Object ID:
2001.211.114
Title:
Braille slate
Description:
Board slate; aluminum backing board has horizontal "washboard-type" ridges, brass pins, and a top-hinged outer frame; four pins up and four pins down in outer frame; brass guide is notched on right and has 2 pegs on back to fit holes in frame; 2 lines of 36 cells. "2235" --front of guide. "2235" and "Istituto Dei Ciechi Napoli Paolo Colosimo" --front of frame.
Dimensions:
H-13.25 W-9.625 D-0.375 inches
Date:
n.d.
Made by:
Istituto Paolo Colosimo, Napoli
Place of Origin:
Naples, Italy
Provenance:
Item is part of a slate collection that belonged to David Ronecker (1918-2001). He was blind since birth, attended the Missouri School for the Blind, worked in Texas as a medical technician for the armed forces, and was an avid collector of slates. He was the uncle of Charles Zinser, who acquired the slate collection after Ronecker's death.
The Paolo Colosimo Institute for the Blind was founded in Naples in 1892 as an offshoot of the National Society Regina Margherita for the Blind in Florence. Its name was changed in 1913 to memoralize the lost son of wealthy benefactors.
The Paolo Colosimo Institute for the Blind was founded in Naples in 1892 as an offshoot of the National Society Regina Margherita for the Blind in Florence. Its name was changed in 1913 to memoralize the lost son of wealthy benefactors.
Credit Line:
Museum Purchase, 2001.211
Click to Enlarge
Braille desk slate
Detail of maker's mark
Braille desk slate
Detail of maker's mark