This an – illegible – manufacturer advertising souvenir likely given to Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition – Fair ( AYP ) visitors on opening day as stamped on the bundle of wood shingles: Opening Day June 1st, 1909. We know that it is an AYP piece because the stamped circular logo is that of the Exposition ( Photo attached ). The Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition aka world’s fair was held in Seattle in 1909 ( June 1 – October 16 ) publicizing the development of the Pacific Northwest. A century ago, world fairs were a means for manufacturers – producers to sell their product to consumers. World’s Fair advertising pieces were designed to be used and kept, reminding consumers of the company. Thus this bundle of wood shingles was likely designed as a paperweight and souvenir that AYP visitors would keep and use. ( One of the more famous souvenirs is the Heinz pickle pin. H.J. Heinz, founder of the Heinz Company, invented the small, green gutta-percha pickle charm (initially designed as a watch fob, it was later issued as a lapel and a hat pin) to attract 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition / Chicago World’s Fair visitors to his company’s poorly located, second-floor booth in the Agricultural Building. We hope the manufacturer of the wood shingle paperweight was equally successful. ) About 2 1/4 x 5 x 3 1/4 inches
Weight: 0.3 LB
Measurement: 2.25 x 5 IN
Depth: 3.25
Condition report:
Wood is age toned. Wear to the edges - which may be how it was sold, that is, these are rough wood shingles
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