Summary
Model printing press. "Excelsior" 1873. Made by Kelsey & Co, accompanied by a printing forme handset with monotype.
The empty frame is known as the chase. The chase filled with a job for printing is known as the forme.
The forme contains type and spacers (technically known as furniture). The type and spacers are held in place using screw clamps, which are part of the chase.
Setting type by hand is known as 'composing the type'. The type is taken letter by letter and placed into a 'setting stick' - a wood or metal tray held in one hand and the words are built into lines of type of a set width.
The lines are then put together to make a page inside the chase. Spaces in amongst the page are filled with wooden or metal "furniture". The furniture is level with the surfaces of the type blocks so as not to pick up any ink.
The forme is placed on the press, inked and printing commenced.
Physical Description
A model printing press complete with forme, painted black.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Purchase
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Manufacturer
Kelsey & Co, Meriden, Connecticut, United States of America, 1873
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Inscriptions
Inscribed on side: EXCELSIOR PAT MAY 6 1873 A paper print-out is attached to the press and held in frame reads: THE EXCELSIOR PAT. MAY 6 1873 KELSEY & CO USA Meriden, Conn Size 2 x 3
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Brand Names
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Classification
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Object Dimensions
141 mm (Width), 225 mm (Depth), 144 mm (Height)
Height measurement with forme attached. Height without forme: 128mm
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Keywords