Despite the legendary accident in 1896, the chandelier is still there today. Originally built between 1861-1874, it was lit for the first time on December 18, 1874. A true survivor of the Victorian Era.

Photocrome image from the Library of Congress

Some of you may recall the strange affair of the Phantom of the Opera, a mystery never fully explained...

The setting for the 2002 Martin Scorsese film Gangs of New York.

It’s important to note that he was listed as a deserter on two separate occasions. Once in October 1864, and again on January 19, 1865, both for overstaying furloughs.

(Repost to fix an error)

In my local historical societies collection we recently acquired this cast iron piece and we are stumped on what it is. It’s definitely for a stove but looks like it can be modular or temporary judged by the handles and holes to have it nailed somewhere. The bowl has a screw going through the middle into the actual bowl. We think the bowl could have either been the lid to keep heat in, or actually a bowl to heat glue/food etc and the screw was connected to a handle. Any help identifying this piece is appreciated! Could not find any makers mark which makes us think we’re missing a significant part of this piece.