Raised bust profile of Buchanan in center on obverse with 'Hon. James Buchanan' around edge. Reverse: Raised circular wreath with 'Buchanan-The Crisis Demands His Election' in the center and 'The Union one and Indivisible' around edge with star at bottom
Oval hand-held fan. Center of fan is petite pointe and floral print (roses in white and red, small blue flowers with yellow centers, yellow and green veriagated foliage). Background- floral motif is 3 1/4' across and 2 3/4' high. Back of fan is in ivory
Black ostrich feather fan has twenty 9-inch long tortoise shell spines. 2 end spines are wide for entire length. 18 are wide for 5.5 ins. and narrow to 1/4 inch for remaining length. Narrow portions support feathers that are glued to them.
All spines are attached at the base by a rod/pin attached to a u-shaped metal loop that holds an 8-inch black silk-wrapped cord with braided finger ring and black passementary tassel that slides up to hold the feathers/fan together.
Some feathers damaged, one broken off. Only remnants of the broken connecting ribbon remains. All feathers are no longer attached to hold the fan together.
Painted velvet on papier mache board. Trimmed with gilt paper. One fan: center motif is floral with leaves. Other: has fruit motif. Shape is predominately square with cut corners and edges. Surrounding center designs is embossed gilt paper, hand cut. Han
White, linen handkerchief. 1/4' hem on all sides. On inside of hem is fine drawnwork on all sides. Completely hand-made. Initialed 'M E C' in corner - hand embroidered. Partly stained. *Found in blue velvet dress which has unknown origin.
Clear glass bust of Queen Victoria wearing crown and necklace. Below circular blass bottom, a threaded neck extends. A threaded metal cap is set in the center top of the wooden base. The glass portion is screwed into the wooden base with opening for the perfumebottle at its base.
Black case, aqua lining. Black braid around top and bottom edges. Two pockets inside. Ionic design in flat, round black beads in rectangular shape. Center medallion of beads surrounding oval paper with picture of woman in Empire style costume with pink r
Sectioned cross with coral (5) and gold (6) beads. Loop on top for chain. Coral beads are ovoid, gold round - 1 gold at center larger than other gold beads. Coral beads are coral-colored. Supposedly belonged to Harriet Lane. Donor had cross from her moth
Cane made of maple owned by James Buchanan. Long, tapered with tip and 2-part handle of ivory. Handle grip is in the shape of a lily or trumpet flower. Lower section is elaborately carved w/ high-relief eagle on a background of leaves, stars and banner w/ "E PLURIBUS UNUM". Inscribed in black on side of handle in script is "James Buchanan / from E.C.L." Believed to be gift of Elizabeth Chapman Lawrence, friend of Buchanan and Harriet Lane.
Provenance
Descent from Buchanan to James B. Lane, grand nephew, then to donor's husband, grandson of J. B. Lane.
Cracks in handle and separation. Stains on wood. Ivory tip scarred.
Object ID
W.89.58
Notes
The cane was owned by James Buchanan and at his death given to James B. Lane, his grand nephew. It was passed down to the donors husband as grandson of James B. Lane.
