Clara's Beautiful 19th C. School Slate with Corner Mends santa claus There is some paint loss

There is some paint loss around the lip and on the body decoration and some scattered stains/smudges

11 7/8 x 8 7/8

and a nicely shaped turned wooden handle

perhaps one with picnic table dining

Clara's Beautiful 19th C. School Slate with Corner Mends santa claus There is some paint lossAs with early primers, I have a weakness for early school slates, especially lovingly mended ones with names carved into them. And as with primers, I do resist most, but this though photos do no justice to its presence or patina is a particularly beautiful one. The grooves from the wire corner mends are deep, meaning Clara, one presumes, continued to use it for a good many years following the repairs. The wood of the frame is worn smooth, with old