Historic New England

Pendant

Star-shaped stamped metal pendant with inscription: "WORLD'S FAIR/ 1893" on one side and picture of chest on other side; ring on top.

Date: 1893

Maker: The G.M. Shirk Mfg. Co. (Maker)

Material: brass (alloy), stamping (forming), engraving (action)

GUSN: 23909

Accession Number: 1998.4865

Round porcelain button with a white ground printed with promotional design of a spoked bicycle wheel in shades of grey and black with an interlaced yellow ribbon inscribed in block font, "AMESBURY CYCLES".

Date: 1890-1930

Maker: O'Hara Dial Co. (Maker)

Material: printing (process), porcelain

GUSN: 23910

Accession Number: 1998.4866

Button

Round yellow button with inscription printed in black on an oval white ground, center front: "The Railroad Agent's Association of New England." Closure with a metal pin and hook on back. Maker's label on back [See inscriptions].

Date: 1896

Maker: The Whitehead & Hoag Co. (Manufacturer)

Material: metal, printing (process)

GUSN: 23911

Accession Number: 1998.4867

Button cover

Metal cuff button embossed with three vertical columns on front. Each column bears one of the following inscriptions: "EFFICACY, UNIFORMITY, PURITY." A fourth, "RELIABILITY, " is arranged above the columns, horizontally; white metal w/ hexagonal shape.

Date: 1920

Maker: unknown

Material: white metal, stamping (forming)

GUSN: 23912

Accession Number: 1998.4868

Commemorative medal

Commemorative shield-shaped medal with decorative scrolled edges, with stamped image of a single pylon monument set in a grassy, fenced area surrounded by brick houses. Inscription in block letters flanks the pylon, "BUNKER HILL MONUMENT/ BOSTON MASS." Closure is a hinged pin set vertically on back.

Date: 1840-1880

Maker: unknown

Material: white metal, stamping (forming), plating (metal coating)

GUSN: 23913

Accession Number: 1998.4869

Button

Round white button depicting a green flag flying to proper left on a yellow pole topped with a yellow tassel, white ground, black outline. Flag displays a gold harp. Beneath the flag is the inscription "Ireland" in block letters. Closure on back with a metal pin and hook. Maker's label on back [See ...

Date: 1896

Maker: The Whitehead & Hoag Co. (Maker)

Material: metal, printing (process)

GUSN: 23914

Accession Number: 1998.4870

Buckle

Gold-colored plated metal buckles with similar Nouveau-style sinuous design motifs but different hardware. Each buckle is an open frame comprised of an oval with engraved parallel lines at each of the pointed ends. At one pointed end of each oval a pair of branches or arms meet to form a triangle. E...

Date: 1910-1920

Maker: unknown

Material: metal, plating (metal coating)

GUSN: 23915

Accession Number: 1998.4871AB

Bracelet

One in a pair of celluloid (or possibly dyed tortoiseshell) black bracelets, each with an applied classical profile bust of an androgynous individual (possibly Dionysus) with grapes and grape leaves in their hair. Each bracelet is a flexible band with open ends that overlap for adjustability. The ou...

Date: 1860-1890

Maker: unknown

Material: celluloid (cellulosic)

GUSN: 23916

Accession Number: 1998.4872.1

Bracelet

One in a pair of celluloid (or possibly dyed tortoiseshell) black bracelets, each with an applied classical profile bust of an androgynous individual (possibly Dionysus) with grapes and grape leaves in their hair. Each bracelet is a flexible band with open ends that overlap for adjustability. The ou...

Date: 1860-1890

Maker: unknown

Material: celluloid (cellulosic)

GUSN: 23917

Accession Number: 1998.4872.2

Buckle

Each buckle in this pair is constructed of black celluloid or early plastic. They are rectangular, with cut corners and an oval opening in the center with a vertical cross bar.

Date: 1900-1930

Maker: unknown

Material: celluloid (cellulosic)

GUSN: 23918

Accession Number: 1998.4873AB

Bracelet

One in pair of nickel-plated brass bangle-style bracelets made from a single tube of metal capped with acorn-shaped finials that bypass one another to form a circle. The lower half of the bangle is set with six equally-spaced, circular, flat paillettes that dangle freely from a pair of O-rings set d...

