You're right about the use of this stencil. We have several of these from
the 19th century and I've seen evidence of them used on clothing
(particularly undergarments), quilts, and sometimes in books and on other
items. 

Heidi Campbell-Shoaf, Curator
Historical Society of Frederick County
24 East Church Street
Frederick, Md. 21701
www.hsfcinfo.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Dana C. Street
Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2008 11:39 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: 18th century metal name stencil

Hello all,

A member of our museum brought in a small, metal plate with a stenciled 
name at the center.  The name is that of one of her ancestors who lived 
in the 18th century.  The entire piece is 1 3/4" by 1 1/8" and the 
lettering is only 1/8" high.  I have been trying to research the use of 
this small stencil on the Internet.  It looks like something that would 
be used to mark / personalize clothing or other articles.  Has anyone 
seen a stencil like this or know anything more about how it might be used? 

thanks for any help you can give!

Dana C. Street
Curator
Martha's Vineyard Museum

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