Antique printer's block picturing 2 ducks in flight.
Measures 1 3/4" x 1 3/4" x 7/8" thick.
Condition as shown, some scratches and marks on the surface.
A printer's block, also known as a printing block or letterpress block, is a physical block or plate used in traditional letterpress printing. It is typically made of wood or metal and has a raised surface with a mirror image of the desired text or image to be printed.
In letterpress printing, ink is applied to the raised surface of the printer's block. Then, the block is pressed against paper or another printing surface, transferring the inked image or text onto the paper. The pressure of the press leaves an impression on the paper, creating the printed design.
Printer's blocks were widely used in the history of printing, especially before the advent of modern digital printing methods. They allowed for the reproduction of text and images with precision and clarity. These blocks were manually assembled to form pages or designs and were used in various printing processes, including newspaper printing, book printing, and commercial printing.
In addition to wood and metal, other materials like linoleum, plastic, or rubber could also be used to create printer's blocks for specific applications. For instance, linoleum blocks were commonly used for relief printing, especially for artistic and illustrative purposes.
With the advancement of digital printing technologies, traditional letterpress printing has become less common in commercial settings. However, there has been a revival of interest in letterpress printing as an artisanal and craft-based printing technique, and printer's blocks are still valued and collected by printing enthusiasts, artists, and collectors.
Printer's blocks hold historical significance as artifacts of the printing industry's past and serve as a tangible reminder of the craftsmanship and artistry involved in traditional printing methods. Today, they are often treasured as decorative items or used by artists to create unique prints with a vintage charm.
