] and “A ton coeur vertueux quand les mien fut lié” [to your virtuous heart whilst mine was tied].

            Nos.: 453-456.

p. 78    4 colored garters, 3 with text: “Heureux Celui” [Happy the one or those], “Ma devise est de vous aimer et de ne jamais changer”, [my motto is to love you and forever].              

            Nos.: 457-460.

p. 79    1 pair of suspenders.

            No.: 461.

p. 80    1 pair of suspenders.

            No.: 462.

p. 81    1 pair of suspenders.

            No.: 463.

p. 82    1 pair of suspenders.

            No.: 464.

p. 83    1 pair of suspenders.

            No.: 465.

p. 84    1 pair of suspenders.

            No.: 466.

p. 85    11 scent bottles of different shapes and decorations.

            Nos.: 463-474½.

p. 86    8 opened scent bottles of different shapes and colors and with a funnel.

            Nos.: 475-482.

p. 87    6 oval-shaped hinged boxes, 1 open, with a mirror [?], and 1 keyhole escutcheon and a handle.

            Nos.: 483-488, 504.

p. 88    12 oval-shaped rings [gaskets?] and 3 keyhole escutcheons and handles.

            Nos.: 489-503.

p. 89    4 different sized jointed dolls and 6 pairs of forearm with hands.

            Nos.: 504-507, 510-515.

p. 90    2 large jointed dolls.

            Nos.: 508-509.

p. 91    5 pipes with or without chains and 2 stems.

            Nos.: 516-522.

p. 92    3 pipes with or without chains and stems.

            Nos.: 523-527.

p. 93    8 oval-shaped boxes, closed.

            Nos.: 528-535.

p. 94    8 oval-shaped and rectangular boxes, closed.

            Nos.: 536-543.

p. 95    5 oval-shaped and rectangular boxes, 2 with “charnière et bouton d’argent” [silver hinge and decorative button.]

            Nos.: 544-548.

p. 96    5 rectangular boxes, some with decorations.

            Nos.: 549-553.

p. 97    1 bootjack and 3 round containers hinged and with a hook closure.

            554-557.

p. 98    1 bootjack and 4 bootstrap hooks with handles.

            Nos.: 558-562.

p. 99    3 pair of spurs.

            Nos.: 563-568.

p. 100  3 spurs.

            Nos.: 569-573.

p. 101  2 pair of spurs.

            Nos.: 574-577.

p. 102  6 forks each with 4 prongs.

            Nos.: 578-583.

 

Vol. 2  Échantillon 4

 

p. 1      7 differently colored shoes.

            Nos.: 1676-1682.

p. 2      5 differently colored shoes.

            Nos.: 1683-1687.

p. 3      4 shoes brown and red, and 2 with a bow.

            Nos.: 1688-1691.

p. 4      4 differently colored and decorated shoes, 1 with a bow.

            Nos.: 1692-1695.

p. 5      4 differently colored and decorated shoes, 3 with a bow.

            Nos.: 1696-1699.

p. 6      3 shoes, 1 lined.

            Nos. 1700-1702.

p. 7      4 shoes and 1 slipper of different color and pattern.

            Nos. 1703-1704.

p. 8      3 shoes, green and yellow and 2 lined.

            Nos.: 1708-1710.

p. 9      9 pair of eyeglasses.

            Nos.: 1711-1718.

p. 10    10 pairs of pince-nez and 1 loupe with a colorful cover.

            1719-1731.

p. 11    4 loupes, 1 staff or rod [?] and 1 [circus?] figure in a costume bending backwards on top of a wooden box.

            Nos.: 1732-1737.

p. 12    4 magnifying glasses, 1 two-sized magnifying glass, 1 two-eyed magnifying glass, and 2 folding magnifying glasses.

            Nos.: 1738-1741.

p. 13    2 compasses, 2 magnifying glasses and 3 loupes.

            Nos.: 1742-1748.

p. 14    2 telescopes and 1 Thermometre de Réaumur.

            Nos.: 1749-1751.

p. 15    2 round mirrors.

            Nos.: 1752-1753.

p. 16    1 hand-held mirror, 1 hand-held mirror reflecting seven circles.

            Nos.: 1754-1755.

p. 17    1 board game with hinged box.

            No.: 1756.

p. 18    1 board game with numbers on each side, on feet, 2 small boxes with a religious figure inside and a punch.

            Nos.: 1757-1760.

p. 19    12 lockets of different size and shape.

            Nos.: 1761-1772.

p. 20    6 lockets, 1 with a chain and lock, of different size and shape and 8 containers – open and closed – of different style.

            Nos.: 1773-1786.

p. 21    10 differently colored footballs.

            Nos.: 1787-1796.

p. 22    3 yellow- and red colored footballs.

