What is this material in the spine of a book?

Discussion in 'Ephemera and Photographs' started by spartcom5, Dec 19, 2020.

  1. spartcom5

    spartcom5 Well-Known Member

    Found a really cool catalog from 1906 with tons of cool items in it. I just want to make sure the spine doesn't contain anything dangerous. I think it is perhaps cotton fill? Does anyone know?

    20201218_145038_resized.jpg 20201218_145046_resized.jpg
     
    spartcom5, Dec 19, 2020
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  2. wiscbirddog

    wiscbirddog Well-Known Member

    Almost looks like bat insulation, but sure don't know why it would be stuffed in the spine like that.
     
    wiscbirddog, Dec 19, 2020
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  3. antidiem

    antidiem Well-Known Member

    It looks like bat insulation to me too, Wisc, good call.
     
    antidiem, Dec 19, 2020
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  4. Debora

    Debora Well-Known Member

    Batt insulation wasn't introduced until the invention of fiberglass in the 1930s. Given 1906 catalog, cotton wool more likely.

    Debora
     
    Debora, Dec 19, 2020
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  5. antidiem

    antidiem Well-Known Member

    thank you for checking, Debora :cat: yes, probably cotton. I am going to guess that the yellow color is simply some staining from the book's yellow cover ink, and that when originally fabricated, it was all white cotton.
     
    antidiem, Dec 20, 2020
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