Object Details
maker
unknown
Description
This rail press by an unknown maker dates from between 1880 and 1900. It is marked “Bonanza”’ in its casting. The press, on a Museum-made base, has a height of 7 inches a width of 4 inches and a length of 11.5 inches; its chase measures 2 inches by 3.5 inches.
Rail presses were simple, cast-iron toys sold through novelty dealers for about one dollar. They took full-size or, later, half-length printer’s type. Rail presses, manufactured to stand on a full length strip of metal, were produced in large numbers and varieties between about 1880 and 1900, after which presses made for rubber type became more popular. The rail-press makers are usually unknown.
Donated by John C. and James C. Draper, 1973.
Citation: Elizabeth Harris, "Printing Presses in the Graphic Arts Collection," 1996.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
John William Christopher Draper and James Christopher Draper
date made
between 1880 and 1900
ca 1880 - 1900
ID Number
GA.23864.160
catalog number
GA.23864.160
GA.23864.003
accession number
304826
Object Name
case with type
press, printing
stamp, hand
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 7 in x 4 in x 11 1/2 in; 17.78 cm x 10.16 cm x 29.21 cm
place made
United States
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_1096395