Clock wheel cutting machine used by Lancaster clockmaker Martin Shreiner, Sr. Made of steel and brass with turned wood handle knob on crank. Main frame of tool is steel resting on four rounded, downward-curving legs with coin-shaped feet. Many moving parts, arms and cranks/screws, including the swiveling cutting yoke/frame at top (cutter blade with arbor/spindle missing) and the shaped index arm that "reads" the holes on the 13"-diameter brass wheel furnished with concentric circles of surface holes.
The LaFonds call this a very sophisticated machine, incorporating Swiss, German and English ideas/influences. This indicates to them that the machine was made in America, very likely by Shreiner himself. It was imperative for clockmakers to own this tool to practice their trade. Few survive. This machine was first described in the early book or article (LCHS Bulletin) printed in 1917(or 1919) & 1939 by D. McGee who wrote about Lancaster clockmaking. Ed believes this machine to be "the finest American engine in existence" and that it very well may have been made by Shreiner, probably in the 1790s. The cutter blade was used to cut the teeth on the large brass wheels that turn the pinions. There would have been either a slitting cutter or a form cutter used. Carter Harris says form cutters were used by the 1790s.
Attributed to Martin Shreiner (1769-1866).
An 8x10 B&W photo is in picture file under "clocks." Also slide is in slide collection, #14-3-11.
Lancaster Borough, most likely
Provenance
Owned by two brothers, Samuel K. and William L. Fraser, clockmakers who lived in Lincoln (just west of Ephrata) and grandsons of clockmaker William Fraser (1801-1877), then to early collector Earl T. Strickler (FNAWCC) who had it on display at the Columbia Clock and Watch Museum. Upon Strickler's sudden death circa 1974, it was sold by his widow, Mary Jane Strickler, to Edward F., Jr. and Virginia A. LaFond who removed rust and kept it on a window sill. They then traded it to dealer Jamie Price for some clocks. Price had it on sale at the 2004 Philadelphia Antiques Show in mid-April where, as representative for the von Hess Foundation, Tom Cook, purchased it for this museum's collections.
Ed LaFond believes the Fraser family was related to the Gorgas family, thus they were in a position to inherit tools. Due to this, it was believed at first that both the machine and the scribe were from the Gorgas family. However, LaFond believes the Frasers were also related to the Shreiners. Stacy Wood claims this machine was one of Martin Shreiner's tools (Vol. 96, LCHS Journal).
Pitting on steel surfaces, slight discoloration on brass parts, signs of wear overall.
Object ID
G.04.19.1
Notes
Information from: Clockmakers of Lanc. Co., Wood/Kramer, 1977, p. 142. 225 Years of Timepieces (Catalog of 1st Annual Exh. of NAWCCM, 1979), p. 63. Stacy Wood researched origins and provenance of these tools and wrote article in Vol. 96 #4 of LCHS Journal. Conversations with Virginia LaFond ( 5/19/04), Ed LaFond (7/6/04) and Carter Harris (7/7/04).
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Usage
Shreiner, Martin
Credit
Gift of the Richard C. von Hess Foundation, Heritage Center Collection
Tall case clock w/ 8-day movement housed in a cherry Chippendale style case with scroll pediment, carved floral rosettes and three flame finials. Arched glass door and side lights. Partially engaged, smooth columns at front corners, forming part of the hinged door.
Brass dial has Roman numeral chapter ring, C-scroll and vining foliate engraving at spandrels as well as above and below moon wheel which is painted with a star-spangled sky and moon with face. Engraved "Wilton Atkinson" on lower dial.
Waist has broken arch door and recessed, plain quarter columns. Base has raised, scalloped panel at front with quarter columns that match those in the waist section. Feet are bold ogee bracket style.
Atkinson is believed to have been the son of Matthew Atkinson of Lampeter Twp. Wilton was in the Borough as early as 1763 as a cutler. In tax records, he was listed in 1770 as a watchmaker and in 1772 and 1773 as a clockmaker. He married Anna Maria, daughter of the early Borough clockmaker Abram Laroy. Legend states that Anna Maria also made clocks in Lancaster that were sold bearing her husband's name. The Atkinsons eventually moved to Baltimore where, following his death, Anna Maria conducted business until 1819. (Clockmakers of Lanc. Co.)
