William Lloyd
William Lloyd (1779 to 1845) was one of the artisians and craftsmen enjoying the newfound prosperity of Springfield, Massachusetts after it was designated the site of nation’s first Federal armory in 1793 by George Washington.
The first published reference to Lloyd’s shop appeared in town’s “The Federal Spy” newspaper. The advertisement, dated July 6, 1802, “..Informs the Public that (Lloyd) carries on the Cabinet Business one door north of Zebina and Thomas Stebbins’ Store, where may be had Side Boards, Clock Cases, Desks, Bookcases, Bureaus and Card-Tables – All shall be had at the shortest notice, cheap for Cash or country produce.”
Lloyd adapted these ads for printed labels, the earliest one known being dated 1805, but the most frequently found label being adapted from an 1807 newspaper advertisement. This label displays a serpentine front sideboard, demilune card table and a bow-front bureau, all of which may represent examples available in Lloyd’s shop, and announces “William Lloyd, Cabinetmaker, Acquaints the public and his customers, that he carries on the Cabinet-Making Business half a mile north of the Meeting-House in Springfield, where may be had all kinds of cherry and mahogany work, as low as at any shop in the county. Those who please to favour him with their custom may depend on having their work done with neatness and dispatch. Country produce taken in payment, or approved credit if desired.” With some minor changes in address and wording this label continued in use from 1807 until 1815. Known pieces with a Lloyd label include a Federal cherry bow-front chest (dated Feb. 16, 1811), another inlaid bow-front chest made for the Carew family in 1802 (now in the collection of the Connecticut Valley Historical Society) and a tall clock case now at Historic Deerfield.