Nicholas Bodley skribis:

>
> Peter T. Daniels wrote:
> >
> > But it can't be considered a plate -- the working bit is no
> > bigger than the piece of type itself with margins for the
> > walls of the matrix.
>
> Yes, but: The photos plainly show a large piece of sheet
> copper. Apparently, a recessed image in that sheet is cut
> out and trimmed very carefully. I have the feeling that several
> people in this thread didn't look at the images; maybe I'm
> wrong.

The matrix can vary depending on what kind of machine it's
to be used on. The matrices in the pictures are made to the
same dimensions as Monotype display matrices. They're
about one inch high and 3/4 inch wide. The image is cut
0.050 inches into the matrix. (The width of the type is stamped
on the matrix. A micrometer adjustment on the machine is
used to set the proper width.)

Foundry matrices were originally used in a hand-held mold
and later used on heavy duty casters such as the Barth and
the Kustermann. As Mr. Daniels stated, they are the same
width as the finished piece of type plus a small margin on
the left and right sides. Thus no width adjustment is needed
on the caster itself.

--Ph. D.