METAL TYPE is the place for printers, typesetters and newspaper workers, who fondly remember those letterpress days, to come and reminisce.
The site originally concentrated on the ingenious Linotype mechanical typesetting machine invented by Ottmar Mergenthaler in 1884.
These machines were the mainstay of newspaper type production for almost a century and many have been preserved.
Linecasters still feature strongly on the site, but over the years the site has expanded to cover all aspects of printing trade nostalgia.
Unique Content
Much of the content is unique to this site, having being submitted by site users over the years.
There are pictures of workplaces and people, videos of machines working, pictures of rare and old machines, stories from the old days, poems, limericks, etc.
Use the site’s search box to find what interests you, or take a look at the geographical or trade Categories, there is a vast amount of material.
Instruction Manuals & Monotype Recorders
The Library has many hard-to-find instruction manuals as well as the internet’s largest collection of “Monotype Recorders” all fully searchable and free to download in PDF format.
Place a Free Ad
Visit the Free Ads page if you are looking for equipment, or have some to sell. Placing an advert is free, and easy.
Don’t forget to visit our carefully-selected eBay Listings (UK &US) for collectables, machines, mats, books, etc.
The Forum is the place to interact with other letterpress enthusiasts, and has some real experts in all sorts of areas, particularly present-day Monotype usage.
Letterpress Gift Ideas
The Store has letterpress-themed gift ideas and is able to fulfil orders worldwide.
Get in Touch . . .
If you would like to submit some material to the site, or contact me about anything else, please go to the Contact Page.
eBay Highlights
Metal Type brings you the pick of letterpress items offered for sale on eBay. We look out for Monotype, Linotype, Intertype and Ludlow items including machines, parts, matrices, tools, etc. Also presses, blocks (or cuts), type as well as publications, manuals, etc. Anything of value to the letterpress community (both US and UK).
Links: Clicking on the heading above the picture of the item will take you to a post on the Metal Type Forum where you can read the full seller’s description. Clicking on the picture or the link below the picture will take you to the item on eBay. Clicking the “Latest Highlights” button will take you to a list of items on the Metal Type Forum.
As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase