[9/23/21: When I first got this machine, its model/version was a mystery to me. Kind commenter Kevin pointed out (below) an identifying feature. I’ve changed some parts of this write-up to reflect the newfound identity, but left some portion of the wording as it was, including the opening sentences.]
This is a mystery Lettergraph, missing its metal identification tag on the front that would’ve identified the model.
A photo of a Model C was spotted on an auction review site. The machine looks very similar to mine and the letter in the image puts its manufacture date in the 1950s (1952 for that particular machine). The photo also shows a manual for that model.
A manual for the Model D sold on ebay at one point and the image shows up in an image search for “Heyer Lettergraph.” A comparison between the two manuals’ images does not reveal major differences.
Honestly, I don’t know what I have. [Update 9/19/21: Kevin, in a comment below has helped me identify my machine by its lack of a lever on the handle-side that acts as the mechanism to trip the paper-feed roller(visible in both images above. The manual shows a lever, but I’m willing to assume they just reused a Model C image or something). The post title has been updated to reflect the new-found identification.]
I do know what I don’t have, though: a print tray (for lack of knowing its real name – I’m referring to the receiving tray for pages after they’ve been printed on); a screw with which to attach the “adjustment” assembly (for lack of knowing its real name – this is an arm that attaches the drum to the paper feed mechanism) to the paper-feed roller; possibly one or two levers to adjust the platen (below the base); and I’m unsure if there’s supposed to be a reservoir in the drum for this type of machine (though see below).
Ah, you noticed that I don’t know the official names of the parts of this mimeograph machine. This sorry state of affairs is because I have next-to-no documentation for this machine. This is the problem for nearly anyone who wants to know something about a specific machine (and is what has prompted the creation of this site). [UPDATE: I now have some images of A. B. Dick mimeographs posted on the Images page, dated 4/29/21, some of which label key mimeograph features. Now there’s no excuse!]
Here you can see that the three models are basically identical except for differences in paper-handling and inking features. I suspect that I have a model C because I have a “large perforated open cylinder,” but because no drum variation is specified, I can’t be sure that they ALL aren’t hand inked in a “large perforated open cylinder.”
In addition to what’s missing, there’s also the dilemma of an unattached paper feed roller. It appears that the shaft is supposed to be inserted into an arm on the left side of the machine (the one that’s also supposed to have the adjustment-assembly screwed to it), however I can’t get it to slide in at all -there’s literally no clearance. [UPDATE: I’ve got an alternative en route and will report back later] [UPDATE 9/19/21: The alternative worked! My machine was likely shipped with a different model’s part. An appropriately-fitting version was exchanged and installed and we’re getting ready to roll.]
The seller provided two ink pads: this one as well as an extra “original” one that fits another machine altogether (at my request, I indicated I was interested to see what an original one looked like). They appear to be cotton flannel, though the fabric has a nap only on one side.
What’s needed to restore it and make it work
07/20/22 – the Model D is now functional! All missing pieces have been restored/replaced, and I’ve made a new ink pad. I’m holding off on any painting of the body at this time in favor of concentrating on using the machine.
- a screw/knob to attach the adjustment arm to the moveable clamp/lever (
exactly what it adjusts, I’m not sureI have since learned that it adjusts the print on the top or the bottom of the page, separately) the insertion of the paper feed roller rod into the the moveable clamp/leverdone!two levers to allow for the platen to be raised/lowered (important for paper movement through the machine) – both the manuals and the actual Model C shown in the auction photo show a lever on the side – the catalog does not.Though I haven’t tried it yet, my source tells me that the paper itself triggers the impression roller to engage and only at that time – preventing the inked stencil from printing on the impression roller which would otherwise cause backprinting.more ink padsmade a new onepaste inkready!- depending on how fully restored I want it to be, the base has scratches that could be touched up with a paint job