Snyder notes on p. 40 of Clockmakers of Lanc. Co, that this case is considered one of the earliest examples of the Chippendale style in Lancaster Co., based on the brief working career of Atkinson (1770-1773).
Provenance
Owned by Dr. George Rohrer, then to son Henry A. Rohrer, then to daughter Mary Louise Webster. Tape adhered to reverse side of dial has the name of the donor's father, "Henry Rohrer/ 9-22-87."
Case has been overcleaned, finished with a glossy varnish then handrubbed with steel wool to remove gloss. Vertical scratch on right side of base; feet marred. Crack at lower right corner of base, below raised panel. There are about nine nail holes over the expanse of the tympanum suggesting missing carving. Heavy dent on dial at left edge, center, and hammer marks at this point on reverse side. Lower left corner distorted.
Object ID
G.01.49.1
Notes
Entry for Wilton Atkinson in "Clockmakers of Lancaster Co. and Their Clocks 1750-1850" notes that: "Atkinson married Anna Maria, a daughter of the early Borough clockmaker Abrum Laroy and legend states that she also made clocks in Lancaster that were sold bearing her husband's name. "
Brochure of the First Reformed Church (UCC) notes that in the 1760s, "the French Laroys" belonged to this church. "One chronicler called the LeRoy sisters (four daughters of a local clockmaker) the 'Belles of the congregation.'... Anna Maria, the youngest of the sisters, learned her father's trade and was said to be 'as good a clockmaker' as he was. She and her husband, Wilton Atkinson, took over the family business." (Note: Abrum Laroy died in 1763).
Above brochure is http://visithistoricalancaster.com/pdf/02LP109 HOW-FR-UCC
Call to church office & conversation with paster Dana Schlegel offered no clues to source of above information (Jan. 2017).
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
In memory of Dr. George Rohrer and Mrs. & Mrs. Henry A. Rohrer by Mary Louise Webster, Heritage Center Collection
Platter of ironstone transferware with clear glaze. Rectangular with clipped corners, recessed bottom and moderately wide sides that extend outward. White body is devoid of decoration except for black transfer scene of a long bridge spanning a river, 5 people in foreground, town at right end of bridge and another in the distance on right bank. Underside has apparent impressed mark and transfer maker's mark at center: under a spread eagle with shield is a "sign" reading "COLUMBIA BRIDGE ON THE SUSQUEHANNA". Below it is "W.R.", indicating maker William Ridgway & Co. Sticker on bottom is: "$390" and "CLP". This river scene is a variation of the print done by William Henry Bartlett (see G98.12.21).
Shelton or Hanley, England
Provenance
Purchased in Adamstown Antiques Gallery for Heritage Center collection. Transferred from Heritage Center, December 2012.
Copper teakettle with round body, gooseneck spout, very low domed lid w/ scrolled knob of sheet copper riveted onto lid with a hand-cut washer added under lid, suggesting repair or replacement. Curved handle hinges onto tapered plinth tab bases with two rivets each. Vertical dove-tailed side seam opposite single-seamed spout. Dove-tailed bottom.
Touchmark on top of handle is "R..REED." within a rectangular reserve with serrated ends.
Made by Robert Reed, working in Lancaster 1771-1779, then 1785-1795.
Provenance
Purchased by Heritage Center from Philip Bradley Antiques
Transferred from Heritage Center to LancasterHistory.org December, 2012.
Tax assessment lists Robert Reed 1786-1793.
Kauffman, Henry J. American Copper and Brass. New York: Bonanza, 1979.
Coppersmith info from Shelley Horvath Posten (dau. of Don Horvath), 2009
Copper dented and scratched overall, polish residue at handle hinges. Side handle break repaired with sheet iron patch secured to outside with two iron rivets. Knob appears to be a repair or a replacement.
