Signs of the Times: Showcard Machine Co. Catalog, 1984
For letterpress printers that are just starting out, or anyone that wants a dead-simple proof press, the Showcard sign press (sometimes called the Line-o-scribe) can be a coveted item. They were designed in the mid-20th century for merchandisers, schools and others that needed the ability to quickly set type and make signs. The dawn of desktop publishing rendered them obsolete, but they live on today in the hands of printers and artists.
This catalog – designed in a delicious graphic style that belies its utilitarian purpose – lists models, prices, typeface options and more.