Sign of the Blue Ball, ca. 1698
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  Installation view from "Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World," with modern mount |
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Boston
Painted wood, tin, and iron; Diam. 12 in. (30.5 cm), H. 12 in. (30.5 cm) Bostonian Society/Old State House Museum (Boston, Mass.), 1930.0016 
Franklin's father Josiah is believed to have advertised his candle-making shop with this "sign of the blue ball" that hung above its entrance and was visible up and down the street.
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