Black beaded purse of rectangular shape. A black silk band trims the mouth at top, enclosing the black twill-weave cotton tape drawstrings. Main body of bag has black beads mounted on a crocheted tan cotton mesh grid through which the off-white muslin interior lining is visible. Fringe at bottom has beaded openwork ending with intertwining loops.
Crocheted black cotton Miser Purse with single crochet pattern throughout. Sock-like form has one round end and the other a squared off opening that is stitched closed. All but center section of purse is decorated with rows of steel beeds incorporated during crocheting. Elongated hole in side provides access for coins and is safeguarded by two encircling, sliding rings of steel with a pierced pattern, 3/8" wide . Both ends of purse decorated with teardrop shapes suspended from small rings, similar to charm bracelet jewelry. Single cluster at round end and attached singly along with disks at blunt end, like a fringe.
Silver colored, shield shaped plaque with beveled edge. Four holes, two at top and two at bottom, for mounting. Engraved with 4.5in high ornate "1" in center. A banner like ribbon, curving around it contains "L.F.D." Some black matter in all recessed areas and lines makes numbers and motifs stand out. Cast from brass, plated in white metal, possibly silver. According to accession "this was a numeral plate was taken from Clapp Jones steam fire engine #1 about 1882."
Large trunk (a) with two large shelves (b, c) that lift out, and one smaller shelf (d). Exterior of the trunk has brown-striped canvas with three horizontal wood straps on the front, back, and hinged lid. There are wrought iron straps riveted at the corners of the trunk to reinforce the construction. Iron handles, one each side. Two sides covered with shipping labels.
Traveling trunk. Large chest-shaped with metal sheet strips at corners. Studded wooden bands at front, back, and top over canvas-covered wood. Two metal catches on lid, remains of leather strap. Lid is rounded. Exterior has remnants of travel destination stickers and one end cap has Henry Elliot Johnston's initials stenciled 'HEJ'.
Tapered mahogany wooden cane with smooth dark finish. One and three quarter inch long golden brass cap/band at top of cane is engraved with a man's profile, President G. Cleveland, on top. 2.125 inch wide brass ferrule on bottom above .75 inch steel tip.
On side written longitudinally: Carried and presented to the L.C.H.S. by George W. Hensel, Jr. 1943.
Engraved horizontally: From Grover Cleveland to W.U. Hensel Easter Time 1893.
Engraving from Hensel to LCHS was a later engraving.
Black painted wood cane with cast metal handle and metal ferrule tip, handle marked, "Grand Army of the Republic, 1861 Veteran 1865" on both sides. Includes emblems of branches of service, eagle, and flag.
Grand Army of the Republic badge. "In Union There Is Strength" on top pin. "D. H. Nissley Post, No. 478 / G. A. R. / Mount Joy, PA." G.A.R. emblem in center of badge. Badge is black with gold letters and gold braided trim on bottom with metal fringes.
Pennsylvania Long Rifle; percussion cap; curly maple stock; iron barrel stamped "H. GIBBS" on top of barrel. Brass fittings and patch box. Some rust on iron and brass parts. Approximately .40 caliber muzzle. 44" barrel with an overall length of 61 inches.
See notes for information on Gibbs.
Provenance
Purchased by donor (Walt Dunlap) at auction in Lancaster County in 1956.
Henry Gibb Sr. and his son Henry Gibb were Lancaster City gunsmiths active for most of the nineteenth century. The father from 1812 until 1843 and the son from 1843 until 1880.
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
