Name/Title
Spirit of Jefferson printing pressEntry/Object ID
1942Description
Various heavy iron and wood pieces for disassembled printing press (ca. 1830 -1840, according to deed of gift). Embossed on large metal piece "WASHINGTON PRESS R. HOE & CO. NEW - YORK. No. 2212". The image of George Washington is on left in a circle and the image of Benjamin Franklin is on right in circle.
"In 1827, Samuel Rust of New York improved and patented [an earlier design]. In 1835, Rust's patent came into the possession of R. Hoe & Co. While under manufacture by this company, the term Washington Hand Press came into being. The press works by parallel motion which brings the flat bed under the platen. Impression is then applied by a toggle joint lever. Presses of this type were used by photoengravers for proofing plates. Many firms manufactured the Washington, some well into the 1900s. The Washington press differs from the Columbian and Albion in that a very simple toggle joint provides pressure to the platen, and on each side of the platen are coil springs which raise it to open position." From a poster of the Museum of Printing, North Andover, MA, and the Letterpress Press (museumofprinting.org/MOP-poster.pdf)Acquisition
Accession
254Source or Donor
Dorsey, R. MeadeAcquisition Method
Gift