Paper Watermarks

Info & Collecting

Some pages about Paper Watermarks and its collecting

    What is a watermark in paper? Watermarks are designs or patterns put into paper during its production, by making thinner (line or wire watermarks) or thicker (shadow watermarks) the layer of pulp when it is still wet. Hence, the name.
    Paper watermarks can be seen holding the paper against the light or, in some cases, over a black surfece. Usually, they show the manufacturers's name, and geometric designs, or images of animals, etc.
    The object of watermarks in paper is, essentialy, identifying the paper, as a signature of the manufacturer, or as a security measure to avoid forgery of important documents as bank notes, passports, entry tickets, etc.
    Today, good quality writing paper, as well as art drawing paper or paper for bibliophile publishing, usually carry an identifying watermark. Neverthless, it is easier to find watermarks in old papers from envelopes, letters, books... Indeed, watermarks are a good help in the study of old documents, as they can suggest their origin or date.

As any other thing, watermarks, or papers carrying a watermark, may be collected as a hobby.

COLLECTION: Some watermarks, from the collection of the author of this site. The classification is not definitive; will be revised as new images are added.

LINKS: Links to sites with information about paper watermarks, and also to sites with references about paper in general.

The background image is a laid paper. This is, a paper with a watermark through its whole surface, consisting of a pattern of dense horizontal lines crossed by another ones at right angles.

25-8-2007

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