A fascinating group of twelve original 18th‑century copper‑engraved book plates, all removed from contemporary publications and dating to around the 1760s. Several are headed “Gent. Mag.” with dates such as December 1762 and December 1764, firmly linking them to The Gentleman’s Magazine, the leading English journal of the period.
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The plates cover an appealing range of early scientific and engineering subjects: a manually powered fire engine and common pump, experimental telescopic and astronomical apparatus, improved wagons and agricultural equipment, together with an architectural elevation of “Newbridge … at Pentyrch in Glamorganshire,” erected in 1756 by the Welsh mason William Edward. The engravings are crisply printed with fine line work and period hand‑laid paper, with the expected light toning, occasional marginal nicks and short edge tears from two and a half centuries of handling, but no modern reproduction in sight.
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Perfect for framing individually or as a curated wall display, this set would suit collectors of early technology, Georgian architecture, or the history of science, as well as dealers looking for ready‑to‑mount decorative prints. A scarce little archive of Georgian ingenuity, offered as a complete group rather than divided for individual sale.
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​The engraving measures 210 x 130mm (8.27" x 5.12"), these items will be shipped flat.