Object ID
P.80.131
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
Heritage Center Collection. Purchased through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation,
Round copper vessel, shaped like a teakettle, but without a spout. A shaped strap handle is attached to each side of the opening at shoulder with riveted brackets. The handle widens near the middle, where the maker's mark is stamped: "P & B. SCHAUM"
Body is dovetailed to base, one dovetailed vertical seam, handle attached to flanges held in place by two rivets each. Pot insert is missing. Another insert (S.13) was purchased as a replacement.
Vessel has multiple dents, creating a general distortion overall. Surface is also tarnished and has drip stains running down the sides. The bottom is very worn and has numerous stains. Blueish-white stains on the inside. Polish residue on handle.
Object ID
P.77.61
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Related Item Notes
See broadside for Benjamin Schaum's hardware store, P.91.02
Credit
Heritage Center Collection. Purchased through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation
Copper Teakettle has large 7-quart round body, domed lid with brass button knob attached to a metal base visible inside. Goose-neck spout. One vertical dove-tailed seam opposite spout, straight seam along top of spout and short seam underneath. Dove-tailed bottom. Arched handle hinged at chordal sector tab bases with three rivets each.
Maker's mark on top center of handle within serrated rectangular reserve: "7 JOHN.GETZ 7"
Made by John Getz (working 1801-1840).
Provenance
See 2009 materials sent by Shelley Horvath Poston (dau. of Don Horvath).
Copper has many dents and scratches. Significant 3 1/2" series of dents down the side opposite the spout and one under lid finial. Heavily soldered repair joint at base of spout.
Object ID
P.80.115
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
Heritage Center Collection. Purchased through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation
Copper tea kettle, classic form with gooseneck spout, high dome lid, marked strap handle hinged on "plinth w/ serifs" tab bases. Lid fitted with a crudely fashioned replaced iron or steel mushroom-shaped finial, bent to one side.
Vertical dove-tailed seam on side opposite spout, top seam running length of spout. Dove-tailed bottom.
Tarnished with numerous dents and scratches over body. Two very heavy dents at shoulder, opposite each other and one on bottom. Finial knob bent to one side. Two significant cracks on proper right side at shoulder and one on back.
Object ID
P.01.48.1
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
Heritage Center Collection. Purchased through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation
Tankard, lidded barrel form. Copper body with brass handle, shell thumb piece and four bands encircling body. Interior is tinned. Engraved on opposite side from handle, "COMPLIMENTS/ OF/ JOHN G. SCHAUM/ TO/ FRANK J. RIEKER." One of a pair with P00.42.2.
Believed to be a presentation piece given by Schaum in appreciation for all the work he was given in Rieker's brewery. Schaum did copper, tin and sheet iron work and was the son and one-time partner of plumber/ coppersmith John P. Schaum.
Provenance
Collection of J. Harlan Miller sold at Conestoga Auction Oct. 21, 2000.
Tankard, lidded barrel form. Copper body with brass handle, shell thumb piece and four bands encircling body. Interior is tinned. Engraved on opposite side from handle, "COMPLIMENTS/ OF/ JOHN G. SCHAUM/ TO/ JOSEPH HAEFNER." One of a pair with P00.42.3.
Believed to be a presentation piece given by Schaum in appreciation for all the work he was given in Haefner's brewery. Schaum did copper, tin and sheet iron work and was the son and one-time partner of plumber/ coppersmith John P. Schaum.
Provenance
Collection of J. Harlan Miller sold at Conestoga Auction Oct. 21, 2000. Transferred from Heritage Center Dec. 2012.
Heavy tarnish overall. Moderate scratching. Slightly dented in center of and below engraving. Small nicks on rim of lid. Minor corrosion where handle and thumb piece connect to body and on bottom. Some polish residue in crevices.
Large copper teakettle with rounded body, goose-neck spout and hinged handle having a medium arc, mounted on shaped flanges with three rivets. The domed lid has a small brass mushroom knob (replaced). Dovetailed seams on bottom and vertical seam on side opposite spout. Seamed repair to spout tip.
