Hot metal

The Columbian Direct Hand Press

Iron presses represented a technological innovation over the original wooden Gutenburg press. The strength of there manufacture allowed them to incorporate a system of counterweights, rods and levers that required less effort to produce more force making a clearer impression. This allowed them to make more copies, use different materials and importantly print on larger formats. This Columbian Press, considered the most ornate, was designed by a Philadelphian mechanic, John Clymer in 1813. His patent later expired and the Columbian was manufactured by many other companies. A contemporary 19th century printworks manual can be found here ISBN 1584561009.

A Printing exhibition.