? Digital Heddles: Jacquard loom and card decks ?

From: Nick Gessler <gessler_at_ucla.edu>
Date: Sat Jun 2 23:04:56 2001

Hi,

OK, I'm after the really old stuff. The card deck for the Jacquard Loom
inspired Babbage to use it as a programming device and is the precursor of
the Hollerith card. So I've been trying to locate some old Jacquard Loom
card decks and maybe even an abandoned loom to add to my collection and
show to my students. Lots of 19th Century Jacquard weavings on eBay but
never any cards. A web search reveals that some company's will still punch
out cards for Card Jacquards, but would rather create floppies for
Electronic Jacquards. Indeed it would be nice to have an example of
each. Does anyone know where any of these devices might be had for
scrap? I've made some attempts to contact weaving companies, but as you
might imagine they have more important fish to fry than supplying
collectors with their discards. So before I get really serious and begin
making long-distance phone calls and personal visits, I thought I'd ask if
anyone on the list could provide me with a few pointers.

Anyone else interested in Jacquards?

Cheers,
Nick
gessler_at_ucla.edu
Received on Sat Jun 02 2001 - 23:04:56 BST