Rare Thompson Specimen Studied

My request in the last Newsletter for information about the inventor of the Thompson typecaster has brought promises of information but so far, the most significant item to come to light is a copy of a specimen book owned by Andy Dunker of Jackson, Michigan

John S. Thompson was inventor of the Thompson typecaster, in addition to being inventor of several other things and author of many articles in the Inland Printer. Thompson authored two significant volumes soon to be republished by Garland Publishing, Inc., of New York. The books are: The Mechanism of the Linotype, and a History of Composing Machines. The two will be combined into one volume with a brief biography of Thompson by Bruce Johnson, curator of the Kemble Collections at the California Historical Society in San Francisco.

Richard Huss' The Development of Printers' Mechanical Typesetting Methods, 1822-1925, provides the following details.

Thompson introduced the machine in 1908. Lanston Monotype took over production of the machine in 1929, and continued to make it until the early 1960's. The Thompson was made in England until February, 1967.

First announcement of the Thompson typecaster appeared in the May, 1907, issue of the Inland Printer, under the title "Printers to Make Their Own Type." The Thompson was described as a "model of compactness and simplicity, and its mechanism can be readily mastered by any printer."

Making the printer his own typefounder, the article suggested, would enable him to eliminate the electrotyping of forms, for he could print direct from type and then dump the form after printing. Use of new type always would ease press makeready too.

The article did not mention Thompson matrices, but it did indicate Monotype and Compositype mats could be used, as well as Linotype mats which cost but three cents each at the time.

The firm strongly suggested Mergenthaler mats as an inexpensive source of nearly 300 faces. Also, the suggestion was made of casting assembled words to create logotypes for easier hand composition. Probably this is how, in later years, Empire and other founders were able to offer any requested combination of letters on one body with no "set-up" cost.

An article in the December, 1909, Inland Printer indicates the Compositype, made in Baltimore, had flaws which thwarted its success. "One great benefit done by this company was the making and stocking of thousands of fonts of electrotyped matrices... It demonstrated to the satisfaction of printers of the country that the matrix, at least, no longer was an obstacle to their becoming their own typefounders."

The same article discusses the recent innovation of casting larger sizes of types on the Monotype-up to 36 point-from electrotyped matrices made by Lanston. (A sheet in a Lanston specimen book owned by Mac McGrew indicates this innovation may have come as early as 1903.)

An article in the JuJy, 1909, Inland Printer reports the Thompson was introduced via 10 test machines, all of which had been retained by their users and "not a one but has made money for its user."

Assembly-line production of the Thompson was reported in that article as "begun early in this year." Twenty machines were nearing completion when the article was written. At the same time, "a matrix department was being organized and deliveries of a superior matrix have already begun."

Cost, completely equipped: $1,500.

This all gives evidence to the fact that both Lanston and Thompson were making electrotyped matrices by 1909. It also puts us on the lookout for Compositype matrices. Anyone know of a specimen from this firm? Mac McGrew's research indicates Compositype's mat inventory was bought out either by Thompson or by the maker of the Universal typecaster.

Back to the Thompson specimen book:

Andy's copy of the specimen book reveals 144 different series of matrices, with many ranging from 6 to 48 point. The Thompson Type Machine Company of Chicago listed its faces by numbers, followed by "similar to Caslon 471" or whatever the face. This suggests that matrices were made entirely via the electrotyping process. The specimen book reveals no faces which are readily identified as original designs with Thompson.

Goudy Oldstyle, Garamond, Cloister Oldstyle, Kennerly (sic.), Artcraft, Cooper, and a few other faces were listed at a premium price, possibly indicating a sweetheart deal existed with ATF or Lanston. One face, Cooper Black, is listed as "sold under license from Barnhardt (sic.) Brothers and Spindler."

A matter of curiosity is the fact that the Thompson specimen book repeatedly refers to the machine as a type and rule maker. No accessories are implied, but I wonder if anyone knows how rules were made and whether anyone has ever seen the molds and accessories necessary to do this.

Unfortunately, the specimen book carries no date. It is unknown whether other faces were made into mats later. A quick check of the faces shown, according to Mac McGrew shows the latest design being Goudy Handtooled, cut in 1923. And, of course, Thompson sold out to Lanston in 1929.

