Category: Press and typeface identification
Later topic: C&P serial number info
Earlier topic: Decorated Initials

H. H. Thorp Standard No. 3

  • raedeke
  • on 13 Aug 20 (17:48)
  • Updated 13 Aug 20 (20:13)

I just purchased this press and I’m wondering if anyone has additional information about it. It’s pretty clearly identified by the name plate, but I have never seen one of these. I’m hoping someone else has an image of one or an illustration/advertisement.

I’m particularly interested in the what the feed table is supposed to look like. There appears to be brackets on both sides for upper feed tables. I’m accustomed to seeing one on the right that swivels. I’m capable of fabricating them. I’m just curious how they were originally configured.

Thanks

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image: IMG_1732.jpg

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Oh neat, I just found an H. H. Thorp catalogue online. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=osu.32435014552772&view=1up&seq=7

It has this picture which shows an upper feed board on both sides.

image: Screen Shot 2020-08-13 at 8.59.06 PM.png

Screen Shot 2020-08-13 at 8.59.06 PM.png

Looks like you found the Cleveland Foundry Catalog. Thorp was the owner. He invented several improvement to the basic platen press including an improved chase hook, throwoff and inking system.

Can’t see the nameplate well enough but if it says 1888, this is one of his better presses. Called the Old Reliable. I operated and taught using a 10 x 15 for several years at a community college. He also invented the prototype for the C&P Pilot. Sold his patents to C&P and they copied his Pilot.

I have attached a photos of ours. If you can get a hold of Hal Sterne’s book, Catalog of Nineteenth Century Printing Presses, it has several photos and a page from a sales catalog showing a drawing and all the specs.
Enjoy your printing.

image: OldReliablesmall.jpg

OldReliablesmall.jpg

Thanks for the info! I think the “Standard” model is a bit different from the “Old Reliable”. The “Standard” is not a Gordon style press, since only the platen moves, much like a pilot press. So that makes sense that Thorp developed the Pilot design.

I see the “Old Reliable” in the catalogue as well. Nice press!

I think I’ll add the “Catalog of Nineteenth Century Printing Presses” to my Christmas list.