Extra Credit Questions

[L Verge]

Yes, Empire was early 19th century. I hadn't much "linked" Rokoko to glass/crystal, rather to porcelain like this:
http://thumbs2.picclick.com/d/l400/pict/...Rokoko.jpg
Very interesting, Laurie. The Lincoln candlesticks look quite the upper class interior.

What a beautiful piece; is it Dresden by any chance?

Rococo Revival can also be linked to furniture. The famous chairs, sofas, and tables done by John Belter were wildly popular in the later years of the 19th century.

Back to china and glass, check out the gorgeous lusters (lustres) of the same era. Their beautiful colors, etchings, etc. are superior to the girandoles in my opinion.

Question for those who know the cultural atmosphere of Springfield in the 1840s and 50s: Were the Lincolns considered middle-class, upper middle-class, a cut above the average populations of the town? Would their home set the standard of graciousness for their surrounding neighbors, or was it considered very similar to everyone else"s?

With Mary coming from the more affluent Todds, do you think she would have stretched the family's dollars to buy nicer things than what her friends and family had?