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".
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.
Match stick dome top jewelry chest made by inmates of Lancaster County Prison, purportedly in the1950's, for Helen, the wife of guard Harry J. Shaub (1899-1980).
Constructed of 1/4" plywood, with some solid wood & cardboard. Exterior covered with a layer of matchsticks glued on in geometrical patterns similar to marquetry. Dark brown-stained matchsticks create a diamond on the hinged lift lid and all four sides. Inside top diamond is "HELEN" with letters conforming to diamond shape.
Glued-up matchstick form a handle at lid front as well as 3/4-length drawer front below. Built out at base with matchsticks to create a skirting as well as 4 protruding feet. Interiors of both the drawer and th top compartment under lid have padded upholstery done with a yellow satin-woven fabric.
Provenance
Harry J. Shaub was a Lancaster Co. Prison Guard according to City Directories through 1950. The 1952 Directory, and henceforth, lists him as a maintenance man or mechanic (at the US Naval Base Bainbridge, Md). Thus, this chest would NOT have been made later than c. 1950, perhaps as a departing gift for Harry's wife Helen.
Repairs needed. Overall soil, especially interior upholstery; fabric torn at left front on top compartment; broken retaining ribbon; missing cover on underside of lid. Missing matchstick base and rear proper right foot.
