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Vandercook sp-15 proofing press
Vandercook SP-15 Proofing Press
This machine was offered on the BriarPress website but due to the overwhelming
Offered is the Vandercook SP-15 Proofing Press:
* Almost 2 full packages of Dye-cut Tympan papers it appears it is 500 per package
* 3 unorganized and maybe incomplete small point typefaces
* An apron used by the pressman that worked in the dungeon. (see story at bottom)
The Vandercook moves with solid even accuracy, I am not a pressman but have always worked with machinery.
The Story as posted on Briar Press:
Letterpress rescued from the bowels
* For sale or trade in Haverhill MA
* Posted on 8 May 10 (08:40)
We were successful in rescuing a fair amount of Letterpress equipment from the dungeon belly of a large stone mansion located in the Island community of Nahant Massachusetts. As letterpress aficionados I'm sure you understand the levity of moving these up 10 feet (vertical) over dirt within the range of about 100 ft with two left 90 degree turns then a right 180. All the climbing was limited to the last 40 feet across the lawn. Considering all the rain we have had getting stuck was a serious concern. There was not much typeface there as the previous owner (since passed) had a seasonal niche which was printing serialized tickets on the 10x15 Heidelberg , die cutting was done on the 12x18 Kluge. Over time his techniques changed he did some replication using digital equipment but the lion share was done on the mechanical. I was told the old gentleman would winter in California so the equipment would be at rest for five or six months each year. There was other equipment there as well like a Nolan trim saw, from what I understand this was use to trim linotype (sorry no linotype machine) and a Ludlow surfacer with a replacement cutter. Also found there was a hand fed C&P 8x12, a Vandercook SP-15, and even the unspoken offset Didde. All the letterpress machines are operational. There is enough leading, furniture, and quoins to supply each machine. In the attic was a horizontal process camera that is about 7 foot long and 7 feet tall. I also snagged a little 3x5 Kelsey as a memento that I will soon have gummy bear rollers, thanks to winking cat press. If you are interested and would like to see any item or have questions feel free to write.
All the press equipment came through a moat just below the entry door.
