Apple Peelers/Parers

Item

Title

Apple Peelers/Parers

Description

Authenticity in museum exhibits is a critical consideration when we design interpretive displays. The public places their trust in museums, understanding the information found there as truth. (AASLH, 2018 and Wilkening, 2018) Visitors view installations, read text, consider curated collections, taking away with them, we hope, some new knowledge or way to consider the world around them. As curators, we are responsible for the information we deliberately, and unintentional, convey.

Consider these three items – all three are “Reading 78 Apple Parers.”
Can you pick out the “real” one?

A) Item ID: 2016.03.001 Reading 78 Apple Parer, patent filed 1878, mnfr. c.1884, by Reading Hardware Company, Reading PA.
B) Item ID: nic, Reading 78 Apple Parer, patent filed 1878, for educational use, mnfr. c.1884, by Reading Hardware Company, Reading PA. (note: missing blade arm)
C) Item ID: nic, reproduction Reading 78 Apple Paper, for educational use, mnfr. c.2012, by Lehman’s Hardware, Kidron OH (note: original green paint)

Rights

This image is posted publicly for non-profit educational uses, excluding printed publication. Other uses are not permitted.