could then be contacted to film for offset negatives. During World War II not many presses were made because Vandercook was heavily involved in manufacturing for the war effort, for which they received the E award. One press they made for the government during the war was a model 055, 51″ x 75″ in size. With the exception of models 0, 01, 03 and 099, which were gravity type presses, all of the Vandercooks had geared cylinders. The last models designed were the SP series (which stands for Simple Precision) and the Universal series. They are similar in design but the Universal presses were originally designed as Test presses for ink companies and paper mills. Most of them were made with automatic controls and adjustable beds (AB). The SP series were mostly hand presses. The SP15 was the most popular of them all. Besides letterpress proof presses, Vandercook also made offset proof presses. The flat bed presses were the model 20-26 (wet) and 15-20 (dry). In 1968, they came out with model RO4-29. This unique 4 color model was an offset proofing press that featured a common impression cylinder surrounded by the 4 printing units. This press was capable of running 1500 sheets per hour and automatically producing progressive proofs. They also made 4 color letterpress wet proof presses; model 604 which was brought out in 1947 and 10 years later replaced by model 30-26 which was made until 1972. Prices for the early model rocker presses were from US$140 to $175 depending on the size. Forty years later the model 0 proof press was still only $175. Other prices in 1955 were: $1965 for a model 4 and $23,650 for a model 604. In 1958, The Universal I cost $2150. References External links A collection of articles about Vandercook NA Graphics' website Manufacturing companies based in Chicago Printing press manufacturers Manufacturing companies established in 1909 1909 establishments in Illinois Manufacturing companies disestablished in 1994 1994 disestablishments in Ohio