Object Details
- Description
- Samuel W. Lowe of Philadelphia invented the Lowe printing press, an unusual conical cylinder press patented in 1856. Like Adams's Cottage printing press, it did not include a frisket and included an automatic tympan. The rights for the press were sold in 1858 to Joseph Watson, who marketed both presses in Boston and Philadelphia.
- The Lowe printing press does not appear to have been as heavily advertised as the Adams, although the company notes that we have sold many presses … to druggists … in this country and in other lands. Every boy and business man seems to be having one.
- As for portability, the Lowe was more than a third lighter than the Adams, ranging from between 12 and 120 pounds as compared to Adams's press at between 100 and 400 pounds. The Lowe used a simpler frame and relatively thin castings.
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- maker
- Lowe, Samuel W.
- date made
- ca 1860
- patent date
- 1856
- Credit Line
- Gift of Joseph H. Hennage
- Physical Description
- metal (overall material)
- wood (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 9 3/4 in x 14 1/2 in x 26 in; 24.765 cm x 36.83 cm x 66.04 cm
- Object Name
- press, printing
- Object Type
- Letterpress
