Heat sensitive fire alarm invented by Anthony Iske (1831-1920). Patented by Iske on Aug. 19,1890.
Inside the wooden case, on alarm mechanism/movement, printed in black ink: "J.A. Neiss, Sr." There is also the key to wind the alarm, loose on the floor of the holder.
Anthony Iske was born in France and immigrated to the U.S. in 1847. He moved to Lancaster in 1853 and became an American citizen in 1858. Along with his son, Albert, he held over 200 patents. Most notable of his inventions was the first meat-slicing machine, a model of which is in the collections of the Smithsonian Institution.
The Heat Motor was designed to turn the energy held by heated water into rotational movement. Heating the water in the trough would cause the air in the submerged cylinders to rise. As the engine began to turn, the cylinders would rise above the water, the air inside would cool, and the cylinders would fall on the opposing side, adding to the circular motion of the engine.
Wood storage box for camera supplies with hinged top and is attached with hooks that swivel into i-bolts. In side the box is a thin lateral support that extends 5.5 inches and allows open space below. Box contains a metal bar, camera lens cover, and several small wooden blocks.
"W. S. Gleim/ No 38" is stenciled in black on the back of the container. William Gleim was a photographer and a collection of 47 of his lantern slides are in the archives here at Lancaster History.
Items inside the box include:
1. A 2.5-inch diameter leather-covered lens cap/cover, with black velvet lining;
2. A narrow metal flash tray and
3. 3 wood pieces.
Provenance
See Object file 2023.001.163 for more information. Donation by Mrs. Margaret Smith in 1957 includes projector (2023.001.163) and slides 2002.091.38-40, 42, 43 & 2002.095.30,32.
"Seneca View" camera on a track with expandable black folds/pleats to adjust distance of lens. The rear of the camera is covered with a glass plate with a variety of rectangular sizes for placement of subject being photographed.
Label states this "Seneca View" camera is made by "Seneca Camera, Co. Rochester, N.Y."
The Seneca View is a large format view camera, made by Seneca from 1904-25.
Horse-drawn trolleys were first used in Lancaster in 1874, but were soon replaced by electric models. The trolley ran from Penn Square out to the furthest reaches of the county. Open-car trolleys with a bench but no sides would be used during the summer and closed-car trolleys would be used during the winter. Trolley service ended in Lancaster in 1947
A "Galena 'Catwhisker' Wireless Detector" used in early crystal radio. Precision crystal detector with iron pyrite crystal, used in commercial wireless stations.
Mounted on a 3/5-inch square, .5-inch high with beveled edge. 2.5-inch glass tube secured between metal pieces. Screw on side of metal bracket can be removed to uncover the glass tube.
Spring scale, cylindrical steel body with riveted end caps. Interior spring fixed at top end; heavy wire hook attached to bottom end protruding through hole in bottom cap. Indicator arrow attached to spring slides along slot in side that has a calibrated plate attached alongside. Markings indicate 0 to 24 lbs, with numerals 4, 8,12,16,20 and 24. Top cap is surmounted with a ring; additional iron ring attached for hanging.
All painted a glossy black except marked scale attached to body.
Leather case containing a set of 6 gauges used for determining outside diameter or f-stop of a camera aperture. Gauges are marked "f/11" through "f/64"
Stereoscope sold by salesman E. W. Coble (Earle William) while living in Lancaster City. An accompanying photo card of E. W. Coble is in photo collection.
Wooden construction with sliding mount holding an aluminum viewfinder with lenses. Aluminum edged with black velvet. Collapsible wooden handle underneath.
Provenance
One of the many stereoscopes marketed and sold by enterprising salesman E.W. Coble. He also operated a garage and tire store in Lancaster. This stereoscope was used by the Coble family and passed to his daughter Ruth Elizabeth Coble Burkart to daughter Linda Hubbard, donor.
Directories list Coble as a travel agent in 1912, a salesman in 1923, operator of Coble's Tire Service in 1930s and 1940s.
