Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2020.FIC.023 |
Object Name |
Brick |
Title |
Star Porcelain Company Refractory Brick |
Description |
The item is a brown, rectangular-shaped refractory brick with five circular holes in total, arranged in two on the top and three on the bottom. The areas surrounding the holes are indented into an oval shape. On the front of the brick, between the two top holes, there is an embossed star. The area around the star is also indented. On the back of the brick, three white circles are arranged in the shape of a triangle. These white circles have a rougher texture than the rest of the brick's surface. Accompanying the item is a note that reads: "VITREOUS ELECTRICAL INSULATING PORCELAIN. THIS illustrates a railway signal base of 'Nu Blac' body and glazed black. This material was developed in order to meet an increasing demand for a material that could take a good uniform black glaze and have high dielectric and mechanical strength. Many manufacturers are now substituting this material for others because it does not show discolorations due to handling in assembly. This material can be molded as easily as our regular white electrical porcelain. Manufactured by THE STAR PORCELAIN COMPANY. TRENTON, NEW JERSEY. Established 1899." Although the note references a specific porcelain material, this item does not appear to be the same piece discussed in the note. According to the Potteries of Trenton Society and D.V. Abramson and T. Karschner's book An Inventory of Historical Engineering and Industrial Sites, Trenton, New Jersey, The Star Porcelain Company operated in Trenton, New Jersey from 1900 to 2002. The company was known for its specialized manufacturing of electrical porcelain, which led to rapid growth during its first two decades. By the late 1970s, they were still producing electrical porcelain before eventually ceasing operations. According to Eduardo Souza of Arch Daily, refractory bricks are specifically designed to withstand high temperatures. Unlike regular bricks, which can expand when exposed to heat and contract once the heat source is removed-causing thermal shock-refractory bricks are made from substances like ceramic that do not experience this issue. This makes them ideal for use in high-temperature environments where thermal shock could cause instability in typical brick structures. Refractory bricks are commonly used in the construction of ovens, barbecue grills, fireplaces, and other heat-intensive structures due to their ability to maintain structural integrity even under extreme temperature fluctuations. Citations: Abramson, D.V. and T. Karschner. 1978. An Inventory of Historical Engineering and Industrial Sites, Trenton, New Jersey. On file, New Jersey Historic Preservation Office (NJDEP), Trenton, New Jersey. Souza, E. (2020, October 27). What are refractory bricks and what are they for?. ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/950115/what-are-refractory-bricks-and-what-are-they-for Star Porcelain Company. Potteries of Trenton Society. (n.d.-c). https://potteriesoftrentonsociety.org/research/records/star-porcelain-company-2/ |
Year Range from |
1900 |
Year Range to |
2002 |
Material |
Ceramic |
Artist |
Star Porcelain Company |
Height (in) |
5.000 |
Length (in) |
6.250 |
Condition |
Good |
Condition Notes |
Overall: Abrasions and accretions throughout. Front: There is an abrasion on the bottom near the middle. Also, there are black accretions all over. Right Side: There is an abrasion on the center near the right side. Also, there are white accretions on the center near the middle. Back: There are white accretions all over. Also, there are white discolorations inside of the holes. Left Side: There are abrasions on bottom near the left side. There are white accretions on bottom near the left side. And finally, there are white accretions on the top near the middle. Top: There is a black accretion on top near the left side. Bottom: There are white accretions on the bottom near the middle. |
Classification |
Business & Commerce Electricity |
Subjects |
Ceramic industry Light fixtures Light bulbs Light Lighting industry Lighting Electricity Electrical apparatus industry Electric lighting |
Search Terms |
Ceramic Porcelain Brown White Brick Refractory Electric Electricity Rectangle 1900 2002 19th Century 20th Century 21st Century Star Porcelain Company Star Porcelain Company Refractory Brick |
Provenance |
Found in collection |