Hoe & Co Issues Probably the Largest 19th Century Catalogue in Page Format of Printing & Binding Machines

In 1873 R. Hoe & Co. issued probably the largest catalogue in page format of printing machines and equipment published during the 19th century. The 96-page catalogue was titled R. Hoe & Co. Manufacturers of Type-Revolving, Pefecting, Single and Double Cylinder and Adams' Printing Machines, Washington and Smith Hand-Presses, Self-Inking Machines, Etc. Every Article Connected with the art of Letter-Press, Copper-Plate, and Lithographic Printing and Bookbinding, Stereotyping and Electrotyping.... The catalogue was notable for its inclusion of book bindery equipment, a department not covered in catalogues previously issued by Hoe that I have seen. The catalogue also included hand-presses, which Hoe continued to sell late into the 19th century.

From the standpoint of format this catalogue measured 14 x 11 inches (35 x 28 cm). No prices are listed; instead spaces for prices were left blank, presumably for a salesman to fill in based upon the interests of a particular customer, and whatever the company was charging for a given product at the time. Presumably Hoe & Co. wanted to be able to use this large format cloth-bound catalogue for several years,without having to change prices. Until I see a larger page size on a 19th century catalogue of printing machines I will assume that the 1873 catalogue is the largest.

In their introduction to the catalogue the company points out their new products:

" the Perfecting Machine for rapid and economical newspaper printing; and also to the Stop Cylinder for fine work.
"We also invite attention to the vartious Cylinder and Platen Presses we now make for fine cut-work, which are now in such demand among the printers and lithographers of the city and country.
"Our new Stop Cylinder for small newspapers and for fine job work is simple in design and construction and comparatively light in weight, and where there is no steam power available can be easily driven by hand...."