Xmas Mystery Machine

[Dave Hughes]

We haven't had one for a while, so I thought it was time for a mystery object challenge.

No clues at this stage!

[Mechanic]

Dave, I have absolutely no idea what it is. From my observation of the illustration I can see what appears to be a paper tape, as I don't see a keyboard I can only assume it is some form of paper tape reader. Following that line of thinking is it a device for assembling lines of type using punched paper tape?

[Dave Hughes]

You're on the right lines George, but I'm looking for the name of the machine, and the inventor.

[John Cornelisse]

The machine was invented in the middle of the 19th century,. It was a machanical composing machine using cold type. When the Monotype recorder pages will be published on this site, there will be a source to look through.

I have a number of an old Dutch printers periodical, ub t is also a picture of it. Cannot find it at the moment. Where did I put it ?

Whenever it is found, I will add it to this pages.

[Mechanic]

Is it an updated paper tape version of the Aldentype invented in 1857?

[Dave Hughes]

Sorry George, not right!

[Dave Hughes]

OK, we are well into the New Year now, so time for a clue:

The machine was invented by a Scotsman, and at one time part of the Manchester Guardian was composed with the machine. It was also used to typeset a book, published in 1874 called " Italy and France: An Editor's Holiday" - the typography of the book was undistinguished, but readable.

[John Nixon]

Hi Dave:

it is a Mackies Steam Type Composing Machine.


Cheers

John

[Mechanic]

Good one John. The boys from the pressroom seemed to be impressed with the machine.

[Dave Hughes]

Absolutely spot on John, well done!  Very good illustration as well, better than the one on my original post, which came from one of the Monotype Recorders recently posted in the Library.

Fancy having a go at setting a "Mystery Machine" or similar post yourself. I bet you've got a few more decent illustrations kicking about.