Are these etching plates?
Hello all!
I am working to inventory an off-site storage facility for a museum when I came across a box with letters.
They appear to be etched letters (with a few punctuation marks and a couple graphics). They are made of metal and came in the box that is pictured. The box has six pull-out shelves and is 10.5” x 24” x 8.5”. The etchings themselves are about 1/8” thick. There are 4 different typefaces, none with a complete alphabet.
Any help that the briar press members can give would be greatly appreciated! My knowledge on printing is very limited. I wonder if they might be molds for rubber stamps or etching plates? None of the letters are backwards.
Thank you in advanced!
-Beth
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My guess would be they are patterns for an engraving machine such as was used to make engraved brass desk and door plaques and the like. The set was probably raided for someone’s initials or name, which is why some letters are missing. They would not be reversed because the machine uses a pantograph to make the product letters the right size as reduced from the patterns. You might find the engraving machine in the store-room also.
Bob
Maybe more pictures, if i had to guess i would say they are letters that are used for engraving signs, they were used in a pantograph machine.
After doing some research, I believe you two are correct! Thank you helping solve this little mystery.