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The Collation

“What manner o’thing is your crocodile?”: March 2022

As you’re waiting for the interminable month of February to finally expire, distract yourself with the following thought: Prints like this one were useful as well as decorative. What use did they serve?

Leave your thoughts and guesses in the comments below, and we’ll be back next week with more information.

Comments

Perhaps it includes some kind of virtue exemplified, or a sanctioned way of presenting yourself, or portraying an acceptable activity?

Dawn Kiilani Hoffmann — February 22, 2022

This is an advert for a personal secretary, taker of notes, and writer of letters for illiterates.

Cathy Koos — February 22, 2022

Could it be bookplate?

Allan Mahnke — February 22, 2022

As a template for stitching/embroidery?

Asta Becket — February 22, 2022

I really don’t know, but my immediate thought was “that would look good on a mug”.

Angela Cockburn — February 22, 2022

Watch paper?

Elizabeth Paterson — March 16, 2022