This page provides information specifically about Poco flatbed cylinder proof presses. Poco presses have reciprocating beds and stationary carriages.
Patented by Walter G. Potter of Chicago in 1910, examination of the nameplates indicates that they were first manufactured by A.F. Wanner (1910–14), then Hacker Manufacturing (1914–1931). In 1931 Challenge acquires the Poco and Potter brands from Hacker; the 1935 ATF Catalog shows Challenge-Poco presses.
No sources for parts are known, and will need to be fabricated. However, questions posted on vandercookpress.info may be answered by Poco presses owners. are listed in the Poco census.
Poco Specs
| Model | Paper Size | Bed Size | Fl. Space | Wt. (lbs.)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 0 A.F. Wanner | 11 × 24 | |||
| No. 0 Hacker and Challenge-Poco | 12 × 18 | 12⅞ × 18¼ | 27 × 51 | 210 |
| No. 1 A.F. Wanner | 10 × 25 | |||
| No. 1 Hacker and Challenge-Poco | 13 × 25 | 13 × 25 | 33 × 73 | 355 |
| No. 2 A.F. Wanner | 16¼ × 25 | |||
| No. 2 Hacker and Challenge-Poco | 18 × 25 | 18 × 25 | 39 × 51 | 405 |
* Add 80 lbs. for a No. 0 Stand and 100 lbs. for No. 1 and No. 2 stands.
History
1910-14: Potter and Poco brands were patented in 1910 by Walter G. Potter, of whom little is known. Manufactured by A. F. Wanner Co., Chicago.
1914: the company is renamed Horace Hacker Co., later Hacker Manufacturing.
1923: Some Potters have badges that say “Made for American Type Founders Co.”. ATF introduced “The American Cut Cost System” in their now famous 1923 specimen book. The system featured a comprehensive, customizable plant workflow program with an “American Cut Cost System” branded product line developed by ATF’s “efficiency engineers.” Its component on composing rooms included the Chicago-built Potter proof press then made by Hacker Mfg.
1931: the Potter and Poco brands were acquired by Challenge Machinery and rebranded as “Challenge-Potter” and “Challenge-Poco.”
Further Reading
Potter Presses
Hacker Presses
Challenge Presses
Poco on Briarpress.org
Poco on Google (last updated 2012)
A.F. Wanner
Vandercookpress.info is not legally affiliated with any owner of the names Challenge, Challenge Machinery Corp., Hacker, Potter, Poco or Vandercook.