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 highly decorated urn in the centre with the word RANGOON underneath. This is the old name for Yangon, the capital city of Myanmar - formerly Burma.
There is also some Burmese words on this block but I have no idea what they say.
It has the name HARPERINKSMITH & CO LTD at the top.
Google this company and its really fascinating...established in 1890....importer, exporter and wholesaler.
Maker's mark Smith & Howarth, Manchester has been stamped into the side edges.
This block has everything going for it, a good size, pictorial with English and Burmese wording, place name Rangoon and the Company name as well. SUPERB and RARE and I very much doubt there are many of these around.
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.
The block measures approx. 4 and 1/2 inches x 3 and 3/4 inches x 2 inches.
It weighs 400grams.
My stock ref : #T285-9922 on shelf of large printing blocks.
I combine postage - shipping so please please WAIT for my invoice before you pay when purchasing multiple items.
To see ALL my other 6000+ items for sale: please click on the VISIT SHOP or click "see other items", strangely both only have a limited view of what I have to offer on each platform so to see everything click on Shop by Category which will give you a much better view.
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.