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lever cutter

I recently acquired a 26” lever cutter. There are two stamped numbers on the table and I’m assuming that one is the serial number but it doesn’t appear on the C&P serial numbers list. It is very clearly S162. Below that it also has a cross with a 6 centered vertically on the long end of the cross. I’m hoping that someone can tell me a date of production and possible value. Also, what is the cross about?

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  • rpolinski
  • on 8 May 10 (14:26)
  • Updated 8 May 10 (14:35)

Chandler and Price 26” lever cutter serial numbers between S141 and S566 were manufactured between 1907 and 1908. This was the time period that the transition took place from the arched yoke to the flat yoke. The yoke is the top cap through which the clamp screw passes and which holds the far end of the knife carrier. If you post a photo or two of the cutter someone will almost certainly be able to confirm this.

Rich

Front Room Press
Milford, NJ
http://frontroompress.blogspot.com
http://thebittenline.blogspot.com

Thanks Rich. This one has an arched yoke, any idea of what it may be worth, I’d like to sell it.
Sherrie

Just as for presses, prices are literally all over the map. If you’re located in an area where available cutters are few and the number of letterpress and other printmakers are high, it will likely sell for more than if you’re in the middle of Kansas.

But that’s not always the case. One person finds a 10x15 press for free and on the other side of town another pays $1500. I live in New Jersey where cutters don’t turn up every day and there are quite a few printers in a three-state area. Yet I only paid $200 for a 26” C&P on Craig’s list, in perfect shape, with an extra knife, and two men to help disassemble and get it out of a basement.

If you paid anything for yours you’ll want to at least get that money back. My personal opinion is that wherever you’re located, if you can get between $400 and $700 both sides will have gotten a good and fair deal.

Rich

Front Room Press
Milford, NJ
http://frontroompress.blogspot.com
http://thebittenline.blogspot.com

Again, thank you Rich! That gives me a starting point which is just what I needed.
Sherrie