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LONG LOST Co

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   This beautiful, c1946 vintage Vanity Bench was made by the H.T. Cushman Manufacturing Co. of Bennington VT. It is from their “Cushman Colonial Creations” line of furnishings. This line of furniture was introduced in 1933, It included many styles and types of furnishings that were introduced at various times throughout its many years of popularity. 

   This particular bench is the companion seat for a vanity set called the “Molly Stark”. It has a brass oval tag (not the celluloid tag) and is stamped with the number “4163”.  As far as I can discern, I believe this set was introduced in 1934 and made until probably about 1947 (see info below) and likely designed by long-time employee Herman DeVries. This example is in very good original condition, with a generally nice finish of good color and glow. It is solid with no significant damage or cosmetic issues. Expect to see some small or minor age consistent scuffs, dings and soil in crevasses. Again, nothing egregious or significant (in our opinion). It is basically as I found it. I only wiped it down, with no extensive cleaning or treatment of any kind. I think the buyer will be pleased with this scarce and desirable Cushman vanity bench. The measurements are about 23”W x 22 1/2”H x 13”D Overall. 

FOR THOSE INTERESTED

ABOUT CUSHMAN COLONIAL CREATIONS 

   Perhaps better known for their earlier ashtrays and smoking stands, Cushman introduced the “Colonial Creations” in 1933 as a broad line of fine, quality furniture inspired by Pioneer and Colonial Revival styles of the 1800s but uniquely blended with modern aesthetics. Its distinctive looks and appeal was very popular for almost 30 years and is still fueling collector and decorator interest today. The Cushman Colonial stylings and their beautiful warm finishes were heavily copied by Other furniture companies. 

   Cushman was sold to General Industries in 1964, who again sold it to the Green Mountain Furniture Co. in 1971. Green Mountain went out of business in 1980.

NOTES ON CONJECTURE AND DATING

The following information was compiled, extrapolated and composed by LongLostCo

And is posted here for the first time 2/26/24

   Reliable information about this bench and other Colonial Creation pieces was not only hard to come by but I think there’s more misinformation perpetuated than there are facts. I was able to ascertain enough clearly correct info to Identify the bench as well as support what I think are reasonable guesses about it’s vintage.

   • INFO (that I believe is correct): From the beginning of the Colonial Creations line in 1933 until 1942, a RECTANGULAR shaped, brass tag bearing the “Cushman Colonial Creations” name and a number (possibly in various formats) was used to label the furniture. The first digit of the number represents the year that any particular model-style was introduced (eg: 5 = 1935 or 1945 etc.). Which is, to say, the first number isn’t necessarily the year that particular piece was made, but would, at least, be the year that that style or model was introduced to the Cushman Colonial Creations line. Some models/styles were made for many years and others made for only a few, but all pieces of that model/style would be marked or labeled with that same first number regardless of the date/year that the individual item in question was actually made.

   It seems that during this period some items may have had other numbers or info stamped or burnt into the wood near the metal tag as well. Any other numbers may or may not be different than the number on the tag. Perhaps indicating a style, factory, wholesaler or catalog number, etc.

   In *1942, when wartime restrictions on the usage of metals were imposed on American industries, the tag was re-designed in the shape of an OVAL and was made of celluloid (a plastic) that was colored to look like brass. It still bore the “Cushman Colonial Creations” name, but the serial numbers, however, were now burnt or stamped into the wood only, and no longer on the tag as was previously done. They continued to use the same “first number” dating format. 

  In *1945 or 1946, after the war, metal usage restrictions were lifted and brass was once again used to make the new oval shape tags. This oval label was still in use when the company was sold in 1964. The New owners continued using them, but the wording was now changed to to say merely “Cushman Colonial” with a larger, fancy “C”. 

   My research ends there. I do not know when (or if) the oval tags ever ceased to be used. Nor do I know if the remaining furniture styles previously offered in the Colonial Creations line were continued, re-issued, updated, etc. by the new owners, or if new styles were added, deleted or re-introduced. Finally, I do not know when the Colonial Creations line, itself, came to an end.

   *It is not known to me whether there was an overlap of tag styles or composition during the years 1942/43 and 1945/46.

  • FACT: We came across a Cushman catalog page (of unknown date to me) with a picture of this style bench that refers to it as a “Molly Stark” vanity bench (catalog #2052) and its matching Molly Stark Vanity Table (#2051). 

  • FACT: We found another Cushman Molly Stark bench offered online which had the earlier rectangular tag. As such, that would mean it must have been made from 1933 to 1942 (before they switched to using the oval tags). A number stamped near the tag in the wood was #2052 (The same as the catalog number for this bench). I could not make out what the serial number was on the metal tag in the posted photo. 

