A device is provided for transferring a litho­graphic plate (S) from a horizontal conveyor (1) to an overhead conveyor (25). The transfer device comprises orientating means (2) for receiving a transvesely extending lithographic plate from the horizontal conveyor (1) and positioning a folded over end portion (12) of the lithographic plate in the path of a hook member (13) carried by an endless chain (30) of an elevating means (3), so that the plate (S) is lifted into a vertical position and then deposited on a positioning bed (4). An upper part (23) of the bed (4) is pivotable by means of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder (22) to position the end portion (12) of the plate (S) inwardly of the locus of the hook member (13) as the hook member passes around a lower sprocket wheel (15) of the elevating means, so that the hook member passes by without again picking up the lithographic plate. Thereafter, the pivotable portion (23) is pivoted back into alignment with the rest of the positioning bed to present the lithographic plate for collection by the overhead conveyor (25).