The Watermark!!

Sharing few very important aspects of antiquarian papers.

Old paper, of which are maps and letters and sometimes books, all have many/most of the following characteristics:

1. Watermark

2. Cartridge paper

3. Laid paper

4. Gilt edges

5. Deckeled edged paper

Most collectors do not have much knowledge of the above, and their collection would not be worth much if authenticated by an expert which is mostly the case when done by reputed auction houses!

1. Watermark: Most early paper had this almost invisible mark is made by the paper manufacturer and would be generally his way of branding by providing a good and strong paper, good for printing or writing.

The Watermark is visible when held against the light.

A generally accepted aspect of antiquarian paper!

2. Cartridge paper: Much of the paper produced about 200-300 years back was cartridge paper which was kind of reinforced with thickened pulp at regular intervals thereby strengthening the paper.

This paper was much used in making gunpowder cartridges, hence cartridge paper.

Maps, writing paper etc., would be made in these papers.

3. Laid paper: these are handmade papers made from wood fibers, rags, plant fibers and such. These are boiled and mashed. The mush is then bleached and dried and pressed to form paper. This paper, while strong is very porous and very easily blots ink. Printing on this paper required printing expertise and the impression would be transferred by means of wood or stone.

4. Gilt edges: a means adopted while making luxuriant paper, especially chromolithograph printing was to gilt edge the paper using golden or metallic inks of Gold colour.

5. Deckeled edged: another aspect adopted by some handmade paper manufacturer was to deckel the edge of the paper. These edges were not uniformly cut as seen in regular books or papers, but give a raw edge to the paper.

So, do check out if your books or letters or maps have the above characteristics. If they do not, then probably you have been scammed.

Good luck!