The Crane Watermark All Over The Map

In the index to part of the Crane archives, there's a card that says "Map Paper." There are several requests from map-makers and printers about whether Crane papers would be appropriate for maps. But I've never seen a map on Crane paper. Until just a few days ago.

A reader sent along a map of the Baltimore and Drum Point Railroad, which was proposed to connect the big city to the small town. It was chartered in 1868, but never completed. Here's part of the map:

And here's the watermark, showing the map was printed on Crane's Bond on or after 1881:

But wait, there's more. Here's a first mortgage bond from 1888:

I'm not sure about a watermark on this document, but because it was printed by the American Banknote Company in New York, it's almost certain to be Crane's paper.

But wait, there's more. My kind reader, who has quite a collection of Baltimore and Drum Point documents sent this interesting photo:

This is definitely a Crane watermark, one I hadn't seen before. It undoubtedly is a paper made in celebration of the Centennial. A gorgeous sheet!

You all know I'm a great fan of history, and I have a habit of drilling down to the details with Google. There's a lot more to this Baltimore and Drum Point Railroad. Here's a starting point of interest:

So, to learn more on this fascinating subject, just Google Baltimore and Drum Point Railroad! You never know what you'll find.

Special Stationery for the 150th Anniversary

No, not for a wedding anniversary, but a business anniversary.

I came across a very interesting folder the other day. Within is a memo about a special set of stationery papers to be made for Crane's 150th anniversary in 1951. That in itself would be fun for anyone who has an interest in paper history, but there are samples as well.

I'm not an art historian, so I don't know how these stationery designs fit into the style of the times, but I can guarantee you I haven't seen anything like these lately. Several overall design themes become apparent upon examination: bold printed stripes, delicate printed designs and stunning overall watermarks. Here are some examples:

And lastly, here's one that's got me shaking my head. It's a single initial (like Crane's Initial Notes) but the initial is right in the middle of the letter sheet - the most formal piece of correspondence stationery - and in the middle of the envelope. I don't know if these ever made it into the market, but they certainly are interesting to contemplate.

Any thoughts out there?