Lacquered metal collecting box with removable compartment., undated

The realia series is made up of 40 objects. Though most are not dated, there are labels providing additional information that imply several are souvenirs from Peale’s travels. There are fish hooks labeled as originating from the South Sea Islands in 1841, and there are also natural objects such as a collection of insects, a fish spine, and seashells. There are also objects meant for use during travel such as an ivory knife and a holding cup. An ink well in the design of a bear may have been inspired by the bear cub brought back by Zebulon Pike that Peale and his family raised. However, several objects may be those of the Hoffmire family, including a luggage label with that name and pair of chopsticks purchased from a store in New York founded in the 20th century.