Artist/Maker:

Vogler, John

Place Made:

Date Made:

1820-1840

Medium:

copper –wood

Dimensions:

DIA 1 7/8

Accession Number:

840.1

Description:

This plate is among the most important artifacts that survive from the John Vogler shop. It was made and used by John Vogler to engrave watch papers for the watches he repaired.

This engraved paper plate was used to print a type of advertising called a watchpaper. Watchpapers were placed inside a customer’s watch case after the watch had been repaired. When the owner opened his case to wind his watch, the watchpaper reminded him of who had repaired his watch. This plate is believed to be one that Vogler used at the beginning of his career.

This is one of three extant watch paper plates and is believed to be the plate that Vogler used at the beginning of his career (1806) due to the relatively crude engraving.

DESCRIPTION: Engraving block, copper on wood, to engrave a design consisting of a clock face, set at 11:00, under which is the name John Vogler worked in scrolls and an advertisement. The whole encased in a circle of rays with an inner motto. John Vogler made this engraving block to engrave watch papers for the watches he repaired. Before closing up a watch (after repairing it), Vogler would place a watchpaper inside.

Credit Line:

Gift of Hudson, Ferell, Petree, Stockton