Copper on Wood Printing Plate Savonarola Chair c1920s

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A thick copper printing plate backed with wood and showing a mirror image of a classic Savonarola folding chair from the 1920s or earlier. This is a moderately large copper plate (5.5 x 4 inches) set on a wood made from tongue and groove wooden strips. The image on the copper plate is photo engraved by a process first developed in the late 1800s. There is an I.P.E.U. union stamp impressed on the side of the wood block along with a “52" signifying Local 52 of the “International Photo Engravers Union”. This union formed in 1900 and was granted a formal charter in 1904 by the AFL that gave the I.P.E.U. of North America trade jurisdiction over "all workers engaged in producing engravings, images, and characters of every description by means of photography, or any other method or process for printing purposes of every type and form" (David Phillips Dissertation Prospectus manuscript, nd). Consequently, the IPEU stamp indicates that this copper printing plate dates after 1904 and I’m guessing that it may be from the boom years of the 1920s when many expensive furniture reproductions were being offered.

The Savonarola folding chair has a long history and pedigree that probably also extends back to Roman times. Some suggest that the Roman 'sella curulis' chair with its curved X form is an ancient precursor of the Savonarola folding chair. Apparently other names for the same kind of chair form are the curule chair or faldstool (faldisterium). For example, curule chairs became very popular in Florence and Venice in the late 15th and 16th centuries and were typically made of Italian walnut, carved and sometimes gilded. The older names have long since been superseded by “Savonarola” for this folding chair type due to the unfortunate turn of events for Dominican priest and Italian reformer Girolamo Savonarola (1452-1498). Savonarola had his portrait painted in one of these folding chairs and then years later was burned at the stake for heresy in 1498. Today his name lives on through this chair due to this unfortunate association via the painting. So whether you collect interesting renditions of historical chair forms, or old copper printing plates, or enjoy revival “art and crafts-like” reproductions of late renaissance furniture forms, or simply are looking for an unusual gift for that person who seems to have everything, then you might want to grab this item while it is still available.

SIZE & MATERIALS: This printing plate measures 4 inches wide by 5 1/2 inches tall and is nearly 1 inch thick (it measures a combined 0.925 inches for both wood and copper together). The copper sheet itself is fairly thick and measures just over 6/100 of an inch thick (1.6 mm thick). The copper adheres perfectly to the wood and was firmly mounted on wood well before the block was cut to its current size (faint matching circular saw teeth marks are visible on both copper and wood). Wood strips with tongue and groove inserts were used to make the wood backing and look similar to hardwood flooring strips. The strips are 2 1/4 inch wide on the surface but become even wider beneath due to the tongue inserts. The use of wood strips as opposed to plain boards or planks prevented undue warping that would have adversely affected printing from the copper plate.

CONDITION: This SAVONAROLA CHAIR COPPER PRINTING PLATE is in very good condition with no deep gouges or heavy wear. There are a couple of minor scratches that can be seen in reflected light but these seem very insignificant. The wood is in perfect shape and other than some ink staining along its sides (see photos), it does not show any damage or wear. A nice printing plate from older technology long since replaced by newer, cheaper materials.

DOCS ANTIQUES RETURN POLICY: Your satisfaction and peace of mind are guaranteed for this item and if you are not happy with this SAVONAROLA CHAIR COPPER PRINTING PLATE for any reason, then you have the option to send the CHAIR PRINTING PLATE back to me within seven days of receipt to receive a refund minus the shipping/insurance costs one-way (a small sacrifice if you should simply change your mind). However, if this SAVONAROLA CHAIR COPPER PRINTING PLATE is not as described, then you may return it to me using proper insurance coverage in exactly the same condition as sent for a refund of all shipping incurred -- just let me know within seven days of receipt that you wish to return it for this reason and also kindly tell me what was misleading in the description. Of course, all returns must be received back in exactly the same condition that they were before original shipment was made and must retain security details intact.

US MAINLAND SHIPPING: Insured USPS Priority shipping to a secure address within the US mainland is $8.70 for this item. No handling or packing fees are charged and the item will be double boxed for maximum protection. Shipping costs beyond the mainland US will be determined once your address details are provided and again only include actual shipping costs (drop me an e-mail for a quote). I will be happy to combine items from multiple purchases at just the cost of the additional insurance on any second item when it is safe to do so and as long as they are shipped to the same secure address. Thanks for stopping by and looking!!

NOTE: Docs Antiques is a PayPal verified seller and can also accept payment by credit card after you submit a purchase order. Once submitted, a PayPal icon will appear at the bottom of the Ruby Lane listing and then you may proceed from there if you wish to use a credit card. Or you can also ask me to send you a PayPal invoice if you prefer that approach, instead.

OTHER PAYMENT OPTIONS: We accept checks draw on mainland US Banks (checks must have US 9 digit routing code; item ships after check fully clears), USPS money orders or contact us with your verified address for other options, if available. Also, see our TERMS OF SALE for more details. Thanks for stopping by and do visit again when you have the time.

Item ID: RL195.a320

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