Object Details
maker
Gordon, George P.
Description
This self-inking card press was made by George P. Gordon of New York after 1852. It includes its original maker’s label. The press has a height of 49 inches a width of 24 inches and a length of 24 inches; its chase measures 3 inches by 4.5 inches.
Though Gordon is most famous for his platen jobbers, he made several presses specifically for card printing. The Firefly, patented in 1852, printed on a roll or a long strip of paper and then cut the paper into card lengths. Two sets of inking rollers circulated continuously around the cylindrical ink surface. The type formed a segment of the cylinder, and was driven against the platen after each passage of the rollers, twice for every complete revolution.
The Firefly was said to be able to print 8,000 or more impressions per hour. This specimen was modified before it came to the Museum; its original crank was replaced with a belt wheel.
Donated by Benjamin, Samuel, Harding, and Thomas Rees, 1969.
Citation: Elizabeth Harris, "Printing Presses in the Graphic Arts Collection," 1996.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1852
ID Number
GA.23054
catalog number
23054
accession number
282544
Object Name
press, printing
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 49 in x 24 in x 24 in; 124.46 cm x 60.96 cm x 60.96 cm
place made
United States: New York, New York City
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_1213010