Watermarks and antique paper: reading between the fibres
It’s sometimes said that an old book can be read “through the paper”: this is literally true when it comes to watermarks.
These discreet marks, visible through transparency, are a valuable clue to the origin, date or manufacture of a paper.
At Librairie Clavreuil, we pay particular attention to this. The watermark is sometimes what makes it possible to date, confirm or tell the story of a work, beyond its text.
What is a watermark?
A watermark is an imprint left in the paper during manufacture, visible against the light.
It is produced by a brass wire sewn into the weft of the paper tank, which creates a variation in thickness in the pulp.
These marks can be :
- Initials or names of papermakers;
- Symbols (unicorn, fleur-de-lys, scales, sun…) ;
- Geometric shapes or coats of arms;
Observing a watermark: a pictorial demonstration
🎥 In this short video, we show you an example of a watermark in an antique book held by Librairie Clavreuil.
Well-directed light, antique laid paper and an discreet mark: sometimes all it takes is one detail to unlock the secrets of old books.
A tool to identify old paper
Watermarks can be used to identify the origin of the paper, and sometimes to date it.
Some 17th and 18th century papermakers are well documented, and their brands are listed in specialized catalogs (Briquet, Heawood, Piccard…).
They are therefore an invaluable aid to bibliographers, booksellers and curators, especially when a book has no title page or shows printing uncertainties.
Hidden beauty, visible in the light
Observing a watermark is also a simple and poetic gesture: simply turn the page slightly towards the light, and a shape is revealed between the fibers. In antique books, these marks are often located at or near the center of the fold. Some books even feature decorative watermarks or double watermarks, indicative of a luxury edition or prestigious use. At the Librairie Clavreuil, we examine them for each important edition, because they tell another part of the story of the book: that of the paper.The watermark, paper’s signature
The watermark is a manufacturing trace, an identification aid and an aesthetic detail that is often overlooked.
📚 To discover antique books with laid paper and visible watermarks,
➡️ consult our collection.
📩 If you have any questions about the valuation or identification of a book,
➡️ contact us.
