Printing blocks - Netherlands - Pressure plate toothbrushes

A special and rare piece of Dutch advertising history: an original metal relief plate (cliché) for a newspaper advertisement of Sanabros, dating from the 1930s. With this printing plate, advertisements were printed directly in the press for publication in newspapers and magazines, long before offset printing became standard.

The plate promotes the Sanabros toothbrush, with the striking slogan:

"The toothbrush that disinfects itself."

In addition, the properties "Hygienic, Economical, Dutch Manufactured" are emphasized. The advertisement notes that the toothbrush was available in different hardnesses and refers to Sanabros, Postbus 5031, Amsterdam. The image of the toothbrush and the then-modern typography make this plate a fine example of Dutch commercial design from the interwar period.

Printing plates like these were made of zinc or a similar metal alloy. The design was etched in mirror image, so that the print would appear legible on paper when run through the press. Because such clichés were often melted down or discarded after use, original examples are now considerably rarer than the advertisements printed with them.

This object appeals not only to collectors of advertising and graphic design, but also to enthusiasts of print technology, industrial history and Dutch design classics. Its decorative appearance also makes the plate excellent as a wall object or display in a vitrine.

Dimensions
Width 9.5 cm
Height 4.8 cm
Depth 0.2 cm

Photos provide a clear view of the quality and are part of the description.

The whole item is well packed and shipped with track and trace. The shipping costs also cover packing, packing materials and transport. Not shipped outside the EU.
Pickup is only possible when the lots is auctioned for more than €50 and, of course, by appointment during office hours.

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