Welcome to Howard Iron Works - Printing Museum and Antique Printing Machinery Restoration

Howard Iron Works - Printing and Bookbinding Equipment Restoration and Printing Museum

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.

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

A copy of the Gordon, the Arab platen press was built in Halifax, England by Josiah Wade from 1872 to as recent as 1959. Spareparts were still available as late as 1984. Arabs remain very popular in UK, Australia dn New Zealand.

Josiah Wade utilized articulated arms for the forme rollers, originally designed by George Gordon, and the unique ink fountain design, as well as the use leathers for the bearers.

From our research so far, our conclusion places our Wade Arab platen press in the turn of the century time period. More research will be conducted to narrow down the manufacturing date.

Our press has had many years of neglect and its share of bumps and smashes. Several major repairs were required to ensure this machine would meet the same level of conformity as that of a machine leaving the factory.

Featured here is the restoration of our Josiah Wade Arab Platen Press.

Printing Museum and Restoration	800 Westgate Road Oakville, ON L6L 5N2 Tel. (905) 821-0000 Email: info@howardironworks.org Website: www.howardironworks.org	- The Collection - Restoration - HIW Museum - Lease/Sales Program	- Antique Books & Periodicals - About HIW - Volunteering Opportunities - Museum Shop