Copper engraving plate. Used to print engraved something-or-other, could be a wedding invitation? Only if the writing is backward, otherwise, I don't know. Can you read it?
Upon reflection, it's too substantial for a one-shot deal. Every engraving plate I've seen would actually fit around the thing you've got there, and after you printed whatever, if it was a one-shot deal, you'd scrap or recycle it, if it was something like a letterhead, you'd save it.
See how it's worn at the top and bottom? The thing fits into something that turns, and the paper is gripped by something else and "fed" so that the turning cylinder sort of grabs it and rolls it through, and it's printed at the same time. |
