Accession Number

2009.003.001.012

Alternate Name

glove stretcher

Description

One sterling silver glove stretcher, the handles ornately engraved, repousseed and embossed, one cut amethyst-coloured stone mounted at the end of each handle, one handle monogrammed "LD" for Laura Dunsmuir, the other "Feb. 13, 1902", Laura Dunsmuir's 44th birthday.

Narrative

This glove stretcher made by Theodore W. Foster & Bros. Co. (Providence, RI) is part of a fine 13-piece silver dresser set assembled and owned by Laura Miller Dunsmuir (nee Surles). The set is unusually large and of very high quality. A Canadian woman of Mrs. Dunsmuir's wealth and social status during the Victorian and Edwardian eras would typically have had a dresser set similar to this one.

The enraving of Laura Dunsmuir's initials "LD" and "Feb. 13, 1902" indicates that the object may have been a 44th birthday gift. Laura Miller Surles (Dunsmuir) was born on February 13, 1858.

History of Use

This glove stretcher is part of a fine 13-piece silver dresser set assembled and owned by Laura Miller Dunsmuir (nee Surles). She used it at her house Burleith, at Government House while her husband James served as Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and at her residence Hatley Park. After her death, it was passed down through her descendents until acquired by The Castle Society.

Date

circa 1902

Dimensions

19.5 cm x 5.8 cm

Material

Metal, silver; Stone, amethyst; Metal, steel

Technique

Cast; Engraved

Inscription

LD (for Laura Dunsmuir) and STERLING and PAT'D and F&B on the silver handle and PAT'D FEB.15 '98 on the steel shaft of one arm, and; Feb 13th, 1902. and STERLING on the handle of the other arm. 

Country of Origin

United States of America