challenge gordon platen press
I have a chance to purchase a ‘challenge gordon platen press’, it has all it’s rollers and parts, rust free and is in good working condition. The seller wants $1600.00 for it. Is this a fair price? Is this also a press that a beginner should dare purchase or would the smaller table top press be better. It would be used for making invites and cards.
Seems high to me. I’ve seen them going for $300 to $600. Depends on where you are and supply verses demand in your area. The large presses usually sell for less money because they’re well-neigh impossible to ship for a reasonable amount of money, making the pool of possible buyers smaller.
Thanks for your comment. I’m in the Los Angeles area.
You didn’t say how large the press is — 8x12, 10x15, 14x22? The price will be different and so will the moving problems. $1600 definitely seems very high for any of the above even in showroom condition and complete with new rollers. You need more info!
Bob
Bob - It’s either 8x10 or 8x12 - I gather the price is too high. What do you think the price should be? It’s in good running conditon and has all 3 rollers. (I have a mover who moves presses so moving is not an issue.)
I’d say the earlier suggestion — $300-600 — is a lot closer. Part of the problem is that a seller looks at Ebay and sees people asking that kind of money — what they don’t see is that the auction ends without a sale. I think you can probably find an 8x12 C&P around for a more reasonable price. The Challenge Machinery Co. was not a big producer and I am sure parts will be harder to find than for a C&P, should you need them.
Bob
Thanks Bob, I appreciate the help.
mojosm
I think this is kind of a rarely found press. May be more for a collector than someone who is just looking for a first press? Not sure I would diss the pricing. Any press in good shape and fully equipped is worth more than the advice from an avatar or c-spook.
Gerald
http://BielerPress.blogspot.com