Advice on Goldings Pearl for sale
Hi.
A friend’s dad who has been printing all his life, has sadly gone into a care home with dementia. I have been tasked with selling his old printing equipment. In the garage is an old Goldings Pearl Letterpress that I have found out bits on but, need more advice on. Is it a Pearl Improved, what model number and date of manufacture, would be a help. The printer will be going up for sale, so any advice would be greatly appreciated or if someone wants to make an offer, let us know. We are based in Leamington Spa Warwickshire UK. I have attached some photos and look forward to any replies.
Cheers Kev
IMG_2910.jpeg
IMG_2915.jpeg
IMG_2914.jpeg
It is a Pearl Improved 7x11 apparently. There should be a serial number stamped on the top face of the bed, and that would enable you to know when it was made. It appears that the treadle is an improvised system, different from the conventional Pearl Improved treadle, but it must have worked OK. I am not sure what the rods on the left side of the press are, they may be an addition or just happen to be there. The feed and delivery tables are oversize, but those may be mounted on the originals underneath them. The fountain is a great accessory for long runs.
The Pearl is a fine small job press, suitable for conventional small jobs such as small handbills and broadsides, as well as book work. It is NOT a press for “deep impression”, which will break major pieces of the press.
Bob
Hi Bob.
Many thanks for taking the time to share some information on the press. I take it the treadle is the foot press? If so I understand what you mean from looking at photos of other pearl presses. Would you have any idea of a value? We need to sell it on as the house is being sold and has to be cleared out.
Many thanks again.
Kev.
Kev, it is hard to know a value in UK of an American press, but in the US the press would probably sell for $1000-$2500 depending on mechanical condition - bearings, any cracks in frame from incorrect use, etc. Authentic treadles are very hard to find in the US, and would be even harder there. If you can market it as a fully functional press somewhat altered from its original state, for someone who wants a good small press for hobby work, or for printing small jobs like business cards or tickets, that may be the best market. My suggestion is to try to find someone nearby who is knowledgeable about the use of platen job presses to have them assess the condition. At this point that is an unknown.
You could try offering it on the British Printing Society website - they are a hobby printing group and that is probably the best market for it.
Bob
Hi Bob.
Many thanks again for your advice and help. We are going to list it on eBay tonight and see what interest there is out there.
Cheers Kev