Cultures & Communities

Cleveland Many Peoples One Language Poster

Furniture, cooking wares, clothing, works of art, and many other kinds of artifacts are part of what knit people into communities and cultures. The Museum’s collections feature artifacts from European Americans, Latinos, Arab Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, African Americans, Gypsies, Jews, and Christians, both Catholics and Protestants. The objects range from ceramic face jugs made by enslaved African Americans in South Carolina to graduation robes and wedding gowns. The holdings also include artifacts associated with education, such as teaching equipment, textbooks, and two complete schoolrooms. Uniforms, insignia, and other objects represent a wide variety of civic and voluntary organizations, including youth and fraternal groups, scouting, police forces, and firefighters.

Date: 1870s

Warrior Killing a Soldier

Unknown artist, about 1894“Cheyenne Picture. Warrior Killing a Soldier.”Ink and watercolorThis drawing shows the victory of a Cheyenne warrior over a U.S. Army soldier.
Description
Unknown artist, about 1894
“Cheyenne Picture. Warrior Killing a Soldier.”
Ink and watercolor
This drawing shows the victory of a Cheyenne warrior over a U.S. Army soldier. The artist depicts the warrior counting coup on his enemy by touching the fallen soldier with his riding whip (quirt). Counting coup - in this instance touching an adversary in battle - was considered an act of bravery that could gain war honors. This single event took place during a larger battle against many adversaries, as indicated by the large number of rifles at the left.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1875
date made
ca 1894
original artist
unknown
ID Number
GA.08111
accession number
1897.031963
catalog number
GA*08111
accession number
1897.31963

On the Lookout for Game

Koba, aka Wild Horse,drawn between 1875 and 1878 at Fort Marion, Florida"On the Lookout for Game"Collected by Richard Henry Pratt about 1878Colored pencil, ink, and watercolorThis illustration by Koba shows a band of Kiowa traveling to the right.
Description
Koba, aka Wild Horse,
drawn between 1875 and 1878 at Fort Marion, Florida
"On the Lookout for Game"
Collected by Richard Henry Pratt about 1878
Colored pencil, ink, and watercolor
This illustration by Koba shows a band of Kiowa traveling to the right. Both men and women carry various supplies, bow and quiver cases, rifles, and umbrellas (a popular trade item). The route of the band is imaged using dashes on the ground. A scout keeps a lookout on the highest hill. The Kiowa hunt on foot, in the old way, though they use both old and new weapons.
date made
ca 1875-1878
original artist
Koba
ID Number
2008.0175.58
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.058

Whaler's Mincing Knife

Whaling crews used mincing knives to cut the blubber strips into thin slices down to, but not through, the thick whale skin. This process increased the surface area of the blubber and helped it melt faster in the try-pots.
Description
Whaling crews used mincing knives to cut the blubber strips into thin slices down to, but not through, the thick whale skin. This process increased the surface area of the blubber and helped it melt faster in the try-pots. Cut in this fashion, the sections of whale blubber and skin were known as “bible leaves” because they resembled the pages of a book.
date made
1876
collected
1876
ID Number
AG.025912
accession number
005019
catalog number
025912

Mobile Fire Department Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Mobile Fire Department Insurance Company of Mobile, Alabama issued this fire mark around 1866-1879. This oval cast iron fire mark features a profile view of a typical firefighter’s helmet, with a front shield and rear brim. Below the helmet features the text “MFD/ICo.” The Mobile Fire Department Insurance Company operated from 1866 until 1879.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1866-1879
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0478
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0478

Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark around 1870. The oval fire mark has raised lettering the reads “MOUND/CITY/MUTUAL” in the center of the mark. The mark has been painted a yellow-brown color. The Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1855 until 1891.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0527
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0527

Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company of St. Louis, Missouri issued this zinc fire mark around 1870. The oval fire mark has raised lettering the reads “MOUND/CITY/MUTUAL” in the center of the mark. The Mound City Mutual Fire and Marine Insurance Company operated from 1855 until 1891.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0526
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0526

