{"title":"The Lecture Hall","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA collection rooted in the classroom—antique schoolbooks, an ornate brass inkwell, a turn-of-the-century group portrait, ten antique skeleton keys, a commemorative school bell honoring 44 years of service, and an original 1920s University of Kentucky panoramic photograph.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSix pieces carrying traces of the people who read from them, wrote with them, worked beside them, and gathered for the photograph.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollected slowly. Chosen with care.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"antique-schoolbook-trio-1884-1914-rhetoric-spelling-geography","title":"Antique Schoolbook Trio | 1884–1914 | Rhetoric, Spelling \u0026 Geography","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA heavily timeworn collection of three antique schoolbooks spanning 1884 to 1914, sold together as a set.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe trio includes \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eElements of Rhetoric and Composition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e from Hill’s Rhetorical Series, copyright 1884; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Spelling Book\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e by Georgia Alexander, dated 1906; and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHome Geography\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e by Fairbanks, copyright 1914.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMore than a century of use remains visible throughout these books. Handwritten names and notations, foxing, staining, faded cloth, worn spines and softened edges preserve evidence of their years in classrooms and in the hands of their former owners. The 1884 rhetoric volume retains its worn leather spine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese books have \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003esignificant condition wear\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and are best suited for a collector who appreciates visibly aged books, historic educational material and decorative objects with substantial evidence of use. Please review all photographs carefully for condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncluded\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eElements of Rhetoric and Composition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e — Hill’s Rhetorical Series, copyright 1884\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eA Spelling Book\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e — Georgia Alexander, dated 1906\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eHome Geography\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e — Fairbanks, copyright 1914\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThree books total; sold only as a set\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximate Measurements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eHome Geography\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e — 8” × 6¼”\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eElements of Rhetoric and Composition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e — 7½” × 5”\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eA Spelling Book\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e — 7½” × 5½”\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeavy age-related wear and staining\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFoxing throughout\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHandwriting and notations present\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCovers and spines show substantial wear and fading\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1884 rhetoric volume has a worn leather spine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGeneral discoloration, marks and other evidence of long-term use\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo restoration is represented\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease review photographs as part of the condition description\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAntique pieces. Age-appropriate wear is expected and is part of their history and character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shop of Old","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45857629569159,"sku":null,"price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0727\/9345\/6775\/files\/73C96835-2D1A-4184-933E-C6ADD78A5D4D.jpg?v=1789428790"},{"product_id":"vintage-brass-glass-inkwell-ornate-art-nouveau-style-desk-inkwell","title":"Vintage Brass \u0026 Glass Inkwell | Ornate Art Nouveau Style Desk Inkwell","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn ornate vintage brass and glass inkwell with elaborate floral and scrollwork detailing inspired by Art Nouveau designs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe substantial cast brass base features flowing botanical decoration surrounding a removable square glass inkwell. A coordinating decorative brass lid completes the piece, giving it wonderful presence as a vintage desk accessory or decorative object.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe underside is marked \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Made in Taiwan, R.O.C.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e This marking identifies the piece as a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003evintage reproduction and not a period Art Nouveau antique\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. We believe it dates to the mid-to-late 20th century based on its construction and country-of-origin marking, though an exact production date is unknown.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe brass has developed an aged surface and patina consistent with vintage use. No attempt has been made to polish the piece, preserving its existing character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximate Measurements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall — 7” W × 6” D × 6¾” H\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGlass inkwell — 2” × 2” × 2” H\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVintage reproduction\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarked “Made in Taiwan, R.O.C.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrnate cast brass construction\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRemovable square glass inkwell\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMatching decorative brass lid\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge-related surface wear and patina\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo restoration is represented\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease review all photographs as part of the condition description\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVintage piece. Age-appropriate wear is expected and is part of its character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shop of Old","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45857636319367,"sku":null,"price":58.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0727\/9345\/6775\/files\/6D4E5A3B-A946-46CB-9FC3-E37513BFCD78.jpg?v=1789428951"},{"product_id":"one-of-a-kind-framed-antique-skeleton-key-collection-10-authentic-keys","title":"One-of-a-Kind Framed Antique Skeleton Key Collection | 10 Authentic Keys","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA one-of-a-kind handmade display featuring \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e10 authentic antique skeleton keys\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, individually arranged against a dark ground within a gold-painted frame.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach key is an authentic antique piece rather than a modern reproduction, with its own distinctive shape, surface variation and naturally aged patina. Together, the ten keys create a striking piece of wall art while preserving the individual character and history of the antique objects themselves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003edisplay and frame are newer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and were assembled specifically to showcase the collection. Only the skeleton keys are represented as antique. The gold-painted frame provides contrast against the dark background and arrives ready to hang.