Dublett

Dublett refers to a specific type of printing artifact or error, particularly in the context of historical printing processes. It occurs when a printing plate, often a metal type block or engraving, becomes slightly misaligned or shifts during the printing run. This misalignment results in a duplicated or ghosted image appearing on the printed page. The duplicate image is typically fainter and slightly offset from the main image, creating a noticeable effect.

The causes of dublett can vary. Mechanical issues with the printing press, such as loose components or uneven pressure, could lead to the plate shifting. In some cases, the material of the plate itself might have been less stable, or the method of securing it to the printing bed was inadequate. The effect is more commonly seen in older printing methods like letterpress or early lithography, where precise alignment was more challenging to maintain over long print runs.

Identifying a dublett is usually straightforward once you know what to look for. The secondary image will be a near-identical copy of the primary image, but displaced by a small margin. This displacement can be horizontal, vertical, or even diagonal. While considered an error, in some rare instances, certain collectors or enthusiasts might find printing errors like dubletts to have a certain appeal due to their rarity and uniqueness as examples of historical printing imperfections. However, generally, dubletts are seen as a flaw that would have been undesirable in the original production.