PRINTMAKING DEPARTMENT
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Year Produced: 1880s
Manufacturer: R. Hoe & Company
Location: New York
In 1813, mechanic George Clymer created the first iron hand press in Philadelphia. At the time, wooden presses had been in use for four centuries. But iron soon proved more reliable, as it was sturdier, easier to clean, and harder to damage. Movable type is set in a frame, alongside pre-cut graphic images on woodblocks. With the serial number filed off our press, it’s difficult to determine the exact year this press was manufactured. Despite all the advantages offered by the iron hand press, wooden presses continued to be employed in the printing process.