Child's Plate

Date1880-1890

MediumTinware

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (diameter): 6 1/4in. (15.9cm)

ClassificationsMetalware

Credit LineGift of Albert C. Bates

Object number1953.70.2

DescriptionPressed tin plate with a 3/4 inch wide rim and a shallow well. The rim is decorated with the raised capital letters of the alphabet; the 'A' and 'Z' are separated by a '&', or ampersand. The well has a raised image of an elephant standing on all four legs; below the elephant is the name "JUMBO". The outer edge of the rim is folded under slightly. At one time the plate was coated with silver or nickel; this has completely worn away. There are several small areas of rust on the top surface of the plate.

NotesHistorical Note: Jumbo the Elephant:. Jumbo was an African elephant captured in Ethiopia in 1861; he lived in captivity in the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, France, then at the Royal Zoological Society in London, England. In 1882, he was purchased by P. T. Barnum (1810-1891) for the Barnum & Bailey circus in America. Jumbo was quite large, at 11 1/2 feet tall, and well known at the time. "Jumbomania" resulted in many items with his image, including trading cards, hats, jewelry, cigars, fans, and toys. Jumbo died in a train accident on 15 September 1885; his body was immediately treated by a taxidermist. Eventually, the taxidermied Jumbo made its way to Tufts University, where the elephant became the school's mascot. (Hunt 6/14/2006)

Status

Not on view