A colourless impression that is embossed on paper or on a cloth or leather binding. When it is found on a page, it typically signifies the owner’s name or the words “review copy.” when it is found on the binding, it is typically for decorative purposes. Also known as blind.
A blind stamp is a mark made without ink, usually on the back of a book, by pressing a metal die into the paper. It is used to identify the book as property of a library or other institution, or to indicate that it has been repaired or rebound.
Blind stamps are often found on the lower right corner of the back cover or on the back endpapers of books. They may also be on the title page, half-title, or dedication page. Sometimes a book will have more than one blind stamp, for example if it has been rebound by a library and then later donated to another library.
The use of blind stamps dates back to the early days of printing, when books were often rebound and reused. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was common for booksellers to stamp their name or inventory number on the back of a book. This practice continues today, although blind stamps are more likely to be found in library books than in books from bookstores.
Blind stamps can be very simple, consisting of a single letter or number, or they can be quite elaborate, with intricate designs. Some libraries use special stamps that can only be seen under ultraviolet light.
While blind stamps are most commonly associated with books, they can also be found on other items, such as photographs, maps, and manuscripts.
The blind stamp is an important part of the book publishing process. It is used to create a unique identifier for a book, which can be used to track the book’s progress through the production process. The blind stamp also allows for the identification of a particular edition of a book. This is important for collectors and scholars who may be interested in a particular edition of a work.