Kelsey Excelsior Mercury: Model-U

LETTERPRESS DEPARTMENT

Three Sizes Available

Nickname: Kelsey

Year Produced: 1940s - 60s

Manufacturer: The Kelsey Press Company

Location: Connecticut

Donated By: Sara Friedman

Chase Area: 3”x5”; 5”x8”; 6”x10”

While the Kelsey Excelsior Mercury began production in the late 1800s, our Model Us were  manufactured sometime in the 1940s - 60s in Meriden, Connecticut. Kelsey’s press was the longest-lasting press on the market and continued production until 1990. Over the course of a century, the body style of the Excelsior changed several times, but the toggle lever remained in every iteration following its introduction in 1874. William A. Kelsey initially marketed his presses to amateur printers, but his inexpensive tabletop press gained popularity with families and hobby printers alike.