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Categories I specified:
Collectibles > Militaria > WW II (1939-45) > Original Period Items
Business & Industrial > Printing & Graphic Arts > Printing & Graphic Essentials
Item Specifics:
- Artist: Gordon Grant (American, 1875–1962)
- Subject: USS Hornet (CV-8) WWII Aircraft Carrier
- Material: Metal plate (copper or zinc) mounted on solid wood block
- Dimensions: 4" x 7" (Face size)
- Era: Circa 1942
- Type: Letterpress Printing Block / Relief Cut
Description:Up for sale is an incrediblyscarce piece of World War II home-front and industrial printing history. Thisis an original 4" x 7" metal-on-wood letterpress printing blockfeaturing the iconic artwork of renowned American maritime artist GordonGrant. The finely detailed metal plate is hand-tacked directly onto itsoriginal hardwood block, to printillustrations in 1940s commemorative books, company magazines, or promotionalwar-effort publications. Because industrial blocks were almost universallydestroyed or melted down for scrap after their commercial runs, finding asurviving plate by a major American master like Grant is an extraordinary find.The engraving depicts "TheHornet's Nest", an illustration of the legendary aircraft carrier USSHornet (CV-8) navigating high seas under dramatic cloud cover. Grantcreated this series in 1942 to honor the U.S. Navy.
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The wood block issturdy, solid, and free of major warping. The metal face features highlydetailed, crisp line work. It retains a beautiful, authentic patina fromhistorical print-shop use. Please see photos for exact condition. I will be happy to send additional photos or details or answer questions if requested.
Perfect For: Collectors of WWII naval history, fans of GordonGrant’s maritime art, letterpress printmakers looking for unique vintage cuts,or anyone seeking a striking piece of industrial military decor. This itemhas not been chemically cleaned or polished in order to preserve its absolutehistorical integrity and maximum art market value.
Ships securely packaged toprotect the metal face.
