Antique Keller Printing Co CLOTHING LABEL & TICKET MACHINE Edwardian Fabric Tags

Description

In the late 1800's and early 1900's Keller Printing Co of New York was well known amongst fashion houses for printed fabric clothing labels and amongst other businesses as a ticket printer.
Once located at 722 Broadway, New York company was started by John Kellner who constructed the beautiful "Kellner Building" in 1896 to house his printing company.
This machine holds typeset blocks and turns by hand to stamp onto material. This machine is built to impress on material thicker than a normal sheet of paper.
The impact of Mr. Keller's printing machines was so important to the fashion industry that it was mentioned in an Obituary for him printed in the industry circular "The American Hatter" Vol 32 1902.
"...Mr Keller invented and patented elaborate machines which produced the two kinds of tickets now universally used by clothiers and also those used An manufacturing hatters size tickets etc These and his lot numbering machine have lightened the labors of manufacturers in all lines of business besides making the work of handling and marking uniform and accurate He also invented some very intricate machinery for making railroad tickets and machinists were free in their expressions of admiration and appreciation of his genius His generous and kindly nature endeared him to all who knew him and he was considered as a personal friend by anyone who was fortunate enough to meet him...."
I can find no other example of this machine except drawings of it for the Original patent. The role it played in the growth of the New York fashion industry makes it a valuable asset for any collection or museum display.
The feet have holes for mounting to a counter or table top. Heavy duty cast iron construction with wooden turn knob.
Measures approximately 7 3/4" tall x 13" wide (including handle) x 6 1/2" deep.
The previous owner had painted it black for display, but it appears to have been Originally gold tone. Either color is appropriate for the time period.
Item comes as-is. We understand that many collectors prefer to do their own cleaning, and that improper cleaning can devalue the item. For this reason we have only gently wiped this item down and have left the cleaning to the buyer.
Stress free shipping! We are experienced shippers and will take care to package your items carefully for their journey to you!
All of our items come from private collections and estate buyouts. We generally have no information on the background of provenance of items. Items are shipped with a quick dusting and may need a wash or further wipe down upon arrival.
We understand that condition is subjective and encourage you to use the provided images to aide you in making your own decisions. Have questions? We are happy to answer them, but please ask prior to purchase. Thanks for looking!