Museum Collections
Luce Center
Plate buffer
Object Number:
1954.231a
Date:
1840-1860
Medium:
Wood, cotton, buckskin
Dimensions:
Overall: 3 x 23 5/8 x 3 5/8 in. ( 7.6 x 60 x 9.2 cm )
Marks:
handwritten in pencil: along short edge of top, on side furthest from handle: "Hands off"
Description:
Long, rectangular paddle with inner surface covered with cotton padding and buckskin; cylindrical handle made separately and attached with screws; traces of jeweller's rouge on surface of buckskin.
Gallery Label:
Buffers such as this one were used to polish daguerreotype plates with jeweller's rouge prior to sensitizing them.
Credit Line:
Purchase, Abbott Fund
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.