Letterpress Flong(s)
For your consideration,
A Flong.
Flongs were the first generation of "Clip-Art" for our industry. Many printers were monthly subscribers from the flong manufacturers. Once a month you would receive a box with the relevant season promotions, Christmas, Easter, Back to School, etc. As well current events that could be marketed to compel clients to purchase products. I find the war years particularly interesting to view. Please note I have tried to capture the halftone detail in my pictures. With certain lighting conditions the half tones are not visible to the naked eye. The other interest of the flongs is of course the vintage years design and the occasional product name brand. Some branding ever so subtle as on one listed in this batch has 3 adult males playing a Monopoly game.
The Flong is essentially a dense blotter paper (paper mache) that has been heated and compressed against a reversed master to produce a positive reading image. The page designer would carefully select the flong image to be used and order a "cut" to be made. Back in the day most shops had a hot pot of lead all day long. It was poured into the flong and the reverse image was then cast. Once the cut was produced it was sent off to the composition team where the page was assembled spaced out and locked up into a chase ready for press.
So...It's time to retire, downsize, get on with the aging process already.
My options are to load up everything and take it to the scrap metal people and other recycle depots, or share it with people interested in participating in the "Art" portion of graphic arts.
I tip my hat to those interested a craft that fed my family for the last 40+ years. I doubt the majority of people interested in Flongs will be using them for their intended purpose. I thought they maybe of considerable use to the multitude of clever crafts people out there. The impression is quite interesting both visually and to tickle the tactile senses.
The majority of my items this season come from a large printing, die-cutting shop. I saved what I could, I captured many of the smaller components as well flongs from the 30's through to the 60's that will eventually make there way here for offer. If you are looking for something related like an Elrod Line Caster please do inquire I may have it still, listing everything will take a couple of years I fear.
Item Condition:
These Flongs are mostly NOS from the 1930's through to the 60's while the technology was in use.
Our terms:
We only accept Paypal and request payment immediately for "buy it now" or within 48 hours of auction close (when applicable).
If unable to make your payment in that time period please contact us. If there is no payment or contact within 4 days of purchase expect that your order will be cancelled at our discretion, item will be relisted, and buyer will be reported to eBay for non-payment.
We try our best to describe the item through words and pictures, however sometimes we might miss something.
Please review pictures and contact us with any questions you may have before the end of the sale.
Your Assurance:
I acquire most of my treasures from either personal collection, second hand stores, auctions, garage sales, estate sales, poker games, etc..
I try to take care when choosing treasures as well as when describing them.
However, on occasion, we do have an item that smells of must, age, smoke, old people, perfume, basements, etc.
These are mostly used treasures with many vintage and old, so they have seen a lot of life.
I just kindly ask that before you leave possibly damaging feedback, that you please contact me first to resolve any issue that has arisen.
As a seller I want happy customers providing positive feedback. That's just good business and the way I would like to be treated when I buy.
Shipping:
Shipments get sent as early as day of cleared payment, up to 2 days as we custom box for most items. (Occasionally it happens that we are out of town unexpectedly).
We would be happy to combine shipping when all purchases are paid for in 1 transaction. Contact us for an exact shipping total prior to payment.
If you want to know about insurance on your package, please contact us.
Shipping costs are based on weight of item and your zip/Postal code.
We sell worldwide and cannot be held liable for any duties or additional government charges, the purchaser is responsible for these extra fee's.
Refund Policy:
I don't offer refunds and items are sold as being in an "as is" condition
However, with respect to ebay's buyer first policies and wanting happy clients a full refund will be given if the item is not described correctly or does not perform its function.
Return shipping is the buyer’s responsibility.
If you have any questions please ask before buying the item.
When the item is returned; it must be in the same condition as shown and stated in the listing.
If the item was damaged on return shipping, return is not accepted.
I shoot for 100% customer satisfaction!
Please contact me first if there are any service, item, or communication issues before you reach out to eBay.
I will try my hardest to make both parties satisfied.
Thanks for stopping by the listing.
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Check out our other treasures, I happily combine shipping