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Chase - Typesetting, circa 1900s-1930s Reg. No: HT 16488

Summary:: A chase is a metal frame used in typesetting. The empty frame is known as the chase. The chase filled with a job for printing is known as the forme.

Setting type by hand is known as 'composing the type'. The type is taken letter by letter and placed into a 'setting stick' -- a wood or metal tray held in one hand and the words are built into lines of type of a set width. The lines are then put together to make a page inside a metal frame called a chase. Spaces in amongst the page are filled with wooden or metal "furniture". The furniture is level with the surfaces of the type blocks so as not to pick up any ink. The spaces between the chase walls and the page are filled with expandable "quoins". Quoins, when tightened, lock all the type and furniture securely within the chase (now called a "forme"). The forme is placed on the press and printing commenced.
Description:: Rectangular frame made of metal used to contain type.

Discipline:	Technology
Dimensions:	180 mm (Width), 260 mm (Length)

Themes this item is part of:	Letterpress Printing, Information & Communication Collection
Primary Classification:	COMMUNICATIONS
Secondary Classification:	Printing
Tertiary Classification:	(to be classified)
Inscriptions:	Engraved with: "COLLIE"
User (Probable):	Victorian Government Printing Office, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1900-1980
References:	http://sharlot.org/events/livinghistory/printing.html accessed 9 October 2008