Printing block

Set of four wood blocks for printing handkerchiefs.
Wood probably pear, cast metal face (tin and lead alloy) on block (a), wool infilling on blocks (b) and (c). Each block five layers of wood glued together across the grain.
Block (a); line block, square, for printing black ("BLACK" stamped on back). Line made up of metal stereotyped castings approx 9cms x 5 cms nailed into wood. These set round two sides to form border with right angle. Between the smaller motifs of central field the wood has been chiselled down. Three pitch pins.
Block (b): triangular ("RED" on back) for filling in meandering border. Face of wood outlines and wool felt.
Block (c): Square block ("BLUE" on back) for filling in border to other side of main meander and smaller motifs in field. Face of carved wood with wool felt.
Block (d): Small square block for filling motifs of central field "GOLD" stamped on back). Five meandering motifs, carved wood printing face.
Design of large meandering loops of border with smaller related motifs in centre. Border confined by lines of linking dots. Colours most used seem to have been black, red (dark) blue and yellow, perhaps on a discharged turkey red background.
Belonging latterly to David Evans and Co. Ltd., Crayford, Kent and bought by them from Welch, Margetson and Co.
Stamped on back: "LARKING". John tyler Larking, blockmaker, Druces Landing Wharf, Queen's Road West appears in directories 1852-1872, cf 82.92/5
Painted number WM 3359. For silk and cotton.
Printed probably in order (a), (b), (c), (d). Blocks each used four times, turning 90 degrees each time to form square handkerchief. Blocks all seem to have been cut down; the finger holes on all four have been moved. Estimated size of original blocks 38 cms square, handkerchief 76 cms.
Condition: good, treated for woodworm on arrival.