Unloading a Ludlow
Hello,
We’ve got a Ludlow squatting in the middle of our space, taking up room, and not doing much else. It has not been used in at least 15 years. I’m wondering what the best way of magicking it away would be?
I’ve heard that not many are interested in these beasts these days. Should I even bother into looking to get something for it? Does it make any sense to look into scrapping it? Do junk companies pick-up? We’ve got a fair number of (brass?) matrices as well.
Any thoughts or advice on the matter would be appreciated.
Sam @ the Bow & Arrow Press
Sam, put up a list of the matrices, and see if they’ll sell. I’m sure you’ll get better than scrap price! There are a few of us real printers who haven’t gotten into the photopolymer plates and Boxcar base and still print with real type!
It would also help to know where you are located — transportation for a Ludlow would not be cheap! It’d also be helpful to know if it has a gas pot or electric. Details!
Hmm, already better response than I’d expected!
I certainly do hope that there is some interest, if only because it seems tragic to consign these behemoths to the scrap kings. I’ll see if I can figure out what matrices we do have, if folks are interested. I don’t give much for my odds of identifying them, but I’ll put up some photos. I’ve heard that the matrices made for the ludlow are mostly only suitable for newspapers.
The Bow & Arrow Press, for the record, is in Cambridge, MA. It’s the student press of Harvard University. Lest you think otherwise, that does not mean that we’re loaded; it means that we’re ignored. Go figure.
I’d love a ludlow, or linotype, if for nothing less than to keep it preserved and from the scrap heap. I’m sure there’s many more like me out there, just have to be patient and look for them.
Ludlow made a lot more than just news faces. The Garamond and Eusebius families in particular are quite desireable for book work, and there are a number of scripts suitable for job and stationery work.
Tons of mats have been scrapped in recent years, but there is a growing demand for them if eBay activity is any indication.
Okay, great. I will do my best to find a good home for these things. If you’re interested, keep your eye peeled for a classified posting in the next week or so. If the matrices are desirable, I’ll try and get something for them.
Boy. Wish one was squatting around here in Central Florida!!
Hi, I am a commercial printer and I have 2 universal cabinets with matrices for a Lulow. Were you ever able to sell your’s. Are you interested in buying the 2 cabinets.
thank you
If anyone is interested in purchasing the cabinets please let me know.
HEY SAM…REPEATING MY MESSAGE OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2008….
Sam, put up a list of the matrices, and see if they’ll sell. I’m sure you’ll get better than scrap price! There are a few of us real printers who haven’t gotten into the photopolymer plates and Boxcar base and still print with real type! I’M SERIOUSLY INTERESTED IN BUYING LUDLOW MATS…ARE YOU SERIOUS ABOUT SELLING THEM????
Hey Stan,
Maybe you had better just call them. The semester has started and things are probably busy there again…
Daniel Morris
The Arm Letterpress
Brooklyn, NY
Hi Maracine?
Where are you located? I am interested in acquiring cabinets.
Thanks,
Maria
Santa Rosa, California
Oh! I’m sorry — I haven’t been tracking this! Yes, wow — Daniel — those pics are indeed of our ludlow + cabinet. I’m sorry to say, the cabinet is empty but for the mats on top, but we have a box or two lying around.
Next time I’m down at the press, I’ll take a few good scans of them and post them here to see if folks are interested. I’ll need to run this by the Big Wigs also, though I know we’re hoping to get another vandercook over the busted C&Ps and Ludlow we’ve got now.