Commemorative ashtray of cast iron with a silvered, sand-textured finish. Oblong functional ashtray has large extension in shape of a porringer handle. This is cast with raised letters: "LAST/HEAT" and a centered date of "6 12 68". Below this is "POSEY IRON WKS./ LANCASTER PA" Apparently made as a memento of some unknown event designated by the words "LAST HEAT".
Cast iron ashtray in rectangular form, sloping sides, sunken top with raised sides having a textured surface with two corner indentations for cigarettes. Opposite end of indentation is a grouping of four geese, fully formed, attached to top surface with screws. Entire surface is bronzed with a pattern of oblique stripes on sides.
Marked "144" on bottom. The Hubley catalog "Metal Art Goods" lists this ashtray as #144 and named "Goosie Goosie Gander." The description notes it has "an unusual bronze finish".
Provenance
Owned by J. Roland Gilbert (1888-1940) and inherited by his daughter the donor (1916-1992). Donor writes: "acquired in the late '20s or early '30s and 'possibly' a gift from Mr. Joseph Breneman, a Hubley Exec." J. Roland Gilbert was president of Lancaster Press Inc. and general manager of the New Era Publishing Co.
Ashtray of pressed milk glass, triangular dish form with clipped corners and sloping sides. Indented at top of each corner for receiving cigarette. Three sides are each printed in black ink: "COURSON'S / SUBS AND HAM BOATS / 564 W. ORANGE ST. / PHONE 394-6034."
City Directories of circa 1930s to early 1950s list Harley J. Courson at 564 W. Orange, listed as a confectioner, followed by son? Howard J. Courson in 1954. For a short time, from 1960-1965, Howard was listed under Grocery & Meats, but returning to confectionary by 1966.
See another Courson's advertising piece, a magnifying glass, 2012.12.2.
See Courson's Son's letter from Penn Dairies Inc. in file.
Bellpull. Yarn braid (green and tan) on edges. Needlepoint and beadwork, simple paisley pattern. Red, clear, and gold beads. Yarn colors are red, gold, greens, and browns. Canvas backing. Brass molded ends with 'c' scroll and eagle and leaf motifs.
Brass end measurements: Top: 2.938' Bottom: 3.625'
Condition
Poor
Condition Date
2023-07-22
Condition Notes
Both brass ends are missing hardware fasteners, decorated material is threadbare and numerous beads are missing. Both the decorated material and the linen backing is dirty.
Object ID
W.1989.374.001
Notes
Belonged to donor's great-great-grandparents in 1850s in New York (Brooklyn).
Done in cross stitch. Background in wheat gold, floral pattern. Repeated every 21'. Edge turned under and lined with green cotton twill. One end is turned under and weighted, other end is folded triangularly and stitched. Brass ring on latter end is 3/4"
Remains of green silk at both ends over linen. Backing appears to be natural color linen with an open weave wool decorated with needlepoint floral-design repeated about ten times down length. Red rose/lavender rose/blue violets, with green leaves also shadings of brown.
Conventional "L" shaped bookend of cast iron likely made as a memento of the maker, "LANCASTER IRON WORKS/ LANCASTER PA" which is inscribed in raised letters above a riveted boiler with a man wearing workman's clothing, leaning into the boiler and pushing a broom or similar tool. This scenario projects from the face of the bookend in dramatic relief. The floor or bottom of the bookend slopes down from the back to a much thinner front edge with slightly hollow corners. Reverse side of back and bottom have flat surfaces that show signs of grinding to remove roughness. Entire bookend is painted a bright coppery color but protruding surfaces have darkened. Reverse side of back upright has a large concavity matching the swell of the protruding boiler in front.
Pocket of corrosion under workman's foot; additional corrosion/oxidation on reverse side of upright. Paint dulled and soiled except for recessed areas.
Object ID
2014.003.2
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
Gift of Barbara Breneman. In Memory of Robert Posey Breneman.
