Blue Streak Comet

Blue Streak
Linotype’s exclusive Mat-Glide System smoothly speeds the circulation of matrices, the key to profitable high-speed production. Mat-Glide also assures the smooth action that preserves matrix life as well as the machine itself . . . and assures trouble free operation at maximum speeds.

The material on this page is taken from a brochure published in circa 1960 by the Mergenthaler Linotype Company. The brochure showcased the company’s latest machines and innovations.

The new, two-magazine Blue Streak Comet Linotype is the fast straight matter machine. Read the Full Article . . .

The Semagraph

Semagraph
IN June 1932, Everyday Science and Mechanics reported on a new photoelectronic cell reader called the Semagraph, which was an automatic typesetter operating unit.

Many thanks to George Finn for contributing this article.

Copy (1) prepared on a special typewriter was fed into the machine, guided by sprocket holes each side of the sheet, similar to continuous stationery. Read the Full Article . . .

The Aldentype

Aldentype
IN 1857, a U.S. patent was issued for the design of a typesetting machine invented by Timothy Alden of New York (No. 18,175).

This is the first such machine that actually operated.

The type was arranged in cells around the circumference of a horizontal wheel. As the wheel revolved, several receivers also started to rotate. The desired type was picked up and dropped in proper order in a line. Read the Full Article . . .

Novice Linotype Operators

Novice linotype operator
THIS photo is dated October 1929 and looks like a publicity photograph for a film. The “operator” is very impressively working without any copy, but appears to have been distracted by something to the right of the machine!

Here’s a couple of photographs that have been offered for sale on eBay recently. Both seem to fit neatly under the heading of novice linotype operators.

Do you like to buy print-related items on eBay? Then check out our eBay Listings (US & UK) section on the Forum. Read the Full Article . . .