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Platter (Knights of Labor)

Decorative Arts and Design

On View: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
CULTURE American
MEDIUM Glass
  • Place Manufactured: United States
  • DATES 1869
    DIMENSIONS 1 x 8 3/4 x 11 3/4 in. (2.5 x 22.2 x 29.8 cm)  (show scale)
    INSCRIPTIONS Molded around figures in center: "KNIGHTS / OF / LABOR" and "UNITED WE STAND / DIVIDED WE FALL" Molded on caboose on left side of rim: "USM"
    ACCESSION NUMBER 40.223
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Mrs. William Greig Walker by subscription
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Oval blue pressed glass platter. In center are two male figures shaking hands: a bearded laborer (at left) holding a hammer or ax and a knight (at right) in armor touching his sheathed sword. They are surrounded by molded inscriptions: "KNIGHTS / OF / LABOR" and "UNITED WE STAND / DIVIDED WE FALL". At the four cardinal points around the rim are, counterclockwise from top: half-length figure of a man holding a scythe and a bundle of wheat; sailing vessel with multiple masts; horse standing in profile; and railroad train with three cars and an engineer (the engine car and two others). The caboose is inscribed: "USM". Edge of rim molded into a twisted rope border.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
    CAPTION American. Platter (Knights of Labor), 1869. Glass, 1 x 8 3/4 x 11 3/4 in. (2.5 x 22.2 x 29.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mrs. William Greig Walker by subscription, 40.223. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 40.223_acetate_bw.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 40.223_acetate_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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