Crutch

Object Name:

Crutch

Object ID:

1992.013

Creator:

Alexander, George E. & Son, Inc.Manufacturer

Place of Origin:

Sunapee, NH

Date:

1992

Description:

Crutch, child's. Birch, made by George E. Alexander and Son, Sunapee, NH. Bent frame of birch plywood with birch top, birch grip, and adjustable birch leg. Overall length adjusts from 29.5" to 37.5". 7.9" wide at top; 0.9" thick. Grip and leg position are adjustable with bolts and wingnuts. Face of top piece is stamped, "3038" in ink. Underside of top piece stamped (impressed) with brown maker's mark: "GEA" in circle.

Material:

Wood

Birch

Dimensions:

W-7.9 L-29.5 D-0.9 inches

Provenance:

The company was founded by Elkanah M. Alexander in Lempster, NH, in 1852. He made wooden rakes until his death in 1870. His son, George E., took over the business and moved to Newport, then to Sunapee, still making rakes. In 1887, the shop moved to its present location of Lower Main Street in Sunapee. George's son, Ralph W., joined the firm in 1913 and later managed it until 1950. Ralph began the manufacture of crutches, although rakes were still made until 1965. Ralph's son, Guy, entered the business and is now the president. All of the crutches are made of New Hampshire birch.

Credit Line:

Gift of George E. Alexander and Son, Inc.

People:

Alexander, Elkanah M.

Subjects:

Crutches