Novelty jobber

This clamshell jobber was made by the B. O. Woods Company before 1887. It includes a brazed repair on its roller guide tracks. The press chase measures 6.5 inches by 10.5 inches.

The Novelty—usually a table-top lever press—was invented by Benjamin Woods and William Tuttle, Boston pharmacists, for their own use in the shop. In 1867 the partners patented the press, and introduced it under the slogan, “Be your own printer.” The Novelty was manufactured in four sizes with hand or foot levers, and many thousands were sold before the company was bought out by William Kelsey in 1887. This press is one of the larger and later models with a flywheel and rotary action.

The collection also include seven “Novelty Type Cases” (but no cabinet) that were made and sold by Woods to go with his presses. These diminutive cases measure 13 by 16 inches, and have 81 equal-sized boxes. Each box has a rounded bottom to make it easier to take out type.

Donated by John F. Craemer, 1985.

Citation: Elizabeth Harris, "Printing Presses in the Graphic Arts Collection," 1996.

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