Thanks to Paul Duensing and Mac McGrew for the photocopied resources alluded to in this piece. The matrix drawing was made from a matrix in my collection.

My own quest for information was to positively identify the few Thompson fonts in my collection, which differ from Lanston display matrices as the drawings here indicate. Since the faces are all familiar ones, the numbers are most important. Therefore, my report is organized in that fashion. 3

Thompson Fonts by Number PDF List

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Useful Information on the Thompson Caster

On the following two pages are separate references type casters may need. The first is supplied by Hartzell Machine Works. It correlates Thompson Machine Co. part numbers with those used by Lanston. If you have an old Thompson book, this list will help you, for some of the parts still are available through Hartzell. Thanks, Jim Fitzgerald, for the list.

Next is a list of "standard screw threads" used on the Monotype. It is supplied by Hyden Sizemore of South Bend, Ind., now retired, but a Monotyper for many, many years. I have had need of such a list on a couple of occasions.

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Correspondence

Correspondence continues to come in from throughout the U. S. and other countries too. Varied interests in type casting are shown by excerpts of letters as follows:

A Comp from Australia

From "down under," Charles Fitzharding-Bailey reports from Bankstown, Australia: "I am a hand compositor by training, of some 25 years experience, but of course, in common with the printing industry everywhere, I am now mainly concerned with photo-composition. I have a private press at home, consisting of a large Arab platen, and for types, I use British types, together with Spanish and Dutch faces, all of which I import myself. Hot metal equipment is still available in this country, a Monotype machine costing about $5,000 (U.S.) Linotypes and Intertypes range from $500 to $2,000, depending on condition. Hot metal is still available commercially, but it is only a matter of time before it is phased out..."

He's Electrodepositing Matrices?

Roy Rice of Atlanta, Ga., reports progress in learning the process of electrodepositing matrices. "It seems that every time I turn around another mat has deposited and is ready to be taken off. Now that might not seem a problem, unless you consider the fact that I have yet to devise a fool-proof method of milling to exact depth. So spare moments are consumed with devising jigs and holders for the dial indicator, measurements and trial cuts on the lathe, and lots of head scratching between."

Museum Idea Gets Support

Bob Richter writes "I'm up to my elbows in alligators," alluding to the fact that he's making progress in his bid to establish a newspaper printing museum in Lowell, Mass. He has forwarded a newspaper clipping indicating the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts has pledged support of the state for the museum.

He Wants a Hand Mold

Ken Leenhouts, Waukesha, Wis. (an M.D. who has handwriting which can be very easily read), writes indicating great interest in obtaining and learning how to use the hand mold. At the Conference, Stan Nelson talked with Richard Hartzell about the possibility of making a working replica of the device. Perhaps if enough interest is expressed to Stan regarding the project, we can get something started. Do not fool yourself, though. There definitely will be some cost involved. Contact Stan at 10 Sugarloaf Court, Baltimore, Md. 21209.

Another Acquires 15x15 Caster

Lee Bullen of McFarland, Wis., writes "I have bought a 15xl5 Mono with 12 pt. mold and 12 pt. Caslon plus keyboard. I don't care to tear it down to put it in the basement, so I guess I'll have to use it in the garage in mild weather, if there ever is any..."

An Address on Herb Czarnowsky

Someday we'll get it right, Herb: Yes, Herb Czamowsky is involved in an effort to put to work some of the equipment from his Baltotype firm. The new outfit is called Volker Brothers. Address care of Herb Czamowsky, 9025 Stile Post Lane, Baltimore, Md. 21234. Phone (301) 668-7420.

On the Matter of Three-Phase

Harry Wiedemann of Nyssa, Oregon, who has been in the maintenance and design and installation of drive systems for many years, reports the phase converter mentioned in the last Newsletter actually converts the motor to single phase and therefore, has limitations.

"The very best genuine phase converter," Harry writes, "is an old three-phase motor. In case you are not thoroughly familiar with the circuits, do this: connect the three wires of the motor on your equipment to the three wires of the junk motor, both motors connected for the same voltage. Have the machine switch between the two motors to start and stop the machine. Connect the single-phase line to any two terminals through a switch control to the junk motor. To start the junker, give it a spin with a belt or rope wound around the shaft, then tum on its switch. Some motors will start by connecting a starting capacitor from a small single-phase motor from one line wire to the third wire of the motor. Another way is to connect a small single-phase motor to the three-phase motor shaft with a belt or flyball clutch and start it with the single-phase motor and then dis-connect the single...

