Heavy iron key, reported to be a key to the old Lancaster County jail located at Prince and West King Streets. Key has a round shaft with a swell near the center and several decorative rings and score marks. Paddle-like extension near tip for throwing the tumblers of lock. Handle is shaped like an oval ring.
Good condition overall with pitting over surface. Wear is evident overall, especially along shaft where decorative rings are diminished. Gold paint remains in corners and crevices.
Object ID
G.02.49
Notes
There were two office visits by men presenting a key purported to be the Lancaster Jail key:
1. Walter Hager McGovern, Jr., age 68, a descendant of a Hager who was sheriff of Lancaster Co. File on handle was "XXVI". It was slightly longer and heavier than ours (G.02.49.1).
2. Kevin Perrett of Reading presented a copy of a notarized statement by Rosanna E. Rohrer of Lancaster who sold him the key. She obtained the key from her grandfather Capt. Edward Edgerly, former mayor of the City (1878-80). It was stamped "J.F. REMLY" four times on the handle, was 8 5/8" long with the same configuration at the working end as ours and had knurled rings on shaft.
Shield-shaped matchsafe of 1/8" thick softwood back and a half cup shaped holder for matches attached to bottom with nails. Holder's exterior is coated with remains of black abrasive used for striking matches. Back board is printed with decorative borders and advertising text in black ink: "Compliments of/ Philip Schum, Son & Co.,/ 150 S. Water St., Lancaster./ Well-known Manufacturers of/ Genuine Coverlets,/ Counterpanes, Blankets,/ Carpets, Stocking Yarn, etc." Along left side of back is "Lancaster Dyeing/ Establishment" and along right side is "Dealers in all kinds/ of COAL." Maker's name printed along bottom: "(S)tanford & Gage(?) (I)thaca, N.Y." Hanging hole at top. No finish on wood.
Provenance
Philip Schum (1814-1880) coverlets date from c. 1856-1880. He expanded to additional merchandise over the years. His family continued the business after his 1880 death.
Shield-shaped match safe of 1/8" thick softwood back printed with advertising and a 2" tall round wooden cup glued to lower front for holding matches. Holder's exterior is coated with remains of black abrasive used for striking matches. Back board is printed with line borders and advertising text in black ink: "PLAIN HATS FOR PLAIN TRADE A SPECIALTY/ COMPLIMENTS OF/ BRANDT & CO.,/ HATTERS,/ LANCASTER, PA./ W. WINGERT, Manager." At bottom is the maker/s name: "Novelty Sign Works Ithaca, N.Y. " Small hanging hole at top of back board.
Provenance
Provenance unknown. Item purchased at an auction. The 1886 Directory has a business listing as well as an ad on page 48 3/4. The manager is listed as I. Newton Wingert, boarding at the home of Andrew Wingert (50 S. Duke). The 1890 Directory lists not business and Newton Wingert is listed as the manger at Boas' hat store at 144 N. Quenn.
