STONE FROM U.S. CAPITOL

[Mr.Curiosity]

My wifes parents moved to an RV (fulltime) several years ago after retirement and couldn't find room for this.It was totally black on the front and really dingey on the back.Well I washed it in Dawn dish soap and voila!Tried and tried researching this piece but struckout.Maybe someone here has insight as to a date and value of this,presuming its authenticity. I really don't know what building is depicted on this stone.Thanks !!!

[sapphire]

Just spittin' in the wind here.......being Canadian and all  

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/37113/stone-cold-whodunit

Edit to add.....forgot this part from the above link

"According to Eva Malecki, spokesperson for the Architect of the Capitol, they were part of what was torn down during a renovation that started in 1958 and ended in 1962. The pieces, mostly sandstone and some marble from the east front façade, likely originate from the rebuilding that occurred after the Capitol was nearly burned down in the War of 1812. Instead of reusing the pieces, they were placed in this part of Rock Creek Park per an agreement with then-Architect of the Capitol J. George Stewart and the National Park Service (NPS), Malecki says."

Original Capitol building......simil ar?

[Mr.Curiosity]

Well alrighty then . . .guess that wraps that up ! The pic IS eerily similar with possibily a few artistic embellishments.Prob ably not done by one of the Great Masters but was kinda wondering the age of this ,that may be very difficult to discern .Great info. thanks AGAIN sapphire

[sapphire]

Mr. C.....have to add, LOVE your ruler  Definitely an antique!

[Mr.Curiosity]

Thanks sapphire -was straight out of my grandmothers sewing basket.It 's probably worth more than than that painted rock !

[talesofthesevenseas]

The painted rock would make a way cool doorstop!

[fancypants]

I'd go with the cool rock being worth more than the ruler .

Ole Geo Washinton himself , decked out in Masonic gear , set the cornerstone of the original building .

Below is an artists rendition of the Capital building (still incomplete, but in use) in 1800 .

[ironlord1963]

    I keep looking at that building and it sure looks familiar, wanted to say Mount Vernon, or the orignal White house but not really sure.  I did want to say I really like the stone and the art on it.   I would say the stone is Authentic, looks like a lot of careful Art detail was given to the art.  I'm sure you looked but did the artist sign the rock?  Anyway if it were mine it would be the pride on my shelf, really cool rock.

[sapphire]

Thank you ironlord......I thought the style looked familiar, but not really up on the names of all the US historic sites. 
So now we're looking at a stone depicting Mount Vernon.  Not hard to see with a proper picture. Wonder if the stone
is actually from the site?

[waywardangler]

Yes, way to go ironlord!  It sure looks like Mount vernon.  Neat period souvenir piece.  I would have it on display also.

An 1860 photo of Mount vernon from same side as drawing...

[Mr.Curiosity]

WOW!You guys are incedible ! WTG ironlord,It truly is ,almost ,an exact replica of Mt.Vernon . I must say ,you're all remarkably perceptive ,being that I have been to Mt.Vernon and somehow couldn't make the connection!Thanks to All