"The above three-phase drive is a genuine induction generator and produces true three-phase current. These were used in the 200-horse size to drive streetcars in the early days. The converter motor need be the same horsepower of your machine motor or it can be larger. In fact, you can use one big one and drive several small ones from it..."

Can't Cast Type Under Water

Jonathan Greene of Fankfort, Ky., writes: "We had a flood last December causing a great deal of havoc. Both Monotype equipment plus presses, plus mats, etc., were under water. Plus stock of close to 7,000 books, most of which had to be thrown away. We went right to work cleaning motors of presses, getting rust off of mats with kerosene, etc., but I'm not sure of the future of the Larkspur-Gnomon Printing Works. We have been encouraged to apply to the National Endowment for the Arts for an emergency grant to get things going again..."

When You 're Through Casting

Hyden Sizemore of South Bend, Ind., hasnforwarded a pamphlet about better casting procedures on the Monotype. The section about shutdown is an eye opener:

"When job is finished, make sure that the line hook, mat and pin jaws and spring box are all back in their normal, neutral, at-ease position. This will prevent stress, strain and wear on the springs and parts. Take matrix case out, clean it and top of mold with a rag and take the metal off the mats with a piece of 6 pt. slug.

"Leave mat case on sort tray as this allows mat case to cool off and dirty oil cannot drop into the back of the mat case from the bridge. This also prevents the air blast from blackening the mats. All this prolongs the life of the mats and helps in the production of cleaner and sharper type."

History of Los Angeles Foundry

Nancy Sue Skipper of Santa Monica, Calif., writes: "Working for the oral history program at the University of California, Los Angeles, I have completed a series of taped interviews with Don Winter, the long-standing employee and current manager of the Los Angeles Type Founders, Inc., which are being transcribed into bound volumes. If these activities would be of interest to the Fellowship's constituency, I would be glad to contribute a brief article about the foundry."

(Needless to say, she has been encouraged to do the article for a future issue.)

Poor Little Mice Evicted

"Vance Gerry's (of Fallbrook, Calif.) 'most neglected private typecasting machine in the U.S.' has been made to work. Paul Duensing himself has viewed the porous-bodied, hairy-footed type which was cast from Linotype mats on above said machine. The mouse that had made her home in the pot has been evicted as well as those who had made an apartment house in the gears." (From Vance himself.)

Let's have your report of typecasting and related activity for the next issue of this ATF Newsletter. Everyone wants to hear from you.

On Making Matrice·s, Etc.

On the matter -of matrix making, Harry Wiedeman of Nyssa, Oregon, writes, "If you want to run a typefoundry, first buy a planer and a lathe. This is all you need. You can build a surface grinder and all the other tools and machines..." In a later Newsletter, we hope to print photos of the grinder and planer he has built himself.

Duensing Visits Hill & Dale Shop

The Hill & Dale foundry was honored with a visit from Paul Duensing May 13. It was all too brief, but topped off with a couple of hours of casting on the Thompson of newly cut mats by PHD. Reproduced here are a couple of the mats-part of a series PHD intends to complete someday, representing all the various tools found in the old letterpress shop. He's already done a composing stick, which he has decided to re-design.

Casting was accented by my trying to cast with the nozzle plate not in place (nice squirt, boy!) and by another squirt caused by Paul's matrix being too wide and hitting an abutment on the way to lockup. An afternoon's work: six different characters cast!

Flea Market Pattern Letter

Steve Saxe, of New York City, reports having found a 4-inch pattern letter for matrix engraving at a flea market sale recently. It's remarkable how things get out of their proper environment, isn't it?

Visiting the Matrix Collection

From a letter of May 20: "I met with Stan (Nelson) and Elizabeth (Harris) in Washington and we had a nice lunch, punctuated by much type talk. Stan and I went to Suitland (this is where the Smithsonian has the ATF mat collection stored) and visited the mat collection.

