Letterpress

Attributed to Charles Ilfield Co. Wholesale Hardware

Date1905

Mediumiron

Dimensions14 1/2 × 21 × 13 in. (36.8 × 53.3 × 33 cm)

ClassificationsTools, Implements & Weights

Credit LineAlbuquerque Museum, gift of Mr. Frank Wright

Object numberPC1978.63.1

DescriptionThis cast iron letterpress has a japanned black finish and gold leaf detailing. The press features a rectangular base with beveled edges and two decorative columns supporting an arched crossbar. A large circular handle sits atop a threaded screw mechanism, which applies downward pressure to the platen. The number "5" is painted in gold on the crossbar, and the letter "C" is marked on the base. This letterpress was used by the Ilfeld Company prior to 1905 and later owned by George Crane, a printer. Letterpresses like this were essential tools for businesses, producing invoices, receipts, and correspondence at a time when print communication was vital to commercial operations.

On View

Not on view

Terms