Images(5)

Applicator, Shoe Polish

Object number2018.105.18 a-c

Manufacturer The Shinola Company

Date1917-1923

OriginRochester, NY

MediumCardboard; Paper; Wood; Wool; Animal Hair; Varnish; Metal

Credit LineGift of Patty Sims

DescriptionShoe polish applicator kit featuring a box, a dauber brush, and a wool polish brush.DimensionsHeight x Length x Depth (a): 3 × 8.25 × 2.5 in. (7.6 × 21 × 6.4 cm)
Height x Length x Depth (b): 2 × 7.75 × 2.5 in. (5.1 × 19.7 × 6.4 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (c): 6.25 × 2.5 × 1.25 in. (15.9 × 6.4 × 3.2 cm)
Inscriptions(a) Text on top and front reads: "SHINOLA / HOME SET".

Text on either side of box reads: "SHINOLA / WOOL POLISHER / AND / BRISTLE DAUBER".

Text on bottom: Text on left side of logo reads: "MADE IN / BLACK / TAN". text on right side of logo reads: "RED / BROWN / WHITE / THE KEY".

(b) Text embossed on metal circular on back reads: "DAUBER SHINOLA [illegible]."
Marks(a) On bottom and back, logo reads: "SHINOLA" across the top. On tin, text reads: "THE / WONDERFUL / TAN / POLISH / TRADE MARK / REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. / SHINOLA / SHINOLA CO. / ROCHESTER, N.Y. U.S.A. / MAKES OLD SHOES LOOK NEW. / KEEPS NEW SHOES FROM LOOKING OLD.". Text along bottom edge of tin reads: " [illegible] to 1905 TO OPEN, TURN KEY".

Inside lid, text in center reads: "SHINOLA / HOME SET / SHINOLA CO., ROCHESTER, N.Y. / U.S.A.".

(b)

(c) Text on wooden part of brush reads: SHINOLA POLISHER / PATENTED MARCH 12 1907 / MADE ESPECIALLY TO USE WITH / SHINOLA BLACK-TAN-WHITE-OXBLOOD-BROWN / THE QUALITY SHOE POLISH FOR SHOES, RUBBERS, & ALL LEATHERS / SHINOLA COMPANY / ROCHESTER N.Y. U.S.A.".
Historical NotesThis shoe polish applicator was stored in a steamer trunk that was found in the home of sisters Jo and Dolly Ferrara. This steamer trunk was found in the home of sisters Jo and Dolly Ferrara. The donor’s father, James Hahn was close to the Ferrara family and, when the parents passed away, he continued to help daughters Jo and Dolly who never married. After they died, the donor and her father cleaned out the house and discovered this trunk and its contents. The trunk belonged to the Ferarra’s cousin, Domenico Ferrara. Originally from Rivisondoli in the province of L’Aquila, he lived in various places around Pittsburgh, as well as Detroit and Atlanta, before moving in with his relatives at 1431 Denniston Ave in the early 1950s. Untouched since Domenico’s death in the 1970s, the trunk contained many items that offered clues about his life. He served in WWI for the United States, was a tailor by profession, and invested in the stock market, which financed his travels around the U.S.

Previous owner Domenico Ferrara

Related person Jo Ferrara

Related person Dolly Ferrara

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