Anstiss Curtiss Gary

Anstiss Curtiss Gary (Born 1860) Hammered Copper Egyptian Motif Perpetual Calendar Desk Cabinet c1900s

Anstiss Curtiss Gary (Born 1860) Hammered Copper Egyptian Motif Perpetual Calendar Desk Cabinet c1900s. Signed. Outstanding, untouched original patina. Gary lived and worked in Chicago, where she was widely known for her published poetry and spiritual verse. She was deeply integrated into the city's progressive intellectual circles and likely connected with many of the prominent Arts & Crafts period artisans working in and around the Chicago Fine Arts Building. While the exquisite workmanship of this piece strongly suggests the stylistic influence and sophisticated mentoring of master metalsmith Jessie Preston, the text confirms it was personally executed by Gary. The mastery required to hand-hammer the heavy copper, chase the intricate Egyptian Revival motifs, and curate the massive daily literary archive suggests a skill level far exceeding that of a casual amateur. The embossed "1883" date on the exterior serves as a retrospective tribute to her marriage year at age 23. Gary likely spent months, if not years, meticulously crafting this extraordinary, lifecycle time capsule, which bears her intimate, permanent dedication inside the copper-lined lid: "TO UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ANSTISS CURTISS GARY." 10"w x 7.25"d x 8.5"h