Manufactured by
Unidentified
Distributed by
Swank, Inc., American, founded 1897
Owned by
Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994
Date
mid 20th-late 20th century
Medium
A2015.273.1.1.5a: plastic with satin , velvet and metal
A2015.273.1.1.5b-f: plastic
A2015.273.1.1.5g-h: leather and metal
A2015.273.1.1.5i-k: plastic
Dimensions
H x W x D (A2015.273.1.1.5a): 15/16 × 3 1/2 × 2 11/16 in. (2.4 × 8.9 × 6.8 cm)
H x W x D (A2015.273.1.1.5b): 7/8 × 7/8 × 1/16 in. (2.2 × 2.2 × 0.2 cm)
H x W x D (A2015.273.1.1.5c): 7/8 × 7/8 × 1/16 in. (2.2 × 2.2 × 0.2 cm)
H x W x D (A2015.273.1.1.5d): 7/8 × 7/8 × 1/16 in. (2.2 × 2.2 × 0.2 cm)
H x W x D (A2015.273.1.1.5e): 7/8 × 7/8 × 1/16 in. (2.2 × 2.2 × 0.2 cm)
H x W x D (A2015.273.1.1.5f): 7/8 × 7/8 × 1/16 in. (2.2 × 2.2 × 0.2 cm)
H x W x D (A2015.273.1.1.5g): 3/4 × 3/4 × 3/8 in. (1.9 × 1.9 × 0.9 cm)
H x W x D (A2015.273.1.1.5h): 3/4 × 3/4 × 5/16 in. (1.9 × 1.9 × 0.8 cm)
H x W x D (A2015.273.1.1.5i): 13/16 × 13/16 × 3/16 in. (2.1 × 2.1 × 0.5 cm)
H x W x D (A2015.273.1.1.5j): 11/16 × 11/16 × 1/8 in. (1.8 × 1.8 × 0.3 cm)
H x W x D (A2015.273.1.1.5k): 7/8 × 7/8 × 1/16 in. (2.2 × 2.2 × 0.2 cm)
Description
A jewelry presentation box with spare buttons from the travel wardrobe trunk used by Cab Calloway. The exterior of the box (A2015.273.1.1.5a) is brown with pebble faux leather finish and a brass hinge at the back. The interior has an ivory satin lining and a burgundy velvet tray with four, brown, elastic band holders. Stamped on the on the satin lining is the text [SWANK]. Inside the box are nine buttons and a plastic counter. Five of the button are round, flat pearl buttons (A2015.273.1.1.5b - A2015.273.1.1.5f) with four button holes. Two buttons are round, leather covered, shank buttons (A2015.273.1.1.5g and A2015.273.1.1.5h). There is also a light brown flat button with four button holes (A2015.273.1.1.5i), and a small black button with two button holes (A2015.273.1.1.5j). The plastic counter is tortoise shell (A2015.273.1.1.5k).
Place used
New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
Collection title
The Cabell “Cab” Calloway III Collection
Classification
Accessories and Personal Effects
Type
buttons (fasteners)
boxes (containers)
gaming counters
Topic
Band (Music)
Clothing and dress
Conductors (Musicians)
Costume
Entertainers
Jazz (Music)
Singers (Musicians)
Travel
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Cabella Calloway Langsam
Object number
A2015.273.1.1.5a-k
Restrictions & Rights
No known copyright restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd58a34ef87-fb9e-4a26-abab-bc7a98eb5fb3

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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