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.
Front depicts three buildings of the Ephrata Cloister (Almonry, Saal, and Saron) and reads "Ephrata Cloister" beneath image. Plate has a floral design along its rim.
Back reads "Historic Pennsylvania / Ephrata Cloister / This Protestant Monastic Community was / founded by Conrad Beissel in 1732. Comprising / the spiritual colonial community were a / brotherhood, a sisterhood, and householders. / The religious excelled in calligraphic art, / music, and printing-of books and broadsides. / During the Revolutionary War they cared for / hundreds of wounded soldiers from the / battle of Brandywine in 1777. / / Three of the original buildings still standing / are shown - Almonry (alms and bakehouse) / SAAL (Meeting house) and Saron (Sister's house)"
1776-1976 bicentennial commemorative Conestoga Valley plate. White earthenware body with brown transferprint. Front features map of the Conestoga Valley in center surrounded by different buildings and scenes. Back has story of bicentennial printed in green along with maker's mark.
