Created by
J. Wright Co., American
Subject of
Brown, John, American, 1800 - 1859
Meriam, Francis Jackson, American, 1837 - 1865
Date
late 19th century - early 20th century
Medium
tin and tin alloy
Dimensions
H x W x D (closed): 7/8 × 4 1/2 × 2 3/4 in. (2.2 × 11.5 × 7 cm)
H x W x D (open): 11/16 × 4 1/2 × 5 5/16 in. (1.7 × 11.5 × 13.5 cm)
Description
A tobacco tin for J. Wright Co. "Pride of Virginia"-brand tobacco. This tin has been used to store a .52 Sharp's cartridge planned for use as part of John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry (NMAAHC 2023.84.1). The tin is painted in light blue, dark red or brown, and white with branding and a windmill or wagon wheel motif. Top left of the lid reads [J. WRIGHT CO.], top right reads [CONTINENTAL TOB. CO. / SUCCESSOR.], and bottom center reads [CUT PLUG]. A white scroll at center ostensibly reads [PRIDE OF / VIRGINIA] but is partially covered with a sticker, offwhite with red border, with handwritten label [Political].
The edge of the tin where the lid is attached via hinge to the rest of container has consumer notice that reads [FACTORY No 51, 2ND DISTRICT OF VA / NOTICE - The Manufacturers of this Tobacco / have complied with all the requirements of law. / Every person is cautioned under penalties of / law not to use this package for tobacco again. / PRIDE of / VIRGINIA / CUT PLUG]. There is no writing on the bottom.
Place depicted
Virginia, United States, North and Central America
Washington County, Maryland, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Accessories and Personal Effects
Type
tins
Topic
American South
Antislavery
Resistance
Slavery
U.S. History, 1815-1861
Violence
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2023.84.2
Restrictions & Rights
Public domain
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5b1261291-2357-478f-893a-34302fa435b1

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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