Antique Etched Copper Advertising Printing Plate

A small and unique double sided etching on copper of an old trade card or advertisement. The plate is for a card advertises the business of G. Fairbank, a saddler.
The business was located on Silver Street in Hull. with a London origin 

The card features an illustration of a person on horseback, with hounds likely depicting a fox hunt, which is relevant to the saddlery trade.

Revers has various font text including Leather Dresser  

Very Lovely and tactile example

Last 2 images are shown reversed

A Bit of History 

The trade cards were common in the 18th and 19th centuries as a form of advertising for various trades and businesses. 

In the eighteenth century, there was a growing demand for reproductive engravings of well known paintings, especially those using high quality plates. However, detailed engravings from this period had a limited number of impressions before the plate wore out. Many line engravers were also skilled goldsmiths and artisans. The pure line engraving technique was complex, often requiring months to complete a single plate and lengthy apprenticeships to master the craft.

Dimensions

Height: 8cm Width: 6.3cm