Hamilton S. McRae's 1867 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Hamilton S. McRae from Muncie, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 72662 was issued on December 24, 1867.This desk has a convenient and easily operated book holder. The innovative book holder sits within the desktop with a lid on top.
Description
Hamilton S. McRae from Muncie, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 72662 was issued on December 24, 1867.
This desk has a convenient and easily operated book holder. The innovative book holder sits within the desktop with a lid on top. The lid could be lifted up to allow access to the book. There is a curved seat for support and comfort. The backrest is a flat front face with three vertical slats of wood. The back legs on the desk flare out.
Hamilton S. McRae was born on January 2, 1833 in Indiana. He served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools. An advocate of educational reform, McRae espoused free kindergarten and free public libraries.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1867
patent date
1867-12-24
associated date
1870
patentee
McRae, Hamilton S.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
McRae, Hamilton S.
ID Number
CL.249602.588
catalog number
249602.588
accession number
249602
patent number
72,662

Allegheny Parade Hat

Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes.
Description
Beginning in the late 18th century, some volunteer fire fighters began to wear hats painted with their company’s name to identify themselves at chaotic fire scenes. During the 19th century, these fire hats became more ornate, as portraits of historical figures, patriotic scenes, allegorical images, or company icons were painted alongside the company’s name, motto, or founding date. Made of pressed felt, these “stove-pipe” hats were primarily used in Philadelphia, but other nearby cities such as Baltimore and Washington adopted them as well. Fire hats were personal items with the owner’s initials often painted on the top of the hat. While these hats were worn at fires, they are more colloquially known as “parade hats.” Fire companies commonly marched in the many parades of the period and these ornate hats contributed to the visual culture of their day. These distinguishing features in a company’s regalia often proclaimed the members’ cultural and political identity as well as their position on contested topics such as work, religion and immigration.
This hat dates to the first half of the 19th century from Allegheny, Pennsylvania. The hat has been painted red, and bears the text “ALLEGHENY” in gold above a United States shield. The date “1802” is painted in gold on the back of the hat, and the crown of the hat has a star shaped designed with the letter “A” in the center. The Allegheny Fire Company of Allegheny, Pennsylvania was founded in 1802 and operated until 1870, when it was absorbed by the municipal fire department.
Location
Currently not on view
in use
1802-1870
company which the hat's owner belonged to
Allegheny Engine Co.
owner
Neel, Harry
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0026
catalog number
2005.0233.0026
accession number
2005.0233

United Firemen's Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The United Firemen’s Insurance Company issued this fire mark around 1877. The oval cast iron mark features a central image of a steam-powered fire engine in relief, flanked by the initials “UF.” This fire mark is painted brown. The United Firemen's Insurance Company was incorporated in 1860 by a group of 28 engine and hose companies that were not part of the Fire Association of Philadelphia. Since the Fire Association did not pay dividends to companies that were not members, these twenty-eight companies formed the new United Firemen's Insurance Company of Philadelphia to profit from the insurance business. Steam fire engines were a new technology in 1860, and the UFI's use of a steamer on its fire mark shows a desire to be associated with the latest innovations in firefighting and prevention.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0448
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0448

Street Musicians

Jean Léon Gérôme (1824–1904) painted this scene of Pifferari or street musicians serenading an unseen image of the Virgin Mary in 1870. Camille Piton etched it for an auction catalog of works from the collection of J. C. Runkle, which were sold on March 8, 1883.
Description
Jean Léon Gérôme (1824–1904) painted this scene of Pifferari or street musicians serenading an unseen image of the Virgin Mary in 1870. Camille Piton etched it for an auction catalog of works from the collection of J. C. Runkle, which were sold on March 8, 1883. The auction was organized by Samuel P. Avery, art dealer and print collector. Pifferari come from the mountains in Calabria, Italy, and from the Abruzzi to play bagpipes and reed instruments like the piffero, a kind of oboe, before images of the Virgin in Rome during the Christmas season. Jean Léon Gérôme was a favorite painter of Stephen Ferris, who named his son after him.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1879
1883
original artist
Gerôme, Jean-Léon
graphic artist
Piton, Camille
ID Number
GA.14886
catalog number
14886
accession number
94830

