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Spy press

American History Museum

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International media Interoperability Framework
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    Object Details

    maker

    unknown

    Description

    This aluminum press came disassembled and packed in a small suitcase. Its maker is unknown, but was made about 1940. The press platen measures 5 inches by 8 inches.
    The press was cast in moulds for the Kelsey Excelsior, but was not cast by the Kelsey Company itself. It was made for clandestine military use in World War II, and came to the Museum under the name “Spy press.”
    Donated by Richard N. Weltz, 1979.
    Citation: Elizabeth Harris, "Printing Presses in the Graphic Arts Collection," 1996.

    Location

    Currently not on view

    Date made

    circa 1940

    date made

    ca 1940

    ID Number

    1980.0730.01

    catalog number

    1980.0730.01

    accession number

    1980.0730

    Object Name

    Press, Printing

    Physical Description

    aluminum (overall material)

    Measurements

    overall: 5 in x 8 in; 12.7 cm x 20.32 cm
    container: 6 in x 15 in x 22 in; 15.24 cm x 38.1 cm x 55.88 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

    Subject

    World War II

    related event

    World War II

    Metadata Usage

    CC0

    Link to Original Record

    https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746aa-a982-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

    Record ID

    nmah_1212644

    Discover More

    Small, cylindrical handheld press with a wooden handle.

    Card and Tabletop Presses

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