Shaker Sister's Two-step Footrest

Shaker Sister's Two-step Footrest, Canterbury, New Hampshire, c. 1860, pine stepstool with hinged lid on compartment of top step, with pencil inscriptions: "This bench was made for Sister Annie J. Baker in 1860," and large initials "A.J.B." on underside of bench, worn, brown-stained surface, ht. 11, wd. 15 1/4, dp. 10 1/4 in. Literature: The Magazine Antiques , May 1979; Gather Up the Fragments , p. 291. The top opens to reveal an interior compartment for storing personal and sewing effects.