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The Gestetner machine made in England c.1920
Object No. 2005/169/1
David Gestetner (1854-1939) patented the Cyclostyle pen in London in 1881. This was the first step in the introduction of stencil duplicating as a practicable process, replacing carbon paper. Another major step forward was the invention of the Rotary Cyclostyle in 1901. Succeeding machines became more sophisticated devices such as automatic feed (from 1905) and electric drive. Small business used Gestetners for internal memos and they were also used in schools, being favoured over the spirit duplicator type whose images faded over time. They were largely replaced by plain paper photocopiers and the cheap desktop offset printer in the 1960s.
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Summary
Object Statement
Printing machine, 'The Gestetner', metal / wood, made by Gestetner Limited, United Kingdom, c. 1920
Physical Description
Printing machine, 'The Gestetner', metal / wood, made by Gestetner Limited, United Kingdom, c. 1920 Black metal base on which the operating mechanism is mounted. This consists of a series of rollers which deliver the ink to a special Japanese paper stencil which is attached to a revolving plate and is hand operated. A black case which locks into the base covers the unit.
PRODUCTION
Notes
David Gestetner (1854-1939) was born in Hungary and patented the Cyclostyle pen in London in 1881. This was the first step in the introduction of stencil duplicating as a practicable process. Another major step forward was the invention of the Rotary Cyclostyle in 1901. Succeeding machines became more sophisticated devices such as automatic feed (from1905) and electric drive. This particular model was capable of reproducing 40-50 copies per minute which dramatically increased the number of exact copies available. Gestetner is today a world-wide organisation specialising in offset rotary printers.
HISTORY
Notes
Gestetner machines provided a speedy and easy means of duplicating information and could do many more copies than carbon paper. These machines became workhorses for small business from the 1920s until plain paper photocopiers largely replaced them from the 1960s. Gestetners were sold in NSW through agents from 1922-1927 until Gestetner opened its own office in Sydney in 1927.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Source unknown
Acquisition Date
4 July 2005
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