Photo Gallery: Philadelphia Treasures
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Dueling Pistol
This dueling pistol was manufactured in 1776 by John Twigg, a renowned gun maker. The characteristics of a Twigg duelling pistol include a hair trigger, front and rear sights and smooth bore barrel - some of which were required by the "Code Duello", the actual rules and regulations of how a duel was to be conducted.
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Victorian Dress
Queen Victoria ruled England from 1837 to 1901. Before her reign, fashion was primarily focused on men. With the Queen in power, women's clothing came to the forefront. Keeping up with the latest styles became a way for women to display their family status and wealth to the world. Authentic Victorian gowns now sell for as much as $10,000.
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Playing With Swords
This sword was used as a theater prop in the 1880s. The sword had a retractable blade and a hidden packet of animal blood - when one actor "stabbed" another the packet of blood would be punctured, resulting in some realistic looking blood spray. Props like these provide a window into the world of early American theater.
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Shield Prop
Shields and swords were used as props in plays during the 1800s.
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George Washington Proof
This George Washington Proof was made by Alfred Sealey. Before the Washington dollar bill was made, the first dollar bill was created in 1862 with a picture of Salmon P. Chase on it, Lincoln's Treasury Secretary. Gilbert Stuart was called the "Father of American Portraiture." He painted the portrait of George Washington that was used to make the dollar bill.
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Founding Father Seal
This seal was possibly used by founding father Robert Morris to stamp his personal documents. In his youth, Robert Morris was a very wealthy man who almost single handedly took over the financing of the Revolutionary War. He even put up his own credit to keep the revolution alive. Yet he died penniless.
