This wonderful, double-sided slate measures 10.25 inches x 14.25 inches and is in fine condition. This type of slate was also made in a smaller size, but either size is very, very seldom found today as the majority of 19th century school slates that were produced were rectangular in shape!

Close-up photos show the interesting wood frame seam as well as the hanging hole. Flecks of paint are evident here and there and are most concentrated in one corner on one side of the slate as shown in photos.

Red Seal Colored Chalk was produced by the Standard Crayon Manufacturing Company of Danvers, Massachusetts and was distributed by the J.L. Hammett Company, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, producers of school products and materials.

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.

They were hand-inscribed by two different teachers and presented to two brothers-- Willie and Decatur Gotts.

All four are in pristine condition and feature 4 different designs.

Framed in a sturdy but faded hard wood, this double-sided slate surface bears minor, overall, surface scratching as well as superficial flaking along one edge of the slate as seen in photo. Condition is typical of a slate of this age. The faded name "Patricia Lammona" is inscribed along the edge of one side of the slate frame.

The slate also comes with a 19th century slate pencil and can be displayed vertically or horizontally.

All 5 of these artistically-rendered awards were presented to the same student, Maria Royce, and signed by her teacher, Isabella F. McCormick, as well as two representatives of the school committee for "regular and punctual attendance with correct deportment and diligent attention to her studies." Maria obviously was educated in a one room school house given that she had the same teacher over a four year period.

The awards are dated May 1841, May 1842, March 18-- (year inadvertently omitted), June 1842, and January 1844.

The merit awards measure 8 inches wide x 10 inches long and are adorned at the top of the award with a well-executed black line etching of a teacher and her students viewing a large world globe with an elegant school house of formal architecture standing imposingly in the background-- and at the base of the award, a delicate and detailed floral wreath.

The awards are in fine condition with very minor wrinkling to the edges. May 1841 and March 18-- also have minor edge-area foxing that will not be visible once the award is matted and framed.

These early examples of school ephemera are quite rare and would be a fabulous addition to a vintage school memorabilia collection!

The bell is in fine, all-original condition as the photos attest complete with untouched patina, heavy clanger, and a delicately shaped wooden handle!

The bell rings with a high-pitched resonance.

Framed in a sturdy hard wood, it is marked "MADE IN PORTUGAL".

The double-sided slate surface bears subtle surface scratching from use typical for a slate of this age. The curving vertical line seen in the first photo is the result of light reflection and is not an actual imperfection. The back side of the slate has been incised with vertical and horizontal lines for mathematical work.

This diminutive slate retains the rich patina of its 100+ years of age and can be displayed vertically or horizontally.

This spun-brass bell is in fine, all-original condition as the photos attest complete with untouched patina, heavy clanger, and a fabulous hefty wooden handle!

The bell rings with a deep resonance which surely brought the schoolchildren indoors promptly!

Framed in a finely-made, mortise and tenon jointed hard wood, this substantial, weighty frame has a slight bevel around the slate surface and remains tight and sturdy.

The double-sided slate surface bears subtle surface scratching from use typical for a slate of this age. The circular mark on the left side of the slate surface seen in the second photo is a flash reflection and not an imperfection on this piece.

The slate also comes with a 19th century slate pencil. A slate of this size is very rarely found in today's market. It retains the very rich patina of its 100+ years of age and can be displayed vertically or horizontally.

Dated on one page "November 28, 1932, at Florenceville, New Brunswick, Canada," this school composition book is completely filled with very neatly executed lessons in all subject areas- algebra, geometry, literature, vocabulary, French, English, History, geography and science.

Offered is a rarely-found, COMPLETE set of the out-of-print, Austin, Texas, Black History, Let's Pretend series, Mae Dee and Her Family. All six books are First Editions and were published as part of the National History Series: USA, Delta Black Heritage Program, with all photographs courtesy of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Austin, Texas, Alumnae Chapter.

The titles, in their order of publication, are as follows;

1977, "Mae Dee and Her Family Go To Town"

1977, "Mae Dee and Her Family On A Weekend in May"

1978, "Mae Dee and Her Family join the Juneteenth Celebration"

1978, "Mae Dee and Her Family In the Merry, Merry Season"

1979, "Mae Dee and Her Family And the First Wedding of the Year"

1980, "Mae Dee and Her Family Ten Years Later".

As stated in the books' prefaces, "The six stories are based on historical and biographical facts about the lifestyle of an Austin, Texas, black family in the early 1900s. Mae Dee and her family existed although these stories about them are fictionalized. The organizations and institutions mentioned did exist and activities discussed did occur."

These rich and delightfully entertaining yet educational books are a fascinating look back in history to the African-American experience in turn-of-the-century Austin, Texas.

The books are profusely illustrated with numerous period photographs as well as fabulous black line ink drawings rendered by Sarochin Shannon.

Published by The Stevenson Press, Austin, Texas, 1977-1980. Excellent, unused condition; hard cover book only has some very light soiling to front and back covers which likely can be cleaned off. No dust jackets. Bindings: five books are soft cover; one is hard cover. 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Books range from 63 to 166 pages in length.

Mounted on a museum-quality, acid-free, foam core backing (which can be used as the backing when the piece is later framed), and protectively encased in shrink-wrap until ready to be framed, this map remains in superb condition-- no rips, tears, foxing or other discoloration. All print and map detailing is very sharp and easily read. Great coloration as well! Please note that any white marks seen in photos are due to light reflection off of the shrink-wrap and do not represent a condition problem.

A fascinating look back into historical 19th century China geography!