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Tag, Identification

Object number2010.8.1

Retailer Frank and Seder Department Store

Date1917

MediumSteel

Credit LineGift of James C. McAdoo

DescriptionMetal oval plate with cut hole on left end. Embossed text on both sides, and raised pattern on front. Maker's information on bottom edge.Dimensions1.125 x 1.5 in. (2.9 x 3.8 cm)
InscriptionsSuperimposed over each other: "FS".

Reverse reads: "SHOPPING AND / IDENTIFICATION TAG / -REGISTERED- / IN CASE OF ACCIDENT / REQUIRING IDENTIFICATION / OF BEARER, NOTIFY / FRANK & SEDER / PITTSBURGH, PA / 90236".

MarksManufacturer's Mark MM: "W.A N. SO. NEWARK, N.J." [see condition] Embossed

Historical NotesCharge plate from Frank & Seder department store. Frank & Seder was located across from Kaufmann's on Fifth Avenue and Smithfield Street. It opened as a department store in 1907; although the original building was destroyed in a fire in 1917, it was rebuilt the following year. As a department store it was cheaper than both Kaufmann's and Gimbels, also located downtown. It closed in the mid-late 1950s, becoming one of the many thriving downtown department stores that closed in the 1950s as consumers tended more toward suburban shopping districts rather then downtown establishments. The predecessor to Frank & Seder was the Pittsburgh Wrapper Manufacturing Company; a wholesale firm started by Isaac Seder and Jacob A. Frank in 1900.

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