The Colonial Printer & Bookbindery

To all;
My website is still up and running. Until a technical issue is resolved, use;
463623174552670741.weebly.com

For nearly 8 years I have wanted to publish this little jewel. Finally I'm nearing completion.
I do not expect to sell many, but I really did this project simply to add to my personal collection.

The Book of Common Prayer in English and Mohawk

Time is running out to enjoy our 20% off site wide!
Use JOY2023.

Colonial Printer & Bookbindery Provider of printed historic facsimilies, blank books and custom specialties. Using historic methods and materials to replicate books, pamphlets and items from the 18th century and earlier.

One of my all time better sellers is "A Young Clerks Assistant; or Penmanship." Which has fine illustrations of lettering types.
Now I have a new pamphlet to go along with this is "A Discourse on the Use of the Pen."
Covering technical subjects such as how to sit, cutting quills, and so much more.

For those interested in early religious life, I have two new items for you.
1.) "Collection of Psalms and Hymns". Printed in Charles-town in the Carolinas, these are collections attributed to John Wesley.
2.) "Office of Matrimony" - this has, within the covers, the ceremony of conducting, not only a complete wedding ceremony fo various circumstances, but some for baptisms as well.

Have you ever heard of a woman named Catharine Vizzani?

As historians, we have all heard of women who disguised themselves as men to serve in armies. Here is the story of one girl/woman who posed as a man in Italian higher society.

A fascinating read!

"Rules of Civility" that Geo. Washington wrote as a kid is a good start understanding 18th century manners.
Now we have, "The Man of Manners: Or, Pleiades Polish'd"

Other new products, for you medical mind set ...
"New Practical Essay on Cancers." & "Primitive Physick".

My favorite 'New Peoduct' is a booklet titled "Forme of Cury". A fascinating work from the 18th century. It is both a historical examination of a cookery book written in 1390, even having printer's typography that imitates the author's handwriting. Plus, the last third of the book has another cookery from 1381, transcribed into18th century typesetting.

If you love cookery AND historical studies ... this gem is for you!

If you are a returning customer, you can find new products in the category button -
"New Offerings"

Cyber SALE starts
T O D A Y!!!!
20% OFF
JOY2023

Christmas sale begins Monday 27th.
Use JOY2023 and get 20% off everything.
($50 or more gets free shipping!)

1.) Christmas sale announcement (soon).
2.) 5 18th c. Christmas pamphlets.
3.) 20 NEW product!
Starting tomorrow!

B I G N E W S!
B I G, B I G N E W S!
(yeah, it's really BIG!)

Peter Goebel from Goose Bay Workshops (long time friend) asked me to make labels for some the most hilarious, but real 18th century (and much earlier) medicinal apothecary items. All fake ingredients, but the titles and usage will blow your mind.

In our side splitting conversations, Pete sent an email, which I had to reply ...

He sent .... "Apparently, the alchemist, the apothecary, and the pharmacist were pretty much all in the same boat."

I replied ..."Ok, I'll bite

An alchemist, an apothecary and a pharmacist are in the same boat.

Unfortunately it was a very small pirate boat.

"Arg!" said the captain, " This here boat only
has room for ONE of ye land lubbers. Tell me
why I shouldn't feed you to the sharks!"

The pharmacist pipes up first, "Good sir, I
can advise you on your medication use and
combination. It could save your life!"

Not to be outdone the apothecary brags,
"With a chest filled with herbs and minerals, I
can mix cures for most all ailments!'

Then the alchemist tugs on the captains
sleeve and whispers, "Pssst, are those lead
balls in you pistol? You'll never guess what
I'm experimenting with ..."

Last night we had friends over to tilt a cup of joy, share stories, and salute friends who could not be with us. These times double the pleasure of the times here at Fort Frederick.

There is a pitter-patter of rain on the roof of our tent.... but we are open for business at the Fort Frederick Market Fair!

A couple of new items available at the Friends of Fort Frederick Market Fair in a week.
1.) Sunday School Dialog. A dialog between a teacher and her young student Mary about subjects of religion geared to children.
2.) Smegmatogia, Or the Art of Making Potash and Soap. This not only discusses making soap, but how to actually burn certain woods for the best Potash.

F.I.N.A.L.L.Y!!!

Back in stock are two items that my resource disappeared during Covid.

Pre-cut quills and powdered ink.

Most of you know, I seldom promote my own products. For two basic reasons, one that I just don't like tooting my own horn. Second is that I am just very busy supplying most all of the major historical sites with precise replicas.

But here is something I find darn interesting!

In am effort to supply some historical pamphlets for our Catholic customers, I carry several items only for them. Two pieces I carry were printed by John Sadler of Liverpool during the 1750's. As an interesting aspect to this Catholic printer, he also invented and patented a technique of printing blue flow China! Wow!

