Search

Tobacco silks were typically included by tobacco companies to create a collectible item to further a person's reasons to buy a particular brand of cigarette. Silks become popular items to include, especially depicting baseball players or pleasant scenes. The silks increasingly targeted women in the 1920s, as they were rapidly becoming a large consumer base. Other materials like flannel and leather were also used as promotional tie ins. The workmanship on some of these freebies is astonishing. This particular piece is blue, white, and gold and was made to advertise the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. The bottom of the silk says Egyptienne Luxury, which reveals the brand that produced this silk. Egyptienne Luxury brand cigarettes produced several runs of collectible silks featuring themes like colleges, states, and even secret societies. The other end of the silk reveals that it was produced in New York. This item, along with an example of a tobacco leather can be found in the Manuscripts Artifacts Collection. An image is available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/scrc/5766124480/. Located in Dec Obj S2, SS1, Box 12. Mss 2010.089

One black plastic hand-held mirror that was used in the work "In the Puppeteer's Wake" by Claudia Stevens, a musician/actor, playwright, and composer. The back of the mirror has a picture of an unidentified man taped to it. The same picture is also displayed on the front of the mirror but has been ripped off for the most part. Approximately 9 in. x 12 1/2 in. In good condition. Transferred from the Claudia Stevens Papers. Located in Dec Obj S2 SS3. Mss 2009.601 A04

One white handkerchief made from fine linen. Made with narrow hemming around all four sides. Hand embroidering in one corner is an "S" with a wreath design surrounding the letter. It is 11.5inx11.5in. The handkerchief is in fair condition with creases and stains. Image available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/scrc/4390144775. Transferred from Box 19 of the William B. Taliaferro Papers. Located in Textiles S1, SS3, Box 12. Mss 65T15.A40.1

Handmade version of "Metamorphosis, With Poetical Explanations for The Amusement of Young Persons" By Benjamin Sands published in 1789, created by Mary Brown. The children's book is made of fabric as a cover with paper on the inside. On the front cover there is the following text written in graphite: "This was drawn by Mary Brown/sister of Henry J Brown/She (Mary Brown) married/ Harrison James. /The paper heart was/ also made by her." Once unfolded, the book has four panels each with two flaps, one to be lifted up and one to be lifted down, exposing a new image. The first panel has a painted image of Eve and the tree of knowledge with a snake curled around it. The text reads "1. Adam comes first upon the stage/ And Eve from out his side/ Who was given him in marriage,/ Turn up and see his bride." Under the first flap the following is written "2. There Even in shape you may behold,/ One body she with two; / Once more do but the leaf downfold,/ And it is strange to view." And there is a top half of Eve with the tree of knowledge and a snake's head. Under the third leaf there is the following text, "3. Eyes look not on the Mermaids face,/ And ears, hear not her song;/ Her features have an alluring grace/ More charming than her tongue." The second panel has a painted image of a lion and the following text, "A lion rousing from his den,/ On purpose for to range,/ is soon turned into another shape? Lift up and see how strange." Once the top leaf is lifted it reads, "5. A Griffin here you may behold/ As fabled said to be;/ Once more do but the leaf downfold/ A stranger sight you'll see." Once the bottom leafis lifted down it reads, "6. Behold, within the Eagle's claws, / An infant there doth lie,/ Which he has taken as a prey,/ And is prepared to fly." The painted image with both flaps opened is an eagle with an infant in its talons. The third panel has a painted picture of a man with a cane walked outside among trees and the following text, "7. Now I've escaped the Eagles claws, And am from dangers free,/ I'll set my heart to gather gold,/ Turn down the leaf and see. "Once you turn down the leaf you read "8. A Heart here is oppressed with cane/ what slave can sure the same? / Under the leaf you'll find a cure/ Lift up and see how plain." Once the top leaf is flipped the text reads, "9. A purse with gold and silver store,/ Has cured my heart, I'm sick no more,/ And am from cares and danger free/ What is there now can trouble me." The image here shows the man at a table counting his gold coins and weighing them. The fourth and final panel has an image of the man standing in his bedroom with the following text, "10. Now I've got gold and silver store,/ Bribes from the rich, pawns from the poor,/ What earthly cares, can trouble me,/ Turn down the lead, & then you'll see." The bottom leaf once flipped down reads, "11. Sickness is come, & death, draws nigh, / Help gold and silver, e'er I die,/ It will not do, for its but dross;/ Turn up and see man's end at last." Once the top leaf is lifted up the following text is exposed, " 12. "O Man! Now see thou art but dust,/ Thy gold and silver is but rust./ Thy time is come, thy glass is spent,? What is there then can death prevent." The image is one of the man in bed with the ghost of death standing over him with an arrow pointed towards the man. The images are painted in watercolor using bright shapes of color to create the images. In poor Condition with most of the leaves torn paritially off the book, and with age spots and loss throughout the pages. Dark spots on the back of the closed book( on the fabric). Closed: 5 5/8th in. w. x 4 in. l. Open: 5 5/8 in. w. x 15 1/8 in. l. Transferred from Box 1, Folder 3 of the Henry James Brown Papers.

One ribbon featuring a portrait of William Henry Harrison in the center. "No.1 OF VIRGINIA." is written in black at the top. Within a ribbon below this is written "HARRISON & REFORM" in black. There is a depiction of an eagle above the portrait of Harrison. Below his portrait "Son of BENJ. A HARRISON one of the signers of the Declaration of INDEPENDANCE July 4th 1776." is written in black. At the bottom of the ribbon there is a depiction of a log cabin, an American flag and a man driving a plow. Below this depiction is written "We will take him from the plough." in black. The ribbon is in poor condition. It is discolored into a brown color and has tendering in multiple areas. It is divided into four pieces and one small fragment. The top and bottom pieces have severe fraying. Image located at https://www.flickr.com/photos/scrc/13541520454. Transferred from Box 2 of the Garrett Family Papers (Mss.69 G19), the ribbon was found in a small box labeled "H.W. Garrett" on the bottom. Mss. 69G19.01