            Nos.: 1797-1799.

p. 23    1 large yellow- and red colored football and 7 cockades or rosettes in French national colors.

            Nos. 1800-1807.

p. 24    1 large yellow- and red colored football and 3 cockades or rosettes in French national colors.

            Nos.:1808-1811.

p. 25    1 large yellow- and red colored football and a powder flask.

            Nos.: 1812-1813.

p. 26    7 differently colored and shaped containers for opening.

            Nos.: 1814-1820.

p. 27    1 Argand lamp.

            No.: 1821.

p. 28    1 Argand lamp.

            No.: 1822.

p. 29    1 Argand lamp.

            No.: 1823.

p. 30    1 Argand lamp.

            No.: 1824.

p. 31    1 candlestick with a snuffer and 1 decorated round plate.

            Nos.: 1825-1826.

p. 32    1 elongated, decorated plate and 1 decorated round plate.

            Nos.: 1827-1828.

p. 33    5 different sized cases for a mirror or sewing implements, some with an inscriptions like souvenir, toilette [case for toiletries], galante [galant].

            Nos.: 1829-1833.

p. 34    1 folding case with shaving and grooming implements and 2 smaller cases.

            Nos.:  1834-1836.

p. 35    8 different sized cases, some with an inscription like souvenir or d’amitié, a small notebook, and a calendar leaf from the French Republican Calendar for the spring months of Germinal and Floréal.

            Nos.: 1837-1844.

p. 36    20 cutting tools or knives with one or two rivets holding the tang to the handle; 3 knives with two sharp-edged blades and some with curved blades.

            Nos.: 1845-1864.

p. 37    12 table knives with colored handles.

            Nos.: 1865-1876.

p. 38    12 table knives.

            Nos.: 1877-1888.

p. 39    4 pistols.          

            Nos.: 1889-1992.

p. 40    4 pistols and alongside a tool probably for cleaning and loading.

            Nos.: 1893-1896.

p. 41    4 pistols and alongside a tool probably for cleaning and loading.

            Nos.: 1897-1900.

p. 42    4 pistols and alongside a tool probably for cleaning and loading.

            Nos.: 1901-1904.

p. 43    3 pistols and alongside a tool probably for cleaning and loading.

            Nos.:  1905-1907.

p. 44    3 pistols with folding bayonets.

            Nos.: 1908-1910.

p. 45    10 locks and 1 key.

            Nos.: 1911-1920.

p. 46    12 locks.

            Nos.: 1921-1932.

p. 47    6 locks, 1 key, 4 hinges and 1 round cover plate.

            Nos.: 1933-1941.

p. 48    9 locks, 2 keys and 1 cover plate.

            Nos.: 1942-1950.

p. 49    4 locks, 2 keys, 7 hinges, 1 cover plate.

            Nos.: 1951-1956.

p. 50    27 hinges.

            Nos.: 1957-1983.

p. 51    18 roller coasters [some cup-shaped] and 7 hinges.

            Nos. 1984-2008.

p. 52    13 brass hardware items for furniture like handles, differently shaped mounts and cover plates.

            Nos.: 2009-2021.

p. 53    24 brass hardware items, like keyhole escutcheons, knobs and circular mounts. 

            Nos.: 2022-2045.

p. 54    12 brass circular mounts.

            Nos.: 2046-2057.

p. 55    9 brass circular mounts.

            Nos.: 2058-2066.

p. 56    9 brass circular mounts.

            Nos.: 2067-2075.

p. 57    9 brass circular mounts.

            Nos.: 2076-2084.

p. 58    12 differently shaped and decorated boxes with lid.

            Nos.: 2085-2096.

p. 59    13 circular, decorated boxes with lids.

            Nos.: 2097-2109.

p. 60    10 circular decorated boxes with lids.

            Nos.: 2110-2119.

p. 61    10 swords.

            Nos.: 2120-2129.

p. 62    10 swords.

            Nos.: 2130-2139.

p. 63    6 swords partially drawn out of their sheaths.

            Nos.: 2140-2145.

p. 64    6 swords in or out of their sheaths.

            Nos.: 2146-2149.

p. 65    3 riding crops.

            Nos.: 2150-2152.

p. 66    5 riding crops.

            Nos.: 2153-2157.

p. 67    3 riding crops.

            Nos.: 2158-2160.

p. 68    3 riding crops.

            Nos.: 2161-2163.

p. 69    3 riding crops.

            Nos.: 2164-2166.

p. 70    3 riding crops.

            Nos.: 2167-2169.

p. 71    4 riding crops.

            Nos.:2170-2173.

p. 72    6 riding crops.

            Nos.: 2174-2179.

p. 73    8 riding crops.

