Dispatch case of Major John Hubley; walnut construction.
On top, inlay shell in an oval with green background, all within an 2 fine-line band border. Metal outlined key on front center. 2 movable metal handles, one on each end. Entire wood panel in lid folds out to reveal a mirror secured by a swivel tab. A metal ring for pulling panel down/ Circular inlay designs on green background in center of closed lid portion. Intricate spiral adorn edges of all 8 sections and green felt-lined tray. 2 narrow divisions hold slide-in tops with metal pull rings fit into compartment. Portion that holds 2 small drawers can be lifted out to reveal .5" storage area. The entire lower portion can be lifted out. Bottom covered with black felt.
Foldable eyeglasses with D-shaped blue-tinted lenses and similar side panel lenses. Worn by Amos Ellmaker (1787-1851) and are seen in portrait.
Provenance
Amos Ellmaker (1787-1851) wore these glasses, including during his sitting for accomplished Lancaster portrait painter Jacob Eichholtz. Amso graduated from Princeton before embarking on a long and successful career as both an officer in the army and a lawyer; rising to positions such as State Representative and Attorney General of the Commonwealth. Amos almost became a state senator as well, but lost to the future president, James Buchanan.
White silk political campaign ribbon, "Henry Clay / The people's choice" at top and bottom of oval black and white portrait of Henry Clay. Oval is wreathed with corn stalks on left and spray of oak leaves and acorns on the right.
Underneath a mounted horseman on a country road : "The Pride of America."
Reproduced copies of seals of citizens of Lancaster County, Casts were taken from documents of the Lancaster County Courthouse - deeds, justice of the peace, notary public, personal. Includes Penn's Grant seal.
