Columbian Press, 1857
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This ornate cast iron hand press paid homage to America, but sold best in England. George Clymer developed the press and its ingenious system of levers in Philadelphia in 1813. He named it "Columbian" and decorated it with an eagle (which also served as counterweight), a horn of plenty, and other symbols of American prosperity. Our Columbian was made in England in 1857, after Clymer's death.
This ornate cast iron hand press paid homage to America, but sold best in England. George Clymer developed the press and its ingenious system of levers in Philadelphia in 1813. He named it "Columbian" and decorated it with an eagle (which also served as counterweight), a horn of plenty, and other symbols of American prosperity. Our Columbian was made in England in 1857, after Clymer's death.
Artifact
Printing press
Date Made
1857
Creators
Place of Creation
United Kingdom, England, London
Creator Notes
Made by Edward Bevan in London, England. Patented by George Clymer.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
28.772.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Cast iron
Steel (Alloy)
Brass (Alloy)
Wood (Plant material)
Dimensions
Height: 6 ft
Width: 3.583 ft
Depth: 4.75 ft
Inscriptions
COLUMBIAN PRESS / NO.1713 / EDWARD BEVAN / LATE / CLYMER DIXON & CO. / ORIGINAL PATENTEES / MANUFACTURERS / 10 FINSBURY ST. 1857 LONDON
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