Gordon Job Press, circa 1865

Artifact Overview

The Gordon Franklin was a popular platen job press in the 19th century, celebrated for its innovative ink distribution. Its inventor, George P. Gordon, a Spiritualist, claimed that Benjamin Franklin described the press to him in a dream. J.H. Crouse of Chicago used this press for small jobs, printing patent medicine labels and church bulletins to cover college expenses.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Printing press

Date Made

circa 1865

Creators

Gordon, George P.

Place of Creation

United States, Rhode Island

Creator Notes

Made by George P. Gordon in Rhode Island.

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Made in America

Object ID

31.1017.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cast iron
Steel
Wood (Plant material)

Dimensions

Height: 44 in
Width: 41 in
Length: 40.5 in

Inscriptions

brass plate below bed marked: GEO. P. GORDON'S / PATENTS / AUG. 5TH 1851 JAN. 1ST 1856 JAN 10TH 1860.

Keywords	United States, Ohio, Hicksville Platen presses Printing presses Communication Crouse, John H. Central Advent Christian Mission Society Printing (Process) Leaflets (Printed works) Bulletins Patent medicines Churches (Buildings)