An early French stencil duplicator, complete with its original dovetailed pine box, steel writing plate, wooden clamping frame, hand roller, corrugated inking roller, glass correction varnish bottle, and surviving wax stencil sheets marked “Fabrication Française – Papier Baudruche.”
Used in offices, schools, and small businesses to produce multiple handwritten copies, the process involved cutting text into waxed paper and rolling ink through the stencil onto fresh sheets below. Entirely manual, entirely mechanical — and beautifully simple.
The craftsmanship is unmistakably late 19th century: hand-finished wood components, brass hardware, steel plate construction, and early paper materials with age toning throughout.
Increasingly difficult to find in this level of completeness, particularly with French-language materials intact.
A remarkable ancestor to the modern copier — and a striking display piece for an office, library, or study.
Found in France, circa 1885 – 1895
Original dovetailed pine storage box with age-appropriate wear, surface scratches, and patina
The steel writing plate shows oxidation, surface wear, and ink residue consistent with use
Wooden clamping frame intact with working brass turn latches
Hand roller and corrugated inking roller present; surface wear and ink staining visible
Glass correction varnish bottle intact; contents aged and not tested
Surviving wax stencil sheets with toning, edge wear, and spotting
Overall wear consistent with late 19th-century office use
The box measures approximately 18.375” L x 13.25” W x 5.5” H
Available for pick up, local delivery, and nationwide shipping.
Request a trade discount here.
An early French stencil duplicator, complete with its original dovetailed pine box, steel writing plate, wooden clamping frame, hand roller, corrugated inking roller, glass correction varnish bottle, and surviving wax stencil sheets marked “Fabrication Française – Papier Baudruche.”
Used in offices, schools, and small businesses to produce multiple handwritten copies, the process involved cutting text into waxed paper and rolling ink through the stencil onto fresh sheets below. Entirely manual, entirely mechanical — and beautifully simple.
The craftsmanship is unmistakably late 19th century: hand-finished wood components, brass hardware, steel plate construction, and early paper materials with age toning throughout.
Increasingly difficult to find in this level of completeness, particularly with French-language materials intact.
A remarkable ancestor to the modern copier — and a striking display piece for an office, library, or study.
Found in France, circa 1885 – 1895
Original dovetailed pine storage box with age-appropriate wear, surface scratches, and patina
The steel writing plate shows oxidation, surface wear, and ink residue consistent with use
Wooden clamping frame intact with working brass turn latches
Hand roller and corrugated inking roller present; surface wear and ink staining visible
Glass correction varnish bottle intact; contents aged and not tested
Surviving wax stencil sheets with toning, edge wear, and spotting
Overall wear consistent with late 19th-century office use
The box measures approximately 18.375” L x 13.25” W x 5.5” H
Available for pick up, local delivery, and nationwide shipping.
Request a trade discount here.
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