            Nos.: 2180-2187.

p. 74    8 riding crops.

            Nos.: 2188-2195.

p. 75    7 riding crops.

            Nos.: 2196-2202.

p. 76    6 riding crops.

            Nos.: 2203-2208.

p. 77    2 riding crops, 1 seen with a half opened fan, and with its shaft or sleeve alongside; the other crop is closed.

            Nos.: 2209-2210.

p. 78    2 riding crops, 1 opening at one end into a semi-opened fan, and with its shaft or sleeve alongside; the other crop is secured.

            Nos.: 2211-2212.   

p. 79    5 powder puffs with handles, 1 in red.

            Nos.: 2213-2217.

p. 80    4 powder puffs with different colored handles.

            Nos.: 2218-2221.

p. 81    2 powder puffs with handles and 3 tassels.

            Nos.: 2222-2226.

p. 82    14 brushes with handles, some next to their containers.

            Nos.: 2227-2240.

p. 83    9 differently styled brushes, some with their containers, 8 toothbrushes, 3 with bristles on both sides.

            Nos.: 2241-2257.

p. 84    18 differently styled and colored toothbrushes, 6 with bristles on both sides.

            Nos.: 2258-2275.

p. 85    7 spouts.

            Nos.: 2276-2282.

p. 86    4 spouts.

            Nos.: 2283-2286.

p. 87    4 leather red and green collars and 16 differently sized fasteners and screws.

            Nos.: 2287-2306.

p. 88    4 powder flasks, 1 in green with 2 small rings on each side.

            Nos.: 2307-2311.

p. 89    2 curry combs.

            Nos.: 2312-2313.

p. 90    2 coffee-grinders.

            Nos.: 2314-2315.

p. 91    1 mitten with fur cuff and 3 gloves, colored.

            Nos.: 2316-2319.

P. 92    4 gloves, 2 with floral decorations.

            Nos.: 2320-2323.

p. 93    3 white, decorated gloves.

            Nos.: 2324-2326.

p. 94    3 suede gloves, 1 with a fur cuff.

            Nos.: 2327-2329.

p. 95    2 long gloves, 1 made of suede and 1 made out of fur.

            Nos.: 2330-2331.

p. 96    2 gloves, 1 long and 1 short, both with cuffs.

            Nos.: 2332-2333.

p. 97    2 fur gloves.

            Nos.: 2334-2335.

p. 98    1 suede glove with a colored cuff.

            No.:  2336.

p. 99    16 double or single watch chains or fob chains with 1, 2 or 3 rings with or without attachments, for watch keys or seals.

            Nos.: 2337-2352.

p. 100  12 double or single fob chains with 1, 2, or 3 rings with or without attachments of seals.

            Nos.: 2353-2363.

p. 101  16 double, single or quadruple fob chains with 1, 2, 3 or 4 rings for attachments of seals.

            Nos.: 2364-2379.

p. 102  8  double, single or quadruple fob chains with 1, 2, 3, or 4 rings for attachments of keys or seals, and 27 keys or seals of various shapes and styles.

            Nos.: 2380-2414.

p. 103  10 single fob chains with seal attachments.

            Nos.: 2415-2424.

p. 104  7 single fob chains with seal attachments, 7 walking stick knobs [?], and 6 seals.

            Nos.: 2425-2444.

p. 105  103 watch keys of different sizes and styles, some with inscriptions; 2 pairs of

            cufflinks.

            Nos.: 2445-2517.

p. 106  12 diamond rings with stones, 23 buckles of different sizes and shapes and 7 round and small boxes with lids.

            Nos.: 2518-2564.

p. 107  8 pencils with some covers and 4 ruling pen handles [?].

            Nos.: 2565-2580.

p. 108  11 different play toys, like marbles in a box, hockey sticks, 3 fruit-shaped containers, ball [with string attached] in a cup, and 2 cylinder shaped containers, opened, looking at a musician and a married couple.

            Nos.: 2581-2591.

p. 109  1 violin with bow and peg box.

            No.: 2592.

p. 110  1 violin with bow and peg box.

            No.: 2593.

p. 111  1 violin with bow and peg box.

            No.: 2594.

p. 112  3 boxes with colorful dishes and coffee pots, 1 square box with grid in the center, 1 vase, 1 elongated, open container exposing a small needle cushion.

            Nos.: 2595-2600.

p. 113  2 necklaces [?] and 1 belt with the name Constance on it.

            Nos.: 2601-2603.

p. 114  3 colorful pillows corded and with tassels, 1 belt.

            Nos.: 2604-2607.    

p. 115  1 pair of suspenders or garter belts.

            No.: 2608.

p. 116  3 jabots [pleated frill of cloth], in color and decorated with a design.

            Nos.: 2609-2611.