Katanning Historical Society > Records
Lead Ingot
c. 1950Subcollections
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
Copyright and Reference
Copyright and Reference
Rights category
Date of creation +70 years
Attribution requirements
Courtesy of Katanning Historical Society.
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Lead Ingot
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