Does anbody know what this interesting thing is?

frank hemmings
on 14 Apr 24 (12:35)

Hi All,
I have been sent these pictures and have been asked do I know what it is. I think I have seen something similar in the past for working on type. can any one confirm and does it have a name.
I suggested that a piece of type be placed into the recess and it does seem to fit endorsing my thoughts.

IMG_0554.JPG

IMG_0555.JPG

what is it.jpg

thomas gravemaker
on 15 Apr 24 (06:08)

This tool is called a ‘Feilkloben’ in German. ‘Feil’ translates into file and ‘Kloben’ into block. A ‘filing block’.
Typesetters place a character in it and can file part of the body off in order to get a better kerning.
I found a picture of it in’Der Schriftsetzer’, published in 1960 in Leipzig.

image0.jpeg

thomas gravemaker
on 15 Apr 24 (08:19)

I also spotted this one when I was in Oxford last year…

frank hemmings
on 15 Apr 24 (11:01)

Thank you Thomas, I will pass your information on to the new owner.