Vintage Letterpress Printing Block Painting Fence

Updated September 17, 2026

A charming vintage letterpress printing block featuring an engraved illustration of a young boy painting a picket fence, likely a scene depicting Tom Sawyer's famous fence-whitewashing episode. The copper (or copper-faced) printing plate is mounted on a wood block base and shows fine engraved line detail capturing the boy in his hat and overalls at work along the slatted fence, with foliage detailing at the base. This piece measures 1 5/8" wide by 1 3/8" tall, with the wood block standing 7/8" thick. A delightful find for collectors of printing history, letterpress ephemera, graphic art blocks, or those seeking a whimsical decorative accent for a bookshelf or printer's tray display. Condition: Overall good vintage condition with natural age and wear to the wood block base. Metal plate shows expected surface tarnish/patina consistent with age; small mounting tacks/nails visible are original to construction, shown in photos. Please examine all photos closely for condition. We do our best to note visible flaws, but some imperfections may not be captured. Keywords: vintage letterpress block, antique printing plate, Tom Sawyer fence block, engraved copper plate, printer's block collectible, vintage graphic art block, antique print making tool, boy painting fence engraving, letterpress printing ephemera, small vintage print block Dimensions: H: 1.5", W: 1.75", L: 1"

Register & bid on this lot at Bidspirit →

More lots in this auction

• Large Iridescent Abalone Shell 8.5" x 6"
• Pair Brass Candlesticks India 6 1/4" Tall
• Mid-Century Rosewood Carved Grape Cluster
• Green Laurels Donald Culross Peattie Book 1st Ed
• Antique Child's Cotton Petticoat Crochet Lace
• Crossword Puzzle Dictionary 1961 Book
• Vintage Sterling Silver Rosary
• Hilltop Farm Archival Print Maxfield Parrish

See all lots in Harvest Moon: Silver, Jewelry, Art & More →