Antique Double-Sided Lithographic Stone Printing Block Cactus Cream, Columbia, P for Sale

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Antique Double-Sided Lithographic Stone Printing Block Cactus Cream, Columbia, P For Sale

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Antique Double-Sided Lithographic Stone Printing Block Cactus Cream, Columbia, P:
$89.00

This printing stone can be reliably dated in the 1880s as explained following.

Antique stone printing blocks, primarily known as lithographic limestone stones, are highly collectible pieces of printing history used heavily during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Carved or etched predominantly from Bavarian limestone, these heavy slabs utilize the chemical principle that oil and water do not mix to transfer intricate commercial labels, maps, and advertisements onto paper. Because they were hand-prepared and many were ground down to be reused, surviving stones with intact advertising or illustrations are scarce and highly valued as architectural decor and historical artifacts.

This double sided stone depicts a cosmetic product called Cactus Cream for beautifying the complexion, removing Freckles, Tan , Moth, Pimples and other discolorations. The enterprise was in Los Angeles and it was a sole proprietorship of Mrs. J.T. Barnum. The famed showman P.T. Barnum was involved in a cosmetic production company late in life but I have not been able to make a connection between the two entrepreneurs.

The original trademark for “Cactus Cream” was obtained by J.E. Osborne June 28, 1887.

The other side includes ornate depictions of “Columbia” and “Pale Select” as well as three finely engraved objects; a shock of wheat with a dollar sign, an acorn with the characters No on it and an 1880s gas lit street illumination device.

The images on the stone are reverse as they were used to imprint correct images on the printed surface so I have included mirror images of them. This stone measures 9”x7”x2” and weighs thirteen pounds.

The surfaces are very smooth with minor scratches. I am assuming the time of use of this stone was in the 1880s because of the illumination device shown.