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Salesman's Sample of Ornate Lithography

Currency:USD Category:Antiques Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:100.00 - 125.00 USD
Salesman's Sample of Ornate Lithography
Salesman's Sample of Ornate Lithography. Elaborate, oversize lithograph, evidently a specimen sheet showcasing the work of Herline & Co., Philadelphia, n.d. but c. 1850-60, 16 x 181/2. A veritable smorgasbord of mid-19th-century typography and engraving, with a wide assortment of lettering, together with floral wreaths and flourishes. Headed "Iron Manufacture...." Each of three sample presentations filling one-third of sheet: I.P. Morris & Co., Merrick & Sons' Southwark Foundry, and Camden Iron Mfg. Co., all of Philadelphia, the last also of Camden. Each vignette alone about 21/2 x 7, with intricate detail. In highly ornate type, products variously described: "Stationary Steam Engines... Boilers of the Best Material & Workmanship...Heavy Machinery of all Kinds...Marine & River Engines... Bells & Brass Castings...." (Morris would make the Cresson-Morris automobile in the early 20th century, this venture linked to Charles Duryea.) Light band of waterstaining at blank left and top margins, easily matted, uniform mocha toning, else V.G. Apparently these are enlarged presentations of actual letterheads designed by this printer, toted by a salesman to show quality of their work. Such specimens are generally encountered as type only. Very scarce thus, and highly decorative.