Clara's Beautiful 19th C. School Slate with Corner Mends late 19th century structurally very sound and sturdy

structurally very sound and sturdy and not shedding paint or rust

and several more on top of that at the corners

' it is unexpected---and

and with terrific old fat nails still showing on the top

thickly painted with what I guess is enamel paint

Clara's Beautiful 19th C. School Slate with Corner Mends late 19th century structurally very sound and sturdyAs 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