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The Kelly, named after it's designer, William Kelly, is claimed to be the first flatbed cylinder machine designed with an integrated sheet feeder. Kelly, born in Kansas in 1869, was a practical mechanic and a salesman for American Type Founders. In 1911, he conceived the idea of a small two-revolution automatic cylinder machine for fast, quality, jobbing work. His first effort was (curiously) named the Model B, a three inker, double demy size. The overwhelming success of the B model led to demands for a larger machine, designated the Kelly #2, manufactured in 1921. Then, in 1925 the Series A was introduced, known as the 'Baby' Kelly. Sales soared, 1927 was the company's greatest year! Two years later the Kelly #1 was introduced. However, the great depression of the 1930's caused the company great financial difficulties, forcing them to move into the Elizabeth, N.J. plant. The following year William Kelly retired. But he continued to suggest improvements on his machinery until his death in 1949. By this time, more than 11,000 presses carrying his name had been sold.
In 1954, A.T.F. ceased production in the U.S., but the English firm of Vickers continued their manufacture for a further 5 years until they too ceased production.
Sources: British Printer, 1937. Courtesy Arthur Johnson
._______Schutz, Alois and Neubert, Wilhelm. Die Druckmaschinen des Grafischen Gewerbes, ---_______-Wilhelm Knapp, 1951
_______-Williams, Fred. The Rise & Fall of the Kelly Press. Amalgamated Printers' Association, _______-1985
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