  • SUMMARY: Without knowing if the number on that rectangular tag bares contradictory evidence, and with the stamped number on OUR identical bench being 4163 (and we have found a few others with the same number), this model (the Molly Stark) would have been introduced in a year ending in “4”. Considering the example with a rectangular tag, It must have been before 1942. That leaves 1934 as the only choice. So, barring any further evidence, I would have to assume that the Molly Stark style was introduced in 1934. 

   As for a date of manufacture for the bench offered here, the oval tag of brass would date it to 1945 or later. I do not know when the Molly Stark style was discontinued, but it’s rarity would seem to indicate that it wasn’t produced in very large numbers and likely ending not long after the war (my conjecture). I’m comfortable stating c1946-50 as the period this bench was made.

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THIS LOT WILL SHIP

via FED-EX or UPS (GROUND SERVICES)

 unless instructed otherwise.

 OR FREE LOCAL PICK-UP

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**SORRY--- NO INTERNATIONAL SALES --- AT THIS TIME **

WE WILL ONLY SHIP to U.S. or CANADA BUYERS WITH A U.S. or CANADA ADDRESS

WE WILL NOT SHIP TO A “PICK-UP” BOX

All sales are final. All items are sold as is - as found.

PLEASE CONTACT US FIRST 

IF THERE ARE ANY ISSUES WITH YOUR PURCHASE! THANKS 

   Common sense dictates that, Used, Antique, Vintage, Electronic and Mechanical items simply cannot be guaranteed. However, we will warrant our items regarding their authenticity and description accuracy only. To comply with this warranty we must be notified of, and agree to a return, by contact within 5 days of the reception date as indicated by the USPS delivery confirmation/tracking system. Upon the SAFE return of the item in the exact condition in which it was sent, and in compliance with and for the reasons stated herein, a full refund will be given including all shipping costs (return shipping method to be prescribed by us). Please retain the original packaging and padding should a return be considered.

 Items returned without prior contact and agreement will NOT be accepted.

TERMS

PLEASE: Buying or bidding on our items will require your compliance with the following simple terms!

**SORRY--- NO INTERNATIONAL SALES --- AT THIS TIME **

• You must have an accessible, working email address registered with eBay.
• Your contact info on eBay must be valid, accessible and up to date.
• Buyer / winning bidder must make payment OR contact us within 3 DAYS of the sale date.
• Items will ONLY be shipped to the confirmed address provided to us by eBay/Paypal.
• Any alternative arrangements MUST be approved BEFORE bidding or buying.

PAYMENT

At this time, we will accept payment by the following methods:

•  EBAY PAYMENTS - Most major credit cards and popular payment types accepted.

      Payments must be made within 3 days of the purchase date. Items will be shipped 

      within 3 days after payment has been received. On most occasions, Items are posted 

     the next business day.

•  LOCAL PICK-UP - (similar to “Pick-Up Only” sales) “Local Pick-Up” is available for 

      any item to all buyers able make such an arrangement.

      Please contact us prior to bidding or buying two inform us of your intentions.

LOCAL PICK-UP Sales MUST be paid for through eBay (like a normal eBay sale)

PRIOR TO or BY PHONE at the time of PICK-UP

Large or “Pick-Up Only” must be received at our location

    For *TRANSPORTABLE items, it may, at our discretion and within reason, be possible 

      for us to meet a buyer part way and at an agreed upon location. Travel incurred over 20 

      miles (one way) may require a fuel and/or milage charge.

    Meetings shall be MUTUALLY convenient, and must be completed within 10 DAYS after 

      the date of the sale. We will reserve the right to take the most convenient route to a 

      meeting place (which may not always be the shortest route), or decline such an 

      arrangement altogether.

   *Transportable items are items that can fit in our vehicle without risking damage to the

      Vehicle or the item, and does not pose a safety hazard for the operation of the vehicle 

     or the driver. We will be the sole judge and reserve the right to decline transport of any 

     item for any reason at our discretion. 

• ALTERNATIVE PAYMENTS - Please Contact us BEFORE bidding or buying If you are 

      unable to use the payment methods above. Some alternatives may be considered.

      Alternative payments MUST be received within 5  DAYS after the purchase date.

      Some alternatives may, at our discretion, delay the shipment of items until payment is 

      secured.

SHIPPING

**SORRY--- NO INTERNATIONAL SALES --- AT THIS TIME **

WE WILL ONLY SHIP to U.S. or CANADA BUYERS WITH A U.S. or CANADA ADDRESS

THIS LOT WILL SHIP

via FED-EX or UPS (GROUND SERVICES)

 unless instructed otherwise.

 OR FREE LOCAL PICK-UP

    * *  Shipping charges to your destination are displayed in the eBay shipping “TAB” above.

    * *  based on APPROXIMATIONS That WE have supplied eBay for THIS item.

    * * Additional fees may apply for…. 

(Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Excessive Handling, insurance, signature confirmation, duties, taxes etc)

ACTUAL COST MAY VARY

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• We are happy to combine compatibly packable purchases to reduce shipping costs!

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