Is there value in old pie type?
I have just come into a bunch of handset type, job cases, and Hamilton cabinet (with the imposing stone).
I don’t have a use for these anymore. I know a lot of people have used the job cases as shadowboxes but since this cabinet is complete, with they type, I kind of hate to break it all up if it has value as a unit.
I’ve been doing letterpress, of and on, for the last 45 years. I remember the good ol days of setting type in a galley. Even then it was just part of learning the printing trade and we didn’t actually print anything with the type we set.
Anyone want to chime in about this?
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Yes, it certainly has value. A lot of people still handset type and depending on the typeface and point size you may find an interested printer. If the cases are quite complete and the type in good condition then they are more appealing. I think the cases for shadowbox decor fad has passed and this cabinet with cases could certainly find a home as a unit. In my experience I’ve found it hard to find sturdy cabinets in good condition. I’ve got california job cases of type on skids because I can’t find cabinets.
Where are you located…you may find a nearby hobby printer.
We are all just stewards of this equipment for a time. If you’re satisfied parting with it at a reasonable price you’re sure to find a good home for it and make a printer happy.
If the type is in poor condition, there are people on this list who can reincarnate the typemetal into new fonts and ornaments. Long live letterpress.
Bob P.
The cabinet is in good condition as are all the drawers.
I’m located in Portland, Oregon.
Some of the cases have been emptied and the type from them is in buckets. I haven’t gone through them yet but they’re bagged up, presumably, in type face groups.
I see someone local has a full seemingly identical, cabinet for sale. There’s also someone selling the drawers without cabinets. I assume they tossed the cabs for them along with melting down the type.
I can see a possibility that, someday, this type could be outlawed by AI (sort of kidding)