At any given time, our Restoration Team works on several projects simultaneously. For historical and archival purposes, our HIW photographer diligently takes pictures during the restoration and documents the various processes each machine is being put through. We have compiled the photos in a photo gallery for each machine. We hope you enjoy them.

Click Gallery Index to view other Photo Galleries.
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We offer our restoration services to others, and will also complete machines that can be either purchased or leased for use or as beautiful displays
For inquiries about our restoration services, please contact: info@howardironworks.org
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The Vandercook proving press is easily the most popular and sought after proof press in the world. Even today, hundreds can still be found in many art studios and boutique printers - busy churning out wonderful letterpress work of art. It all began in 1909, when Robert Vandercook founded Vandercook & Sons in Chicago, and started manufacturing proof presses. By the end of the run in late 1960s, more than 38,000 presses were produced and sold world-wide, featuring dozens of models and variants.
Vandercook No. 1 was offered as both a table top model, as well as a floor type supplied with a base cabinet, such as ours. Although reasonably complete, the 86-year old press clearly showed its age and wear and tear. Some repairs, extensive cleaning, respraying, and a whole lot of polishing and finishing work brought this press back to its original condition.
Featured here is the restoration of the 1929 Vandercook #1 Proving Press.
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