Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2024.047.001 |
Object Name |
Plaque |
Title |
Trenton Iron Works Balcony Plaque |
Description |
This black, rectangular-shaped plaque features a small, elevated rim around its edges. There are two holes on the right and left sides, which are likely where screws would be inserted to hang the plaque. The front of the plaque has an embossed inscription that reads, "NOTICE: ANY PERSON PLACING ANY ENCUMBRANCE ON THIS BALCONY IS LIABLE TO A PENALTY OF TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS. BUILT BY TRENTON IRON WORKS, TRENTON, N.J." The back of the plaque is plain. According to the Historical Marker Database and the Hagley Museum, the Trenton Iron Company, also known as Trenton Iron Works, was incorporated by Peter Cooper, Abram Hewitt, Edward Cooper, and James Hall in either 1845 or 1847. This partnership formed when they took control of the Cooper family's Iron Manufacturing facilities. In 1847, they purchased iron mines in Andover, New Jersey, and a blast furnace in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. In 1854, the company produced the rail beams for America's first skyscraper. During the Civil War, they manufactured barrels and locks for the Trenton Springfield Rifle. However, by 1862, the Andover mines were nearly depleted. After the war, the company changed its name to the New Jersey Steel and Iron Company. By 1900, it was acquired by the American Bridge Company, which ceased operations by the end of 1976. Citations: Finding aids. Hagley Museum and Library. (n.d.). https://findingaids.hagley.org/agents/corporate_entities/796 Trenton Iron Works 1847-1867 Historical Marker. Historical Marker. (2023, February 16). https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=3922 |
Year Range from |
1845 |
Year Range to |
1867 |
Material |
Iron |
Artist |
Trenton Iron Works |
Height (in) |
6.000 |
Length (in) |
11.750 |
Condition |
Okay |
Condition Notes |
Overall: Abrasions throughout Front: There is paint cracking around the edges. There are abrasions throughout. And finally, there is a white discoloration all over the right side. Back: There are abrasions throughout. Also, there is corrosion throughout. |
Inscription Type |
Inscription |
Inscription Location |
Front, Top to Bottom, Left to Right |
Inscription Technique |
Embossed |
Inscription Text |
"NOTICE" Line 1 "ANY PERSON PLACING ANY" Line 2 "INCUMBRANCE ON THIS BALCONY" Line 3 "IS LIABLE TO A PENALTY" Line 4 "OF TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS" Line 5 "BUILT BY" Line 6 "TRENTON IRON WORKS" Line 7 "TRENTON, N.J." Line 8 |
People |
Peter Cooper Abram Hewitt Edward Cooper James Hall |
Classification |
Business & Commerce |
Subjects |
Metals Ironwork Iron industry |
Search Terms |
Peter Cooper Abram Hewitt Edward Cooper James Hall Black Iron Blacony Trenton Iron Works Plaque Trenton Iron Works Balcony Plaque 1845 1865 19th Century 25 J.R. Capasso |
Provenance |
This item was originally donated to the Trenton Free Public Library by J.R. Capasso. It became apart of the Museum collection in September of 2024. |