Adams Bed and Platen Job Press, 1859-1868

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Artifact Overview

The job press was used for short runs of small items like business cards, handbills, and small books. Its foot-operated treadle made printing efficient--typical operators could produce 1000 prints per hour. This job press could also be adapted to run on steam power, allowing the print process to become mechanized for even greater output.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Printing press

Date Made

1859-1868

Creator Notes

Made by R. Hoe & Company in Boston, Massachusetts. Patented by Seth Adams.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

29.752.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Iron (Metal)
Wood (Plant Material)
Steel (Alloy)

Dimensions

Height: 54.5 in
Width: 40 in
Depth: 56.5 in

Inscriptions

left side: SETH ADAMS'/ PATENT/ 1853 / R. HOE & CO./ NEW YORK & BOSTON
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