from the collection of Joseph Briggs, circa 1900

Joseph Briggs (1873-1937), born in Accrington, England, traveled to the United States in 1891 where he was hired by Louis Comfort Tiffany and climbed the ranks to become one of Tiffany's most prized employees. He was Tiffany's friend as well as business manager, and head of Tiffany Studios' Mosaic Department at the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company building, Fourth Avenue and 25th Street, New York, New York. The present lot is Brigg's personal tool chest which he would have brought with him on his journey to the States. Each craftsman would acquire tools needed over their tenure in the trade and these chests offer a glimpse into a craftsman's techniques. Brigg's chest includes handmade chisels, punches, and hammers, bespoke tools he acquired throughout his career. The tools in this chest include a wide range of trades from glass making to wood carving to scribing, exemplifying the breadth of knowledge that Briggs held. This tool chest is a time capsule of sorts, allowing the present day viewer insight to the life of Joseph Briggs, a turn-of-the-century tradesman and Tiffany Studios employee.