Gift of Gregory C. Norsigian, 2005.113.1.1-.18 © 2014 The Connecticut Historical Society.

Images(3)

Gift of Gregory C. Norsigian, 2005.113.1 © 2014 The Connecticut Historical Society.

Gift of Gregory C. Norsigian, 2005.113.1.2 © 2014 The Connecticut Historical Society.

Shoe Polishing Kit

MakerCase and brushes made by Unknown

ManufacturerPolish .7 manufactured by Turtle Wax, Inc. American

ManufacturerPolish .8-.13 manufactured by Kiwi Brands Inc. American

ManufacturerPolish .14 manufactured by Knomark Inc. American

Original OwnerKey originally owned by USA Motel American

Date1952-1960

MediumCase (.1): Wood, metal, black paint. Brushes (.2-.5): Wood. Brush (.6): Plastic. Wax Containers (.7-.8): Plastic and liquid wax. Wax Containers (.9-.14): Metal and solid wax. Rubber Cement Tube (.15): Plastic and rubber cement. Shine Rag (.16): Cotton? Abrasive Disc (.17): Metal. Key and keyring (.18): Metal and plastic.

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height including handle x width x depth of case .1): 13 x 12 x 8 1/2in. (33 x 30.5 x 21.6cm)
Component (length x width x height of largest brushes, .2-.3): 8 1/4 x 2 5/8 x 2in. (21 x 6.7 x 5.1cm)

ClassificationsEquipment

Credit LineGift of Gregory C. Norsigian

Object number2005.113.1.1-.18

MarkingsCase (.1): Two metal plaques are affixed to either side of the case. Both are painted white with black lettering. The plaque on the right reads, "BOOTBLACK/ 213/ HARTFORD, CONN./ UNTIL APRIL 1956". The plaque on the left reads, "BOOTBLACK/ 147/ HARTFORD, CONN./ UNTIL APRIL 1960".
Brush (.6): "Pepsodent" engraved at the end of the handle away from the head.
Liquid polish (.7): Label for "turtle/ wax/ creme/ shoe/ polish" on the front and usage instructions on the back.
Liquid polish (.8): Labels for "KIWI/ LIQUID/ WAX" on front and back.
Solid polish (.9-.13): All have the insignia for "KIWI/ SHOE POLISH" on top and instructions for use on the bottom.
Solid polish (.14): "ESQUIRE/ BOOT POLISH/ BLACK" is primary marking on top; instructions for use on bottom.
Abrasive Disc (.17): Stamped "TAIWAN" on one side.
Key (.18): The key ring reads, "USA/ MOTEL/ 2611 BERLIN TURNPIKE/ NEWINGTON, CONN./ 06111". Below this is the room number, "7". Below this are two concentric circles. Inside the smaller circle is, "WE GUARANTEE POSTAGE", and in the larger circle around it is, "DROP IN ANY MAIL BOX * * *".