"F. STEINMAN" is stamped on the handle within a reserve.
Provenance
Transferred from Heritage Center Collection, Dec. 2012
Jack Brubaker, The Steinmans of Lancaster, pp. 11-15.
HJ Kauffman, Early American Copper, Tin & Brass, 1995, pp. 42-43.
HJ Kauffman, American Copper & Brass, 1979, p. 65.
Height (in)
13
Width (in)
16
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2013-11-13
Condition Notes
Many dents and overall wear. HJK says handle slightly shortened (likely done by him). Tip of spout replaced. Plugged hole in bottom. Replaced knob. Stamped name very worn. Tarnished with polish residue where the spout, handle, and lid meet the main body.
Object ID
G.77.14
Notes
When his father died in 1758, John Frederick Steinman, Sr. (1752-1823) moved with his mother to Lititz from his birthplace, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. His mother remarried a few years later to John Christophe Heyne, a tinsmith and pewterer from Lancaster. The shop of Heyne and Steinman would become known as Steinman's Hardware Store, the oldest hardware store in America.
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
Heritage Center Collection. Gift of Henry J. Kauffman
Traditional tea kettle form made of tinned sheet iron. Now unmoveable handle hinged to oval tab bases with two rivets. Dovetailed vertical seam on side opposite spout: spout has a straight seam along top and also bottom of base section. Dovetail seam around shoulder top. Slightly domed lid has black-painted knob.
Made by George Rogers, tinsmith, (1814-1854, working c. 1848).
For references to G. Rogers, see Kauffman, American Copper and Brass, p. 207. Copy in file.
Also see 1859-60 Directory, p. 143 for reference to George Rogers.
Height (in)
11
Width (in)
11.75
Diameter (in)
8
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2013-11-18
Condition Notes
Interior heavily rusted. Dent to the right of the spout on shoulder. Multiple smaller dents. Multiple score lines, possibly from a rasp, especially on shoulder area.
Coffepot (A) and lid (B) of blue transfer-printed pearlware. On a pedestal base is an octagonal pear-shaped body flaring back out at recessed rim. Gooseneck spout with cap at tip. High arching handle of C-scrolls. Domed octagonal lid has an octagonal knop/finial and tiny vent hole.
Transfer decoration is a Chinese scene with people, trees, water and pagoda with bridges. Additional decoration at top and base is a filigree-edged band dominated by 3-leafed vine.
Stoneware storage jar with applied lug handles, salt-glazed, gray ovoid body with prominent lip and brushed cobalt blue decoration on sides and at applied handles. One side has a bifurcated flower with oval cartouche centered between flowers. Within cartouche is maker's mark "H GAST/ West Orange/ LANCASTER". Opposing side has a flower with 3 branches.
Gast established himself on W. Orange St. in 1834, but moved to 416 Manor St. in 1838. Thus, this jar was made sometime 1834 to 1838. Gast was the principal supplier of stoneware in the city for over 40 years, His son joined him in the mid 1850s.
Provenance
Unknown.
See Phil Schaltenbrand, "Big Ware Turners," 2002, pp. 18-20.
Large redware pitcher, sectioned octagonal form with conforming low pedestal base. Applied handle and pulled pouring spout. Orange-red color dark brown manganese mottling with clear glaze overall.
Impressed mark on underside is "C GAST" for Conrad Gast (1813- after 1880).
Prince and James Sts. Lancaster, PA
Provenance
Heritage Center purchased from Ruth Rogers of School House Farm Antiques, New Holland.
Wear at all salient points of the lower body as well as the outside and tip of handle. Two medium chips at opposite sides of lip and several minor chips at spout and sides of lip. Wear at bottom.
Object ID
P.02.04.1
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
Gift of V. Ronald Smith, Heritage Center Collection
Glazed soft paste porcelain teapot (A) with lid (B). Handpainted "Strawberry" pattern decoration on pale blue body - pearlware. Ovoid shape with neck leading to flared lip. Has molded gooseneck spout and applied handle. Slightly domed lip has flattened knob finial.
