Carved oval black marble plaque, housed in a frame labeled for M. Barrett and Brother (Baltimore, Maryland, working ca. 1853 – ca. 1860) with carved decoration depicting a man wearing an apron and top hat, seated and sawing through a slab of stone. Partially legible presentation inscription en verso. Housed in a gilt wood frame with a foliate spandrel, the back with a partial paper label reading M. BARRETT & BRO / CARVER & GUILDER/ No. 82 Howard Street, Cor. Saratoga, Baltimore, / MANUFACTURER OF /LOOKING GLASS/ PORTRAIT / PICTURE FRAMES AND GILT WORK/ PLAIN AND FANCY WOOD FRAMES AND IMPORTED FRENCH & GERMAN LOOKING GLASS PLATES. Stone and frame held in place by wood lattice and iron brace. Stone – 2" H x 14 5/8" W x 12" D. Wood frame – 16 7/8" H x 19" W. Note: Cockeysville in Baltimore County was home to several quarries that were known as early as the first part of the 18th century for "Cockeysville Marble". Several quarries operated in the area including Beaver Dam Quarry and Gun Powder Quarry. Frame maker information is listed in the Wintethur Decorative Arts online collection resource database: http://dapc.winterthur.org/iseedapc/obj_dat/2005.0192.htm CONDITION: Marble/hardstone overall good condition with some minor scattered chipping to the perimeter. Framed with losses to the top edge with overall craquelure and scattered wear.