$1,512
Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500
American Furniture, Folk and Decorative Arts
Auction: April 27, 2021 11:00:00 AM EDT
Oil on canvas, framed.
35 1/4 in. x 27 1/2 in. (sight)Note
The Lower Norfolk County Virginia Antiquary, ed. Edward W. James (1899) records, "Edward Archer, Merchant, of the borough of Norfolk made his will 13th November 1771, and it was recorded in December the same year. To son Edward 'one fourth part of 'his' Brigantine called, the Molly's Letter.' To his 'Daughter Mary Applewhait the sum of Two hundred Pounds Current Money of Virginia.'"
Mary/Molly Archer (1735-1795) married Thomas Applewhaite (1722-1771), a poor man, in 1764 against her father's wishes. Within a few years, Applewhaite became a highly successful merchant. Molly sent a letter to her father recording the couple's wealth accompanied by gifts. The delighted, reconciled Capt. Archer consequently christened his new vessel, The Molly's Letter.