For three decades I have had the pleasure of knowing and doing business with two iconic, passionate and knowledgeable early Americana dealers, Margaret and Paul Weld, of Middletown, Ct. Paul was a tall and burly gent and an expert in early tools who kept meticulous notes and drawings of every piece they had acquired. While Margaret, petite and soft spoken, studied the more feminine aspects of keeping an early 18th century home functioning. From their modest home/shop, they exhibited at many prestigious shows including The Connecticut Antiques Show, The Guilford Antiques Show, several outdoor summer shows and were frequent shoppers among the other exhibiting dealers. It was always a good day when Margaret and Paul showed up.
Upon Paul's passing, Margaret asked me if I would oversee the disbursement of their collections when she passed, to which I commented, "I hope that day never comes". This Liberty Bell Cutting Board was one of the items I kept from their collection and am now offering for sale. The photos show a small corner of the bell that is secured by two early square nails other than that, the patina speaks for itself. Thank you Margaret and Paul for the lessons you taught and the class you brought to our industry. The board measures 15.5 inches wide by 13.5 inches tall.