BRANFORD, CT — More than 100 items created by New England Shaker communities appear as a featured group in New England Auctions – Fred Giampietro‘s Summer Americana Extravaganza, scheduled for Thursday, July 18. The complete catalog is now available for review and bidding at LiveAuctioneers.

The first Shakers — officially known as the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing — arrived in the colonies in 1774, on the eve of the Revolutionary War. Commonly referred to as ‘Shaking Quakers’, their religious intensity would place them into a state of shaking while worshipping. Celibate, pacifist, and believers of equality between men and women, the movement died out in the early 20th century, with only one community in Maine remaining.

Shaker communities supported themselves through industrious work, creating things which could be sold to the greater populace. A perfect example is this fine Shaker cupboard, described as being in “exceptional original condition” and dating to the early to mid-19th century. Standing 84in in height, it carries an estimate of $100,000-$150,000.

From the last quarter of the 19th century comes this Shaker stepback cupboard, measuring 82in in height. Originally in the William L. Lassiter collection, it was purchased at his Important Shaker Furniture and Decorative Arts sale in November 1981 at Sotheby’s. It returns to the market with a $20,000-$40,000 estimate.

The final highlight is a Hancock Shaker desk wearing its original red paint and having a bone escutcheon. Dating to the early to mid-19th century, the desk also includes its original key. It is estimated at $8,000-$12,000.