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Benjamin Franklin's brass matrices for casting type

Benjamin Franklin`s brass matrices for casting type Brass type made in France
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Brass type made in France, circa 1740

The smallest (the period) is 4.8 cm x 1 cm and the largest (the W) is 4.8 cm x 2.9 cm.


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  • Main description

[ This description is from the project: Object of History, 2013 Exhibit ]

Dated by type historian James Moseley, these are most probably the earliest specimens of type matrices extant in the United States. Moseley's examination of the brass matrices indicates that they were most likely made in the south of France and are not by an accomplished founder: note the rough finishing on the backs and raised "lugs" on some of the sides to correct for over filing.