Washington Press, Used by the Hostetter Company

01

Artifact Overview

This press represents the original form of the Washington Hand Press. It established two innovations in printing history: a lightened metal frame for easier transport, and a toggle-joint mechanism to create impressions. This press was used by the Hostetter Company in Pittsburgh. As proprietors of "medicinal" tonics with high alcohol content, the company was successful during the Temperance and Civil War eras.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Printing press

Date Made

circa 1825

Creator Notes

Made by Rust and Turney in New York, New York. Patented by Samuel Rust.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

36.234.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the Hostetter Company.

Material

Iron (Metal)
Wood (Plant Material)
Cloth

Color

Red

Dimensions

Height: 65.5 in
Width: 44 in
Diameter: 59 in

Inscriptions

plate on front: WASHINGTON PRESS INVENTED BY SAM RUST / MANUFACTURED BY RUST & TURNEY N. YORK
Washington Press, Used by the Hostetter Company