Printing Plate Advertising Ephemera Appraisal

1969 Playboy Magazine Print Press Plate for 'de Sade' Film Advertisement

This item is a historical printing plate, likely made of a lead or lead alloy, given its age and typical materials used in letterpress printing. It is rectangular in shape and appears to be approximately 6-8 inches in height, based on the size relative to the hand holding it. The plate is a reverse image (negative relief) of an advertisement, intended for letterpress printing, which means the raised areas will transfer the ink onto paper. The primary content of the advertisement is for the 1969 film 'de Sade,' as indicated by the context provided. The most prominent visual element is a depiction of the iconic Playboy Bunny, confirming its use as an advertisement for Playboy Magazine. The text, being in reverse, includes phrases such as 'AT 9 P.M.' and 'LATE SHOW,' and 'IS THE PARTY OF THE...'. There's also text related to the film 'de Sade,' including what appears to be a release date or price point '2.50'. The plate exhibits a silvery-gray metallic sheen, typical of lead or zinc printing plates. There are visible signs of use and age, including some smudges or residue, possibly of old ink, and minor scratches or scuffs on the surface. A notable characteristic is the presence of pale blue markings, particularly around the '2.50' section, which might indicate color registration marks or specific instructions for the printing process that utilized a blue ink, or perhaps a chemical reaction to the plate's surface. The craftsmanship appears to be robust, designed for repeated use in a printing press. The details of the Playboy Bunny and the typography are well-defined, indicating a professional-grade engraving or etching process. There are no discernible maker's marks or signatures visible in the provided images, which is common for production printing plates.