Clothing & Accessories

Women's Gown (cheong sam) ca. 1930

Work, play, fashion, economic class, religious faith, even politics—all these aspects of American life and more are woven into clothing. The Museum cares for one of the nation's foremost collections of men's, women's, and children's garments and accessories—from wedding gowns and military uniforms to Halloween costumes and bathing suits.

The collections include work uniforms, academic gowns, clothing of presidents and first ladies, T-shirts bearing protest slogans, and a clean-room "bunny suit" from a manufacturer of computer microchips. Beyond garments, the collections encompass jewelry, handbags, hair dryers, dress forms, hatboxes, suitcases, salesmen's samples, and thousands of fashion prints, photographs, and original illustrations. The more than 30,000 artifacts here represent the changing appearance of Americans from the 1700s to the present day.

Date: 1900s

Knitted Mittens

These mittens were knitted of blue and white homespun wools in the early 19th century.
Description
These mittens were knitted of blue and white homespun wools in the early 19th century. The shag knit used at the wrists is recorded in an American diary of 1803 as the "new Mode of Knitting." The knitted pattern throughout the mittens is a poem that starts at the wrist of one mitten, spirals to the top, and continues from the wrist to the top of the second. The "Xs" are part of the design and are used as line delimiters. The poem reads, "One thing you must not borrow nor never give awayXFor he who borrows trouble will have it every dayXBut if you have a plenty and more then you can bearXIt will not lighten yoursXXif others have a shareXYou must learn to be contented then will your trouble ceaseXAnd then you may be certain that you will live in peaceXFor a contented mind is a continual feast."
The thumb of each mitten is adorned with the name "William Watson." A printer of cheap or penny papers named William Watson was active in London from about 1805 to 1830. Each of his publications contained a woodcut, a story, and a poem. The Library of Congress has only one example of his papers, but its poem is of comparable length, and of the same moralizing quality as the mittens' poem, offering a direction for further research.
In No Idle Hands, The Social History of American Knitting (New York: Ballantine Books, 1988), Anne L. Macdonald pictures a single mitten patterned with half of the same poem. An undated newspaper clipping attributes it to Margaret Evans of New Hampshire, possibly 18th century. The thumb of the Evans mitten appears to say, "Son 4 U Mother" and "80." At the beginning of the poem of this pair of mittens, there are two initials or numbers, perhaps "OB" or "DB" or "08" or "80." Patterns for short inscriptions and dates in knitting were published from at least the late 18th century.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
early 19th century
ID Number
1979.0980.01
catalog number
1979.0980.01
accession number
1979.0980

Fire Helmet, "Moyamensing 1"

The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T.
Description
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
This leather helmet was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York in 1837, and has been paired with a leather frontpiece manufactured by John M. Migeod & Son. The helmet has a metal ring on its rear brim as well as a metal reinforcement band inside its crown. The frontpiece from “Moyamensing 1” bears a crossed hook and ladder and may belong to Chester, Pennsylvania’s Moyamensing Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, instituted in April of 1868 and incorporated in February of 1870. The word “JOKER” is painted at the bottom of the frontpiece.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 19th century
producer
Migeod Company
maker
Cairns & Brother
ID Number
2005.0233.0173
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0173

Corset and Whalebone Scrimshaw Busk

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1825 - 1835
fashion
19th century
ID Number
CS.287645.001
catalog number
287645.001

Helmet Frontpiece, “Friendship Fire Co 1 EU”

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This soiled or sooty leather frontpiece was made during the 19th century. The frontpiece reads “FRIENDSHIP/1/FIRE CO/EU” in metal embedded into the leather. The metal lettering is unusual for frontpieces, and may point to it being used in parades or special occasions rather than everyday use.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1473
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1473

Helmet Frontpiece, "Lafayette Steamer"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This black leather frontpiece was made in the 19th century. The frontpiece has three red banners with raised white lettering that reads “LAFAYETTE/STEAMER/JTV” and a large white number “14” in the center of the frontpiece. The letters “JTV” likely referred to the owner’s initials.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1448
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1448

Fire Helmet, "Reading Hose 1"

The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T.
Description
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
This leather fire helmet was made by Henry T. Gratacap of New York, New York in the mid- 19th century. The helmet is painted black overall with the four combs painted gold, thin gold triangles in the crown’s sections, and a red painted underbrim. A rosette pattern is embossed around the helmet’s brim, with the date “1819” painted in gold on the rear brim. Gratacap’s maker’s mark is stamped between the 8 and 1 if the date. A leather eagle serves as a frontpiece holder emerging from the crown of the helmet. The black leather frontpiece reads “READING HOSE/1/INStd/JULY 4th/1819.” The Reading Hose Company No. 1 of Reading, Pennsylvania was founded on July 4th, 1819 for the purpose of purchasing hose since the town had only bucket companies at the time.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 19th century
maker
Gratacap, Henry T.
ID Number
2005.0233.0185
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0185

Helmet Frontpiece, “Phoenix Hose 8”

