A new member of the family

March 29, 2008

A couple of weeks ago, I came across a posting for a Sigwalt Ideal #5 which is a tabletop press similar to a pilot. I love my pilot but, what I really like about the Sigwalt is that the platen has open sides so there isn’t a paper size restriction as on the pilot. This also makes it easy to add and remove packing without prying the bars open. The press is also in great condition, with all visible gold painted embellishments. There are several tabletop Sigwalts in the “Ideal” series and can get confusing to which one you might have so I have compiled a list that will help you. The Sigwalt company made presses from the 1900’s to around 1962.

Ideal No. 2, 3×5
Ideal No. 3, 4×6 (60lbs)
Ideal No. 4, 5×7.5 (90lbs)
Ideal No. 5, 6×9 (125lbs)

I wasn’t able to take a picture of my new press but as soon as I do, I will be sure to post it. In the meantime, here is a “stand in” picture from Oriscus.