One stereotype plate representing a vignette, or illustration, from an Egyptian papyrus, measuring 4⅜ × 4½ × ⅞ inches (11 × 11 × 2 cm). The metal plate is 1/16 inch (0.3 cm) thick and is attached to a wooden block that is ¾ inch (2 cm) thick with six nails that are now oxidized. The metal plate was evidently attached to the wooden block to make the entire plate the same height as the regular metal type. In eleven instances, pieces of type bearing numerals were attached to this plate by drilling holes through both the plate and wood after they were fastened together and securing the type with a soft, putty-like substance. For a twelfth number (numeral 9), the creator did not drill entirely through the wood as was done with the other numerals. A few holes in the plate are not filled with type or nails—perhaps indicating the holes were part of the original wood carving and therefore transferred to the mold. It is possible that the creator of the plate intended to affix additional pieces of type to the plate or fasten the plate to the wood block at additional points. The numerals on the plate identified elements of the image that were keyed to explanations printed beneath the facsimile. Work on the plate began around 23 February 1842 and was completed by the time the 1 March issue of the Times and Seasons was printed, around 2 March 1842. In or shortly after 1992, a museum call number (“LDS 92-326-295”) was recorded on the back of the plate.

The plate was cataloged by the Historian’s Office in 1858. At an unknown time, it was moved to the Bureau of Information at Temple Square, which was established in 1902. Later, it was transferred to the Museum of Church History and Art (now Church History Museum). By 1992, this plate had been processed and cataloged at that museum.