Press Identification and Specs
G’day Folks;
I just bought a small tabletop press from an antique shop. It has no identification marks on it other than a “10 - I ” on the upper portion of the back of the platen. Some of its measurements are:
Chase bed — 3” high x 4 9/16” between rails
Ink disk — 4 3/16” diameter
Trucks — 3/4” diameter
Roller — 4 1/8” long
Roller core — 6 1/8” long x 1/4” diameter
Other than a new roller, it also needs a chase and a pawl to advance the ink disc. I’m wondering if someone might be able to ID the press and maybe send me a picture or diagram of the chase and pawl with maybe some dimensions. I’m going to try to attach three pics of it to this note. Thanks very much….db
Jpg1.jpg
Jpg2.jpg
Jpg3.jpg
One or two humble pointers, possibly, the elegant *Swan Neck* handle/lever is quite distinctive, *Chase,s* usually follow 2 distinct methods for securing in/on the bed, either 2 lugs at the bottom, for the chase to sit on, with a retaining finger at the top, or generally, the side bearer rails have 2 inclined slots for the chase to sit in and slide into, how looks yours.??? may be pointer to origins.!! Can any bolt be verified as *Imperial or Metric* or can any clean exposed transverse shaft be *micrometer,ed up to establish, also, Metric or Imperial,???
Your “10-I” looks more like a factory/foundry of origin (Sand Casting) designation.??
Would, possibly expect to serial number and/or model designation, *punched* discretley into the corner of the bed or the platen, with 1/8” 3/16” or 1/4” punches usually under where he chase would sit, but invariably obscured with ink.???
One more possible age related clue, i.e. if your remaining roller has tiny dimples in each end, implying it has been mounted in a lathe, for aftermarket recovering, your roller recoverers, (Tar Heel for example) given the dimensions as seen, may just have clues.??
If the stocks/cores are completely flat at either end, that may help the Archivists to date it/identify it, and more.??
Apologies if these be useless clues, but there are some brilliant *Armchair Tecs. /Archivists* on B.P. and may trigger some hidden gems. Good Luck
The press is a Sigwalt No. 10. The red handle is a fairly new manufacture.
Yes Sigwalt. thats my vote.
Thanks for the response so far. As a result, I did a little checking back on the discussions of the past and have found some info about said press. The ‘red’ of the handle appears to be on bare metal and perhaps original —- I don’t know. The black (at least the surface coat) has been liberally applied all over the rest of the press, including the ink disc. I removed the paint from its surface and found it in pretty good shape but with a little pitting rust in a couple of places. I brought a 6x10 Kelsey back to life a few years ago in part using the magical if not alchemical electrolysis rust reversal trick and am going to try it on the ink disc.
The roller appears to have a wooden core wrapped / covered with a canvas-like material. I’l have to find a source for a rubber one or get really ambitious and try the, again, magical / alchemical ‘gummy bear’ trick.
With regards to the missing chase, a past post by Dick G. mentioned he made a wooden one for one of these so that’s what I will do —- to use as is and as a model for a metal one. The missing ink disc pawl should be the easiest fix of all I’m thinking at this point. Again, thanks for the input. Any further suggestions/help would be appreciated …..db
Chicago Sigwalt No.10 red handle same as the black handle No.10 just tells it was sold on the toy market as Ben Franklin press. Look me up I do have all the parts and new rollers for that press. ToddsPressTime
sigwalt 046.jpg