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MUSEUM-GRADE ANTIQUE RICHMOND SCHOOL FURNITURE CO. NO. 4812 LITHO-PLATE STANDING BLACKBOARD EASEL – CIRCA 1940s/1950s SCHOOLHOUSE AMERICANA
An exceptional, highly preserved piece of American educational history featuring an intact, fully functional multiplication scroll mechanism.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
Offered here is an authentic, early-to-mid-century standing floor-easel educational blackboard manufactured by the legendary Richmond School Furniture Co. of Muncie, Indiana. This is the highly desirable Model No. 4812, featuring their patented "Litho-Plate" slated writing surface and a brilliant built-in rolling paper scroll mechanism displaying graphic multiplication tables.
Sourced directly from the estate of a lifelong Eastern Tennessee educator and school principal, this piece carries a beautiful legacy of student enrichment. It is a stunning, investment-grade acquisition for serious collectors of vintage Americana, antique toys, or high-end farmhouse and industrial interior design.
SPECIFICATIONS & MANUFACTURE DETAILS
•Manufacturer: Richmond School Furniture Co.
•Origin: Muncie, Indiana, U.S.A.
•Model Number: No. 4812 (Educational Floor Easel)
•Circa: c. 1940s - 1950s
•Composition: Solid wood structural framing, patented pulverized ground slate "Litho-Plate" surface, heavy-weight lithographed paper internal scroll, and original wood turning knobs.
•Special Features: Fully intact, rare original paper instructional label on the reverse side specifying care and "No. 4812" cataloging.
THE ARTISTRY & MECHANICS
•The "Litho-Plate" Surface: Unlike lower-tier vintage chalkboards which used cheap black paint on cardboard, Richmond utilized a high-purity pulverized slate preparation applied directly to a durable wood-fiber base. This created a smooth, velvety finish that yields exceptional chalk contrast and resistance to shattering.
•The Rolling Scroll: The upper crown houses a pristine, fully operational rolling chart. Turning the side wooden handles scrolls through beautifully printed math charts, multiplication grids, and numeric graphics designed to give children a tactile learning experience.
DETAILED CONDITION REPORT
•Structural Frame: The solid wood frame is remarkably sturdy, square, and retains its original warm amber finish with beautiful, authentic age patina.
•Writing Surface: The slated blackboard surface is smooth with light, honest evidence of historic classroom use.
•Scroll Mechanism: The mechanical rolling knobs function cleanly. The internal paper scroll shows bright, un-faded colors with no major tearing or jamming.
•Reverse Label: The fragile paper manufacturer badge on the reverse is incredibly well-preserved and fully legible—a rare find for this model.
SHIPPING, PACKAGING, & PRICING STRATEGY
•Pricing: Offered at $430.00 via Buy It Now with Best Offer enabled. This reflects the exceptional condition of the scroll and the documented provenance.
•Packaging: This item will be heavily bubble wrapped, securely boxed, and shipped via fully insured carriage to ensure it arrives at your estate in its exact current condition.
vintage schoolhouse decor, antique blackboard easel, Richmond school furniture, Litho Plate chalkboard, rolling educational scroll, multiplication chart toy, Muncie Indiana history, 1940s Americana, classroom antiques, industrial farmhouse design, rustic teacher gift.
