Category: General discussion
Later topic: Machine shop in Philadelphia area
Earlier topic: more help with identification

Improved Columbian Press

Can anyone tell me whether a Hopkinson and Cope Improved Columbian Press is likely to have a serial number and, if so, where I could look for it?

Any pointers to sources of information about that model of Columbian would also be greatly appreciated.

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  • AdLibPress
  • on 5 Mar 09 (08:25)
  • Updated 5 Mar 09 (09:15)

I believe almost all Columbians by whatever manufacturer had a brass plate on the head that identified the maker and carried a number if one was assigned. A quick check of the North American Hand Press Database reveals that of 54 Columbians recorded I show 15 different manufacturers; 15 of the 54 do not have a manufacturer recorded. None are by Hopkinson & Cope. Sorry I can’t offer a comparison press. You might check at the St. Bride Institute Library.

Where is this press located — should it be in the database?

Thank you, AdLibPress. I’ll check for the brass plate.

I wish I had known about the St Bride Institute Library when I was visiting London at Christmas!

Hi,
Most Columbians are not marked anywhere other than the brass plate mentioned above. It will be in the centre of the beam. Hopkinson and Cope made plenty of Albions but I have never seen a Columbian of theirs, can you post a pic?
Sometimes if this plate is missing a bit of detective work with decoration, foot shape etc I can date you within 5-10 years.
Best Wishes,
Jeremy

Jeremy

I’ve had a look and can’t find any sign of a plate as described.

I haven’t been able to find much on the Hopkinson and Cope Columbian from the internet, except that the Powerhouse Museum in Melbourne, Australia has a similar model which they date c. 1870.

I’ve attached a couple of photos in case this helps.

Sorry, had trouble loading photos, but click on these links to see them.

Colombian Press

Colombian Foot

It seems those links haven’t worked either.

I can be contacted direct via the Briar Press email link for further information.

  • Elizabeth
  • on 9 Mar 09 (20:32)
  • Updated 9 Mar 09 (20:55)

inspired - the Help section at http://www.briarpress.org/help has instructions on uploading photos under ‘General technical questions.’

  • Elizabeth
  • on 10 Mar 09 (10:09)
  • Updated 10 Mar 09 (10:14)

inspired - Here are the photos,

image: colum1.jpg

colum1.jpg

image: colum2.jpg

colum2.jpg

image: colum3.jpg

colum3.jpg

image: colum4.jpg

colum4.jpg

image: colum5.JPG

colum5.JPG

Thank you, Elizabeth.

They’ve posted a bit larger than I expected!

A couple of members have pointed out that the spelling on this press is “Colombian” not “Columbian”. The question has been asked: was that intentional or simply an error made by the foundry workmen?

Food for thought…..any comments?

Found a number on the handle of the platen.

It is 6211.1886

I presume this is the serial number.

I notice that the business of Hopkinson & Cope was transferred to Payne & Sons about 1883. I guess the number “1886” refers to the date of manufacture in which case this press would have been made under the auspices of the new owners.

Regards
Margaret