Typophile

Does anyone have access to a Linotype machine?

eston

I know it's an odd and obsolete request, but I decided that if any community would have connections to a dinosaur such as a Linotype machine, it'd be this one.

I guess I should introduce myself first (and hopefully not come off as too bad of a newbie.) My name's Eston, and I'm a student at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

I'm currently taking a journalism class at the University, and my old-school professor is really fond of the Linotype and the whole hot type era, as it was just fading away as he started his career as a reporter. He's starting a website (that I'm helping him get off the ground,) and I'd love to get a Linotype slug custom-made for him as a sort of nostalgic gift.

The problem is that these machines are near-impossible to find, let alone in a working form. Do any of you have (or know anyone that has) a working Linotype machine that may be able to cast a slug for my professor? I'd be willing to pay for one.

Thanks. Sorry this isn't a wonderful first post, but I'll definitely be sticking around. Now, where is my Bringhurst book... I think I should read that before I say much more. :)

I might be able to get a slug cast for you. Before I can ask for pricing and availability, I need to know exactly what words you want, in which point size, and in what typeface (not that the exact font would necessarily be available…)

'media' and 'hellbox'; separate slugs. I'd like them cast, preferably, in 18 point Cheltenham. If that's not possible, I'll always settle for the standby Helvetica 55 Roman.

Thanks Dan.

I'll try to get an answer back to you by Tuesday. If I don't post anything, please harass me. You can always reach me via my typophile profile (click on my picture).

Possibly not much help here in New Zealand, but I have access to two fully functioning linotype machines.

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