Name/Title
Prop plumbers' pipe wrench from Riverwest Plumbing & Heating Supply, Hoboken, 2013; created for L. Pini & Sons; displayed on 1955 Hoboken Centennial Parade float.Entry/Object ID
2013.049.0001Description
Prop plumbers' pipe wrench, circa 16' long from Riverwest Plumbing & Heating Supply, Inc., Hoboken, 2013; created for L. Pini & Sons; displayed on 1955 Hoboken Centennial Parade float.
Painted (red, black, silver) plywood with painted lettering in white; circa 16 feet long x 3 feet high x 2 feet deep; with pipe made of sheet metal & wood in jaws; 4 cut rubber tires as tightening nut. See notes. Original maker of item not established.
Parade was a celebration of the Centennial of the Incorporation of the City of Hoboken on March 28, 1955. The giant prop pipe or Stillson wrench has been known for its use in that parade by L. Pini & Sons (L. Pini & Sons, Plumbing & Heating, founded in 1918, was then and still is located at 415 Washington Street, Hoboken. The wrench originally had the name "L. Pini & Sons" on the handle - see photos 2013.049.0002 for two images of the wrench on the float.) Beside its role as a theatrical or parade prop, it could also be considered as trade or advertising sign.
It was donated to the Museum in summer 2013 by then owner, Riverwest Plumbing & Heating Supply, Inc. at 1410 Grand St., Hoboken (company building sold and it was moving north to Weehawken where it would no longer have room for display.) That company was founded in 1994 (89 - 91 Jefferson St., Hoboken.) It had been repainted after that date with " River West " (appears as two words but business is known as Riverwest) name replacing the L. Pini & Sons name on the handle.Acquisition
Accession
2013.049Source or Donor
Riverwest Plumbing & Heating Supply, Inc.Acquisition Method
GiftCredit Line
Gift of Riverwest Plumbing & Heating Supply, Inc.Made/Created
Date made
1955 - 2013Notes
Date: 1955-2013General Notes
Note
Notes: This sign was shown in Museum's 2002 “Signs and Traces” exhibition as a short-term loan from Riverwest when it was located at 89-91 Jefferson St., Hoboken.
Status: OK
Status By: dw
Status Date: 2013-08-10
