Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2024.FIC.021 |
Object Name |
Block, Printing |
Title |
New-Jersey Gazette Printing Block |
Description |
This rectangular-shaped printing plate is an embossed reproduction of the December 5, 1777, cover of the New-Jersey Gazette, attached to a brown cuboid wooden block. The plate features a reverse-printed header that reads, " (VOL. 1.) (NUMB. 1.) THE NEW-JERSEY GAZETTE. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1777." Elevated lines separate the date from the header and from the rest of the text. The plate includes multiple small stories, with headlines such as "FIVE POUND REWARD," "WANTED IMMEDIATELY," "LONDON," and "AMSTERDAM," though much of the text is hard to read due to its small size and reverse orientation. This printing plate was used in the March 1976 edition of Trenton magazine, which featured a reprint of the December 5, 1777, front page of the New-Jersey Gazette in Richard F. Hixon's article "The Press in Revolutionary New Jersey." The article explored the history of the press in colonial New Jersey. According to the article, the New-Jersey Gazette was the fourth publication in New Jersey, with New Jersey Governor William Livingston supporting the paper to combat the loyalist New York Gazette and Weekly Mercury. Isaac Collins, the editor of the New-Jersey Gazette, made a significant contribution by keeping the paper aligned with the Patriot cause. Despite being pro-patriot, the paper ran into conflict with the New Jersey state legislature in 1779, following the publication of a satirical article by the pseudonymous "Cincinnatus." Collins refused to reveal the author's identity. The New-Jersey Gazette remained in publication until 1786. Citations: Hixon, R. F. (1976, March). The Press in Revolutionary New Jersey. (L. R. Gerlach, Ed.)Trenton, 2(3), 24–28. |
Date |
1976 |
Material |
Metal, Wood |
Artist |
Unknown |
Height (in) |
7.750 |
Length (in) |
5.250 |
Width (in) |
0.750 |
Condition |
Okay |
Condition Notes |
Overall: Abrasions, accretions, and discolorations throughout. Front: There are white accretions throughout. Also, numerous pieces of the metal plate are missing. Right Side: There is a black discoloration on the left side of the block. Back: There are abrasions all around the edges. There are black accretions on the center near the middle. The wood is split at different points. There is a dark brown discoloration on the right side And finally, there are faded words written in pencil that seem to read, " ON COVER TRENTON MAGAZINE MARCH ISSUE." Left Side: There is a black discoloration all over the right side. Top: There are abrasions all over. Also, there is a black discoloration all over the right side. Bottom: There are abrasions all over. Also, there are black discolorations all over. |
Inscription Type |
Inscription |
Inscription Location |
Front, Top to Bottom, Left to Right |
Inscription Technique |
Embossed |
Inscription Text |
"(VOL. 1.) THE (NUMB, 1.)" Line 1 "NEW-JERSEY GAZETTE" Line 2 "FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1777." Line 3 "LONDON" Line 4 "FIVE POUND REWARD" Line 5 "AMSTERDAM" Line 6 "WANTED IMMEDIATELY" Line 7 |
People |
Isaac Collins William Livingston |
Classification |
Newspapers Government & Politics |
Subjects |
Metals Printmaking Printmaking equipment Metalwork Journalism Journalists Writing Writing materials Wood Wood blocks Newspaper headlines Newspaper editors Newspaper industry Newspapers Political activity Politicians Politics & government |
Search Terms |
Metal Wood Black Brown Newspaper New-Jersey Gazette New Jersey Trenton Isaac Collins William Livingston London Amsterdam Five Pound Reward Wanted Immediately Vol. 1. Volume 1 Numb. 1. Number 1 Friday December 2 1777 1976 March Trenton Magazine Volume 2 Number 3 Governor Patriot New-Jersey Gazette Printing Block Printing Block Printing Plate Letter Press Wooden Block |
Provenance |
Found in collection |