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The 'Arab' platen was patented in 1872 by Yorkshireman, Josiah Wade and was based on George Gordon's Franklin Press (bed/inking unit hinged to rear base of frame contacting a front-mounted tilting platen). Some notable improvements were added, including leather bearer [track] straps, which could be adjusted accurately for roller height by simply shimming from underneath, plus special swivel register guides. The term Anglo-American was later prefixed, obviously to secure further interest at home and North America! The undated Australian catalogue has no mention of this, so maybe was dispensed with at some later time in favour of "Improved". The Halifax plant closed in 1959, some 40,000 machines having been produced there. The business was bought by Wellsman and Parry, of Liverpool, U.K. and continued trading into the 1960's.
Sources: Machinery Catalogue, Alex Cowan (Australia) Pty. Ltd. Sole agents.
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