Object Details
maker
unknown
Description
This acorn-framed press with Stansbury levers was made by Isaac & Seth Adams of Boston in about 1830. It includes a makers’ brass label. Its original frisket and forestay are missing. The press has a height of 58 inches, a width at cheeks of 31.5 inches, and a length of 37 inches. The press platen measures 13 inches by 16.5 inches.
In about 1821 Abraham Stansbury of New York invented and patented a wood-framed press with two iron torsion levers. The press was manufactured by the Cincinnati Type Foundry from about 1827. A few years later the brothers Seth and Isaac Adams produced a modified form with three torsion levers and an all-iron acorn frame. In 1859 Isaac Adams sold his business to R. Hoe & Company, which continued to build the press for another twenty years. The brass label reads “ADAMS PRESS No. 325, Manufactured by I. & S. ADAMS & CO., Boston.”
Purchased in 1985.
Citation: Elizabeth Harris, "Printing Presses in the Graphic Arts Collection," 1996.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
circa 1830
date made
ca 1830
ID Number
1985.0498.01
accession number
1985.0498
catalog number
1985.0498.01
Object Name
Press, Printing
Other Terms
Press, Printing; Flatbed Platen
Physical Description
wood (overall material)
iron (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 58 in x 31 1/2 in x 37 in; 147.32 cm x 80.01 cm x 93.98 cm
overall: 58 1/2 in x 31 1/2 in x 40 in; 148.59 cm x 80.01 cm x 101.6 cm
place made
United States: Massachusetts, Boston
See more items in
Work and Industry: Graphic Arts
Communications
Printing Presses in the Graphic Arts Collection
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_826188