{"product_id":"collection-of-four-late-19th-century-letterpress-sorting-trays","title":"Collection of Four Late 19th Century Letterpress Sorting Trays","description":"\u003cp\u003eA remarkable collection of four handcrafted wooden letterpress sorting trays dating to the late 19th century. Acquired from the collection of a longtime printing enthusiast, these rare trays represent an early chapter in the history of commercial printing, preceding the standardized compartmented printer's cases that later became a fixture in print shops throughout North America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt for working compositors, the open slotted design allowed metal type to be gathered, sorted, and redistributed efficiently throughout the printing process. Their varying sizes and graduated slat spacing suggest they were custom made by the same skilled craftsman as part of a cohesive shop system rather than commercially manufactured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach tray retains its original well-worn surface with the honest marks, patina, and imperfections earned through generations of daily use. Rich in character and beautifully weathered, they remain exactly as found and are offered only as a complete collection of four.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHung together, the trays create a striking architectural installation, their varied proportions and rhythmic slat pattern lending warmth, texture, and graphic interest to interiors ranging from lofts and studios to libraries, restaurants, and contemporary homes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDimensions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTray #1 (Largest)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e40.25\" W × 23.75\" H × 1.75\" D\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTray #2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e22\" W × 23.75\" H × 1.75\" D\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTray #3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e22\" W × 19\" H × 1.5\" D\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTray #4\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e22\" W × 19\" H × 1.5\" D\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollection of four handcrafted wooden letterpress sorting trays\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLate 19th century\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarly form of compositor's sorting trays\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal untouched patina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHonest wear from decades of workshop use\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered only as a complete collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for wall display or studio décor\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy We Like Them\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese trays beautifully bridge industrial history and modern design. While increasingly appreciated by collectors of printing history, we love them just as much for their sculptural quality. Displayed together, their handcrafted construction, honest patina, and rhythmic lines create a striking piece of architectural wall art that feels every bit as relevant today as it did over a century ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping \u0026amp; Pickup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis collection is available for \u003cstrong\u003efree pickup\u003c\/strong\u003e from our showroom in Enterprise, Ontario.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also offer \u003cstrong\u003elocal delivery throughout Eastern Ontario\u003c\/strong\u003e, including regular delivery routes to Toronto, Ottawa, and Montréal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs these trays require specialized packing, \u003cstrong\u003eplease contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.\u003c\/strong\u003e We're happy to provide options and work with you to find the safest and most economical method of delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Salvage-Garden","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52747009753371,"sku":null,"price":1295.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2711\/3506\/files\/Typesettray4.jpg?v=1786124488","url":"https:\/\/salvagegarden.ca\/products\/collection-of-four-late-19th-century-letterpress-sorting-trays","provider":"Salvage-Garden","version":"1.0","type":"link"}