Le Figaro Linotype

[Dave Hughes]

Surprisingly, I haven't seen a picture of this machine before.

As usual, scant details on Flickr.

The machine seems to be in the entrance of Le Figaro in Paris.

Modern-looking machine, doesn't seem to be equipped for TTS though.

Strange backward-facing name plate on the distributor. Does it have one on the other side as well?


Linotype by BlueGiraffe42, on Flickr

[Mechanic]

This is an American model 31 Linotype. It may have been left behind by the US Armed Forces newspaper after WW2.
The model 31 was not normally used for TTS. The normal Linotype name plate is on the front.

CLICK IMAGE

[Mechanic]

Some aditional information that may relate to the model 31 Linotype.

http://www.usarmygermany.com/Units/StarsandStripes/USAREUR_StarsandStripes.htm

The production department, comprising seven American and Allied employees and 99 indigenous (German) employees, uses a bodge-podge of equipment accumulated during combat days, including ten German linotypes, one American linotype, two American Ludlow casting machines, and two German mat press machines. The printing equipment consists of three M.A.N. rotary presses with a capacity of 16 full-size pages each. Two of these presses can be operated as one unit, with a capacity of 32 full-size or 64 Stars and Stripes format pages (tabloid size). A completely equipped engraving room, capable of producing all types of line cuts, half tones, and color plates also is in operation.

[Mechanic]

Not an American in Paris, but an Italian under licence.

I can't be right all the time!

This Linotype is actually of Italian manufacture, made by Linotype S.p.A. of Milan under license from the Mergenthaler Linotype Company (USA). It is Serial Number 68L182.

http://buytaert.net/linotype