Does anyone know what type of press this is?

Jenna, I’ve been looking at his listing (and meant to go look at the press) and wondered the same thing. I posted a link to it here a month or so ago and nobody came up with anything, but you’ve posted the photos rather than a link so hopefully you’ll get more replies. I did send the pics to Paul Aken (Platen Press Museum) and he didn’t recognize the make of press either (and someone else had asked him earlier, too!).

The good news is that the asking price has gotten more reasonable (he started out way too high); the bad news is that as an unknown brand there aren’t going to be assembly instructions anywhere nor any really similar presses to compare it to. I also have doubts about the flywheel being original (it just looks too spindly and seems like it should have more spokes!). Assuming that it really is complete (was complete when the seller got it, and he hasn’t lost any pieces in the years since he took it apart), it shouldn’t be too terribly complicated to put back together for someone with reasonable mechanical know-how and familiar with platen presses.

Let us know if you find out any more!

Dave,

I saw the post you put up asking about that press, and while the Craigslist listing had already expired, I assumed it was the same one.

I emailed backs and forth with the seller a few times and he said that he’s owned the press since 1991 and until recently it has been assembled and “in working order” though it’s missing a chase and hasn’t been printed with since he has owned it.

How much was he selling it for originally? He said he’d take $300 if it was picked up this weekend. I’m hesitant because it’s a bit of a drive… I live 4 hours south, and I know that when I get there I wouldn’t be able to tell if there were smaller pieces missing— even though he assures that there aren’t.

I think I’m going to keep saving and keep my eye out for a local press that’s been somewhat restored or at least has been well kept.

The listing started at $500, dropped to $400, all high for a press in that condition.

Actually, the first time I saw it posted on Craigslist, I think he was asking $1200! But I see it’s now listed for $350 and he says he’s going to lower the price until it sells.

It could be an interesting project, but as an unknown make and size, it’s hard to tell how well it would work out for the average user, assuming it can be reassembled and adjusted correctly. Unfortunately, considering the cost of rollers, cores & trucks, and having to find or make a chase, it’s still a bit of a “pig in a poke.”