"I would love to take about two weeks off and spend them working with those mats, cataloging, making trial casts, etc. We also looked through the drawings, which are now nicely contained in four cabinets, sealed away from dust and moisture.

"There are some fascinating stories to be learned about how they changed descenders for small sizes, and how the names went through several modifications, and how even ATF designed some characters which-upon more sober thought-they decided not to produce. (If I were sober more often, I probably would not have produced several of the gaucheries for which I have been responsible.)

"There are just a zillion nifty mats crying to be cast. I even found a font of 10 point Burmese and there are doubtless other esoteric goodies lurking in the dark depths."

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A Few Classified Advertisements

Printers Trouble Shooter, published by I. H. Alderman, P. 0. Box 1737, New Haven, CT. 06507 lists a Monotype strip caster at $250, several fonts of Ludlow mats and casters.

Giant Fonts-A. J. Horowitz, who has been a Monotyper for over 50 years, has a few remaining Giant Caster fonts and miscellaneous items for sale. Contact him at 2850 Ocean Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11235.

Hand Mold Sought-Benton Marder, Jr.; 696 Congress St., Portland, Maine 04102, seeks to buy an 18-point hand mold. He also seeks a large (40~piece) set of composers rules. For trade or sale he has a Linotype matrix reshaper, patented June 1, 1909.

Matrix Holder-Herb Harnish, 4716 Ottawa Drive, Ft. Wayne, Ind. 46815, seeks a Linotype matrix holder for use with the Thompson type caster. "I might even try swapping a font or two of Thompson (Mono) mats for some Ludlow mats since at present I can cast only Ludlow mats and have none." He also has some partial fonts of mats which he would be interested in trading with someone who could use them to fill out his own fonts.

Linotype Mats are sought for use on a Lino by Bert F. Williams, 24667 Heather Courte, Hayward, Calif. 94545.

Long S Shorts. Help me pay for my matrices. Am willing to cast sorts fonts of special longs characters for either 8 or 11 pt. Caslon 337. Just bought all the italics and now have them all. Contact Rich Hopkins, Box 263, Terra Alta, WV. 26764.

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Barney Rabin Cuts His Own Linotype Mats

Barney Rabin (reported in the last Newsletter as making his own Linotype matrices) paid a visit to the Hill & Dale in early April. Introductions out of the way, we quickly got down to discussing type-making and matrix engraving, losing track of time and the world around us.

Barney is among those who have a very real need to maintain matrices-his firm still runs five Intertypes continuously and because of the nature of his business (imprinting diplomas), he must stick with letterpress.

"They say they still make and sell matrices, but just try to get delivery from Mergenthaler or Intertype on an order," Barney complains.

"I just resolved that, when I retired, I would take a crack at making my own mats." And that is what he has done. He works with a pantographic engraver at his winter home in Florida.

He has a unique way of obtaining patterns for use with the pantograph. He has a 400% enlargement made of a repro proof of a font or a specimen sheet from the Mergenthaler book. He has a zinc line engraving made from the enlargement and the zinc plate then is pressed into Bakelite by his photoengraver. Bakelite is the material used to make plastic letterpress printing plates.

With that intaglio image, he is able to recreate the design onto blank matrices bought from Intertype or Linotype.

Obtaining blanks of the proper set width—or at all!-is becoming increasingly difficult. He hopes to find a source for such blanks in the United States, since both firms now have the work done in British factories only, and orders are exceedingly slow in being filled.

Barney admits he hasn't been able to stick with original designs on some characters. Making his own mats has provided him the opportunity to "correct" what he considers flaws in original designs.

He began business in 1933, hand lettering diplomas. With some letterpress background, he wondered how the process could be hurried. First he went to hand type and then bought a used Intertype. Now he has five tape-driven machines in use two shifts daily, casting only names for diplomas. "I use the quadders-we don't have a spaceband in the shop," he notes.

He has devised a process of automatically changing the slug in a modified platen press to expedite printing the diplomas. But he's not free with details fearing someone will pirate the process.

As far as matrix engraving is concerned, he indicates his greatest problem is that of sidewalls breaking down. If anyone else has done similar work, he'd like to hear from him.

Address: Barney Rabin, 12 Pequot Road, Marblehead, MA. 01945. 3

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