Intertype Corporation
Encyclopedia
The Intertype Corporation produced the Intertype, a typecasting machine closely resembling the Linotype
, and using the same matrices as the Linotype. Founded in 1911 by Hermann Ridder, of Ridder Publications
, as the International Typesetting Machine Company, but purchased by a syndicate for $1,650,000- in 1916 and reorganized as the Intertype Corporation.
Originally, most of their machines were rebuilt Linotypes. By 1917, however, Intertype was producing three models of its own machine. Most of the original patents for the Linotype had expired and so the basic works of the Intertype were essentially the same, though incorporating at least 51 improvement patents. The standard Intertype could cast faces up to thirty point and they also offered a "Composing Stick Attachment" that allowed their caster to be used to cast headlines up to 60 points.
Despite initial liquidity problems, Intertype was quite successful in later years, producing mixer machines, high speed machines, and the first photo-type compositor. In 1957, Intertype merged with Harris-Seybold
, a manufacturer of presses and paper cutters, to become Harris-Intertype Corporation. After the merger, the Harris-Intertype Fotosetter was introduced. It was the first photo typesetting machine and was based upon the standard Intertype machne, replacing the brass type matrices with small film negatives and instead of casting, used these to expose photographic paper.
. The only type designer of note associated with Intertype was Edwin W. Sharr, who pioneered in adapting script
faces for machine composition.
Linotype machine
The Linotype typesetting machine is a "line casting" machine used in printing. The name of the machine comes from the fact that it produces an entire line of metal type at once, hence a line-o'-type, a significant improvement over manual typesetting....
, and using the same matrices as the Linotype. Founded in 1911 by Hermann Ridder, of Ridder Publications
Knight Ridder
Knight Ridder was an American media company, specializing in newspaper and Internet publishing. Until it was bought by The McClatchy Company on June 27, 2006, it was the second-largest newspaper publisher in the United States, with 32 daily newspapers sold.- History :The corporate ancestors of...
, as the International Typesetting Machine Company, but purchased by a syndicate for $1,650,000- in 1916 and reorganized as the Intertype Corporation.
Originally, most of their machines were rebuilt Linotypes. By 1917, however, Intertype was producing three models of its own machine. Most of the original patents for the Linotype had expired and so the basic works of the Intertype were essentially the same, though incorporating at least 51 improvement patents. The standard Intertype could cast faces up to thirty point and they also offered a "Composing Stick Attachment" that allowed their caster to be used to cast headlines up to 60 points.
Despite initial liquidity problems, Intertype was quite successful in later years, producing mixer machines, high speed machines, and the first photo-type compositor. In 1957, Intertype merged with Harris-Seybold
Harris Corporation
Harris Corporation is a Florida-based international communications equipment company that produces wireless equipment, electronic systems, and both terrestrial and spaceborne antennas for use in the government, defense, and commercial sectors. It is also the largest private-sector employer in...
, a manufacturer of presses and paper cutters, to become Harris-Intertype Corporation. After the merger, the Harris-Intertype Fotosetter was introduced. It was the first photo typesetting machine and was based upon the standard Intertype machne, replacing the brass type matrices with small film negatives and instead of casting, used these to expose photographic paper.
Type Development
Throughout its history, Intertype machines were typically better built and engineered than Mergenthaler's, with simpler, more effective mechanisms. However, while both Mergenthaler and Lanston Monotype were known for producing new and innovative type designs, virtually all of Intertype's faces were derivative or supplied to them by the Bauer Type FoundryBauer Type Foundry
The Bauer Type Foundry was a German type foundry founded in 1837 by Johann Christian Bauer in Frankfurt am Main. Noted typeface designers, among them Lucian Bernhard, Konrad Friedrich Bauer , Walter Baum, Heinrich Jost, Imre Reiner, Friedrich Hermann Ernst Schneidler, Emil Rudolf Weiß, and Heinrich...
. The only type designer of note associated with Intertype was Edwin W. Sharr, who pioneered in adapting script
Script (typefaces)
Script typefaces are based upon the varied and often fluid stroke created by handwriting. They are organized into highly regular formal types similar to cursive writing and looser, more casual scripts.- Formal scripts :...
faces for machine composition.