Spent a short minute or two sorting through my board scrap pile to come up with enough odd and end boards to finish out 24 miniature books for a client.

Miser, no. Hoarder, not at all. Frugal...you bet!

Digging through my "Vellum Scrap" bag for a piece for a repair, I spotted some vellum dyed green. That was from a commission work over 15 years ago.
I collect even the tiniest piece as I occasionally boil them down as a base painted over calf before glaire and gold are applied.

The last of the new items in my inventory.

#9- Rules for the Regulation of the Navy of the United Colonies of North America; (d. 1775)

A short, yet fairly complete, listing of Regulations regarding the Navies ofthe Colonies.

Listing 44 regulations for Commanders, Captains and all members of a ship. $3.00

The next two of the nine are pamphlets related to the American Revolution. One regarding the earlier dispute of the Stamp Act, and another attempting to imply the loss of Liberty if independence is achieved.

#7- The Examination ofDoctor Benjamin Franklin, (d. 1760's)

(also aom the title) "before an August Assembly, relating to the Repeal ofthe Stamp- Act, &c."
A transcript ofthe questioning of Benjamin Franklin regarding the subject ofthe American response and attitude of the Stamp-Act and if it's repeal would alter American opinion.
$4.50

#8- Americans against Liberty; (d. 1776)

(also from the title) "Or, an Essay on the Nature and Principles ofTrue Freedom,
Shewing that the Designs and Conduct ofthe Americans Tend only to Tyranny and Slavery."
From the view of a British subject, this is a pamph]et that abstract]y discounts the American Rebe]'s political views on the term ofLiberty. $9.00

I never stray into current political or social commentaries here. But I will admit that there are times when current topics arise I frequently research to read both sides of of that topic from an 18th century point of view. Here are two pamphlets that touch on such a subject;

#5- A Caution to Great Britain and Her Colonies. (d.1767)

Printed in Philadelphia originally, this is a London Reprint. The content of this pamphlet is summed up on the title page; "A short Representation of the CALAMITOUS STATE of the Enslaved NEGROES in the British Dominions."
As the title infers, this is an abolitionist pamphlet. $9.00

#6- An Essay in Vindication ofthe Continental Colonies of America, (d.1764)

In the mid 18th century, many pamphlets and books were written on both sides of the subject of slavery, abolitionists and apologists alike. This particular pamphlet is on the apologists point of view. Although it is basically reputing the writings of the abolitionist Mr. Adam Smith, it still clearly covers their contemporary view of slave ownership. $9.50

Two more new items to list ...

#3- The Servant's Friend

As stated on the title page; "Set of Excellent MAXIMS; which, if duly practiced, will render their Service delightful and profitable, both to themselves and their Employers." Backed by Biblical references, each maxim are filled with moral and positive character development.
$3.00

#4- Physical Amusements and Diverting Experiments.

A pamphlet filled with fun and entertaining parlor experiments and puzzles to dazzle and amaze your reenacting friends or home friends. Mathematical puzzles, chemistry, and even card games/tricks are included. A great
way to see how the gentry might enjoy an evening with friends (without electronic
devices). $12.00

SOON! Two will definitely be of interest to those who love how 18th century civilians may have dealt with various aspects.

#1- The Good Samaritan; or Useful Family Physician.

This third edition includes several common ailments and their recommended cures or treatments. Different from other medical pamphlets in composition, it claims; "Delivered so plain and easy a Manner, that any Person may be his own Physician," $9.50

#2- A Treatise on Bear Grease with Observations to Preserve the Head of Hair. (d.1795)

Written by A. Ross is his Treatise of the history and best use of Bear Grease. The Table of Content brings up many aspects of hair on the head as far as aliments and benefits of using his bear grease. Mr. Ross goes so far as to tout his own bear grease products by placing an affidavit that "I, Alexander Ross, of London,
Perfumer, make Oath, and say that I do not sell, or will cause to be sold, at any Time or
Times, any other than real Bear's Grease, and that only from the Animal or Animals I keep, or are kept and killed by Me or My Order."
One can only infer that he raised bears in London. $14.00

When the pandemic hit and the world shut down, I thought my business would collapse and I could get rid of a backlog of other work and do personal book projects to stay busy. But it was not to be.

Between stimulus checks and government money flooding to certain locations, my business quadrupled over the past 2-3 years. One side affect of this busy time was that I did not create very many new products.

Now that things have slowed a tiny bit, I've created 9 new pieces. These will be showcased in clusters soon!

The press is still running.
But, headbands are done, calf leather dyed and sprinkled.
Next ... paring and thinning.
Passing and stringing tomorrow (maybe).

Sewing headbands this morning while also running my press.
The joys of a lone employee!