Vintage American Brand Job Stick by H. B. Rouse & Co. dating from 1900

Description

Vintage American Stainless Steel Job Stick
or Composing Stick
manufactured by H. B. Rouse & Co. of Chicago
On offer is a vintage
American Stainless Steel Job Stick.
This Composing Stick is intended for hand setting of metal type to a length of 45 1/2 picas.
It is in fine, collectible condition. It appears to have experienced a serious production level of use but it does not appear to have been abused.
There
is
some wear but none that will affect its accuracy or that compromises its structural integrity. Note the pitting at the end of the stick where the type-setter would have held it. There is possibly some light rust in the grooves, although it could just be grime. What appears as red on the flat surfaces in the photos is a trick of the light relative to wear - there is no rust on the flat surfaces. The
was
some rust on the screw that holds the clamp but that has been removed with Evaporust. The whole stick has been treated with a
very
light coating of rust prohibitive. (We do not clean too deeply, just enough to determine an items condition.)
This
American Job Stick
is in very good condition for a metal item that is over 100 years old and likely saw daily use for the first half of it's life, at least.
The
American Composing Stick
is likely the
first
composing stick made by
H. B. Rouse & Co. of Chicago
! A well respected composing stick collector records it as having been listed in only
one
catalog. He estimates it had a production period of less than three years, most likely from 1900.
Dimensions:
9-13/16" x 2-1/18" x 5/8" (with clamp in locked position)
PLEASE NOTICE:
We have on offer other letterpress related items. To view these and other vintage items, please click on
See other items
in the
Seller information section on
the right side of the page.
Enjoy bidding and good luck!
All sales are "as is" condition.
Most of the items we offer are antique and/or vintage. Generally, they will show a certain amount of wear due to previous use.
Please review the photos closely! Photos truly provide the ultimate indication of the quality of each piece.
The seller’s observations are not to be taken as any sort of guarantee
. They are merely an attempt to explain the condition of the offering.
Please look at the photos carefully to
establish your own opinion
. You may see something in the photos that we overlooked.
We attempt to offer accurate, detailed descriptions but photos are much more definitive. Occasionally, a photo may not capture all of the subtleties. Before bidding, feel free to ask for further explanations, for dimensions or for more detailed photos of a particular area of the piece, etc. We want you to be happy with your purchase!
PLEASE NOTE IN REGARD TO RETURNS AND SHIPPING:
Returns
With vintage items, wear is not considered a reason for return. Return
is
warranted if the item has been grossly misrepresented. Given the proper conditions, we do accept returns. Upon receipt of your item(s), if you believe your purchase is not “As Described” or is damaged
please contact us
right away
so we can discuss any concerns
.
We will strive to find the best way to resolve any problems to your satisfaction. We very much appreciate the opportunity to make things right
before
you post any feedback!
Shipping
Combined orders:
If you decide to bid on more than one item, please send us a message so we can determine the best shipping method/cost. Especially with dinnerware, combining shipping does not always lower the price and may endanger the pieces! If we DO find a better price, we happily will pass savings on to you.
Damaged in shipping:
We package very well. We often use clean, recycled materials. To date, we have received no complaints regarding items damaged in transit, although we know it can happen. If anything
does
happen to your purchase in the shipping process,
please
send us digital photos of any damage to the package and/or the item. The photos will
help us immeasurably
when making a claim with the shipper and will also help us make packaging improvements for future shipping. (We apologize for the bother.)
Buyer pays return shipping costs.
The piece(s)
must
be returned in "same as sold" condition, allowing, of course, for unusual circumstances like breakage during shipping, etc.