Help with this macabre etching on metal sheet

[snoopy666]

Hello from London UK
I Have had this rather macabre print which has been done on a metal sheet.It is limited edition 2/20 and signed by someone.

So far all we have found out is that it could be german or dutch as the words Gerucht means justice or similar.
I have taken it to auction dealers and others but as of yet nobody can pinpoint who the artist is and where its from.
There is a lot of detail and some bizarre macabre drawings in minute detail.
Can anyone out there shed some light on this piece?
thank you in advance from grey old London
Jamie

[cogar]

What is its dimensions?

Maybe it is a “printing plate” for a book or magazine publishing, such as this one is, to wit:



http://www.ioba.org/pages/resources/book-terminology/

[snoopy666]

Hello print  dimensions are 33 cm across 43 cm down,metal sheet 43/53

[snoopy666]

here is the close up of the signatures

[cogar]

Hello print  dimensions are 33 cm across 43 cm down,metal sheet 43/53

14 by 17 inches.

ps: a drum printing press ...... printing plate ..... was what I was thinking of.

[Pelady]

Wow! So cool!

Is it a print on paper or on a metal sheet? Metal sheets usually have all the words in reverse?  The number  2/20 is probably for the number/edition but could also be a date February 1920.   The engraving depicts trenches, rows of crosses,  devils, coffins, animals, injured people but more important tanks and artillery thus post WWI.


There appears to be letters inside the engraving bottom left _ ANAER_.

Also did you search geresht and gerecht

PeLady

[snoopy666]

Pelady
you are good indeed]only today did i see the hidden word on left bottom corner,it plays tricks with the mind as it could easy be dismissed as just the pattern in the strokes...but it could also be a name.
You right about all the characters..can i add that if you look at all the faces of characters they have an oriental look and some have chinese/japanese style hats on which makes me think it could possibly be  from Japan Or China

Geracht means avenger or avenge in German,someone else told me another word Justice from their translation.I think justice might be a closer lead but again just a guess.
About the 1920 part yes could be,also  the style of writing in signature seems the way antique writing was often very straight and hard to read..
anyway the mystery continues...thanks for all your help

[snoopy666]

Pelady i forgot its on a metal/aluminium sheet of some sort

[KC]

I have an example of a newspaper printing plate in aluminum (notice the "Gore Plans Appeal for quick recount - after Bush election).  The edges of the plate are wrapped back/over and notched to secure onto the drum.  Of course most have these sections cut off to keep/sell.  But, I liked it in the original state - was doing a tour that day with VIP's at the newspaper and they gave it to me.

[KC]

Another