The wooden box, now empty, was once filled with many 1 inch square wooden cubes, the purpose of which was to provide development of fine motor control in kindergartners through their play and manipulation. This box represents one of a series of "gifts" produced by J.L. Hammett designed for use in schools for the above stated purpose.

The box is in very good condition with subtle evidence of use and measures 4 inches in length, width and height.

Text indicates that this early diploma was awarded to Mr. O. P. Sarle on January 5, 1859. This “Certificate of Approval” found him qualified “with respect to Learning Utility and Moral Character” to not only teach but administer as Principal at the Grammar School Grade for “one year unless sooner revoked by the board”. Signed by five individuals constituting the Examining Board and the President of the Superintendent of Schools.

This wonderful, double-sided slate measures 17.75 inches wide x 19.75 inches high and is in fine condition. The slate retains its original metal hanging brackets, and is ready to be hung once again, and put into active use!

This children’s text is 318 pages in length, is further enhanced with numerous black and white photographs, is in never-used, near mint condition, and comes complete with the original, fine-condition, exterior paper wrapper.

Sample topics covered are: How the Wasp Taught us to make Paper, Of What are Pastes and Glues Made, The Mystery of Melted Sand, Wall Paper Designs, From Banana to Cactus Plants to Rope, Harnessing the Sparks of Heaven, The Cloth that Will Not Burn, The Mechanical Eye that Excels our Own, How Mother Nature uses her Paint Pot Underground, Pins and Pin Money, Tears of the Helliades, etc, etc.

Photo condition is wonderful- no rips or creases. Original mat board has seen much handling with rough edges and rips. This can be remedied through re-matting and re-framing. The full view photo appears faded or lighter on the right hand side, but this is camera flash glare only- tones/coloration are uniform throughout as seen in close-up photo.

To add to its charm, the pencil box cover bears a sweet early stencil of Snow White + the Seven Dwarfs! The scene depicts 5 of the dwarfs as well as Prince Charming, sadly escorting Snow White who is lying in her clear glass coffin, having already bitten into the evil witch's poisonous apple and fallen into a deep sleep. Apparently, Prince Charming does not yet realize that all it will take to wake Snow White is a kiss on the lips from him!

Text indicates that the certificate was awarded to Emma Shannon on June 12, 1885 (Or 1883--difficult to read as the date is partially concealed under the frame edge). The certificate recognizes that Emma excelled in Latin, Arithmetic, History of France, Rhetoric, and English Literature. Signed by W. P. Dickinson, President of the Faculty.

With the exception of early fold lines, a water stain in the upper left corner, and two small circular age stains on the lower left and within the word "distinction", condition is quite nice! Measures 16.25 inches X 12.25 inches framed. The piece is framed in wood and is grain-painted in brown and black tones with cream-toned, chip-carved stems and leaves at each of the four corners. Original wood backing remains in place.

Interestingly, this display was found among the contents of an old North Carolina country store.

This product was made in the 1940's in the USA with tubes originally selling for 15 cents per tube. Each bakelite capsule or tube contains 45 sticks of "Q-15 Soft Standard" pieces of pencil-lead.

As seen in the photos, the red caps of the bakelite containers are brittle from age and are in varying states of "wholeness"--some intact and some not.