Help identifying Press
Hello,
Would like some help in identifying this job press for a small history museum. I looked for a serial number behind the chase on the bed but nothing was stamped in so it’s not a Chandler & Price press.
Things that stand out: The roller rails that follow up alongside the ink disc; the way the hook secures the chase; the rounded edge on the flywheel. Also, there appears to be no throw-off lever.
The chase size seemed on the smaller side…maybe 7x11 or 6x10.
I didn’t have much time to look the press over, so I failed to check the back brace to search for a maker’s mark like a lot of job presses have stamped in.
Where would a serial number be? Any date range for this particular press? Thanks for any info.
- Bob
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May be a Gordon Gordon! A museum here in Costa Rica has one similar which bears a brass Gordon tag on the rear crossbar of the roller arms. The tag gives Gordon’s patent dates, and the press has to have been made after the latest one. Inside measurements of the chase also can give helpful info.
Seems pretty certain the pulley bolted to the flywheel is a later addition. The rest of the press looks quite similar to the one in Costa Rica.
Bob
Your press has many of the characteristics of an original old style G P Gordon (chase release mechanism & characteristic frame & lower spreader/brace), but some additions (like the rail extensions) that seem out of place. Since it predates the development of the throw-off, I’d say late 1850s to no later than 1872. If it is an OS Gordon, it was made by Nichols & Langworthy Machine Co, Hope Valley RI. Gordon used N&L to build his presses, starting in 1853. There are no serial numbers that I am aware of.
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This is the Gordon jobber at the Museo Juan Santamaria in Alajuela, Costa Rica. Note the roller rail extensions and other close similarities to the subject of the post, particularly the flywheel.
Bob
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And the ID plate.
Bob
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Bob & Bill,
Thank you so much for the info on this press! Next time I make it back to that museum I will check for that tag and look for patent dates. I will also forward that information to them. Your quick and accurate responses are what makes Briar Press such a great letterpress resource!
-Bob P.
The photos of were a great help!