Date: 1860-1880

Maker: unknown

Material: brass (alloy), nickel (metal), plating (metal coating), engraving (action)

GUSN: 23919

Accession Number: 1998.4874.1

Bracelet

One in pair of nickel-plated brass bangle-style bracelets made from a single tube of metal capped with acorn-shaped finials that bypass one another to form a circle. The lower half of the bangle is set with six equally-spaced, circular, flat paillettes that dangle freely from a pair of O-rings set d...

Date: 1860-1880

Maker: unknown

Material: brass (alloy), nickel (metal), plating (metal coating), engraving (action)

GUSN: 23920

Accession Number: 1998.4874.2

Buckle

Each buckle in this pair is constructed of a cast brass frame with a leather center. The frame is a convex square, molded to fit over the instep and decorated with a bas-relief cobblestone decoration. The center of each buckle is filled with a smooth, brown leather filler. The buckles attach with a...

Date: 1890-1920

Maker: unknown

Material: brass (alloy), leather

GUSN: 23921

Accession Number: 1998.4875AB

Earring

Each earring in this pair is constructed of gold-colored, plated metal flowers with petals enameled in shades of pink and yellow. Attachment with a wire hook.

Date: 1860-1890

Maker: unknown

Material: enameling, metal, plating (metal coating)

GUSN: 23922

Accession Number: 1998.4876AB

Earring

Each earring in this pair is carved from jet in the form of a Classical portrait. Attachment is a wire hook at back.

Date: 1850-1870

Maker: unknown

Material: jet (coal)

GUSN: 23923

Accession Number: 1998.4877AB

Pair of earrings

Each earring in this pair is made from a single round faux pearl button. Earrings clipped to lobes with a plated metal wire and screw back.

Date: 1890-1920

Maker: unknown

Material: faux finish, pearl (color), metal, plating (metal coating)

GUSN: 23924

Accession Number: 1998.4878AB

Ornament

Triangular shaped jet and paste ornament w/ geometric designs painted onto triangle; embedded paste gems follow geometric lines.

Date: 1850-1870

Maker: unknown

Material: jet (coal), paste (glass), glass (material)

GUSN: 23925

Accession Number: 1998.4879

Ornament

Bow shaped yellow plastic ornament w/ gold, silver and white paste gems embedded into plastic; black felt piece around middle of bow.

Date: 1920-1940

Maker: unknown

Material: paste (glass), plastic (organic material), glass (material)

GUSN: 23926

Accession Number: 1998.4880

Commemorative medal

Commemorative medal with inscription on curved ribbon above and below scene of town nestled in mountains with railroad tracks near base. Inscription curved above scene reads "RAINBOW ROUTE" Inscription below split into two ribbons, one reading "SILVERTON" and the other, "RAILROAD." All inscriptions...

Date: ca. 1890

Maker: unknown

Material: silver (metal), plating (metal coating), enamel (fused coating)

GUSN: 23927

Accession Number: 1998.4881

Necklace

A band composed of a net of small, iridescent shells strung on thread between clear glass seed beads, one shell at the crossed intersection of two beaded strands, five rows total. Most likely a dog collar-style necklace (also called a choker) but could have been a bracelet.

Date: 1850-1880

Maker: unknown

Material: shell (animal material), glass (material), beads (pierced objects)

GUSN: 23928

Accession Number: 1998.4882

Watch chain

This watch chain is composed of carved jet links in a rough figure '8' design. A metal hook at one end would have attached to a watch while the carved jet toggle at the other end (broken) would have passed through a button hole.

Date: 1850-1870

Maker: unknown

Material: jet (coal), metal, enamel (fused coating)

GUSN: 23929

Accession Number: 1998.4883

Watch chain

This watch chain is composed of carved alternating square and hexagonal jet links with a metal hook at one end for suspension from a watch. Additional jet chain with ornamental carved jet padlock fob suspended from opposite end. Toggle for attachment to buttonhole broken.

