Sender: Rare book and manuscripts <EXLIBRIS-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>
In response to C J Scheiner's query re research sources for English
watermarks:
The standard sources for early-modern watermarks on writing & printing
paper, which circulated on the English, French, Italian, and Dutch markets,
are the hefty volumes compiled respectively by Briquet, Churchill, and
Heawood, each w/ facsimiles and critical apparatus (Heawood valuably offers
locations). The present online sources -- Piccard, Gravell -- are also
useful, though I've had better luck with the print sources, esp Heawood.
I presently am scouring Briquet, Churchill, and Heawood for a certain
triple-circle mark (or variants) which displays, amongst other curiosities,
a printer's initial (monogram) and a (ducal?) coronet; the mark is on
high-quality, single-chain-line writing paper (no counter-marks). The
triple-circle mark interests me as it may allude to Roman Catholicism, not
unlike the triple-circle pattern in stained-glass church windows, at
Chartres, e.g. (the three connected vertical circles alluding to the
Trinity); half-page color photo by Richard Harbus, New York Times, Travel
section, 12th Aug 07, p 13.
If sent a digital copy today, I'll see if I can't spot Scheiner's mark (I
have the books here).