Here is a vintage letterpress printer’s tray.

This is a double case tray by the renowned Stephenson Blake & Co Ltd, famous for manufacturing letterpress printing equipment and wooden type from the 1800’s into the 20th century.

They were:

* Britain’s largest manufacturer of printers’ type.

* Major suppliers of composing room furniture, including type cases, cabinets and printer’s trays.

* In business under the name Stephenson, Blake & Co. Ltd. from the late 19th century through much of the 20th century.

The makers mark is just visible on the top face of the back of the drawer.

Their maker’s stamps often abbreviated the name rather than spelling out “Stephenson, Blake & Co. Ltd.” in full because there simply wasn’t room. The S and B are readable as is the & and Ltd. The Co is I think a large ‘C’ with a small ‘o’ inside it.

This tray has a hardwood frame (beech I’d guess) with multiple, varying shaped dividers and a plywood back.

It has a decorative original handle and really posh ‘X’ caps on all the divider cross points.

It’s in pretty good condition, save the paper backing of the individual compartments which has degraded and come away here and there.

The tray has of course been used by a printer so there is some evidence of wear, and some marks and bumps. All the dividers are intact. Please see photos for the overall condition.

This will look lovely on a wall and has unlimited possibilities for displaying your favourite collectables.

The listing is for the tray only.

Dimensions:

Length 82.5cm x Width 37cm (not including the handle) x Height 3.5cm.

Please study the images carefully as they form part of the description and indicate condition.