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause the keys are antique, variations in oxidation, patina, surface wear and finish are expected. Their original locks, specific ages and individual histories are unknown, and functionality is not represented.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximate Measurements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFramed display — 6” W × 14” H × 1.1” D\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e10 authentic antique skeleton keys\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne-of-a-kind handmade display\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNewer gold-painted frame and display materials\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReady to hang\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeys show naturally occurring age-related wear, oxidation and patina\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeys are sold as decorative\/collectible objects; functionality with any lock is not represented\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo restoration to the antique keys is represented\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease review all photographs as part of the condition description\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAntique components presented in a newer handmade display. Age-appropriate wear to the antique keys is expected and is part of their history and character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shop of Old","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45857643692167,"sku":null,"price":148.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0727\/9345\/6775\/files\/5253D0E1-F6B3-4FA5-B930-AA9C1C341861.jpg?v=1789429179"},{"product_id":"vintage-commemorative-brass-hand-bell-mrs-partington-1927-1971","title":"Vintage Commemorative Brass Hand Bell | Mrs. Partington | 1927–1971","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA substantial vintage brass hand bell commemorating an extraordinary \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e44 years of service\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, complete with its original clapper and turned black wooden handle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe bell is engraved:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Mrs. Partington\u003cbr\u003e 1927–1971\u003cbr\u003e Brook Park Cafeteria Staff\u003cbr\u003e 1971”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe inscription documents Mrs. Partington’s 44 years of service, beginning in 1927 and continuing through 1971. It is a wonderful piece of everyday working history—an object that survives not because it marked a famous event, but because someone believed decades of service deserved to be remembered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe brass bell has a beautifully aged surface and substantial presence, paired with a turned black wooden handle. The original clapper remains intact, and the bell produces a wonderfully loud, clear ring.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe engraving is presented exactly as it appears on the bell. We have not independently verified additional biographical or employment information about Mrs. Partington beyond the commemorative inscription.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximate Measurements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e9” H × 4½” diameter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVintage brass hand bell\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTurned black wooden handle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal clapper intact\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduces a loud, clear ring\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEngraved commemorative service dedication\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge-related surface wear and patina\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo restoration is represented\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease review all photographs as part of the condition description\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVintage piece. Age-appropriate wear is expected and is part of its history and character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shop of Old","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45857649557639,"sku":null,"price":68.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0727\/9345\/6775\/files\/90FA12F1-8FD8-43E7-B30F-78C892F80190.jpg?v=1789429313"},{"product_id":"antique-university-of-kentucky-panoramic-photograph-circa-1923-1924-simes-louisville","title":"Antique University of Kentucky Panoramic Photograph | Circa 1923–1924 | Simes Louisville","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn original period panoramic photograph capturing \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUniversity of Kentucky students gathered across the campus lawn and arranged to form “U OF K.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDating to approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1923–1924\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the photograph preserves a remarkable view of the university, its students and campus more than a century ago. The historic University of Kentucky Main Building stands prominently behind the gathering, while hundreds of individual students fill the lawn in the foreground.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA photographer\/studio mark for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSimes, Louisville, Kentucky\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e appears in the lower-right corner of the photograph.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePresented in its long black frame, the panoramic format makes this an especially compelling piece of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKentucky, Lexington and University of Kentucky history\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, as well as an unusual piece of early-20th-century collegiate photography.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is minor evidence of water staining to the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003epaper backing on the reverse only\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The panoramic photograph itself is not affected by this staining. The black frame shows considerable age-related scuffing, surface wear and areas of paint loss, all of which are visible in the listing photographs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe photograph is represented as an original period photograph based on its physical characteristics and visible studio mark. The circa 1923–1924 date reflects available research; an exact year has not been independently documented.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximate Measurements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFramed — 26½” W × 8½” H\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal period panoramic photograph\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCirca 1923–1924; exact year unconfirmed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUniversity of Kentucky students arranged to form “U OF K”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistoric UK Main Building visible in background\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSimes, Louisville, Kentucky photographer\/studio mark\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinor water staining to paper backing on reverse\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhotograph itself unaffected by the water staining\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack frame shows scuffing, surface wear and paint loss\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo restoration is represented\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease review all photographs as part of the condition description\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAntique piece. Age-appropriate wear is expected and is part of its history and character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shop of Old","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45857651523719,"sku":null,"price":148.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0727\/9345\/6775\/files\/04F6AA2D-E239-4C90-A090-FDF949F01B3F.jpg?v=1789429405"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0727\/9345\/6775\/collections\/664540BF-B1B4-4A12-86EE-D4832BD02E84.jpg?v=1789428696","url":"https:\/\/shopofold.com\/collections\/the-lecture-hall.oembed","provider":"Shop of Old","version":"1.0","type":"link"}