Schaffer, Ray

Abstract The collection documents the formation of the Lillian Thomas Pratt Collection of Fabergé decorative artworks at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Bequeathed to the museum upon her death in 1947, Pratt’s Fabergé collection consistently remains one of the highlights of the museum’s permanent collection. Pratt purchased most of her Fabergé collection from the Schaffer Collection and Hammer Galleries, both of New York City, in the 1930s and 1940s. Comprised of correspondence, invoices, price...

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Scope and Contents Transcription: Telephone Circle 7-0747 Cable Address “Russianart”Alexander S. Schaffer 117-01 Park Lane So. Kew Gardens, L.I. New YorkFebruary 3, 1942Dear Mrs. Pratt,Many thanks for your very kind letter and check on account.Well, we still haven’t left New York, but if all goes well, should be on the way in a few days. Unless I write in the meantime, I think it would be best to send your next check to Kew Gardens....

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Scope and Contents Transcription: Telephone Circle 7-0747 Cable Address “Russianart”Alexander S. Schaffer 117-01 Park Lane So. Kew Gardens, N. Y.April 24, 1942Dear Mrs. Pratt,Thank you very much for your check and letter. I do appreciate it.My husband just went away for a few days to recuperate, as he is still not up to par.Yes, the place that you saw near the Sherry-Netherland is where we have given our collection for sale,...

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Scope and Contents Transcription: [Handwritten letter]July 5, 1942Dear Mrs. Pratt,Many thanks for your nice letter and check on account.We just moved last Monday so I’m sure you can visualize how busy I’ve been and will forgive me for not having written before. Please overlook the stationery too, as I’m not even all unpacked!The children love it here and are thriving. I hope it will do Alex lots of good too, as he certainly needs it. He’s still...

Scope and Contents

Transcription: [In process]

Scope and Contents

Transcription: [In process]

Scope and Contents

Transcription: [In process]

Scope and Contents This series is comprised of correspondence, invoices, price tags, and item descriptions that detail the purchases Pratt made from the Schaffer collection in the 1930s and 1940s. Correspondence between Alexander S. Schaffer, his wife Ray Schaffer, and Pratt discuss sales, payments, display cabinets, family matters, and books and articles he sent to Pratt about Russian history, war, and family matters. After 1944, some of the correspondence, invoices and item descriptions came from A La...