Letterpress Lives; Books Confirm It!

Greetings from Alan Waring in Fairfield, CT

First, a brief statement about stock. Much of what I list comes from good friends with amazing collections that prefer anonimity, or don't have the time to run an ebay store. Most of the high-end books and collectables are not my own. I also sell some types & artifacts for the Dale Guild Tpfy.. I work there for several days each month, and have the priviledge of listing true foundry-cast types.

I spent some years during the '80s & early '90s in the acquisition and use of letterpress things and amassing a working library. Both have become over-grown and need some serious thinning. I am not listing dross and keeping the gold. It's quite the reverse.

I have reached the age when one considers the final third of our earthly existence, assuming three-score and ten & a half. It was fairly obvious that I had enough presses, types and sundries to last 3 lifetimes. Also, I have read most of my books, but had also bought books beyond my needs, especially as my interests narrow. I am not a collector, but I tend to be an obsessive, complusive buyer when something piques my interest! Some of you know what I mean.

Hence, the somewhat radical reduction of those things "in my keeping." Many of us involved the heritage & propagation of letterpress printing, consider ourselves stewards of the things produced by those who went before us. It is my desire to put unneeded items into the hands who will put them to use, and thus continue and broaden the craft.

Preparation

I am in a position to know type fairly well. I have worked with the Proprietor of the Dale Guild Tpfy for 13 yrs., and I have a few good friends that have taught me much. There is a big difference between foundry-type and Lanston/English Monotype (and noticable qualities of types cast by the various Monotype casting machines), the former being much more durable. I state clearly what I list, and if it's not suitable for hot-stamping, my description will omit " hot-stamping." I never recommend the use of rare or 19th century types for hot-stamping use. I examine each antique font with a 5x loupe and then proof them to insure that they are viable. If the font needs "cleaning" (a few worn or damaged sorts removed before laying in case), I say so. If a font needs to be dumped, I dump it. I don't just snap a pic, and hope the buyer won't know the difference. A positive experience with used type is a rare thing, unless the worn and damaged sorts have been removed, or in the case of rare types, isolated. I have been doing this "vetting" for over ten years in my own cases of type, in an effort to limit make-ready and improve my printing when setting used type.

Of course, new type can't be bettered in insuring good printing. But with only two type foundries remaining on the earth (Dale Guild in NJ [see link below], and Bauer in Spain),the vast majority of typefaces will never be cast again. There are a few people still casting Monotype faces, but you should know that this type was designed to be used once, dumped, remelted & cast again. It is not "foundry type," as it is cast in softer metal with much less pressure, as is Linotype, Intertype & Ludlow line-casters. American Type Founders Co (ATF) and Castcraft in Chicago were the last 2 commercially viable type foundries in the USA; they are both gone. ATF's type was far superior to Castcraft. So used type goes with the letterpress turf. I want you to know the condition of what you're bidding on, and have a positive experience with the type you buy. Those who ask questions will receive the best answers I can give.

Regarding books, I have some experience with early printed books and alot of experience with antiquarian books. I have been buying from dealers for over 20 yrs., but don't presume to call myself a bookseller. I have too much respect for those who are truely dedicated. I've read enough good honest descriptions in catalogs to be able to do the same.

As far as condition is concerned, along with an honest description, I try hard to provide a number of good clear Supersized pics that reveal any faults, whether it be type or books.

My Letterpress World

User:chanthaboongem

( 19900

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Date:Feb-09-10 21:00:18 PST

Praise: Perfect transaction & ebayer!Thank you kindly & always welcome back! A+++

User:chanthaboongem

( 19900

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Date:Feb-09-10 21:00:17 PST

Praise: Perfect transaction & ebayer!Thank you kindly & always welcome back! A+++

User:chanthaboongem

( 19900

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Date:Feb-09-10 21:00:16 PST

Praise: Perfect transaction & ebayer!Thank you kindly & always welcome back! A+++

User:chanthaboongem

( 19900

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Date:Feb-09-10 21:00:15 PST

Praise: Perfect transaction & ebayer!Thank you kindly & always welcome back! A+++

User:2lshark

( 9980

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Date:Feb-09-10 20:56:59 PST

Praise: THANK YOU!!! -Fast !!! Great Customer A++++ ---

User:fohnson

( 94

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Date:Feb-09-10 04:27:31 PST

Praise: A+++ Super fast Great guy

User:vespela

( 180

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Date:Feb-08-10 21:54:31 PST

Praise: Item shipped quickly, and carefully packaged. Great transaction!

User:prestonbriggs

( 23

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Date:Feb-05-10 20:04:38 PST

Praise: Perfect. Super quick.

User:modus-nivendi

( 1309

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Date:Feb-04-10 01:49:15 PST

Praise: fantastic seller of quality goods!

User:geronimo2007

( 1001

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Date:Feb-03-10 19:37:50 PST

Praise: Excellent Ebayer!

User:toriooo

( 610

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Date:Feb-03-10 13:45:22 PST

Praise: »-(¯`v´¯)-> Quick Pay - Asset to ebay - Come Back Anytime »-(¯`v´¯)->

User:kornkan

( 4166

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Date:Feb-03-10 09:06:17 PST

Praise: SUPER SMOOTH TRANSACTION!!!

User:rowbear2002

( 5829

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Date:Feb-03-10 07:26:57 PST

Praise: GRACIOUS BUYER IS A CLASS ACT~~~~~~~~~~THANK YOU~ROWBEAR2002

User:toodlepip60

( 234

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Date:Feb-03-10 03:41:43 PST

Praise: Excellent transaction. Thank you.

User:tdsonlinestor

( 44677