Block, Engraving

Object number2014.137.15

MediumMetal/Brass

Credit LineGift of Norman Karp and Family

DescriptionEngraver's block. Metal mushroom-shaped object. Sits on rounded end. Top has four clamping arms for holding objects to engrave.Dimensions7.5 x 5.5 in. (19.1 x 14 cm)
MarksMaker's mark stamped into metal on side below brass ring "PAT. JAN. 144922".
Historical NotesPart of a collection of jewelers tools and equipment from various Karp family jewelry stores. David Karp (Kerpilof originally) was a Latvian immigrant and watchmaker. His children all went into the jewelry business as well. His eldest Reuben had a store in Kittanning, PA, called Karp’s Credit Jewelry. Middle son Elchan ran his father’s original store in Barnesboro until closing it and opening another in Clarion, PA. Third son Harry M. Karp, a WWII veteran and survivor of the Pearl Harbor attack, opened Karp’s Jewelry store in Tarentum, PA, after the war and operated it until his retirement in 1987. The youngest and only daughter Lillian was an optometrist and worked in the Barnesboro store during WWII. She went on to open a jewelry store in Alliquippa, PA, with her husband Milton Yeager. Donor Norman Karp is the son of Reuben, his maternal grandfather was also a watchmaker from Latvia named Abraham Berman.

Previous owner Abraham Berman

Previous owner Berman's Jewelry Store

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