Vessel - Wood - 1930-1940 - authentic letterbox

Large antique letter tray / printer’s tray – wood with brass connections – typographic heritage

A particularly decorative and authentic wooden letter tray from traditional letterpress, with a large number of compartments of different sizes. This type of drawer was used in printing houses for the orderly storage of loose metal type, numerals, punctuation marks, and other type materials.

The layout with larger and smaller compartments is functionally constructed: common letters received different compartment sizes and positions than less frequently used symbols. This kind of drawer formed a fixed part of the working space of the compositor for centuries. The terms uppercase and lowercase even refer to the original placement of different cases: capital letters in the upper case and small letters in the lower.

This specimen is especially attractive due to its substantial size, warm wood color, and the many original brass-colored fasteners that fix the thin dividers. At the front there is also a beautiful metal shell-shaped handle, while a recessed handle is mounted on the side. The latter has been replaced as can be seen in the detail photos.

Historical printers’ drawers were typically shallow wooden drawers divided into dozens of compartments, so a typesetter could quickly grab the right letter block while typesetting. Comparable historical specimens are today sought-after collectibles and interior pieces and are often used for presenting miniatures, curios, jewelry, stones, or other small collectibles.

Features:
* original wooden letter tray / printer’s tray
* large rectangular format
* dozens of compartments in different sizes
* warm brown wood color with natural patina
* thin wooden dividers
* brass-colored fasteners at many intersections
* decorative metal shell-shaped front handle
* recessed side handle
* suitable as wall object, display cabinet, or collection presentation
* beautiful object for typography, printing, and industrial heritage enthusiasts

A letter tray like this is not only decorative, but also a tangible relic from the time when every page was set by hand, letter by letter.

Condition: in authentic used condition with clear signs of use and age appropriate to its function and age. Visible are among other things discoloration, scratches, dust- and ink-like signs of use, small irregularities, and wear to wood and fittings. The photos provide a good and complete impression and are part of the description.

A beautiful object for an industrial, vintage, or classic interior, but also very suitable as a display cabinet for miniatures, model cars, perfume bottles, minerals, curiosa, or small art objects.

Dimensions:
Length 82 cm
Width 45 cm
Height 3.7 cm

The photos give a clear view of the quality and are part of the description. The interior photos were generated with AI and are intended solely to illustrate the object in a living environment.

The whole is well packaged and shipped with tracking. The shipping costs also include packing materials and transport. Ships only within the postal EU. Pick-up is only possible when the lot is bid to €50 or more and, of course, by appointment during office hours.

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