Potter Archives - vandercookpress.info

No.2 Potter Proof Press

i am restoring a no.2 potter proof press. the peddle is broken and i am looking for another one. does anyone know any leads on finding a peddle for this press?

I am about to be a new caretaker for a potter (not sure which edition, I think maybe a #2) which currently lives in a multi-level basement with several staircases. I was wondering how you would go about moving a press in this situation? I read somewhere that it can be 800 lbs, which makes […]

Excello Proof Press

This display ad appeared in most issues of Graphic Arts Monthly, vol. 1, 1929, but does not appear thereafter. Neither was it advertised or mentioned in The Inland Printer or Photo-Engravers Bulletin before, during, or after 1929. (Perhaps, there wasn’t enough interest in this product, and likely Black Tuesday—the infamous crash of the stock market on […]

Potter Restoration

I have a Potter-Challenge that needs attention. I need photos that will help me to understand how the paper gripper mechanism connects with the pedal. The grippers are missing and at the moment the pedal lifts the cylinder and thats about it. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Bernard in South Africa

I am looking for info on my Potter Press

I’ve had a Potter #2 for about 10 years. I’ve happily been doing small runs of woodcuts and engravings with it. Still I’d like to make it work like it once did. I’ve got some beat up grippers, but that’s the extent of it. I’m looking for information as to how these presses went together. I have questions, and possibly […]

Potter manual?

I had an inquiry for a manual for a Potter No. 3. Does anyone have one or know someone who might? I did direct this person to the Potter census and to ATF catalog pages posted on the old site.

Potter proof press parts wanted

Hi All, I am new to the group as until now my focus has been on Golding platen presses. I have now “seen the light” and am adding a Potter proof press No. 3 to my shop. At the moment I just have the inking mechanism and its under restoration, but, soon the massive cast iron press itself will […]

A.F. Wanner

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 […]

Horace W. Hacker

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 pressroom […]

Potter proof press, serial numbers

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

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

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.

1 2

Category: Potter