|
Iron Hand Press - 19th Century |
|
| The iron hand press was the first major overhaul of the printing press since its inception over 350 years earlier. At the beginning of the 19th century, using the tools and materials of the Industrial Revolution, the old wooden common press was quickly replaced with an all iron version. The increased structural strength of the iron hand press made it capable of sustaining the increased force of impression that was now possible through the use of compound levers. The iron hand press was much more efficient and powerful than the wooden press. In the approximately 100 years that the iron hand press was produced, it went through many changes and advances from inventors and manufacturers on both sides of the Atlantic. Patents granted, improved and infringed, the press evolved in form but changed little in function. The iron hand press still remained a single hand sheet fed press, inked by hand with one pressman pulling the bar on each impression. Although seemingly perfected in the 19th century, the improvements in other forms of printing presses would relegate most of the iron hand press to the scrap yard or country shop by century end. But, just as the iron hand press reached the end of its commercial career and faced utter extinction, a revival of the small press, fine printers and hobbyist have kept the presses working ever since. |
Stanhope Press ca. 1820-30 Second Construction
|
|
Click the links below to see more information on many of the great iron hand presses.
|
|
|
|
The Stanhope Press The Columbian Press The Ruthven Press The Wells Press The Washington Press The Albion Press The Union Press The Tufts Press The Philadelphia & Bronstrup Presses The Foster Press The Ruggles Press
|