Date: 1850-1870

Maker: unknown

Material: jet (coal), metal, enamel (fused coating)

GUSN: 23930

Accession Number: 1998.4884

Belt buckle

This crescent-shaped buckle is composed of scrolled foliate and floral filigree metal elements, most likely gilded silver. The center bar and three prongs are gilded. Strap no longer extant.

Date: 1850-1890

Maker: unknown

Material: silver alloy, filigree, gilding

GUSN: 23931

Accession Number: 1998.4885

Cross

This carved vulcanite cross has a single bail set at top, through which is strung a black silk ribbon. One end of the ribbon is finished with a crimped metal aiglet, indicating it may have once been a shoelace.

Date: 1850-1870

Maker: unknown

Material: vulcanite, silk (fiber), carving (processes), molding (forming)

GUSN: 23932

Accession Number: 1998.4886

Brooch

Brooch consists of a bouquet of petaled flowers backed by leaves, all carved from unglazed white porcelain. Closure with hinged pin on back.

Date: 1850-1880

Maker: unknown

Material: porcelain, carving (processes)

GUSN: 23933

Accession Number: 1998.4887

Brooch

This small circular brooch is constructed from a single piece of carved celluloid. It is pierced through the center and engraved on the front with four parallel lines across the center. The verso is carved with abstract petaled flowers at top and bottom and diagonal lines at right and left that are ...

Date: 1890-1920

Maker: unknown

Material: celluloid (cellulosic), carving (processes), metal

GUSN: 23934

Accession Number: 1998.4888

Flag

Small American flag--silk on copper stick; 30 stars in blue field.

Maker: unknown

Material: copper (metal), silk (textile)

GUSN: 23935

Accession Number: 1998.4889

Stud

Round brilliant-cut clear paste stone prong-set on single stem, all settings are gold-toned metal, possibly gold filled or plated. Backing is a metal disk. Stud for a cuff or shirt front. Potential mates in set no longer extant.

Date: 1870-1920

Maker: unknown

Material: gold alloy, paste (glass)

GUSN: 23936

Accession Number: 1998.4890

Earring

Single carved jet earring carved to resemble fan-shaped flower with stamen in center; brass hook on back. Mate to earring no longer extant.

Date: 1850-1870

Maker: unknown

Material: jet (coal), gold alloy, plating (metal coating)

GUSN: 23937

Accession Number: 1998.4891

Pair of partial earrings

Each jet pendant in this pair is tear-drop shaped and carved on both sides with a central image of a bouquet of lilies of the valley and daffodils. A large pierced hole above the carving would have suspended these pendants from earwires, possibly with additional jet ornaments, now absent.

Date: 1850-1870

Maker: unknown

Material: jet (coal), carving (processes)

GUSN: 23938

Accession Number: 1998.4892AB

Billiard ball

17 billiard balls; ivory and each painted w/ a different color stripe or solid; engraved numbers on each.

Date: 1860-1880

Maker: unknown

Material: ivory (tooth component), painting (coating)

GUSN: 23939

Accession Number: 1998.4893A-Q

Brooch

Brooch is part of a set with earrings 1998.4894BC, all are made from a round of aventurine bezel set in a plain gold-plated frame. A thin engraved line echoes the bezel setting on the gold border. Closure with a hinged pin on back.

Date: 1870-1920

Maker: unknown

Material: gold alloy, aventurine glass, plating (metal coating)

GUSN: 23940

Accession Number: 1998.4894A

Pair of earrings

Earrings are part of a set with brooch 1998.4894A, all are made from a round of aventurine bezel set in a plain gold-plated frame. A thin engraved line echoes the bezel setting on the gold border. Earrings pass through lobe with gold-plated earwires.

Date: 1870-1920

Maker: unknown

Material: gold alloy, aventurine glass, plating (metal coating)

GUSN: 23941

Accession Number: 1998.4894BC

Bracelet

Yellow celluloid bracelet; plain bangle style; round.

