Doug DeHaven Title: Discovering the Bates Numbering Machine: A Unique Incremental Ink Stamper
When I first encountered this Bates Numbering Machine, I was struck by its blend of simplicity and functionality. This unique incremental ink stamper, known for its precision and versatility, has been a staple in offices and legal settings for decades. But what exactly makes this machine so special?
The Bates Numbering Machine is designed to automatically advance numbers with each press, making it an indispensable tool for numbering documents in a sequential order. One of its standout features is its ability to operate in different modes, including repeat, duplicate, and triplicate settings. This means that you can stamp the same number multiple times before it advances, which is incredibly useful for various administrative tasks.
The repeat setting allows the machine to stamp the same number consecutively, perfect for when you need to mark several copies of the same document. The duplicate setting stamps the number twice before moving on to the next, while the triplicate setting does so three times. This flexibility is what sets the Bates Numbering Machine apart from other numbering devices.
The history of the Bates Numbering Machine is quite fascinating. It was invented by Edwin G. Bates in the late 19th century. Bates, a patent attorney, recognized the need for a reliable system to organize and identify large volumes of documents. His invention, patented in 1891, revolutionized document management. The original design was simple yet effective, featuring a hand-cranked mechanism that advanced the numbers with each press.
Over the years, the Bates Numbering Machine has evolved, incorporating modern materials and manufacturing techniques, but the core functionality has remained unchanged. The enduring design and reliability have ensured its place in the history of office equipment.
In a digital age where much of our work is done on computers, the Bates Numbering Machine stands as a testament to the ingenuity of a bygone era. Its continued use in legal, medical, and administrative fields underscores its lasting value. Whether you’re organizing legal briefs, medical records, or any other type of document, the Bates Numbering Machine remains an essential tool for maintaining order and clarity.
Reflecting on the legacy of the Bates Numbering Machine, I’m reminded of the importance of simple, effective tools in our daily work. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best solutions are the ones that have stood the test of time.
I wanted to bring the full operation of it back from the long stretched arms of time. This involved dismantleing it and cleaning up each part from years of crusted on ink and grime. The end result is a stamper that works as good as the day it was new! If you have any information or leads on where to find an ink pad for this please comment down below.
Quick side note, the red face had some of the paint missings, I used red paint that I had in stock that was not a perfect match, but was close, to spray on, than whipe off the metal highlights to leave it in the vally. This worked, but not the greatest, so hence why I wanted till the end to mention it! Not every idea is perfect ha!
