The Improved
'ARAB' 
Pedal or Power Operated

Hand-Fed Jobbing Platen

Circa 1959

Supplied in 3 sizes:

9" x 13"  (228 x 330 mm)
10" x 15"  (254 x 381 mm)
12" x 18"  (305 x 457 mm)

All machines were supplied with Treadle and Power Fittings, Safety Hand Guard, Leather Bearers, Two Card Chases, One Open Chase, Roller Moulds, Two Sets of Roller Stocks, Rubber Blanket, Parchment Tympan, Side and Bottom Swivel Feed Guides, Two Frisket Bar Springs [fingers], Spanners, Screwdrivers, Pliers, Oil Can and Sundry Tool Box

~

Manufactured By

JOSIAH WADE Ltd.

Crown Works, Halifax
Great Britain

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *     

HOME

RETURN TO GALLERY INDEX

NEXT