Lignum vitas wood caster with round, bowl-like top, pierced for shaking out pounce. Base is ring-turned tapers smaller to broad top, flat bottom. Small, shallow dotted pattern in two bands near bottom. Lip at top has thin groove. Top screws onto base that would be filled with pounce, which is a fine powder made from powdered cuttlefish bone. Pounce was used both to dry ink and to sprinkle on a rough writing surface to make it smooth enough for writing.
Esther 'Hetty' Parker, James Buchanan's housekeeper, chose this among several other household items that Buchanan noted she was to be allowed to choose after his death. Miss Hetty gave this to the daughter of her neighbor. Miss Steckman donated this to the Wheatland collection in 1938.
From schoolboy to politician -- The road to the Senate -- Approaching storm -- Moving toward war -- Time line -- Glossary -- The United States government -- Choosing the president -- The White House -- Presidential perks -- Facts.
Immigrant's son -- Love and politics -- To Washington : congressman Buchanan -- Senator Buchanan -- Diplomacy -- The most suitable man for the times -- President Buchanan -- March toward war -- Back to wheatland.
