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Linotype Model Identification from 1913 Photograph

Started by Enzo_Vee, October 11, 2024, 07:55:28 PM

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Enzo_Vee

Hello everyone!
First time posting here.

I need some assistance in identifying the model of a Linotype in a photo.

Question Context: Became interested in type in 2023 and started a personal research about all things type history in my country, the Philippines. Currently doing an article on Linotype importation in said country during early American Colonial period (~1900s).

Question Proper: I have attached a 1913 photo of the interior of our national government printing office that shows a row of 9 Linotype machines. From what I could tell the nearest 8 units are Model 1, but at the very back of the photo (a bit hard to see) the last unit seems slightly taller. What model could that be?

Now I think I have a hint. When it started importing Linotypes in 1901, they were all single-magazine. But in 1903-1904, this office purchased its first double-magazine Linotypes, phrasing it as the "latest pattern double magazines," which makes me think these are the Model 2? Would someone know if there are noticeable height differences between models which would cause what I assume to be a taller machine?

Much thanks and lovely forum around here!

uiuo.ark__13960_t3pw2ht8c-seq_6 - Copy (Compressed further).jpg
1913 Photo Close-up (compressed further).jpg


Dave Hughes

Welcome Enzo, and thanks for posting.

I shall include your question in the next email newsletter.
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Franz

Hi Enzo,

thats a great research project, and it would be lovely if you tell us a bit about what you find out every now and then.

Maybe this page (if you haven't seen already) helps you to see which models would be possible.


Mechanic

They are Model 2 Linotypes. Two, magazine double distributor mixer.

I've also posted this: The Story of Ottmar Mergenthaler
George Finn (Mechanic)
Gold Coast
Queensland
AUSTRALIA

Enzo_Vee

Quote from: Mechanic on October 12, 2024, 10:23:24 PMThey are Model 2 Linotypes. Two, magazine double distributor mixer.

I've also posted this: The Story of Ottmar Mergenthaler

Hi Mr. Finn! Much thanks for your response.

After more digging, I seem to have stumbled across some internal documents that state two Model 4 units were received in 1908: "Additional machinery was received as follows: Two double-magazine linotype machines No. 4" It might be those.

Would anyone happen to have an image of one side-by-side with a Model 1 to compare heights?


Enzo_Vee

Quote from: Franz on October 12, 2024, 08:00:34 PMHi Enzo,

thats a great research project, and it would be lovely if you tell us a bit about what you find out every now and then.

Maybe this page (if you haven't seen already) helps you to see which models would be possible.

Thank you for the interest, Franz!

It is in fact nearly done, just tidying up some details (such as the detail that prompted my posting here in the first place, haha) and I could send it in this thread if such things are allowed.

Cheers!

Dave Hughes

Quote from: Enzo_Vee on October 13, 2024, 09:14:14 PMIt is in fact nearly done, just tidying up some details (such as the detail that prompted my posting here in the first place, haha) and I could send it in this thread if such things are allowed.

Hi Enzo, You are more than welcome to post details of your research project here on the forum, or, perhaps, it would make an article on the main body of the Metal Type site.
 
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Enzo_Vee

Thank you everyone for your replies!

I've just finished it up and am happy to share it with this forum.

Feel free to check it out here:
Bringing Linotype to the Philippines

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