Kit, Shaving & Case - Arkansas Supreme Court Justice John McClure
Object number1997.021.05.1
Date1901
Mediumleather, felt, metal
Dimensions2 1/4 x 8 3/4 in. (5.7 x 22.3 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
Terms
Shaving kit includes Star safety razor, stropper and seven blades in felt lined case. Case is black with many scuff marks on top. Top locks in place with two clasps each with three stars. Between the two on bottom section is a trademark imprinted in gold showing a triangle and three stars. Two items are missing from the case. Blades measure 19/16 x 13/16 with Kampfe Brothers New York warranted. Each blade fits into a slot is the case which is identified by the day of the week itched into the lining. The razor has a black handle and "Kampfe Bros. New York USA" imprinted on the head, which retracts to alow for installation of blade. Patent numbers from USA; England, France, Italy and Germany appear on the head. The stropper .
Born in Ohio, John McClure was a politician and judge who first came to Arkansas during the Civil War as a lieut. colonel of a black regiment from Ohio. After the war, he served as an agent with the Freedman's Bureau and went on to become a judge. He was appointed chief justice to the Arkansas Supreme Court in 1868 and served until 1871. He eventually faced impeachment for not allowing Lieut. Governor James M. Johnson the privileges of his office. McClure also served as editor for the Little Rock Daily Republican newspaper during Reconstruction in Little Rock. His nickname was "Poker Jack". He died July 9, 1915 and is buried in Little Rock National Cemetery.
Status
Not on view
