Ramage Hand-lever Printing Press, circa 1809

THF126 / Ramage Hand-lever Printing Press, circa 1809
01

Artifact Overview

This hand-operated printing press is one of the oldest remaining in the United States. America's premier press maker, Adam Ramage, made it in Philadelphia in about 1809. He was the first American to improve printing presses and began a tradition of American innovations in printing press design. With this press, two journeymen printers printed about 250 one-sided sheets per hour.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Hand press

Date Made

circa 1809

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

30.1218.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Oak (Wood)
Wood (Plant material)
Iron (Metal)

Color

Black (Color)
Brown

Dimensions

Height: 80.5 in
Width: 52 in
Length: 70.5 in

02

Related Content

  • Prouty Power Press, circa 1880
    Set

    Information Machines: Printing Presses at The Henry Ford

    • 18 Artifacts
    Enoch Prouty was a Baptist minister who wanted to print a temperance newspaper. He could not afford a press--so he invented one. The long arms and rods on this "grasshopper" press move when operated. In 1892 and 1893, it received merit awards at Chicago's Columbian Exposition. This particular press printed an agricultural journal in Ohio in the 1920s.
  • Apple 1 Computer, 1976
    Set

    Communications and Information Technology

    • 50 Artifacts
    This is one of the first 50 Apple 1 computers. Apple 1s were the first pre-assembled personal computers; Steve Wozniak assembled this one in Steve Jobs's family home. Before the release of the Apple 1, owning a personal computer meant building it yourself. Wozniak's refined engineering skills, coupled with Jobs's bold marketing abilities, led to a revolutionary and affordable product--as well as a successful company.