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Available now is an exceptional piece of vintage industrial advertising history from the Chamberlin family collections: an original antique letterpress printing block featuring the iconic logo for "BLACK STAR" coal.
This crisp, compact metal printing plate features a bold, deeply engraved five-pointed star with clean multi-bevel dimensions. Nestled beautifully inside the upper points of the star is the brand name "BLACK" on the left and "STAR" on the right.
Historically, this block was a specialized marketing asset used by the coal sales office to print targeted brand labels, delivery receipts, pocket price cards, or regional trade newspaper ads specifically promoting the premium, high-heat "Black Star" coal lines.
FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS:
- Item Type: Vintage Letterpress Corporate Brand Logo Printing Plate / Wood Block
- Design: Multi-Bevel Five-Pointed "BLACK STAR" Coal Logo
- Construction: Thick zinc/copper alloy graphic cut plate secured with precise perimeter pins and a central mounting screw flush to a dense, solid hardwood block base.
- Size: Compact pocket size (approx. 1" to 1.25" square, as shown in the profile photos), making it a stellar display piece, a unique paperweight, or an excellent addition to a vintage typography shadowbox collection.
PROVENANCE:
Sourced directly from the private collections of the Alexander W. Rea and William B. Chamberlin family estates. Given the families' prominent multi-generational roles as Anthracite Coal Sales Agents brokering massive daily rail tonnage across Pennsylvania, New York, and the Eastern seaboard, this block stands as an authentic working asset from their administrative marketing operations.
CONDITION REPORT:
Please review the photos carefully to verify the condition details below:
- Plate Face: Outstanding antique condition. The relief lines of the star and the bold lettering remain incredibly sharp, flat, and wonderfully defined. No deep gashes or edge bends to the metal printing elements. Shows a great aged dark patina with classic ink shadows in the recesses from historical pressroom use.
- Wood Base: Flat, dense, and structurally rock solid. The sides and reverse face highlight clean, straight hardwood grain with very crisp corners and zero modern modifications.
🌟 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.
