April 29, 2008
Posted at 11:16 AM
Comments (19)
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So a year ago or so when the family was out from Michigan for the DDC Get-Together, we went down to Oregon City to do a little junkin’. Evan was with us too, if I remember correctly. In a little antique store I came across an “Ideal No. 2” stencil machine from the Ideal Stencil Machine Co., Belleville, Ill.*. It was one of those moments where you look at the thing, then just sort of yell out to who’ever’ll hear, “This one is coming home with us. Wrap it up!” Something like that. So I made the purchase and lugged the thing home. A stencil machine! Almost a hundred years old, the kind the old-timers would use to stencil the side of a fruit crate or something. Turns out the thing is called a “Diagraph,” for it’s “marking and coding” qualities. The word “diagraph” is traditionally known as a “A drawing instrument, combining a protractor and scale,” so, hell, everything is up to snuff. Okay, so, the machine I bought last May has been at the house. It’s the bookend to my record collection right now. It needs a good lube job and it’ll be ready for action. But, this last Friday morning, I’m on my way to work and stop off at Desks, Inc. to check out the inventory. Upstairs in the vintage section, kinda buried, was another one of these stencil machines. I unearthed the sonofabitch, took a couple swings on it, and yelled for the proprietor, “Wrap it up!” The thing was well-oiled, with good action and a even came with hearty stack of old, oily stencil cards. Gross. Perfect. Now we’ve got two of ‘em, “just in case one wears out.” Yeah, right. - - - - So, here’s a look at the thing. Couldn’t be happier: 01. “Ready for action.” - - - - Contemporary diagraph supplies. We’ll be putting in an order for some of that stencil board real quick. Heck yes. - - - - Here’s a Bradley model, along the same lines, only that much more burly. - - - - *Another Belleville, Illinois treasure, long dead and gone: A three-piece rock outfit from the early ’90s.
There Are 19 Comments
Better kern that shit up…. We use the Oneshot Stenciling Foam Roller system here for stenciling tradeshow crates… works great. Buy some blank truckers and a stencil and you have a custom hat for all occassions. Posted by: styk on 04/29/08 at 3:26 PM
Now that is a little nugget of pure design gold. So retro it aches, I’d be proud to be putting out some promo material with that bad boy. Nice find. Posted by: Ben Lewis on 04/29/08 at 5:15 PM
i would like to nominate myself as another belleville, illinois treasure. Posted by: jen on 04/29/08 at 5:48 PM
That’s a damn fine piece of iron. Posted by: Jason Duerr on 04/30/08 at 7:49 AM
I’m very jealous now not only do you own one but you have two of these nice babies. I own a newer model of Ideal stencil machine that make 1” letters. but nothing beats the No2 in looks. can you make me a life sized cardboard cutout please? :) Posted by: Ugo on 05/05/08 at 6:48 PM
Nice, I have AN Ideal 1” stencil machine all is perfect except the small gear which is driven by the large outer gear is missing…no one knows where to get one or the specification. can you help locate one or trace the one on your machine? It’s a heavy piece of old iron that I’d love to get running…thanks Posted by: mike k on 05/26/08 at 4:41 PM
i dogpiled a stencil machine, your site came up, i have in my basement a no 2 ideal stencil machine, are you interested in it? Posted by: kym on 06/26/08 at 6:17 AM
Can an admin, please refer my email address to kym? I’m very interrested in that machine. Regards U Posted by: Ugo on 07/10/08 at 11:52 AM
I am delighted to see your # 2 picture…we have recently found a # 3, which looks identical…and we haven’t been able to get any info. on the age etc of the machine…please let me know what you know as in date, value etc… Posted by: yana on 07/31/08 at 11:06 AM
I think the Ideal Stencil machines is a wonderful marvel of technology. It works like an old Swiss antique clock of the good old days. Kashyap Ray Posted by: Kashyap Ray on 10/08/08 at 5:19 AM
I have a #1, it works great,has somegold leaf designs. was used at factory that made bombs and shells during WWII, looking for offers Posted by: demj142@comcast.net on 10/14/08 at 5:24 PM
I have a IDEAL #2 i would like to sell! Please reply Posted by: scott kelley on 10/31/08 at 9:59 AM
i have a # 2 ideal stenciling machine that i would love to sell if interested contact me via email Posted by: qA canleyal on 11/03/08 at 5:28 PM
I have a ideal no.2 in great condition i make stencils out of cardboard . need to sell if anybody is interested Posted by: skelley on 11/21/08 at 1:00 AM
I found one of thise machines in a old storage building at work they told me to throw it out but i just couldnt bring my self to, so its in the back of my truck til i find something to do with it, is there any where else to find out more information on them, my serial number on this one is 14164 Posted by: Aaron on 04/18/09 at 3:55 PM
I have this identical Ideal No.2 Diagraph stencil machine. The number on the plate in the front is 1083. My husband used it in his business many years ago lettering boxes for shipping. I also have a stack of the cardboard inserts for making the stencils. I would consider selling if anyone is seriously intersted. I’ll take detailed pictures and send them upon request. I live in Massachusetts and would prefer a local sale as it’s extreemly heavy! Posted by: Gail on 05/18/09 at 6:11 PM
I have an Ideal number 2 for sale. It is located in meridian Mississippi. anyone inteested? Thanks, Ken Posted by: Ken on 09/23/09 at 12:00 PM
I also have a diagraph no. 2 that I am trying to sell. I have no idea the value. Can anyone help me out? Posted by: Carrie on 11/20/09 at 9:40 AM
I also have a diagraph no. 2 that I am trying to sell. I have no idea the value. Can anyone help me out? Posted by: Carrie on 11/20/09 at 9:40 AM
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