Small, horizontal rectangular stencil cut with the name "M.a. Shakespear." in roman letters along an undulating line with five-pointed stars and two feathery flourishes above and below. Plate is unevenly turned over along all four edges and countersunk to a zinc frame with horizontal oval window on back. No marks.
Name stencils such as this are often referred to as calling card stencils, but were used to mark a variety of items, including clothing, textiles, boxes or containers, etc.
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