Burins

Scope and Contents The collection consists of tools used for hand-finishing or retouching metal photo-engraving plates, especially halftone plates, before printing, a routine process employed in the 1890s through the 1950s. The collection includes 44 wood-handled scribe awls, gravers, burnishers, and other tools enclosed in a cloth wrapper outfitted with pockets; a copper and wood plate holder; and a sand-filled leather cushion set in a wood frame, all undated. Also present are a Waterhouse stop, circa 1890...