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was made in the 19th century. The frontpiece likely was once white but is now cracked and light brown in color. The frontpiece has a dark brown banner at the top and bottom with light brown raised leather lettering that reads “PHOENIX/ENGINE.” A dark brown recessed number “8” is in the center of the frontpiece.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1477
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1477

Helmet Frontpiece, “Red Jacket Hose 1”

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was made in the 19th century. The frontpiece has two dark brown banners at the top with raised brown leather lettering that reads “RED JACKET/HOSE” but the “C” is missing. A large recessed white number “1” is in the center of the frontpiece, and there is a cartouche at the bottom with a raised white leather letter “H.” Two other initials originally preceded the “H” but are now missing. The Red Jacket Hose Company took its name from the red jackets its members wore during service, which was a popular style employed by companies in Boston, Philadelphia, Illinois, and Iowa.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1479
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1479

Fire Helmet, "S.F.F.D. 5"

The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T.
Description
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
This leather fire helmet was made by J.C. Johnson & Company of San Francisco, California in the late 19th century. The twelve comb helmet has a crown painted white and red, with a brown brim embossed with an ivy-vine design. The San Francisco Fire Department mandated color-coded helmets, and hook and ladder companies wore red and white helmets like this one. A leather eagle frontpiece holder is mounted on the crown. The brown leather frontpiece has a white number “5” in the center with a crossed hook and ladder behind it. In a banner at the top of the frontpiece are the initials “SFFD” in white leather.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
J. C. Johnson & Co.
ID Number
2005.0233.0188
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0188

Helmet Frontpiece, “Humane Hose 20”

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was made in the 19th century. The brown frontpiece has raised brown leather lettering that originally read “HUMANE/HOSE/20/JAB” but some of the letters are now missing. The frontpiece has decorative stitching around the rim, as well as outlining the initials on the bottom of the piece. The Humane Hose Company No. 20 operated in New York City during the middle of the 19th century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1476
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1476

Fire Helmet, "America Hose”

The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T.
Description (Brief)
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
This leather fire helmet was made in the 19th century for the American Hose Company Number 2. The black helmet is comprised of eight combs with a metal eagle frontpiece holder on the crown and an embossed rosette decoration around the brim. The leather frontpiece is wired to the hat, and reads “AMERICA/HOSE/2/ECK.” The initials “ECK” likely identified the owner of the helmet.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0133
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0133

Helmet Frontpiece, "3rd Asst Engineer North Adams Fire District"

The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This leather frontpiece was made during the 19th century. The frontpiece is made of white leather with red banners and raised white leather lettering that reads “3rd ASSt/ENGINEER/NORTH ADAMS/FIRE DISTRICT.” There is an empty cartouche with red background on the bottom of the frontpiece. The frontpiece likely belonged to a company from North Adams, Massachusetts.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1463
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1463

Fire Helmet, "Veteran / Philadelphia"

The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T.
Description
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
This leather fire helmet likely dates to the late 19th century. A metal eagle frontpiece holder is mounted to the crown of the helmet, holding a white frontpiece with a central painted image of a double-decker Philadelphia-style fire engine. The top of the frontpiece has a black banner with white lettering that originally read “VETERAN” and the bottom of the frontpiece has a black banner with white lettering that originally read “PHILADELPHIA.” The rear brim of the helmet has the golden letters “FA” flanking a gold image of a fire hydrant with attached hose. This was the logo of the Fire Association of Philadelphia, an insurance company founded by a group of eleven volunteer engine companies and five volunteer hose companies in 1817 that would have included the company of this helmet’s owner. The gold “V” on the back of the helmets crown signifies the veteran status of the wearer. This helmet was likely used by a member of the Veteran Firemen’s Association of Philadelphia, an association created in 1887 to maintain the camaraderie of the volunteer fire department after members had retired, or after the introduction of paid companies put an end to the volunteer system.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0178
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0178

Carnation Motifs Along Central Wavy Band

Mechlin continuous bobbin lace border in Louis XV period (1710-1778) style. Unusual design with central wavy band with carnations in open kat stitch ground and Droschel ground along headside. The pattern repeat is 8.25 inches.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Mechlin continuous bobbin lace border in Louis XV period (1710-1778) style. Unusual design with central wavy band with carnations in open kat stitch ground and Droschel ground along headside. The pattern repeat is 8.25 inches.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th c
Mid 18th C.
Associated Name
Pinchot, Mary Eno
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.L6485
catalog number
L6485.000
accession number
48717

Fire Helmet, "Newton 1"

The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T.
Description
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
This leather fire helmet was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York in the late 19th century. This helmet is similar to the pith helmet, deviating from the style of the standard fire helmets with an elongated rear brim. The hat is painted black, with eight combs and a metal ring on top. There is an embossed vine design on the rear brim, and a metal lion frontpiece holder mounted to the crown. The black leather frontpiece has the number “1” in the center in white, with a red banner below that reads “NEWTON” in white.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
Cairns & Brother
ID Number
2005.0233.0176
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0176

Fire Helmet, "M.D.F. Steere"

