Lot 164: Sister’s Sewing Steps

Yellow pine, traces of original varnished red stained finish, 5″ w tread top board over the 9″ inset bottom step, high arched sides, Watervliet or New Lebanon, NY, c. 1840-1860, good condition, with nail holes on back edge showing a possible later covering now removed, 10″ h, 14 1/4″ w, 9″ d. [Note: Shaker Sister’s used steps like these to elevate their feet as they worked, and also to reach up to tall cupboards and chests of drawers. Inspired Innovations, M. Stephen Miller, p. 122.] 

$300-500