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Available now is a rare, historically significant antique letterpress printing block (advertising plate mounted on a wood block base) representing the operations of John R. Chamberlin, Coal Sales Agent. This unique artifact was used for printing industrial newspaper advertisements, business directories, or trade circulars during the mid-20th century.
The copper/metal plate features deep, beautifully hand-carved or etched graphic text and side vignettes illustrating clouds of steam or locomotive smoke. Inverted for printing, the plate clearly reads:
"JOHN R. CHAMBERLIN
Coal Sales Agent
PHILADELPHIA
201 NORTH BROAD STREET
KINGSTON-4 and GAYLORD
ANTHRACITE
KINGSTON COAL CO.
KINGS TON" [Vignette featuring an early breaker/mine RITTENHOUSE 9420
NEW YORK: BARCLAY 7-0370
WILLIAMSPORT 25530"
This is an exceptional crossroads piece of ephemera connecting early telecommunications history, Pennsylvania anthracite mining heritage (the legendary Kingston Coal Co. operations), and regional business logistics across Philadelphia, New York, and Williamsport.
FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS:
- Type: Vintage Letterpress Advertising Block / Graphic Printing Plate
- Base: Solid hardwood mounting block
- Metal Face: Copper/zinc alloy plate with exceptional detail and relief definition
- Subject: Anthracite Coal Distribution (Kingston Coal Company, Kingston-4 & Gaylord collieries)
CONDITION REPORT:
Please review the photos carefully to verify the condition details below:
- Plate Face: Excellent vintage condition with deep, crisp engraving lines. Normal light oxidation and minor ink residue from historical press use. No deep gouges or bends to the metal.
- Wood Base: Structurally sound, flat, and level. The reverse side shows natural age-toning and very faint, historical pencil or ink marks from pressroom organization. Corners and edges are sharp with minimal chipping.
🌟 UPCOMING HISTORIC REA & CHAMBERLIN COLLECTION OFFERINGS 🌟
Please bookmark our store and follow our listings over the coming days, weeks, and months. We are honored to be offering an elite selection of other exceptionally RARE items, corporate documents, manuscripts, maps, and unique antiquarian volumes tracing directly to the legendary Alexander W. Rea and William B. Chamberlin family estates. Future offerings will also include pieces related to Franklin B. Gowen, the visionary founder and President of the Philadelphia & Reading Coal & Iron Company. Check back frequently as these foundational pieces of American mining and railroad heritage are systematically brought to market.
