Bureau of Engraving & Printing, Washington, USA

Printing press
The press, and staff, with some covers off.

These pictures were categorised as Printing Shops in Washington, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, c1920-1950, although taking a clue from the clothing worn, I would guess that they could be pinned down to c1930.

What puzzled me about the photographs is that a great deal of attention seems to be being paid to a fairly run-of-the-mill-looking printing press. Read the Full Article . . .

Rangemaster Model 35

Rangemaster Model 35
The wide magazine Model 35 Rangemaster Linotype has unsurpassed main magazine range and production capacity, it’s perfect for keyboarding large type sizes.

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.

No other composing machine can match the range, capacity and versatility of the Rangemaster Model 35 Mixer without using auxiliary magazines.
With the Blue Streak 35, the operator can keyboard large headlines and advertising display, eliminating slow hand setting. He may also keyboard the most intricate two- and three-line food store and other mixed composition, eliminating cut-ins and reducing make-up time. Read the Full Article . . .

Linotype Rangemaster Models

Rangemaster Model 33
RANGEMASTER Model 33 Linotype produces headletter and display simply and at low cost. Advanced features make it unequalled for safety, reliability and productive output.

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.

Only Linotype produces a lineCasting machine with all the unique features of the Model 33 Rangemaster. Read the Full Article . . .

Intertype Factory, 1966

Intertype Factory
A chaotic-looking corner of the factory.

Many thanks to Stan Coutant for allowing these photographs to be used on Metal Type. Stan was an Intertype Operator from 1959 to 1978 – a period he describes as “one of the most enjoyable and rewarding jobs I have ever had.”

In Stan’s own words: “In 1966 I had occasion to travel to New York, my first and only trip to the East Coast. Since there was adequate time before I departed, I wrote to the folks at Intertype Corporation and asked about taking a tour of the factory. Read the Full Article . . .