Does anyone collect horror movie related printing blocks?

[PROFESSOR JARROD]

I was just wondering if any of our members collect vintage ink printers advertising blocks related to actors or actresses that stared in vintage horror movies and the like, as well as the movie advertising printing blocks themself.
I thought it would be interesting to hear what you have collected.
A few years ago I saw where the owners of a very old movie theater that had been closed down for years had found a couple of old lead actor advertising ink printing blocks of Lon Chaney Sr. estimated to have been from about 1920.
Being a huge Lon Chaney Sr. fan I purchased both blocks which advertise Lon's facial image and his name. I bought them for their historic value and plan to display them along with my Lon Chaney Sr. related model kits, they will make for great conversation pieces.

Rick

[scuzzfink85]

On Antiques RoadShow they would be worth something. Being collector
and understanding the market something rare maybe one of a kind.
I will throw estimate at least six thousand.. because of the rareity and the demand
Printing blocks are rare and most were thrown away after they were done with them

[PROFESSOR JARROD]

On Antiques RoadShow they would be worth something. Being collector
and understanding the market something rare maybe one of a kind.
I will throw estimate at least six thousand.. because of the rareity and the demand
Printing blocks are rare and most were thrown away after they were done with them

Thanks for your reply and estimate I'll have to get them evaluated, like you said they certainly are not your everyday collectors items.

Being made of lead and being almost 98 years old they show a little handling wear but are still quite displayable.
I guess what I really like about them is that they were in existance and being used at the time the Great Lon Chaney Sr. was alive and becoming famous.
To me owning these printers blocks is like owning an original release Universal Studios Monster movie poster.
I guess I was very lucky to have obtained them the way I did, I am always watching ebay auctions for vintage Horror Movie printers blocks and printers mats for movies along with those for the actors/actresses that were in these movies.
I caught the auction for the first Chaney block about as soon as it was listed with a "Buy It Now" price of about $185.00, I imediately purchased it, a few months later the same seller contacted me and told me that he had came across another old Lon Chaney Sr. lead printers block, he said there was what apeared to be a broken corner piece on the lead plate so he sold the second block to me for about $89.00, when I recieved this block I examined it and compared it to other pictures of vintage lead printers blocks, I noticed that many of these old printers blocks were made with a small area of lead removed which made them kind of look like a piece was broken off, but in actuality the piece that was gone wasn't actually part of the printing surface but rather excess lead plate thay had cut away.

Rick

[mentalmischief]

Hey Rick,

Guess I felt compelled to pop in and comment, seeing as I STILL work
with these 'printing blocks', or 'cuts' as we refer to them. lol

I work in a letterpress shop, where we still do a lot of 'old style' print
work that a lot of the modern equipment is still unable to accomplish.
I work with Heidelberg and Miehle presses, doing die cutting, perforating,
scoring, embossing and, of course, printing.

Those 'blocks' that you have are most likely zinc etched and mounted on wood.
Make sure to care for them, by not letting any moisture get to them. I've seen
many a cool wood mounted cut get destroyed over the years by not having them
cared for properly. (They will actually corrode like a battery.)

If you ever want to run a few prints off of them, let me know. On the right paper
stock, they would, and should, print just fine, provided the right person does it.
Been doing this for 30+ years, so I like to think I know what I'm doing. haha

Again, take good care of them, and their value will continue to hold.

Mark
Mental Mischief Co.

[scuzzfink85]

The thing is you could learn how to reprint those..
if just for fun hobby not for resale..
Even make shirts for friends.. I know little how to make prints
out print blocks.. And yes I would insure them..
It owning something that will last forever unlike paper.

[PROFESSOR JARROD]

Thanks for all the help and advice fellas, I appreciate it very much.
I have been keeping these printers blocks wrapped seperate in bubble plastic and stored in closed boxes away from moisture.

Best Regards!
Rick