Jeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
The cover of Heinrich Steinberg's 1891 catalogue was masterpiece of technical chromolithographic technique and elaborate detail, printed in many colors including gold ink. On the cover a woman places a wreath over the head of Senefelder, inventor of lithography. Steinberg described himself as a factory representative and may have been a wholesaler as well as a retailer.
In 1891 Berlin dealer in equipment and supplies for lithographers and letterpress printers Heinrich Steinberg issued an illustrated catalogue, Preis-Verzeichniss über Maschinen, Utensilien und Materialien für Lithographen, Steindrucker, Graveure, etc., together with Preis-Verzeichnis über Materialien Utensilien und Maschinen für Typographie. The copy that I was fortunate to acquire must have been one of Steinberg's office copies since it contains numerous revisions in manuscript and also numerous separate letterpress and lithographed inserts. The chromolithographed cover of Steinberg's lithography supplies catalogue is a stunning example of superb chromolithography.
Among the many unusual items in this catalogue are a series of elaborate pantographs that would have been used to reproduce drawings on lithographic stones, etc.
Timeline Themes
Jeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
Steinberg had this sample of printing in bronze ink printed on shiny purple paper inserted into the catalogue.
Jeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
These pages appear to have been frequently consulted and revised.
Jeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
High speed presses for lithography and collotype.
Jeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
The detail on this second cover on the letterpress section of Steinberg's catalogue is immense. It features Gutenberg and the results of his invention. You almost need a magnifying glass to see it all.
Jeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
The broadsheet pasted into this catalogue is dated 1899. The letterhead in the lower right corner has a date starting with 190-, indicating that this copy was used for at least ten years.
Jeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
A large folded broadside printed in blue ink on thin paper inserted into my copy.
Jeremy Norman Collection of Images - Creative Commons
