Rare Engraving Plate and Print - The Rabbit Club - in Philadelphia 1932

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The Rabbit Club was formed in Philadelphia in 1861 as a men's eating and social club. In 1932, the club commissioned a commemorative engraving for members in a limited edition of 100 prints. This offer is for the actual engraving plate that made the prints and a "proof" pull done in 1980. The proof pull is fully framed. Together, the set make a very rare collectible. If the plate is framed and hung next to the print, it will make a dramatic and remarkable conversation piece. Also note, more engrave prints can be pulled from the same plate, as I did in 1980.The plate history and provenanceI acquired the plate with purchase of two antique engraving presses I purchased from a North Philadelphia printer (Paravano) in 1980. This printer specialized in engraved stationery for the Philadelphia legal profession. The presses I acquired were too small to print such a large plate (21 3/4" X 24") so I had an etching press in Boston pull 5 prints for me. These prints were given to friends and family and I retained one print, which is in the frame with this offer. (Of the cast iron hand presses, the mover dropped one cracking the frame so it was destroyed. After I restore the other, it was purchased by a printer for the U.S. Bureau of Printing for his personal use in Washington, DC.) Now, I am offering the plate and my only print from the Rabbit Club engraving.The Rabbit Club HistoryThe engraving says The Rabbit was instituted in 1861 and incorporated in 1877. The engraving was created pulled in 1932 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary occupation of current club house.The Rabbit Club is mentioned in many Philadelphia historical book texts. Usually it is mentioned in the same context as the Union League Club, the Rittenhouse Club, the Philadelphia Club, the Merion Cricket Club and others of that stature.In "The Perennial Philadelphians: The Anatomy of an American Aristocracy" by Nathaniel Burt he writes"Most members of the Fish House belong to the Rabbit; the members are nearly all descendants and kin of other members past and present, and of course are nearly all also members of all the other right clubs, boards and institutions. It is, has been indicated a Small World. The Philadelphia Club can and does claim to be the oldest [men's club] in America, started in 1834. [However] It is not, like, say the Rabbit, cosy. The Rabbit was essentially a men's eating club where numerous toasts are an important part of every formal occasion. Members not only ate the meals, they cooked them!"The city of Philadelphia as it appears in the year 1983: a compilation By the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce says: "The Rabbit Club, located near West Fairmount Park, has a quaint, old-style club house, which members adopt as an objective point in suburban drives. It is an exclusive body composed of well-known citizens."The Engraving DepictionThe central scene is a map of Philadelphia showing the various sites occupied by the Club since its first site on Rabbit Lane. Cartouches in the corners depict rabbits in poses. Below the map is a picture of the club house, being approached by a horse drawn carriage.The edition limit is stated in a legend at right saying "This Edition is limited to 100 copies of which this is Copy Number "(The empty space was then hand-written with the issue number.)SpecificationsPlate Material: Copper with chrome platingPlate Size: 21.75" X 24"Plate Weight: approx 10 poundsFrame size: 35" X 32.75"Frame material: hard wood - traditional moldingMatt Inside window: 22.25" X 24.62"Plate mark visible: approx .25" around edgePlate can be reprinted for many, many impressions on any etching press capable of this plate size. They are usually located in art gallery and school areas.Continental United States shipments only read more

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