1994.2

Embossing Plate Symbol Tongs

Embossing plate symbol tongs; zinc-plated steel arms meet at square joint, secured with two hex bolts and repair weld; riveted into jaws are two fittings forming a tap/die of a large raised circle; heavy welded hammering button on tip of top jaw.

H-1.125 W-1.25 D-14.375 inches

ca. 1950

American Printing House for the Blind

Louisville, KY

APH introduced its first line of paper tactile maps in 1894. These maps lacked the raised symbols created with tools such as this pair of embossing tongs. APH purchased a machine to emboss small symbols on embossing plates in 1905. Tactile maps and other raised graphics from APH after 1905 all feature such symbols. The machine was limited, however, so over the years the company created embossing tongs to increase the range of symbols at its command. In 1984, APH created a new symbol embossing machine, and a number of the older hand tools were replaced by the symbol making capacity of the new Pearl Companion. Embossing tongs continue to be used in the APH Graphics shop to this day.

APH Collection, 1994.2.