Coin of dull gray nonferrous cast metal in an irregular shape, replicating a Spanish piece of eight. One side has a central cross dividing the space into quadrants, two filled with a rampant lion and two with a stylized castle. Opposite side has a pirate ship with skull and crossbones prominently emblazoned on one sail, while top sail has "PIRATES / LANCASTER / PA" in raised letters.
Produced under the auspices of the Pirates Club of Lancaster as an emblem of their men's club, likely a later rendition of the original produced c. 1948. See Notes.
Some wear and flattening on coin edge. Faces have some wear at salient points.
Object ID
2009.003.7
Notes
This coin is perhaps the one described below, or perhaps a later incarnation. The following is lifted from the history given on their website:
"A beautiful emblem of membership was suggested and adopted at a dinner meeting October 21, 1948, following a cruise to the United States Naval Base in Philadelphia. It is a sterling pocket piece – the piece-of-eight - and insures the distribution of plenty of booty. The reserve of this fine coin carries the H.S. Williamson in full sail. Her flag shows, “Pirates of Lancaster, PA.” the coin is an exact replica of a piece-of-eight “the last one left of 4,623 picked up off the Azores some years ago.” The emblems: skull and cross bones, crows nest compass, treasure map, cutlass, tri-cornered hat, Pirate chest and a bottle of rum."
Amish infant girl's dress of gray cotton blend, made by mother Arie Stoltzfus for baby daughter Becky, born 18 April 1964, died 31 August 1964. Machine-sewn dress has long sleeves, a high waist with pleated skirt. Opens at back from neckline to mid point. Two snap closures.
Small handwritten note from donor reads: "Dress worn by little Becky, given by her mother (to donor) as a remembrance. She was born on April 18, 1964, and died on August 31, 1964. Becky was able to wear this dress until she died at the age of four months and thirteen days. Parents: Phares and Arie Stoltzfus."
Provenance
From maker, Arie Stoltzfus, to donor Fannie Stoltzfus Ellenberg.
Very good condition except for stains. Large dark brown liquid stain on skirt front, 2.5" up from hem near center. Some lighter adjacent stains. A .75" round stain at neckline, at right. Back has smaller brown stains at left along where sleeve attached. A few tiny brown stain spots scattered front and back
Object ID
2017.011.1
Place of Origin
Lancaster County
Credit
Gift of Fannie Z. Stoltzfus Ellenberg in memory of her mother Annie B. Stoltzfus
Deep rose Lancaster Amish girl's dress, polyester, machine-sewn by donor's mother, Annie B. Stoltzfus. Long sleeves; pocket in front; four pleats at skirt front and three at back; two darts at neckline. Opening in back has four dark purple buttons. Worn by donor as a girl.
Small hardened steel padlock with set of 2 keys. Keys are marked, "Reese Padlock Co. Lancaster, PA USA" Body of padlock marked "REESE" and "U" arm marked "HARDENED" and "AMERICAN MADE".
