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Historic Costume | Fine and Decorative Arts

Welcome to our Online Collections Database! Below you will find a searchable database showcasing images and information regarding tens of thousands of items in our online collection. Search using search terms, key words, object names, or names of historical figures to locate specific items, or, peruse at random to enjoy the breadth of collections available for view.

As we continue to digitize collections at GCV&M, more objects will populate this new virtual resource. Please continue to check back, and reach out with any questions!

Questions? Contact our Curatorial Department at (585) 294-8240 or email jjohnson@gcv.org. Interested in donating an object to the collections at GCV&M? Click here to learn more. 

Umbrella Frame

Object/Artifact

The umbrella frame is made of 8 long black-painted cane ribs with hand-forged steel pitchfork stretchers pinned through the ribs, and a black lacquered steel slider and top notch. The ribs have hand-carved tapered ends, each with a pair of drilled holes above a carved groove above a rounded tip, to which the cover was sewn. The other ends are tapered to fit with what look like cast caps with a hole on the top, through which wire is run to hold the ends in place in the top notch. About 6" above the tips, there is a worn spot on each rib which suggests that there might have been a cord worked around the circumference to prevent it from blowing inside out. The slider is about 1-1/2" long. If there was a ferrule on the 2" spike, it is gone - most likely a cheap steel or tin cap. The handle is curved with the end carved to look like a hound's head, and painted with rings with dots inside.

G2011.001

Bruce and Susan Greene Costume Collection

Accessory

Historic Costume

1830 - 1850

American

Receiver Marking

Just above the closed slider.

E

Painted

43-1/2 in

Wood

Steel

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