This is my latest project.  A Hacker/Potter proof press No. 3.  I would date it at about 1913-15 or so.  It’s serial No. 1374 which suggests it is in that range.  The first Potters were patented in 1910 and an ad boasted the company had sold over 1000 units by 1912.  If it had its original nameplate it would have helped date it, but, sadly it was missing.  Early nameplates list Wanner as the maker.  I am fortunate to have a partner doing the exact same press in Tim Dunn.  Together, we hope to bring both of these presses back to their former glory.  We purchased them from John Barrett, a great source for all things letterpress related.  The press was about as dirty as I have ever tackled.  Inkcicles were up to 12″ long before they were broken while moving the press.

For more pictures and discussion of the project click here:

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