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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: jkmad96 on September 15, 2012, 02:41:10 PM

Title: Smithsonian Institution Block
Post by: jkmad96 on September 15, 2012, 02:41:10 PM

I have a stone block that has the Smithsonian Institution Logo on it. It seems to be very old and looks like it was at one point a part of a building. The Smithsonian building perhaps? I have no idea where it came from and I've looked and looked but cannot find anything about it online. Please help me to understand what i have.

Title: Re: Smithsonian Institution Block
Post by: Rauville on September 15, 2012, 05:36:32 PM

My thoughts would be that it was made for one of their membership promotions.

Title: Re: Smithsonian Institution Block
Post by: jkmad96 on September 15, 2012, 05:38:31 PM

Are they worth anything?

Title: Re: Smithsonian Institution Block
Post by: mart on September 15, 2012, 07:52:27 PM

don`t know about worth but many institutions give items like this to individuals donating money or items to the museum !!

Title: Re: Smithsonian Institution Block
Post by: KC on September 15, 2012, 09:04:44 PM

I agree that it was most likely in a commemorative item for a donation.

However, contact the Smithsonian and see what they have to say!!!
http://www.si.edu/Contacts (http://www.si.edu/Contacts)

Title: Re: Smithsonian Institution Block
Post by: wendy177 on September 16, 2012, 05:59:12 AM

I agree that sounds logical! Can't find any info on this piece also.   please let us know your response from the Smithsonian!!

Title: Re: Smithsonian Institution Block
Post by: ghopper1924 on September 16, 2012, 08:02:09 AM

Looks commemorative, for a BIG donor perhaps, i.e. a "cornerstone" or "building block" of the institution.

Title: Re: Smithsonian Institution Block
Post by: mart on September 16, 2012, 08:17:06 AM

usually really big donors get their name engraved on the block and it is used in the building !!  Or at least thats what they do here !!

Title: Re: Smithsonian Institution Block
Post by: ghopper1924 on September 16, 2012, 08:23:23 AM

For a new building that would be true. Since "The Castle" has been there since 1848 or so, it would have to be in some other construction, or the donor would have to be content with a "cornerstone" in a box.

Title: Re: Smithsonian Institution Block
Post by: mart on September 16, 2012, 08:32:03 AM

right !!  I always forget about the age !!

Title: Re: Smithsonian Institution Block
Post by: KC on September 16, 2012, 10:40:33 AM

ALSO note....that the Smithsonian now opens places in cooperation with other museums all over the country.  For example here in Texas....The Frontiers of Flight Museum http://www.flightmuseum.com/ (http://www.flightmuseum.com/).  There are so many affiliates these days and it isn't limited to DC.

The Castle is the oldest building and the commemorates are on the actual red bricks.  While others are on the walkways.

Does the outside of the box have any writing/stamping/typing on it?