Showcard Proof Press Model ‘A’ --
Manufactured by Showcard Machine Company, Chicago
Illinois USA .
Circa 1950’s
This article copied
from the Excelsior Press
Museum
Notes about the
Showcard--Vandercook Proof Press.
This
“Mini-Vandercook” Showcard press is actually a standard proof press in every
way. In fact we discovered that it was a Vandercook because it is identical in
design to the Vandercook Model 99 proof press – same design, same bearings,
ect. – Just quite a bit smaller. Fritz Klinke – current owner of the
Vandercook/Vandersons name and records confirms a list of serial numbers
assigned by Vandercook to these “Showcard” presses.
This press can be
used to print from any sort of standard type, linotype, Ludlow, engravings,
photopolymer plates – any standard type high .918 type or relief plate.
One additional
feature of the Showcard, not found on the Model 99 and 01 “big brothers” is the
gripped at one end which holds the sheet – or card in place – allowing for a
form or register which makes this little press practical for short runs of
‘loose-register’ multi color work
The special Showcard
type, is in fact, regular foundry type with a slot cut into the bottom.
The slot allows the
type to fit over the square rods that form a removable, adjustable grid in the
bed of the press. The Showcard Company expected that this press would be used
to print small point-of-sale signs in department and grocery stores. To make
their equipment appealing to non-printers they developed an easy system of
composition wherein the ‘printer’ would simply lay the type on top of the
adjustable grid system which held it in place. It’s rather clever, actually,
but only needed if one has no idea how to set type or lock up a form.
***To research this
Press further please refer to these links***
://www.scribd.com/doc/129989561/Showcard-Machine-Co-Catalog
