This is one of a number of superb antique 19thC TEXTILE TRADEMARKS which are hand made trademark printing blocks from the Manchester COTTON MILL industry. These cotton merchants attached trade marks to the cotton bales and these were bespoke made for each manufacturer. Mainly pictorial designs with the odd name or wording but these are visual period " trademarks " and some of them are really outstanding. Some I have noticed have Asian or Arabic wording in the design as well. The blocks are chunky and really well made from fine thin copper sheet strips hammered into - inset into the wood by hand which have been very carefully made into the desired TRADEMARK of the companies. They are a work of art and very detailed. Some of these wooden blocks have their makers name on their edges. Remember the designs are retrograde and any wording is backwards on the actual blocks.
I have reversed one of the photographs for you to show what the blocks say. Some of these blocks are really superb and will probably be unique as I wouldn't think too many would have been made. Tremendous quality antique blocks as well and be assured they are NOT reproduction items. Make sure you check the size and weight of the blocks as well - some are larger and heavier than they may appear in the photos! Some of these blocks may never have been seen before and maybe unidentified manufacturers, ideal for a research study scholar or specialist museum archive too. Key jargon words used in this industry include Bolt Cloth - Face Plate Stamp.
This block shows a Trademark of a bird of prey on top of a heron or stork type bird with the name GRAHAM'S at the top. Registered trademark.
Maker's mark W. Graham & Co., Manchester has been stamped into the side edges along with the date 11/2/10. The number 2172 has also been stamped into the side.
Please see photographs provided for more details and visual confirmation of condition.
Normal signs of age and use wear.
There are some surface scuffs but overall the block is in good antique condition.
There are some small cracks in the wood.
There are some small cracks in the wood.
The block measures approx. 2 and 3/4 inches x 2 and 1/2 inches x 2 inches.
This is a SMALL block compared to the majority of the others.
It weighs 155grams.
My stock ref : #T285-9922 on shelf of large printing blocks.
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Scale is usually an English 1 penny coin which is 20mm in diameter which is just short of 7/8ths of an inch in diameter, or a universal Coke can, and we all know how big those are.
If you see A/F = a/f in the title or description it means "as found" condition which may have scuffs, scratches and damage.