Sylvanus Cox and William W. Fanning's 1873 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Sylvanus Cox and William Fanning from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk and chair. Patent no. 135089 was issued on January 21, 1873.This model consists of a wood and iron combination folding seat and desk.
Description
Sylvanus Cox and William Fanning from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk and chair. Patent no. 135089 was issued on January 21, 1873.
This model consists of a wood and iron combination folding seat and desk. The brass desk supports have Gothic arches. The seat has dark and light wood slats with a curved, smooth bench and back support. The desktop is made of wood and features a groove for writing utensils. The cutout for an ink well would have been an option. It is attached to the back of the bench and has a folding mechanism to reduce noise. The brass base supports and legs form two birds with beaks touching. There is a small brass label on the desktop. The Cox and Fanning design was become one of the most attractive desk designs of the nineteenth century.
There were a few men with the name Sylvanus Cox living in Indiana when this model was created so we do not have specific information about the inventor. William W. Fanning was a carpenter who lived in Richmond, Indiana. He was born in November 1843 and died February 20, 1909 at age 65 in Richmond, Indiana.
date made
1873
patent date
1873-01-21
patentee
Cox, Sylvanus
Fanning, William W.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Cox, Sylvanus
Fanning, William W.
ID Number
CL.65.0386
accession number
249602
patent number
135089
catalog number
65.0386
patent number
135,089

Whaler Weathervane

Depicting a Whaler with a horn. Silhouetted figure in prone position. The figure has black shoes, green knickers, a yellow shirt with red trim at cuffs, and a black broad brimmed bowler hat. The figure's arm is bent at elbow to support the horn.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Depicting a Whaler with a horn. Silhouetted figure in prone position. The figure has black shoes, green knickers, a yellow shirt with red trim at cuffs, and a black broad brimmed bowler hat. The figure's arm is bent at elbow to support the horn.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1850-1875
ID Number
CL.65.0910
accession number
261195
catalog number
65.0910
collector/donor number
T-4

Henry G. Sellman's 1871 Improved Frame for School Desk and Seat Patent Model fragment

Henry G. Sellman from North Newburg, Michigan, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 114869 was issued on May 16, 1871.This model features an improved hinge that facilitates a seat that folds up and a desk on the back of the backrest that folds down.
Description
Henry G. Sellman from North Newburg, Michigan, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 114869 was issued on May 16, 1871.
This model features an improved hinge that facilitates a seat that folds up and a desk on the back of the backrest that folds down. The innovation would give more room between desks when necessary. The desk and seat combination was constructed of metal and wood but only the side support featuring the hinge remains.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1871
patent date
1871-05-16
associated date
1873
patentee
Sellman, Henry G.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Sellman, Henry G.
ID Number
CL.249602.590
catalog number
249602.590
accession number
249602
patent number
114,869

Turk Shop Figure

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1850-1878
ID Number
CL.65.1004
accession number
256396
catalog number
65.1004

Engraved woodblock of "The Warrior and his Bride"

This engraved woodblock of “The Warrior and his Bride” was prepared by Henry Hobart Nichols (1838-1887) and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published in 1875 as Figure 15 (p.44) in Report of the Exploration of the Colorado River of the West and I
Description
This engraved woodblock of “The Warrior and his Bride” was prepared by Henry Hobart Nichols (1838-1887) and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published in 1875 as Figure 15 (p.44) in Report of the Exploration of the Colorado River of the West and Its Tributaries. Explored in 1869, 1870, 1871, and 1872, under the direction of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution by John Wesley Powell (1834-1902).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
1875
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
author
Powell, John Wesley
graphic artist
Nichols, H. H.
ID Number
1980.0219.0465
accession number
1980.0219
catalog number
1980.0219.0465

Engraved woodblock of "Captain John, a Ni'-shi-nam chief"

