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Montana Post Printing Blocks, c. 1860s [193629]

Currency:USD Category:Art / Medium - Etchings Start Price:110.00 USD Estimated At:270.00 - 400.00 USD
Montana Post Printing Blocks, c. 1860s [193629]
SOLD
110.00USDto J******K+ buyer's premium (27.50)
This item SOLD at 2025 Mar 01 @ 09:06UTC-08:00 : PST/AKDT
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A pair of engraved copper printing blocks (c. 1860s) from the archives of the Montana Post, the second newspaper ever established in Montana. The Post first began printing in 1864, and it would continue on a weekly schedule for the next five years, moving offices from Virginia City to Helena in 1868 and finally shutting down in 1869. During its short run, the Montana Post became notable for its post-Civil War publishing on racial equality by editor and Union officer James H. Mills, which stirred discontent among Montana's pro-Confederate Territorial Democrats. (Info from Library of Congress.)
One block was likely used as a letterhead vignette. It has what appears to be an early version of the 1865 Montana state seal at center. This seal has a plow with a miner's pick and shovel, the Great Falls, the sun over the mountains, and the phrase 'ORO Y PLATA', the four features of the state seal; however, they are arranged differently than they are in the official seal. It also has a Conestoga wagon and teepees at right and two prospectors and a railroad at left. The other block was used as a corner vignette, depicting miners at work and a mountainous forest scene. Both are in great condition with phenomenally detailed engravings; see photos.
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Date:
Country(if not USA):
State: Montana
City: Virginia City
Provenance: