In my earlier post on Stanley’s 1966 catalogue, I noticed an oversight that deserved clarification. Having described the two formats of catalogue that Stanley relied on from the early years of the 20th century until the “A” edition of 1960, I remembered that there was in fact a third format.
Besides the large hardcover editions intended for the office and smaller paperback pocket versions, I have a single example of what might be described as a “waistcoat pocket” size abridged “J” edition catalogue from 1909. Containing sections 2 and 3 only (drawing instruments and drafting supplies), this is almost a novelty item, the text so small that I need a magnifying glass to read it comfortably. In that sense, it reminds me of the miniature version of the Andrew Alpern collection catalogue that seems to have specially published for distributed to friends of the author.
I don’t know if these miniature Stanley catalogues were produced in any other years – there is no mention of them in the reasonably comprehensive list put together in 2012 by Nick Mills – and it is difficult to tell them apart from the ordinary pocket editions in photographs (indeed, based on its internet listing I had assumed my copy was the standard paperback). There is a hint that something of the kind might have been produced in 1953, but perhaps this refers to the ordinary pocket catalogue that is more commonly seen even than the full size version.
In my attempt to photograph all three sizes with a forced perspective diminution for the title image, somehow I managed instead to evoke the spirit of those flying duck ornaments so beloved of 1940s British households.