The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T.
Description
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
This fire helmet was made by G.W. Simmons & Sons in the mid 19th century. The leather helmet has eight combs, and it is painted black. A metal eagle’s head serves as a frontpiece holder that is mounted onto the helmet’s crown. The leather frontpiece reads “M.D.F. Steere/4/AMESBURY” with a crossed hook and ladder behind the “4” in the center of the frontpiece. The M.D.F. Steere hook and ladder company was located in Amesbury, Massachusetts. The company was apparently named after M.D.F. Steere Esq., a prosperous local woolen mill manager who financed the building of Amesbury’s opera house.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 19th century
maker
G. W. Simmons & Son
ID Number
2005.0233.0202
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0202

Ornament

Circular, slightly domed, buckle-type ornament with scalloped border. Edge of face is folded over an open back with bracket loop. No marks.Currently not on view
Description
Circular, slightly domed, buckle-type ornament with scalloped border. Edge of face is folded over an open back with bracket loop. No marks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
ID Number
1982.0090.10
accession number
1982.0090
catalog number
1982.0090.10

Fire Helmet, "William Penn / 3 / Hose"

The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T.
Description
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
This black leather hat was manufactured by Philip & Company during the 19th century. The helmet has eight combs, with a gilt metal eagle/phoenix frontpiece holder. The frontpiece reads “WILLIAM PENN/3/HOSE”.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
Philip & Company
ID Number
2005.0233.0200
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0200

Corset and Whalebone Scrimshaw Busk

For much of the nineteenth century, ladies' fashion required very small waists. The most common way to achieve this was to wear a tight laced corset, which could be adjusted according to the specific garment it accompanied.
Description
For much of the nineteenth century, ladies' fashion required very small waists. The most common way to achieve this was to wear a tight laced corset, which could be adjusted according to the specific garment it accompanied. Like this example, many of them were handmade to fit an individual, although they were also available in shops.
One of the most intimate pieces of scrimshaw a whaleman could produce was a bone or baleen busk, or corset stiffener. These were carved and given to a crewman's loved one, who then inserted it into a matching sleeve on her corset as a unique memento of her beloved's feelings.
One side of this whalebone busk contains three cityscapes, two of which have busy ports with lots of shipping. The other side has eight vertical pictures, topped by a full frontal portrait of a beautiful young woman. She may represent the recipient of this busk. Below her is a city scene with multiple church steeples over a flag in a precinct. A multi-colored circular geometric pattern is at the center, above a garden scene over a delicate basket of flowers. Next is a three-masted warship, and at the bottom is a large rural villa overlooking a walled garden. Can these pictures be woven into a story?
date made
mid-nineteenth century
mid-1800s
fashion
19th century
ID Number
DL.374478
catalog number
374478
accession number
136263

Corset and Whalebone Scrimshaw Busk

For much of the 19th century, ladies’ fashion required very small waists. The most common way to achieve this was to wear a tightly laced corset, which could be adjusted according to the specific dress it accompanied.
Description
For much of the 19th century, ladies’ fashion required very small waists. The most common way to achieve this was to wear a tightly laced corset, which could be adjusted according to the specific dress it accompanied. Like this example, many corsets were handmade to fit an individual, although they were also available in shops.
One of the most intimate pieces of scrimshaw a whaleman could produce was a bone or baleen busk, or corset stiffener. These were carved and given to a crewman’s loved one, who then inserted it into a matching sleeve on her corset as a unique memento of her beloved’s feelings.
Each of these busks has a cityscape etched into one side. The other side of one has eight pictures, topped by a portrait of a beautiful young woman. The other has a plaintive love poem on the back.
date made
mid-1800s
collected
1951-06-29
fashion
19th century
ID Number
TR.388604
catalog number
TR*388604
accession number
182022

Woman's right to vote...

A poster sponsored by the International Ladies Garment Workers Union.Currently not on view
Description
A poster sponsored by the International Ladies Garment Workers Union.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1920
1900
1970
maker
International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union
ID Number
1986.0710.0007
accession number
1986.0710

Sperm Whale Tooth Watch Stand

Scrimshaw known to have been made specifically for men is comparatively rare.
Description
Scrimshaw known to have been made specifically for men is comparatively rare. This unfinished tooth was hollowed out at the back to carry a gentleman’s pocket watch inside, perhaps set on a wardrobe, a bureau or a dressing table overnight.
Patriotic imagery was very popular on American scrimshaw. At the top is a large eagle in flight clutching arrows and an olive branch; the hole for the watch is framed by a simple scalloped line. The space at the bottom was probably reserved for the owner’s initials or possibly a date, and the two holes were likely drilled for ivory buttons. The piece was unfinished when it was donated in 1875 by J. H. Clark of Newport, R.I.
date made
19th century
Associated Date
collected
ID Number
DL.024905
catalog number
024905
accession number
4331

Kodak snapshot of women in men's clothes

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca. 1900s
ca. 1890s
ID Number
1984.0669.26.143
catalog number
84.669.26.143
accession number
1984.0669

The Day the Senate Voted Against Mother's Day

A poster advertising the International Ladies Garment Workers Union.Currently not on view
Description
A poster advertising the International Ladies Garment Workers Union.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1908
maker
International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union
ID Number
1986.0710.0052
accession number
1986.0710

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