Engraving Plate
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 after 1819, as the watch at the top of the plate reads 11:32, the same time as painted on the timepiece on the hood over the front door of his home which was built in 1819. In addition, the engraving shows a steadier hand than the one he engraved in 1806 at the beginning of his career.
DESCRIPTION: Engraving block, copper on wood, to engrave a design consisting of a clock face, set at 11:32, 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. Two circles enclose this entire design and are not included in the diameter measurement.
