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.
Oval picture in rectangular frame with velvet backing. Buchanan facing almost front, dark suite, white tie. Back of frame 'Daguerreotype presented to President Buchanan by J. Henry Brown-1851'
Daguerreotype of Harriet Lane. Full bust length view, facing right. Her hair is coiled and pinned back. She is wearing a dark jacket over a white blouse, with a white lace collar. Broach at her neck and long earrings are prominent. Gold matting around image. Image mounted inside of book-type case of black leather and red velvet inner lining. Two hook clasps.
This daguerreotype represents the earliest known image of Harriet Lane, niece of President James Buchanan. This likeness might have been photographed ca. 1845, Harriet Lane would have been about fifteen years old.
a. (medal): Circular bronzed copper commemorative medal. On Front: Raised profile of James Buchanan in center. Around edge: "James Buchanan, President of the United States" "Paquet F." under profile. On reverse: Standing toga-clad man with snake around his right wrist. To left is seated female; young man on knees with arm around standing man/physician; bearded man with scythe behind and to right. "To Dr. Frederick Rose, Assistant Surgeon, Royal Navy, G.B." At base: "For kindness and humanity/ to officers and crew/ of the U.S. Steamer/ Susquehanna."
b.(case): Book-like red leather case. On both outside covers, an eagle within a circle surrounded by 13 stars. A square floral border with spray of flowers in each corner is inside an outer border of 3 solid lines. All impressions in gold. A brass clasp in center on front and back covers. Circular opening/holder for medallion is surround by a metallic thread cord. Dark blue velvet with impressed floral sprays in each corner cover the front and back. Metallic cord around outer edges. Narrow red leather edges are stamped with a gold chain pattern.
Sepia-tinted photo of Harriet Lane. Oval. Harriet facing 3/4 front, to her right. Hair rolled under with flowers. Decolletage dress with flowers at center and at shoulders. Light-colored dress, no jewelry. Shown from hips up. Frame: rounded front, plain,
James Buchanan's inaugural address speech printed on silk. Rectangular white silk with cobalt blue printing. Border c. 1' wide of morning glory vines. Heading: 'The Inaugural Address March 4, 1857. President Buchanan.' A round medallion and pictue medal
