Our favorite blocks out of our collection have always been the beautiful hand-carved woodtype blocks from the 19th century. We have some fine examples that feature many topics. The one pictured for this paragraph measures 1 15/16” x 1 3/16” and is an original engraving that represents a Telegraph office. Entirely done by free hand on the backside of a Hamilton Wood Type number 0. A gorgeous example of an early woodtype used to print in newspapers or flyers for advertisement during the 19th century.


Original engraving from 1890 that represents the Providence Corinthian Yacht Club. The Providence was actually a 379 ton schooner built in 1874. Although I would believe this hand-carved block represents the Providence Rhode Island chapter of the Corinthian Yacht Club. This beautiful example has the text Providence Corinthian Yacht Club, Inc’d – 1890. The text is laid out inside the nautical ships rope and has a single star flag in the center. The block is solid boxwood and measures 1 3/8” x 1 3/8”. A very rare find indeed.


Another exceptional antique woodtype block. This one features an African American hobo and his bulldog. The bulldog is lifting his leg and relieving himself on the man’s shoe. This gorgeous engraving measures 2” x 2 13/16” and is solid boxwood. We have many other fine examples of hand-carved antique woodtype blocks on our website. True Americana Folk-Art at it's finest. You may visit our woodtype image gallery here.

We currently host an on-line gallery with over 1000 rare, antique, or vintage printer’s blocks. The blocks are all American made and date from the 19th and early 20th centuries. There are categories that include electrotype copper faced, metal alloy faced, foundry cast blocks, hand-carved woodtype blocks, classic advertisement, Holidays, edged weapons, and early foundry identification and pin marks. There are many fine examples of very early hand-carved woodtypes that include telegraph, animals, edged weapons, and more. Many of these historical items are also available for purchase in our on-line store. Our blog offers more in-depth information on specific blocks or styles of blocks. Please visit the gallery to view our collection. We will be adding to it continually and will be displaying many more fine examples from this Historic and often overlooked art-form.