Bookbinding Pallets

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The Art of Bookbinding
by Joseph W. Zaehnsdorf
3rd Edition Published in London 1897

Chapter XXIII Part II

Work this on the side at the mark made up the back, and
up to the line made in blind across the back. Repeat this
to each panel. The two-line pallet must be worked
across the back and up to the lines made in gold; the
cutting of the pallet at the angle will allow of the union or
miter, so that each panel is independent of the other.
There will be a space left, head and tail, which may be
filled up with any fancy pallet or repetition of tools. The
corners should be in keeping with the centre, and large
enough to fit the panel. Work these from the sides of
the square made, or from the centre of the panel, as will
be found most convenient, according to the thickness of
the book and style of finishing, and then fill in any small
stops. When the whole is done, rub the gold off with the
gold-rag, and use the India-rubber if necessary. The title
has now to be put on, which is done in the same manner
as before described.
It is not always necessary that the finishing be done in
blind first. I have explained it, and advocate its being so
worked first as easier for a learner. One who is
accustomed to finishing

finds that a few lines marked previously with a folding-stick is all that is required. When working the title, a thread of silk
drawn tightly across the gold produces a line sufficient, and is the only guide that an experienced workman requires. To
finish a side, make a mark with the folder and a straight edge as a guide for any rolls or fillets. Prepare the leather as
before described where the ornamentation is to come; but if the pattern is elaborate it must be worked first in blind. As a
greater facility, take a piece of paper of good quality and well sized. Draw the pattern you wish to produce on the paper,
and if any tools are to be used, hold them over the flame of gas; this will smoke them so that they may be worked on the
paper in black. When the pattern is complete in every detail, tip the four corners of the paper with a little paste, then
work the pattern through the paper on to the leather, using the various sized gouges as the scrolls require, and a single
line fillet where there are lines. Work thus the complete pattern in blind.

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