Thermometer, Advertising, Reverse Painted Silhouette Child at Tea Time, Newton Mfg., Costa Mesa Lumber CA, Antique 1910s–1920s

A child in oversized shoes, pouring tea for a doll while the dog watches. Someone kept this for a hundred years.

There was a time when a lumber yard in Costa Mesa, California gave its customers a gift — a small, useful, beautiful thing meant to stay on the wall. This is one of them. Made by Newton Manufacturing Co. of Newton, Iowa (founded 1909), it features a reverse-painted silhouette on glass: a little girl playing dress-up at a tea party, her doll across the table, the family dog an attentive guest. Children in this format are exceptionally rare — nearly all Newton thermometers featured adults. Dated to the 1910s–20s based on the two-digit phone number "48" visible in the advertisement. Orange metal frame, hook on back, mercury thermometer intact. A true original — not a reproduction.

A remarkable find for the advertising thermometer collector, silhouette enthusiast, or California history lover. An heirloom-quality gift that tells a story all on its own.

• Advertiser: Costa Mesa Lumber Co., Costa Mesa, CA (no longer in business)
• Maker: Newton Manufacturing Co., Newton, Iowa
• Material: Metal frame, glass, paper, mercury thermometer
• Dimensions: 4.5" diameter
• Origin: USA
• Era: Antique, 1910s–1920s
• Condition: Antique, used — very good; cardboard backing yellowed and stained; small mark inside glass near company name; please review all photos