Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: between 1900 and 1911
Rectangular wooden stick with graduated numbers from one to fifteen marked on one side. The reverse is marked with the manufacturer’s name, Smith Car or the Smith Automobile Company. The…
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: 1849
U.S. percussion Pistol, Model 1842 (H. Aston). Single action, .54 caliber and single shot.
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: between 1800 and 1880
Large iron ladle made of hand-wrought iron. This ladle is known as a “cucharon.” It was used to ladle food from a kettle (caso).
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: between 1800 and 1880
Large cylindrical copper kettle with handles. This kettle is known as a “caso.” It is like ones used for general cooking on the Santa Fe Trail. It was a common…
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: between 1800 and 1870
Mexican spur of hand-forged iron. This spur was found about 1895 on the Santa Fe Trail, two miles east and one mile north of Burlingame, Kansas.
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: between 1858 and 1865
Large, weathered wood wagon wheel hub. Government freighters used this wagon hub on the Santa Fe Trail from 1858 to 1865.
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: between 1890 and 1920
Pair of stylized black leather boots with exaggerated curved toes and tooled lizard designs.These shoes were used at Einstein’s Outdoor Outfitters in Topeka, Kansas. The original owner, Nathan Einstein (1885-1946),…
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: 1880
Long hand-wrought iron skewer. This skewer is known as an “espeton.” It is a multi-purpose tool used to stir fire or roast ears of corn, buffalo meat, or beef over…
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: between 1800 and 1870
Large horseshoe of hand-wrought iron. This shoe was found on the Santa Fe Trail west of Council Grove, Kansas.
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: 1861
Highly corroded Model 1861 Remington revolver with missing grips. This pistol was found in 1913 along the Cimarron River on the old Santa Fe Trail, near the southwest corner of…
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: between 1821 and 1880
Large piece of limestone rock, irregularly shaped but roughly rectangular. Top of rock is cut with lengthwise tracks, apparently abrasions caused by wagon wheels. This is reportedly a large sandstone…
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: between 1800 and 1870
Small horseshoe (hind shoe, or possibly mule shoe) of hand-wrought iron. This shoe was found on the Santa Fe Trail at or near Council Grove.
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: 1840
Model 1840 Dragoon saber belt of white buff leather. The belt was presented by Col. E.V. Sumner to Lieutenant George W. Smith of the 9th U.S. Cavalry. Smith was killed…
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: between 1870 and 1875
Majolica cream pitcher. Low relief stag on one side and stag with doe on other side. Originally belonged to Francis Luvinia Foster (1850-1889) about the time of her marriage to…
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: between 1800 and 1880
Hand-wrought iron trivet with three legs. This trivet is known as a “tinamaiste.” It was used to support a caso (kettle) over a campfire. As is typical for this form,…
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: 1988
Large, rectangular-shaped, 100-piece puzzle depicting the state of Kansas. The pieces rest in a backing; both are made of heavy cardboard covered in brightly-colored paper. The county seat and area…
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: between 1922 and 1932
Label for a bottle of Dr. Brinkley’s Constipation and Liver Medicine. From the Richey & Carr Drugstore in Erie, Kansas. The drug store was purchased by brothers-in-law Earle Richey and…
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: 1930
“J.R. Brinkley’s Platform. The Governor of the People.” From his 1930 Kansas gubernatorial campaign. Brinkley registered too late to have his name listed on the official ballot, forcing him to…
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: 1886
Bisque doll with blond hair wearing a tan dress and stockings, leather shoes, and two beaded necklaces. Marked “166 2” on back of shoulders. Belonged to Helena Olivia Lassen (1878-1969)…
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: between 1901 and 1905
Metal stand for supporting a phonograph horn. Folding tripod base. Height adjusts with a thumbscrew. Used by the William Pearson Wilson family of Topeka with their Edison Concert Phonograph (1984.39.1).
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: between 1900 and 1920
Cardboard container of Venetian Auto Klean. In addition to its application as an car cleaner, Venetian Auto Klean could also be used as a metal polish. It was sold by…
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: between 1880 and 1900
Small wrought iron toy sadiron.
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: between 1886 and 1923
Universal Spelling Board. Instructional spelling toy with 56 circular letter tiles that slide on a slotted track. February 16, 1886 patent date. The spelling board was designed by Alonzo F.…
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: between 1880 and 1920
Picture block puzzle. Set of twenty wooden cubes covered in chromolithographed paper. Blocks can be assembled to form six different farm animal scenes. Also includes original wooden box with one…
Medium: PhysicalObject
Date: between 1900 and 1920
Cast iron piggy bank in the shape of a floor safe. Coin slot on top, hinged door with combination lock on front. Door reads “National Safe.” Held together with long…
