Handmade rectangular grater crudely fashioned with tinned sheet iron and having 14 staggered slits of 1.25" width and raised edges for cutting. All four edges are folded to back, but the two long sides are rolled over wire to stiffen length of tool.
Crudely fashioned tin tool has wear and imperfections at blades and back corners. Abrasions and corrosion scattered overall. Peeling paint or corrosion.
Yellow ribbon pinned behind a gold-colored metal pin as if hanging behind a relief curtain rod and valance. In black letters on ribbon: "BUSINESS/ MEN'S/ CLUB/ - / McKINLEY/ AND/ ROOSEVELT./ -/ 1900."
Paper sticker on back of ribbon: "Erisman,/ Badges, Banners, Flags/ Lodge Supplies/ Manufacturer's Agent,/ Lancaster, Pa."
Lathe-turned wooden tar bucket with fitted lid and remnants of leather straps. Cylindrical vessel has slight taper inward toward middle. Decorated with two double score marks below center. Above center are shoulders jutting outward with vertical holes through which straps of leather handle pass. Handle also passes through lid of conforming shape, although one strap broken off at shoulder while the other is broken off 3 inches above shoulder.Center hole in lid apparently accepted a now-missing stick used to apply tar to wheels. Broken-off 5-inch length of leather strap rests inside. Tar residue in bucket.
Lancaster County or region.
Provenance
Donor believes bucket descended from family members to his parents who displayed it on their mantle. Donor inherited it from parents.
A) Inkwell, square mold-blown leaded glass. Thick walls, sides molded with thick strands lazily undulating in a diagonal direction. Raised neck and deep well.
B) Stand is a cast brass tray shaped like a picture frame without center picture. Two projecting handles. All supported by four scroll-molded feet attached to bottom of tray corners with screws. Entire top surface is decorated profusely with mostly scrolling leafage.
Glass is very good with expected wear on bottom edges. Metal stand has darkened surfaces except for top area where glass inkwell fits. Spotty stains on top.