Provenance
Collected by Harpo and Susan Marx in Pennsylvania during visits back East from CA. Donated to Heritage Center.
Staffordshire transferware sugar bowl in tureen form. Octagonal rounded body (A) sits on a pedestal; two molded applied handles at sides. Conforming domed lid (B) has cutout at one side for spoon and a molded finial on top. Black transfer pattern is a landscape with palatial buildings, trees, vegetation and distant mountains. Border is scroll design with narrow band of quatrefoil flowers and edged with Gothic crockets. Underside marked with pattern name "Missouri" above "B & S." A prominent English registry mark indicates the manufacture date of June 5, 1850.
Small molded transferware plate, hand-painted. White-bodied plate has recessed bottom with light green transfer decoration of a woman spinning outdoors near a house, two gentlemen, two small sheep and cow. Surrounding scene is "Fly pleasure and it will follow you. The diligent spinner as a large shift./ Now I have a Sheep & Cow every body bids me good morrow." A flaring rim is slightly hexagonal with scalloped edge painted with red lustre. Raised leafage and swagged beading have underglaze bright paint colors with alternating red, yellow, blue and green.
Provenance
Descent to Sarah Muench from family (likely Aunt Alice Potter Fordney, an antiques dealer).
Glazed soft paste porcelain teapot (A) with lid (B). Handpainted "Adam's Rose" pattern decoration on pale blue body - pearlware. Ovoid body sits on oblong pedestal foot. At neck is an extended collar. Crowned with flaring extension around upper opening. Molded gooseneck spout and applied handle. Domed lid has oblong shape to fit the opening. Topped with knob finial.
Impressed with "GOOD" (?) on bottom and incised "6" or "9". Later inscribed with "C 106" over "17.50". There is a nearby X.
Provenance
Collected by Harpo and Susan Marx during visits back East from CA. Donated to Heritage Center.
Significant paint losses on some green leaves. Various hairline cracks aroung body, visible from interior as well. Bearing point of pedestal bottom is poorly glazed with some wear.
Object ID
G.98.51.30a-b
Place of Origin
England
Credit
Given in memory of Harpo by Susan Marx, Heritage Center Collection
Glazed soft paste porcelain coffeepot (A) with lid (B). Handpainted "King's Rose" pattern decoration on pale blue body - pearlware. Inverted pear-shaped body sits on a pedestal foot. Wide shoulders curve in to form a neck above which is a round, flared mouth on which sits the lid. Leaf molded spout and applied C-scrolled handle both have red striping. High domed lid has acorn finial painted red. Decorated pink bands at neck and bottom or domed lid.
Impressed with "GOOD" (?) on bottom and incised "6" or "9". Later inscribed with "C 106" over "17.50". There is a nearby X.
Provenance
Collected by Harpo and Susan Marx during visits back East from CA. Donated to Heritage Center.
Pedestal bottom is soiled with some wear. Minor soiling and interior staining. Small nicks and scratches to paint as well as significant paint loss at least on one green "leaf".
Object ID
G.98.51.21a-b
Place of Origin
England
Credit
Given in memory of Harpo by Susan Marx, Heritage Center Collection
Glazed soft paste porcelain Gaudy Dutch teapot (A) with lid (B). Handpainted "Butterfly" pattern decoration on pale blue body of pearlware. Squat ovoid body sits on a low footring; body swells most in lower half. Collar extends outward below an oblong mouth fitted with conforming domed lid with oblong knob finial . Spout has minimal molding as does arching applied handle.
Provenance
Collected by Harpo and Susan Marx during visits back East from CA. Donated to Heritage Center.
Overall strong staining, especially at lower spout and base section and interior. Strong hairline cracks throughout base and bottom, with resulting staining. Scratchon butterfly wing. Chip on underside of spout tip. Long split/crack on handle back, perhaps from firing. Coloring is very uneven at multiple places, sometimes creating a mottled effect. Wear and soil under foot ring.
Object ID
G.98.51.03a-b
Place of Origin
England
Credit
Given in memory of Harpo by Susan Marx, Heritage Center Collection
