Press Inspectors
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Between 1948 and 1969 (the earliest and latest years reported thus far) the names of Vandercook employees who inspected presses at the factory were stamped into the body of the press. An intriguing practice because the stamps were struck during the last gasp of industrialism in the U.S. and suggests pride in craftsmanship. However, it appears that certain models and some individual presses (e.g. Universal and SP series) manufactured during this period do not bear an inspector’s name.
| Inspector | Circa. | SN ranges | Models inspected |
|---|---|---|---|
| J. Hlavin | 1947-69 | 12036-28547 | 4, 215, 15-21, 25-45, Uni I, SP15, SP20 |
| H.L. Keller | 1948-73 | 12473-28201 | 1, 3, 4, 320G, 219AB, Uni I, Uni III, SP15, SP20 |
| Harold Neff | 1964-67 | 23463-26955 | Uni I, SP15 |
| C.M. | 1962 | 21949 | SP20 |
| D.E. Pate | 1968 | 27627-27793 | SP15, SP20 |
| J. Waldier | 1967-73 | 27044 | Uni I |
| A.W. Winard | 1949-68 | 13511-27074 | 215, 32-28, 4, 219AB, 42-28, 15-21, Uni I, Uni III, SP15, SP20 |
| S. Wojtowycz | 1962-73 | 22316-25011 | SP15 |
| C.G. Zurick | 1948-49 | 12682-1385 | 219, 219AB |
To find out if your press has an inspector’s name, locate the large serial number stamped into the bed bearer (the smooth rail) at the right end of the press on the operator’s side. Then look below this number to the outer surface that supports the carriage, e.g. #4, Universal and SP series. On older presses such as the 219 the serial number and inspector name both appear on the bed bearer (see photos below).
Because company records relating to employee job functions no longer exist, the following data, solicited from individuals, businesses and institutions, is incomplete. To contribute to it, please vist the census page on the blog.The names of Vandercook employees who inspected presses at the factory were stamped into the body of presses. An intriguing practice because the stamps were struck during the last gasp of industrialism in the U.S. and suggests pride in craftsmanship. However, it appears that certain models and some individual presses (e.g. Universal and SP series) manufactured during this period do not bear an inspector’s name.