Andrew Franklin Wanner (1855–1935) was a typefounder and the proprietor of A.F. Wanner & Co. a printing supplier and press manufacturer in Chicago. Today the company is remembered as the original maker of Potter and Poco proof presses. It was also one of the earliest selling agents for Vandercook. In 1867, Wanner moved to Chicago [...]
Archive for the Potter Category
Horace W. Hacker - Posted May 6, 2011
Horace Wardner Hacker (1879–1968) was the founder of the Hacker Manufacturing Co. in Chicago, which made plate gauges, and test presses that featured reciprocating beds with stationary carriages. Hacker held 14 U.S. Patents for various gauges and press mechanisms (and four later patents unrelated to printing). Like R.O. Vandercook, he was a proponent of press [...]
Potter proof press, serial numbers - Posted September 23, 2009
I have a Potter proof press No. 2. The badge says A. F. Wanner & Co, not Hacker, so maybe an early one. I want to add it to the census but can’t be certain what the serial number is. Below the badge is a small number plate that says PE20. That seems like a [...]
Potter Census - Posted August 4, 2009
I just posted a new census of Potters presses. I’m hoping to figure out the manufacturing history of these machines. Originally Manufactured by A.F. Wanner Co. Chicago, IL., later Potter presses have name plates that say made by Hacker Manufacturing. The 1935 ATF Catalog shows Challenge-Potter and Challenge-Poco presses (pages F-11, F-13).
Need Potter model ID - Posted June 19, 2009
I have a Challenge Potter proofing press. I’m not sure of when it was manufactured. Here’s a photo if anyone can possibly identify it.
Potter Proof Press for sale (NYC area) - Posted December 17, 2007
A friend of mine in Union City, NJ has a really nice Potter proof press for sale. This press would need to be inked with a brayer so it would be most suited for block printing, proofing engravings, monoprinting or printing wood type posters. Asking price is $750. For what Kelseys are going for on [...]
Potter Proof Presses - Posted July 8, 2007
Howdy Vandercookers! I was directed here by Daniel Morris of The Arm Letterpress. I’ve found a Potter Proof press locally in NJ and am considering purchasing it. Most of my work is small-run and wood-type based, so having a printing bed larger than my 8×12 platen is a big plus. But, I know really nothing [...]
