Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-10-11

George Washington used during the Revofa.
ton to Congress. Those cherished relics for
many years were safeguarded in the custody Of
the Department Of State. Then they were
transferred to the National Museum, where
they now occupy commanding positions among
the historical exhibits.
The last will and testament Of George WASH
ington bequeathed his swords and military
corteaux to his five nephews with the admoni-
ton that they never unsheath the weapons to
draw blood except In defense Of their personal
rights or those Of their country
1t was a relatively simple task to copy the
scabbard Of morocco leather In the same way
in which the sword was duplicated. Washing
tons mess kit, however, was considerable q q
stumbling block for the artistic simulators, as
the wood was worm-eaten and SO aged that
it was difficult to find similar material with
which to make another like it. The original
mess kit, stocked with pewter Dishes knives
forks. spoons and other camping equipment,
was made of ash pine and chestnut, with metal
locks and hinges. Eventually Uncle Sam found
discarded Grating infested with worms and
diapidated, due to exposure, which was salts
factory for model construction. The iron fit
tings were disguised with ammonia and muriatic
acid so that they appeared wear-worn and
aged instead Of fresh from the hardware shop.
During the turbulent war days Of the Revolu-
ton, well when he visited France as an
envoy extraordinary Of the United States Gov
eminent. Benjamin Franklin carried q hand
some gold-headed staff made Of Usage orange
That was during the time when the British had
unofhcially designated Franklin as a traitor
The chances are that there was . secret price
en- his head. and If Franklin had been captured
by the English his life would doubtless have
paid the penalty Of his voyage.
Evidently at one time or another Washing
ton had admired that priced staff Of Franklns,
for the latter bequeathed the walking stick to
President. WASHINGTON in turn
handed the trophy down as q legacy to Samuel
Washington. Samuel T. Washington presented
1t ultimately to the United States to be pre.
served as an historical relic
This staff, on account of its cylindrical shape
presented problem to the scientific illustrator
who was delegated to copy it. Making copies
OF the hat-faced sword and scabbard were easy
as compared with the task Of reproducing the
staff. After considerable speculation on the
subject, the expert hit on the idea Of using
pull strings Of fax laid lengthwise on the sur
face Of the cane underneath the tinfon to aid
in the removal Of that protective material and
the plaster impression. The cords were placed
then the tinfoil was applied and pressed against
the wood to record the impression Of its surface.
The plaster was applied above the tinfoil. When
the impression was finished the artist pulled
out the strings In the successful removal Of
the impression cast. The surface Of the arti-
fetal STAFF was stained and polished in accurate
imitation OF the original
1ne Key 10 the baStue presented TO George
Washington by the King Of France, and now
the property of a prominent fraternal organiza-
ton, was also loaned to your Uncle Samuel
recently In order that it could be copied in
plastic material and finished appropriately as
satisfactory substitute for shipment to France
Authentic models of Washington.s writing kit
and military tent were prepared in similar
manner.
. EALISTIC models Of old-fashioned
N prairie schooner, mules and hardy pioneers
are compared directly with the modern motor
car, truck and the concrete thoroughfare Of
modernity in miniature form in another attrac-
tive display featuring the evolution In American
road building and overland transportation. The
midget wagon and automotive vehicles are
truthful abbreviated reproductions Of regulation
vehicles. The artist who made this interesting
exhibit has even been successful in the develop
ment Of expression on the faces Of the mani
kinS depictive Of the hardShips Of pioneer
travel and the pleasure and luxury Of modern
cross-country traffic.
The motor vehicles are shown speeding over
Continued on Seventeenth Page