Date: 1920-1940

Maker: unknown

Material: celluloid (cellulosic)

GUSN: 23942

Accession Number: 1998.4895

Brooch

Brooch in the shape of a bird foot with curved talons. The surface is embellished with faceted steel beads strung on brass wire, which are wrapped around the base metal form to represent scales. The claws were left exposed as gold-colored metal. Closure is a pin and clasp on back.

Date: 1840-1870

Maker: unknown

Material: metal, cut steel

GUSN: 23944

Accession Number: 1998.4897

Hatpin

One of three hat pins w/ large paste stone atop brass spring connected to two pronged brass? pin.

Date: 1870-1920

Maker: unknown

Material: brass (alloy), paste (glass), glass (material)

GUSN: 24045

Accession Number: 1998.4961.2

Hatpin

One of three hat pins w/ large paste stone atop brass spring connected to two pronged brass? pin.

Date: 1870-1920

Maker: unknown

Material: brass (alloy), paste (glass), glass (material)

GUSN: 24046

Accession Number: 1998.4961.3

Thread

Box of various spools of thread of different materials, sizes and colors; most on wooden spools.

Date: 1880-1930

Maker: unknown

Material: cotton (textile), silk (textile), wood (plant material)

GUSN: 24047

Accession Number: 1998.4962

Sewing needle

Box w/ packets of sewing needles; approx. 30 packets of needles w/ various printed labels w/ manufacturers and patent dates; number written on box.

Date: 1860-1900

Maker: unknown

Material: metal, paper (fiber product)

GUSN: 24048

Accession Number: 1998.4963

Thread

Box of cotton and silk thread; approx. 30 spools w/ various manufacturers and inscriptions; various colors of thread as well.

Date: 1880-1940

Maker: unknown

Material: cotton (textile), silk (textile)

GUSN: 24049

Accession Number: 1998.4964

Yarn

1 box of yarn; multi-colored fragments of yarn in plastic bag w/ skein of red yarn outside bag; box also multi-colored--number on box.

Date: 1920-1960

Maker: unknown

Material: dyeing, wool (textile)

GUSN: 24050

Accession Number: 1998.4965

Sewing bag

Small sewing bag--deep blue silk w/ blue and green dots; wood and cushion bottom which unfolds to reveal holder for needles (cushion tied to base of bag w/ white ribbon); white ribbon around top which when pulled scrunches top for closure of bag.

Date: 1860-1890

Maker: unknown

Material: silk (textile)

GUSN: 24051

Accession Number: 1998.4966

Darning egg

Black wooden darning egg w/ turned handle.

Date: 1860-1890

Maker: unknown

Material: painting (coating), wood (plant material)

GUSN: 24052

Accession Number: 1998.4967

Darning egg

Wooden darning egg w/ thread and needle inside; egg separates at middle by screwing mechanism to reveal small compartment in center for needles and space around small compartment for thread.

Date: 1880-1920

Maker: unknown

Material: wood (plant material)

GUSN: 24053

Accession Number: 1998.4968

Shoelace

Packet of brown cotton shoe laces w/ label around middle of coiled laces.

Date: 1899-1920

Maker: Congdon, P. J. (Maker)

Material: cotton (textile)

GUSN: 24054

Accession Number: 1998.4969

Identification tag

Box of marking tags; yellow box w/ black lettering and blue "T" stamped on side; inside w/ rolls of white cotton tags, one roll w/ red embroidered "J"'s and one roll w/ red embroidered "T"'s.

Date: 1890-1930

Maker: unknown

Material: cotton (textile), embroidering, paper (fiber product)

GUSN: 24055

Accession Number: 1998.4970

Needle holder

Black felt knitting needle holder w/ approx. 40 needles; flat rectangular shape w/ 5 long compartments for needles and flap on top w/ stitched hole.

Date: 1860-1890

Maker: unknown

Material: felt (textile)

GUSN: 24056

Accession Number: 1998.4971

Pin box

Cube-shaped box for straight pins; gilded paper w/ purple and white labels on front and back; various pins w/ white and black heads still stuck onto outside of box.

Date: 1880-1920

Maker: unknown

Material: gilding, paper (fiber product)

GUSN: 24057

Accession Number: 1998.4972