1876 Centennial Exhibition – Liberty Bell Souvenir

Manufacturer & Origin

• Manufacturer: Homer Lee & Co., New York. Homer Lee was a well-known engraver whose company specialized in bank notes and stationery before expanding into commemorative souvenirs.
• Date: Circa 1876, produced specifically as a souvenir for the United States Centennial International Exhibition.
• Significance: This was one of the more popular high-end mementos from the fair, reflecting the patriotic fervor of the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Detailed Description

• The Bell (Lid):
  • Material: Crafted from a silver-toned “white metal” alloy (pewter or silver-plated lead/zinc).
  • Inscriptions:
    • Front: Embossed with the words “OLD LIBERTY BELL SOUVENIR”.
    • Shoulder/Rim: Features the famous inscription from the original bell: “PROCLAIM LIBERTY THROUGHOUT ALL THE LAND UNTO ALL THE INHABITANTS THEREOF BY ORDER OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE PROVINCE FOR THE STATE HOUSE IN PHILAD 1752”.
  • Features: Includes the iconic “crack” cast directly into the metal and 13 embossed stars encircling the bottom edge, representing the original colonies.
• The Base (Pen Holder):
  • Material: Made of a darker, heavy metal, pot metal with a “japanned” (black) finish.
  • Design: The base has a woven wreath or rope-like texture and features two curved hooks designed to hold a dip pen horizontally.
• Functional Mechanics:
  • The bell has a hinged lid that flips open to reveal the ink reservoir.
  • Internally, there is a glass insert.