This engraved woodblock of “Captain John, a Ni’-shi-nam chief” was prepared by engraver Henry Hobart Nichols (1838-1887) and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published in 1877 as Figure 27 (p.314) in an article by Stephen Powers (1840-1904) entitl
Description
This engraved woodblock of “Captain John, a Ni’-shi-nam chief” was prepared by engraver Henry Hobart Nichols (1838-1887) and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published in 1877 as Figure 27 (p.314) in an article by Stephen Powers (1840-1904) entitled “Tribes of California” in Contributions to North American Ethnology v.3. Contributions was published by the U.S. Geographical and Geological Survey, a precursor to the Bureau of American Ethnology under the direction of John Wesley Powell (1834-1902). D. H. Bartle created the original image.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1877
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
graphic artist
Nichols, H. H.
author
Powers, Stephen
original artist
Bartle, D. H.
ID Number
1980.0219.0350
accession number
1980.0219
catalog number
1980.0219.0350

United Firemen's Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The United Firemen’s Insurance Company issued this fire mark in 1878. The oval cast iron mark features a central image of a steam-powered fire engine in relief, with an raised header text that reads “UNITED FIREMEN’S INS. CO.” It appears as if the engine and text were originally painted gold, which has subsequently worn off. A policy number can be seen at the bottom of the mark, but it is illegible. The United Firemen's Insurance Company was incorporated in 1860 by a group of 28 engine and hose companies that were not part of the Fire Association of Philadelphia. Since the Fire Association did not pay dividends to companies that were not members, these twenty-eight companies formed the new United Firemen's Insurance Company of Philadelphia to profit from the insurance business. Steam fire engines were a new technology in 1860, and the UFI's use of a steamer on its fire mark shows a desire to be associated with the latest innovations in firefighting and prevention.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1878
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0454
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0454

United Firemen's Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The United Firemen’s Insurance Company issued this fire mark around 1877. The oval cast iron mark features a central image of a steam-powered fire engine in relief, with a raised header text that reads “UNITED FIREMEN’S INS. CO.” This fire mark is painted brown. The United Firemen's Insurance Company was incorporated in 1860 by a group of 28 engine and hose companies that were not part of the Fire Association of Philadelphia. Since the Fire Association did not pay dividends to companies that were not members, these twenty-eight companies formed the new United Firemen's Insurance Company of Philadelphia to profit from the insurance business. Steam fire engines were a new technology in 1860, and the UFI's use of a steamer on its fire mark shows a desire to be associated with the latest innovations in firefighting and prevention.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0451
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0451

Lumbermen's Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The Lumbermen’s Insurance Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania issued this cast iron fire mark in 1873. The fire mark consists of an overlapping monogram of the company’s initials, “LI Co” embossed upon an iron square. The mark is framed with four logs that overlap at the corners. The Lumbermen’s was the last newly organized insurance company in Philadelphia to issue a cast iron fire mark.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1873
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0436
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0436

Rowland K. Curtis' 1878 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Rowland K. Curtis from Wabash, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 202934 was issued on April 30, 1878.This patent was designed to simplify the construction of school desks and increase their strength.
Description
Rowland K. Curtis from Wabash, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 202934 was issued on April 30, 1878.
This patent was designed to simplify the construction of school desks and increase their strength. The front legs of the desk follow the direction of the grain of the wood. Brackets support the seat and brace the legs at their junction. The legs are made of a single piece of wood, creating the necessary support. The desk is made out of glossed oak with cast iron hinges. The seat is slatted and folds to the backrest. There are iron supporters under the seat, and the feet are made of iron. There is a lid that lifts up to reveal a storage area. The writing surface has a circular cut out to represent an area for an inkwell.
Rowland K. Curtis was born in 1829. He worked at various building trades. In 1874 he was appointed superintendent of the Wabash School Furniture Company.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1878
patent date
1878-04-30
patentee
Curtis, Rowland K.
transfer
U.S. Patent Office
inventor
Curtis, Rowland K.
ID Number
CL.65.0406
catalog number
65.0406
accession number
249602
patent number
202,934

