Rosback Foot Power Perforator

Rosback Foot Power Perforator

Frederick Peter Rosback was a machinist and inventor. In 1881 he started the Rosback Company in Chicago with the invention of a foot-powered tool for the bindery that could perforate paper with small metal pins. It was used to create paper that could tear easily such as stock certificates, stamps, and checks. Available in a variety of sizes from table-top to stand-alone models, the perforator is fairly simple to operate: slide paper under a row of pins (using guides to set margins) then depress the foot pedal to punch holes. Some models have metals bars that can be removed, allowing the operator to bypass a section of pins to create shapes beyond uniform lines and squares. A helpful tip for successful perforating is the use of waxed paper, punched every so often, to lubricate the pins.

The Rosback Perforator was upgraded to operate with steam, then electricity. In 1905 the company relocated to Benton Harbor, Michigan and soon began producing a motor-powered Rotary Round Hole Perforator. Though the Rosback Foot Power Perforator is no longer produced, the family-owned Rosback company still operates in St. Joseph, Michigan, making modern bindery equipment.1

 

Potter Proof Press

Potter Proof Press

Potter presses have reciprocating beds and stationary carriages. Some later models have paper grippers and ink rollers. Manufactured by A.F. Wanner until 1914 when the company was renamed the Horace Hacker Co. In 1931 Challenge Machinery acquired the Poco and Potter brands. The 1935 ATF Machinery Catalog shows “Challenge-Potter” presses. The Potter census lists 22 presses. There may be a few more in North America.

Poco Proof Press No. 0

A.F. Wanner Co. manufactures Potter and Poco proof presses, which feature reciprocating beds and stationary  carriages

A.F. Wanner Co. manufactures Potter and Poco proof presses, which feature reciprocating beds and stationary carriages.

Pearl No.1

Pearl Old Style No.1

William Hughson Golding ran a printer’s supply company in Boston from 1869. Like J.F.W. Dorman (maker of the Baltimore 11), he soon graduated from making labels, rubber stamps, and seals to manufacturing printing presses for amateurs. His first of these was the Pearl, which was invented and patented by William Balch in 1871 and signed over to Golding. Over the next twenty years, Golding took out other patents in his own name, covering the Pearl and some of his larger presses. (See the Golding Jobber and Golding’s Official No.2.) The Pearl remains today one of the most popular presses for amateur letterpress printing, due in part to its speed and attractiveness.

It was made in two versions, the Oldstyle (pictured) and the heavier Pearl Improved model. (Smaller and larger sizes of each were manufactured as well.) This press has the serial number 1664 and is dated May 18, 1895.

The Old Style Pearl No. 1 has been found with chase sizes of both 5″ x 7″ and 5″ x 8″. It was available in three different styles. The first was is as a tabletop version. It was also available with a flywheel and treadle, and the wood box it was shipped in was to be used for a base. Finally, it could be ordered with a flywheel and treadle with an iron base that had wooden drawers. It was eventually replaced with the Improved Pearl No. 8.