Lewis Pantographs

(Keystone Type Foundry)

There seem to have been at least three machines patented by James W. Lewis (Philadelphia).

The first of these, from 1903/1905 (US patent 787,197), is describe (in the patent) as an "improvement" to the Benton punch-cutting machine. It is clearly a modification of Benton's first style of machine. This patent was not assigned, and I do not know if the machine it describes was produced.

The second machine, from 1904/1905 (US patent 798,354), also admits its Benton heritage; it appears to derive from Benton's second style of machine. The patent was not assigned, and I do not know if this machine was produced.

Lewis' third machine, from 1905/196 (US patent 839,011) was different. Also, unlike the first two machines, it is described not only as a punchcutting machine but also a matrix engraving machine. Its patent was assigned to the Keystone Type Foundry (like Lewis, this foundry was located in Philadelphia). Keystone was independent of ATF until its purchase by ATF in 1919. I have no information about whether or not Keystone actually produced this machine.

Amusingly, the patent claims the ability to cut matrices or punches from 0 to 144 points. I would very much like to see 0 point type.