Papermaking Commemorative
This commemorative watermark is made up of seven different watermarks. The only light and shade
watermark is in the center, and it depicts William Rittenhouse making paper. He was the first
papermaker in America. The press has 1690 inscripted in the wood, which was the first year the mill
began making paper. Another watermark is located to the top left of the center mark. This design is a
circle with eight petals in it, and the initials "JT" are directly underneath. This is the watermark
of the first papermaker in England, John Tate, who began making paper in 1495. Above the John Tate
watermark is the name "De Worde", a reference to Wynken De Worde, the first printer to use Tate paper
in England. On the opposite side, the name Bradford appears. William Bradford was the first printer
to use Rittenhouse paper. Directly below his name is the 1690 watermark of William Rittenhouse. At
the top in the center, the initials "DH" are shown on a scroll. These are
Dard Hunter's
initials. Finally, the mark at the very bottom says "DARD HUNTER MILL, Makers of HANDMADE PAPER."
This mill was the only handmade paper mill in the U.S. when this commemorative mark was made in the
1920s. The complete design is 240 by 175 mm.
To the right is a photograph of the mold that was used to make the Papermaking Commemorative watermark.
How is the mold different from the watermark?
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