" We now offer to the most particular (wagon) builder a fifth-wheel with gear connections for drop center work which is ideal in every respect. ..has a connection for spring carrier to take the weight off the horse. Can be used on pole or shafts."
Internet: The term fifth wheel comes from a similar coupling used on four-wheel horse-drawn carriages and wagons. The device allowed the front axle assembly to pivot in the horizontal plane, to facilitate turning.
Trinket chest of dovetail construction, hinged lid, turned feet and polychrome decoration. Bottom secured with square nails. Keyhole at front; key missing. On a burnt orange ground are 5 large decals (4 of fruit and 1 of flowers) and one small decal at front center of spread eagle, shield and banner. Chest sides and top have centered line decoration of 3 concentric rectangles with hollow corners (black, ochre, white). Feet are black. Edge moldings of lid and base painted black with yellow-green double line decoration enclosing leafy scrolling vines. Interior and underside unfinished.
Inked # 00.43.1 on bottom. Two old stickers: "65603" on back and "65625" on bottom.
Attributed to Joseph Lehn (1798-1892). South of Clay, Elizabeth Township.
Provenance
Transferred from the James Buchanan Foundation where chest was "found in collection" with history/provenance.
Paint soiled and darkened. Large scar on left end of lid molding. Arc scored into top at right front of lid. Wear/abrasions overall, especially lid and base molding. Loose left front foot and paint loss of right back foot. Pristine interior. One hing screw missing.
Object ID
G.03.35.1
Place of Origin
Elizabeth Twp.
Credit
Gif ot James Buchanan Foundation, Heritage Center Collec
A: Homemade awl or piercing tool with hand-shaped shank with turned up tip set into a crude wooden handle with no finish. L: 5.25"
B: Awl or bodkin with decoratively turned walnut or rosewood handle fitted with a foresection of bone set into handle that tapers to a sharp point. L: 5"
C: Section of cow's horn (thumb protector?) L: 3.25"
D. Section of cow's horn (thumb protector?) L: 3"
Provenance
These four items were designated as basketweaving tools by donor. Unknown origin.
Medal consisting of three parts: At top is a pin of cast bronze with a spread eagle clutching a saber against two cannons & cannon balls; middle section is a suspended American flag silk ribbon which in turn suspends a cast bronze star replete with military symbols on front and back. On front side within a centered circlular band are the words: "GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC." and "1861 - VETERAN - 1866." Inside circle is a scene of a soldier's return from war. Reverse side has numerous symbols portrayed within a compartmented, scallop-edged circle.
Medal consisting of three parts: At top is a pin of cast bronze with a spread eagle clutching a saber against two cannons & cannon balls; middle section is a suspended American flag silk ribbon which in turn suspends a cast bronze star replete with military symbols on front and back. On front side within a centered circlular band are the words: "GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC." and "1861 - VETERAN - 1866." Inside circle is a scene of a soldier's return from war. Reverse side has numerous symbols portrayed within a compartmented, scallop-edged circle.
Eagle's proper right wing tip is broken off and bent back. Bronze is very dark with tarnish and soil. Ribbon is extremely faded on both sides with some soil on back.
