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Katanning Historical Society > Records

Lead Ingot

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c. 1950

Subcollections

Overview

A long lead ingot

Historical information

Linotype machines melted lead alloy ingots inside an electrically or gas-heated pot. When an operator typed a line brass letter molds dropped into place. The machine then pumped the molten metal against the molds to cast a solid, single line of text called a slug for printing. Sometimes the lead was mixed with antimony and tin to lower the melting point, harden the type, and ensure the metal expanded slightly upon cooling for sharp, precise letters.
After the print run, the slugs of lead were melted down and reused.

This ingot would have been used in The Great Southern Herald offices in the Linotype machine that was used.

Details

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-202-HS2026.307

Item type

Objects

Material

Lead Compounds

Width

59 cm

Height or length

6.5000 cm

Depth

3.5000 cm

Year

Primary significance criteria

Historic significance

Last modified

Wednesday, 12 August, 2026

Completeness

94

Copyright and Reference

Copyright and Reference

Rights category

Date of creation +70 years

Permissions

Please contact the Katanning Historical Society for reproduction of image.

Attribution requirements

Courtesy of Katanning Historical Society.

Katanning Historical Society

Katanning Historical Society

Other items from Katanning Historical Society

Lead Ingot

Lead Ingot

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