Customs Official Collection

X-ray security machine, 1900
X-ray security machine. Historical artwork of a fluoroscope being used in a late 19th-century French customs hall. The fluoroscope was designed and built by the French inventor Eugene Ducretet

Chinese (chromolitho)
7149449 Chinese (chromolitho) by Leutemann, Heinrich (1824-1905); Private Collection; (add.info.: Chinese. Illustration from Native Life in Distant Lands (George Philip & Sons, London, and Philip)

Arabs (chromolitho)
7149446 Arabs (chromolitho) by Leutemann, Heinrich (1824-1905); Private Collection; (add.info.: Arabs. Illustration from Native Life in Distant Lands (George Philip & Sons, London, and Philip)

Nubians (chromolitho)
7149445 Nubians (chromolitho) by Leutemann, Heinrich (1824-1905); Private Collection; (add.info.: Nubians. Illustration from Native Life in Distant Lands (George Philip & Sons, London, and Philip)

Africans (chromolitho)
7149444 Africans (chromolitho) by Leutemann, Heinrich (1824-1905); Private Collection; (add.info.: Africans. Illustration from Native Life in Distant Lands (George Philip & Sons, London, and Philip)

Eskimos (chromolitho)
7149441 Eskimos (chromolitho) by Leutemann, Heinrich (1824-1905); Private Collection; (add.info.: Eskimos. Illustration from Native Life in Distant Lands (George Philip & Sons, London, and Philip)

The Dogana, Genoa (litho)
7180353 The Dogana, Genoa (litho) by Fulleylove, John (1847-1908); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Dogana, Genoa. Illustration for The Picturesque Mediterranean, Special Edition (Cassell)

Indians (chromolitho)
7149447 Indians (chromolitho) by Leutemann, Heinrich (1824-1905); Private Collection; (add.info.: Indians. Illustration from Native Life in Distant Lands (George Philip & Sons, London, and Philip)

Polynesians (chromolitho)
7149440 Polynesians (chromolitho) by Leutemann, Heinrich (1824-1905); Private Collection; (add.info.: Polynesians. Illustration from Native Life in Distant Lands (George Philip & Sons, London)

Dublin, Ireland: Custom House and Quays, showing Loop Line (litho)
7191414 Dublin, Ireland: Custom House and Quays, showing Loop Line (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Custom House and Quays, showing Loop Line)

New York: View from Produce Exchange Tower (b / w photo)
7190433 New York: View from Produce Exchange Tower (b/w photo) by American Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: View from Produce Exchange Tower)

Ireland: Dublin, Custom House, showing Over Head Railway, Loop Line, and Butt Bridge (litho)
7190115 Ireland: Dublin, Custom House, showing Over Head Railway, Loop Line, and Butt Bridge (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Dublin, Custom House)

Vue de la Douane, a Paris (engraving)
7179179 Vue de la Douane, a Paris (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Vue de la Douane, a Paris)

Native Americans (chromolitho)
7149442 Native Americans (chromolitho) by Leutemann, Heinrich (1824-1905); Private Collection; (add.info.: Native Americans)

Hottentots and Bushmen, South Africa (chromolitho)
7149443 Hottentots and Bushmen, South Africa (chromolitho) by Leutemann, Heinrich (1824-1905); Private Collection; (add.info.: Hottentots and Bushmen, South Africa)

Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Douanier; Custom-house officer; Zollbeamte (engraving)
7195760 Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Douanier; Custom-house officer; Zollbeamte (engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Douanier; Custom-house officer; Zollbeamte)

A street in Quimper (litho)
7170979 A street in Quimper (litho) by American School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A street in Quimper)

Dublin, Ireland: Custom House (litho)
7191410 Dublin, Ireland: Custom House (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Custom House. Illustration for Album of Dublin (W Lawrence, c 1895)

Matthew Sitting at the Receipt of Custom (engraving)
7182803 Matthew Sitting at the Receipt of Custom (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Matthew Sitting at the Receipt of Custom)

Papuans (chromolitho)
7149439 Papuans (chromolitho) by Leutemann, Heinrich (1824-1905); Private Collection; (add.info.: Papuans. Illustration from Native Life in Distant Lands (George Philip & Sons, London, and Philip)

Australian Aborigines (chromolitho)
7149436 Australian Aborigines (chromolitho) by Leutemann, Heinrich (1824-1905); Private Collection; (add.info.: Australian Aborigines)

Japanese (chromolitho)
7149451 Japanese (chromolitho) by Leutemann, Heinrich (1824-1905); Private Collection; (add.info.: Japanese. Illustration from Native Life in Distant Lands (George Philip & Sons, London, and Philip)

Custom House at Yokohama
Vintage engraving showing the Custom House at Yokohama, Japan, 1861

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"Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Cultures: A Glimpse into the World of Customs Officials" Step back in time to the year 1900, where X-ray security machines were a novelty and customs officials held a unique position at border crossings. In this captivating journey, we explore their role as gatekeepers, safeguarding nations while encountering diverse cultures. The chromolithographs transport us to ancient China, where Chinese customs officials diligently inspected goods flowing through bustling ports. Vibrant depictions of Arabs, Nubians, Africans, Eskimos, Indians, and Polynesians reveal how these dedicated individuals navigated cultural differences with grace and respect. As our voyage continues across continents and oceans, lithographs bring us to The Dogana in Genoa - an iconic symbol of Italian customs control. Here we witness the meticulous attention paid by officials ensuring that nothing illicit enters or exits their beloved country. Dublin's Custom House stands tall on its quayside; a testament to Ireland's rich maritime history. Lithographs showcase not only its grandeur but also highlight the integration of modern infrastructure like Over Head Railway and Loop Line - innovations embraced by Irish customs officials for enhanced efficiency. Across the Atlantic Ocean lies New York City; its Produce Exchange Tower offering panoramic views over bustling streets below. Amidst black-and-white photographs capturing New York's vibrant energy from above is a glimpse into the world of American customs officers who vigilantly monitored trade activities within this global hub. Through these glimpses into different eras and locations around the world emerges a common thread - customs officials bridging gaps between nations while upholding order and security. Their unwavering commitment ensures that both people and goods traverse borders safely while celebrating diversity. Join us on this mesmerizing expedition through time as we pay homage to those unsung heroes behind X-ray security machines –the guardians who have shaped our interconnected world one inspection at a time.