Top
Toy top, probably made for sale in Shaker shops
Description
(.1) Top turned between centers of maple (Acer spp.). A brass pin in inserted through the center of the turning that extends 5/32" beyond the bottom of the top and is ground to a rounded point upon which the top spins. Heavily lacquered. (.2) Between centers turned holder for a top, turned of maple, used to hold the top upright while pulling the string wrapped around the stem of the top to make it spin.
Notes
Apparently these tops were offered for sale in Shaker shops. Probably Shaker made, but this has not been confirmed. The top and holder belonged to Pauline Bruse (Bruce), who was the sister of Elder Arthur Bruce of the Canterbury, NH Shakers. Accession information indicates that Pauline Bruse was cared for by Sister Mary Dahm for some years, but the location is not stated (Sister Mary lived at Watervliet, Mount Lebanon, and finally Hancock before each of those communities closed).
Unknown