United Firemen's Insurance Company Fire Mark

Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number.
Description (Brief)
Beginning in the 1750s, some American insurance companies issued metal fire marks to policyholders to signify that their property was insured against fire damage. The fire marks bore the name and/or symbol of the insurer, and some included the customer’s policy number. The company or agent would then affix the mark to the policyholder’s home or business. For owners the mark served as proof of insurance and a deterrent against arson. For insurance companies the mark served as a form of advertising, and alerted volunteer firefighters that the property was insured.
The United Firemen’s Insurance Company issued this fire mark in 1878. The oval cast iron mark features a central image of a steam-powered fire engine in relief, with a raised header text that reads “UNITED FIREMEN’S INS. CO.” It appears as if the engine and text were originally painted gold, which has subsequently worn off. The policy number “10659” is painted in gold at the bottom of the mark. The United Firemen's Insurance Company was incorporated in 1860 by a group of 28 engine and hose companies that were not part of the Fire Association of Philadelphia. Since the Fire Association did not pay dividends to companies that were not members, these twenty-eight companies formed the new United Firemen's Insurance Company of Philadelphia to profit from the insurance business. Steam fire engines were a new technology in 1860, and the UFI's use of a steamer on its fire mark shows a desire to be associated with the latest innovations in firefighting and prevention.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1878
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0453
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0453

John Long and Eugene Convers's 1871 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

John Long and Eugene Converse from Oswego, New York, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 117090 was issued on July 18, 1871.This patent features an adjustable tabletop. The desk sits on two shafts that feature groves.
Description
John Long and Eugene Converse from Oswego, New York, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 117090 was issued on July 18, 1871.
This patent features an adjustable tabletop. The desk sits on two shafts that feature groves. The desk can be raised and lowered as it locks into place with the groves. The model is made of unpolished dark wood and brass. The backrest and seat do not join so there is no lower back support. The attached desk folds down and the horseshoe-shaped brass legs are attached to the bottom of the seat. A silver plate on the desk has "John Long and Eugene Converse, Inventors" engraved on it.
In 1874, John Long was recorded as working with furniture, presumably as a carpenter or manufacturer.
In 1866, Eugene Converse was registered as a gunsmith, locksmith, and ornamental fence ironworker.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1871
patent date
1871-07-18
patentee
Long
Converse
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Long, John
Convers, Eugene
ID Number
CL.65.0381
catalog number
65.0381
accession number
249602
patent number
117,090

Whaler's Explosive Lance

Explosive lances were designed to kill a whale by exploding inside its body. Many different types were invented in the late 19th century. When they worked properly, they were extremely efficient.They could either be shot out of guns or set at the end of darting guns.
Description
Explosive lances were designed to kill a whale by exploding inside its body. Many different types were invented in the late 19th century. When they worked properly, they were extremely efficient.
They could either be shot out of guns or set at the end of darting guns. These devices resembled harpoon handles, to which the explosive lances were fixed. Once a plunger touching the whale’s skin moved a specific length, it triggered an explosive charge that shot the lance into the whale’s body.
date made
late 1800s
patent date
1879
explosive lances were invented
late 19th century
patentee
Pierce, Eben
manufacturer
Brown, Frank E.
ID Number
AG.316544
catalog number
316544
accession number
066767

Presentation Trumpet "James McQuire"

As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations.
Description (Brief)
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This silver plated speaking trumpet was presented to James McQuire, Jr. around 1872. There are two crossed ladders engraved at the top of the shaft, and below this is an oval cartouche formed by a fire hose with an image of a fireman with a speaking trumpet at the center. The inscription reads “Presented to James McQuire, Jr. by the Members of Blackstone Hose Company No. 1, October 5, 1872” and is flanked by two small classical figures in short tunics with trumpets. At each side is a ladder rising from the bell to the shaft, and at the back are two rings for attaching a cord, each in the shape of a fire helmet. The trumpet’s bell is engraved with an image of a hose carriage, which is surrounded by a floral motif. The Blackstone Hose Company was founded in Norwich, Connecticut in 1868 and named for a prominent local businessman and politician, Lorenzo Blackstone.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1872
described
McQuire, Jr., James
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0012
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0012

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