Anglo-American Arab Platen Printing Machine, 1842-1880

Anglo-American Arab platen printing machine Anglo-American Arab platen printing machine

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Anglo-American Arab platen printing machine
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Anglo-American Arab platen printing machine
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Anglo-American Arab platen printing machine, for printing onto small sheets of paper. It is driven by either treadle or power, 1842-1880. Donated to the Patent Office Museum by Wade in 1881.

Inspired by the George Gordon’s Press, the Arab press was invented and patented by 'self-made' Halifax man Josiah Wade in 1872 and is considered the ‘finest clam-shell platen in the world’. Between 1852 and 1979, around 40,000 Arab printing presses were made by Josiah Wade and his company including many made after Josiah Wade's death in 1908. Arabs remain very popular in UK, Australia and New Zealand.

Wade utilised articulated arms for the forme rollers, originally designed by George Gordon, and the unique ink fountain design, as well as the use leathers for the bearers.

Details

Category:
Printing & Writing
Object Number:
1881-58
Materials:
cast iron, steel (metal), wood (unidentified), brass (copper, zinc alloy) and rubber (unidentified)
Measurements:
overall: 1320 mm x 1020 mm x 1220 mm,
type:
platen press
credit:
J Wade

Parts

Component of Platen Printing Machine

Component of Platen Printing Machine

Component of Anglo-American Arab platen printing machine, for printing onto small sheets of paper. Donated to the Patent Office Museum by Wade in 1881.

Object Number:
1881-58/1
type:
component
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Rods from Platen Printing Machine

Rods from Platen Printing Machine

Three metal rods from Anglo-American Arab platen printing machine, for printing onto small sheets of paper. Donated to the Patent Office Museum by Wade in 1881.

Materials:
metal (unknown)
Object Number:
1881-58/2
type:
rods
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Frame from Platen Printing Machine

Frame from Platen Printing Machine

Frame from Anglo-American Arab platen printing machine, for printing onto small sheets of paper. Donated to the Patent Office Museum by Wade in 1881.

Object Number:
1881-58/3
type:
frame
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Frame from Platen Printing Machine

Frame from Platen Printing Machine

Frame from Anglo-American Arab platen printing machine, for printing onto small sheets of paper. Donated to the Patent Office Museum by Wade in 1881.

Object Number:
1881-58/4
type:
frame
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Frame from Platen Printing Machine

Frame from Platen Printing Machine

Frame from Anglo-American Arab platen printing machine, for printing onto small sheets of paper. Donated to the Patent Office Museum by Wade in 1881.

Object Number:
1881-58/5
type:
frame
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Frame from Platen Printing Machine

Frame from Platen Printing Machine

Frame from Anglo-American Arab platen printing machine, for printing onto small sheets of paper. Donated to the Patent Office Museum by Wade in 1881.

Object Number:
1881-58/6
type:
frame
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Frame from Platen Printing Machine

Frame from Platen Printing Machine

Frame from Anglo-American Arab platen printing machine, for printing onto small sheets of paper. Donated to the Patent Office Museum by Wade in 1881.

Object Number:
1881-58/7
type:
frame
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Frame from Platen Printing Machine

Frame from Platen Printing Machine

Frame from Anglo-American Arab platen printing machine, for printing onto small sheets of paper. Donated to the Patent Office Museum by Wade in 1881.

Object Number:
1881-58/8
type:
frame
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum