This is a very rare and unusual pair of moulds. They are the only three sheet moulds in the collection; ie three completely separate deckle-edged sheets are made on each mould. Considering that the rectangular watermark pattern is to enable each sheet to be torn down into 8 rough edged cards, each 108 x 162 mm (about 4.25 x 6.37 inches), I would have thought that at least as many cards could be arranged on a squarer and easier to use single sheet mould. Secondly the painting of the deckle seems to have little benefit. Finally the cast alloy corner joints also appear to have no advantages and a possible risk of damaging the cover wire. The likelihood seems to be that these design features were intended as an experiment.
© Copyright Simon Barcham Green 2011. Not to be copied or reproduced without written permission
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