Antique Victorian School Chalk Board Slate, Mc.D's Ed Co Ltd Wire Bound Slate

Here we have a number of authentic antique Victorian school slates. These were sourced in Scotland. School slates were in widespread use in Scotland from the early 19th century through to the early-to-mid 20th century, with their peak usage occurring during the Victorian era (1837–1901) and the Edwardian period just after.

During the Victorian era, slates were standard tools in classrooms. They provided an economical and reusable medium for students to practice writing and arithmetic. The use of slates reduced the need for paper, which was relatively expensive at the time. Educational institutions often sourced these slates from local manufacturers or produced them in-house, sometimes branding them with the institution's name.

Wire-bound slates were particularly valued for their durability, as the wire reinforcement helped prevent the wooden frame from splitting or the slate from cracking. Students would write on the slate with a slate pencil, and the surface could be wiped clean for reuse.

Some have the branding of 'Mc.D's Ed Co Ltd'.

Condition is very good, with traces of writing and wear as would be expected and incised lines as was often the case - horizontal rules for writing and a grid of squares for arithmetic. Each slate is double sided.

Now these vintage slate boards are an attractive interior design feature for home or business.

Weight: approximately 650g each (unpacked). 

Dimensions:

Including frame, approximately 277mm tall x 224mm wide x 11mm deep (approx. 11" x 9").