Need help identifying this press

[Cbars]

I recently purchased an older reloading press at an auction. The only markings on it are "S I". Guessing it's Russian made, but can't find any info. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[Otto]

It’s a Lyman. They made a turret version as well.

 

[Cbars]

That's what I was leaning towards, but there's a Herter's that looks similar. Either way, I think it's worth the $10 I paid. Thanks, Otto!

 

[jaguarxk120]

What you have is a Sovereign C-Press. It is listed in the 2nd edition of the
Handloaders Digest, Page 117. In 1964 it sold/listed for $12.00.
This press can be up or down stroke.
Sovereign Instruments, Co.
Box 5355
Dallas, Texas

 

[Cbars]

I'll look it up. Thanks, Jag!!

 

[rfwobbly]

Not much information on Sovereign Instruments, but Ebay has a catalog for sale in item #393096789276.

 

[Cbars]

Thanks, Wobbly! I found a video on a Texan made by Sovereign, this isn't one. I'm leaning towards it being a Lyman. Either way, I'll be putting it to use as soon as I figure out what does I can use in it.

 

[PWC]

Ask the question on Antiquereloadingtools.com. Look on Forum; lots of info on old equipment there.

 

[Cbars]

Thanks, PWC!

 

[jaguarxk120]

If the press was a Lyman it would be marked "Spartan" , that press was the Lyman single stage.

 

[Zendude]

Were the threads on reloading dies from that era mostly the same as the current dies?

 

[JJFitch]

If it's dark brown could it be a Herter's!

 

[Cbars]

It's a dark gray, not brown. Going to take it to my brother's this weekend, he's got piles of dies that have been given to him over the years. I'll update the thread when I figure the die situation out. Thanks for all the help, guys!!

 

[rocirish]

If it is grey it is a Lyman. The ram linkage looks the same as my Lyman ST turret. It should use standard 7/8 dies.

 

[jaguarxk120]

The "SI" cast in te side of the press is the company logo
of Soveregin Instruments.
The press that was seen on a video is the turret, Texas Turret press a seven stage press
If your "C" type is built as well as the Texas Turret, you have a very well made press!

 

[Reinz]

Jaguar is correct.

Due to financial difficulties, FWIW, Sovereign Industries and Texan are pretty much the same.

That particular press under the Texan label is called the 156 C model which is a cast iron press.

They also made an aluminum model called the 256 Double C. Why it had a name that implied that it was better is beyond me because it is not as strong as the 156 C.

I believe I have examples of each, but they are buried in the shed somewhere.

 

[rocirish]

I stand corrected. I should have known better, because I had never seem the SI logo before.