Item Specifics

• Type: Lithograph Printing Block / Stone

• Material: Heavy Bavarian Limestone

• Company: Sandusky Portland Cement Co. / Medusa Cement

• Location: Bay Bridge, Erie Co., Ohio (Plant) / Toledo / York, PA

• Era: Late 19th to Early 20th Century

• Dimensions: 9x7x3.5 inches

20lbs

Description

Overview

This is an authentic, double-sided Bavarian Limestone Lithograph Stone, a true relic of early 20th-century industrial advertising. This block served as the master plate for printing letterheads, catalogs, or promotional materials for the Sandusky Portland Cement Company, which famously operated the first cement plant in the United States to produce white Portland cement.

The Details

• Side A (The Factory): Features a stunning bird's-eye architectural view of the Bay Bridge, Erie County, Ohio plant. It includes detailed factory buildings, smokestacks, and rail lines. Below the plant view is a depiction of a log cabin labeled "Lincoln," likely a branding element for one of their cement lines.

• Side B (The Letterhead): Contains the official company registry, listing executives like J.B. John (President) and C.F. Brush (Vice President). It details their annual capacity of 6,000,000 barrels and lists plant locations in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.

• Side C (Leather Goods): Interestingly, the stone also features text for "Bicycle - Motorcycle and Velocipede Saddles" and "All Leather Golf Bags." It was common for lithographers to utilize every inch of these expensive stones for different clients.

Condition

The stone is in excellent antique condition with sharp, clear transfers. There is some expected chipping along the edges and corners (visible in photos), which is standard for heavy industrial stones of this age. The limestone has a beautiful natural patina.

This piece of history will ship to you extremely secure! Lots of packing material to ensure safe shipping!