Object Details
maker
Kelsey, William
Kelsey, William
Kelsey, William
Description
This platen jobber, with a clamshell mechanism, was made by W. A. Kelsey, about 1891. Its chase measures 9 inches by 13 inches.
William Kelsey made his fame and fortune with small presses for amateurs and children, but for a few years he tried making platen jobbers too, and even a small flatbed cylinder press. His short-lived OK Jobber, introduced in 1887, sold for only $100. The press, criticized as being flimsy and lacking power, was not a great success. But like many lightweight clamshell jobbers of the time, it filled a need and did so inexpensively.
This model was presented in 1891, with a modified frame and a wraparound feed table. The small flywheel (25 inches in diameter) is tied directly to the treadle by a rod. Despite its light frame, the press is heavy in operation.
Purchased in 1985.
Citation: Elizabeth Harris, "Printing Presses in the Graphic Arts Collection," 1996.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
circa 1891
date made
ca 1891
ID Number
1985.0559.02
accession number
1985.0559
catalog number
1985.0559.02
1985.0559.02
Object Name
Press, Printing
printing press
Other Terms
Press, Printing; Platen Jobber
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 9 in x 13 in; 22.86 cm x 33.02 cm
overall: 47 in x 35 3/4 in x 33 1/2 in; 119.38 cm x 90.805 cm x 85.09 cm
place made
United States: Connecticut, Meriden
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_826463