Category: Press and typeface identification
Later topic: Print shop and printer ID
Earlier topic: Type History Questions

Proofing Press

Hi,

I have come across two different proofing presses for sale, and was wondering if anyone had any clues as to what they might be, how they generally work and any historical information about them.

The first press is for sale at an auction warehouse and they couldn’t provide any other information other than this attached photo (it’s sitting on its own stand in the pic).

The second is an “Advance” proofing press. I can’t seem to find any information about the brand or their presses. (It’s the one sitting on crates). They have said the printing bed measures 35cm X 60cm.

Both items are located in Australia so this may help if anyone knows what brands were more likely to be imported here. They are also interstate from me so I can’t physically go and see them.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Nat

image: DSC07587.jpeg

DSC07587.jpeg

image: Screen shot 2010-03-05 at 2.34.21 PM.png

Screen shot 2010-03-05 at 2.34.21 PM.png

Log in to reply   3 replies so far

The one on it’s own stand is a Poco made by Hacker Mfg. Co. in Chicago. It is by far the superior of the two. The other looks to be a rather generic roller press, probably designed to print display cards for a department store or supermarket. These can be handy for quick proofs, but if I were choosing between the two I would prefer the Poco. Folks have outfitted them with chase and tympan & frisket to be able to print with accuracy. I have several books of value that were printed on one set up that way by the illustrator Valenti Angelo. I have purchased one myself recently, although I am not yet in possession of it.

Paul

For more info about the Poco, along with big & useful pictures, see http://sites.google.com/site/pocoproofpress/

There’s also a blog where a few Poco people talk amongst themselves, http://pocoproofpress.blogspot.com/

Preston

Hi Paul & Preston,

Thanks for the info. I’ll definitely look at the Poco then, have also found there is a lot of information about it out on the net too, which is great.

Thanks, Nat