a.(medal): Circular bronzed copper commemorative medal. Raised profile of James Buchanan in center. Around edge:"James Buchanan, President of the United States." Beneath is name of the designer, "S.(alathiel) Ellis. SC."
On reverse: Border of 3 layers of oak leaves and acorns with a striped shield at bottom center. In center above: " In/Commemoration/of the/ First Embassy from/ Japan/to the/ United States/ 1860" On right, beneath striped shield: "Paquet F."
b. Leather case for Buchanan Commemorative medal in the shape of a large coin. On both black leather covers and spine is a gold 3-line border that frames an eagle perched on a striped shield with arrows and olive branches beneath its clawed foot. 13 gold stars surround it and sprays of peonies are in each corner. The book opens to the back. Wood edges frame a circular holder for the medal. Peony sprays are pressed into all 4 corners of the velvet covering.
Commemorates the Japanese Delegation visit to United States of America
Pennsylvania Coat of Arms once hung over the judge's bench at the old Lancaster county courthouse (1786-1853). Lancaster served as the capitol of of the Commonwealth of PA from 1799 to 1812. Made of oak,
Piece of Donegal Witness Tree.(Cross-sectional slice of branch with bark on one portion.)
Note: This is apparently different than a "section of wood from the Witness Tree at Donegal church. Donated by Mrs. M.N. Robinson. Noted in minutes in Journal of 1 June 1906.
Commemorative banner of Pennsylvania Coat of Arms and U.S. shield. Embroidered silk banner in original wooden frame. Embroidery measures about five feet square and shows an American spread eagle and the U.S. shield between four tasseled American flags.
Provenance
Banner was stored in a public building near Cleveland, Ohio for several decades (unknown how banner reached Ohio or why it was stored there). It reached the art market in the 1960s. It is believed to be from the Japanese delegation of 1860.
Banner is believed to have been a gift to President Buchanan in 1860 by the first Japanese mission to the White House. According to documentation from Thomas L. Hughes, the Pennsylvania Coat of Arms was regulated in 1875 to have two white horses and 'no
Coarse linen US flag with 34 stars and 7 red stripes and 6 white stripes.
January 1861, Flag of John Roberts, who served in the Revenue Cutter Service which was the forerunner of the Coast Guard. Probably from Virginia or Maryland.
Hand-stitched. Blue panel (27.5" x 25") is made of 3 pieces. White stars are stitched on both sides. On ends, left is bound with white machine-stitching (cahin stitching). Right end (stripes) doubled over and attached with running stitch. Stripes attached with French seams so no raw edges. Top and bottom red edges are selvedges. Top blue edge turned and attached with running stitch.
Portrait of young gentleman. Fairly faded out. Water marks/stains, one around right eye of man (viewer's left) in decorative bronze-colored frame with glass narrow gold-colored braid around edge. All with a red velvet rectangle. On the red velvet lining of the lid/cover: "Addis (?) s Lancaster Gallery/ NE Corner of Centre Square & N. Queen St." Black container has decorative motifs on front and back.
Studio tintype photo of Civil War soldier, full length, holding his rifle.
Sticker on back reads: "Zaloudek 10-28-72" (original date of donation). Handwriting on back in faint pencil is: "Benjamin McComsey 61 to 65."
Benjamin McComsey volunteered to serve in the Civil War. He was killed Nov. 7, 1862 in Berlin, MD. This item transferred to Objects collection from Archives. See Notes for typed biographical info.
This item transferred to Objects collection from Archives. Accompanying this tintype is a perforated paper bookmark with cross-stitched "A Present for Bennie." Typed biographical info is:
"This is the chief treasure of the McComsey family. Young son Benjamin volunteered to serve in the Civil War, and these letters (In Archives) tell the story of the remainder of his life.
Benjamin was the son of William McComsey, who was City Treasurer of Lanc. in the late 1880's. A descendant of Mathias McComsey, who was born in Manor Township in 1787. Benjamin's mother was Mary Dorwart, daughter of Henry, a tailor in Lancaster.
Benjamin died Nov. 7, 1862 in Berlin, Md. in the 18th year of his life. He is buried in the McComsey plot at Lancaster Cemetery."
Additional items given by this donor are 1972.026.1-.5. This includes a wedding hat, pair of lady's snow glasses and three shawls.
Sepia-tinted photo of Harriet Lane. Oval. Harriet facing 3/4 front, to her right. Hair rolled under with flowers. Decolletage dress with flowers at center and at shoulders. Light-colored dress, no jewelry. Shown from hips up. Frame: rounded front, plain,
a. (medal): Circular bronzed copper commemorative medal. On Front: Raised profile of James Buchanan in center. Around edge: "James Buchanan, President of the United States" "Paquet F." under profile. On reverse: Standing toga-clad man with snake around his right wrist. To left is seated female; young man on knees with arm around standing man/physician; bearded man with scythe behind and to right. "To Dr. Frederick Rose, Assistant Surgeon, Royal Navy, G.B." At base: "For kindness and humanity/ to officers and crew/ of the U.S. Steamer/ Susquehanna."
b.(case): Book-like red leather case. On both outside covers, an eagle within a circle surrounded by 13 stars. A square floral border with spray of flowers in each corner is inside an outer border of 3 solid lines. All impressions in gold. A brass clasp in center on front and back covers. Circular opening/holder for medallion is surround by a metallic thread cord. Dark blue velvet with impressed floral sprays in each corner cover the front and back. Metallic cord around outer edges. Narrow red leather edges are stamped with a gold chain pattern.
Photographic print / painting of Prince of Wales visit to Mount Vernon. Large, black and white print showing entrance to Washington's tomb to the left with the Prince of Wales and James Buchanan at entrance. Wide array of men and women across picture, mo
