Copy press

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Status

On view

Date1780-1850

Geography Possibly made - United StatesPossibly made - England

Medium/TechniqueMahogany, brass

DimensionsOverall (H x W x D): 14 1/2 in. x 17 7/8 in. x 10 3/4 in. (36.8 cm x 45.4 cm x 27.31 cm)

Credit LinePurchase, 1999

Object numberM-4086

DescriptionCopy, letter, or book press with a thumb-molded adjustable upper plate activated by a long helix screw with a flattened knob finial, and a fixed base plate with a single drawer below. The screw passes through a central hole in the crossrail of a double, post-and-rail type frame attached to the lower case at the sides. A circular hole is drilled through the screw pole just below the center to accommodate a cylindrical handle (now missing). The lower end of the screw has a squat, turned baluster. The drawer has a circular brass pull with a beaded edge.

The outer side posts are dovetailed to the upper crossrail and screwed to the sides of the lower case. This framework encloses the lower crossrail and inner posts, which appear to be tenoned into the sides of the lower case. The two frames are pegged together from the top with two pegs. The screw pole is tenoned into a rectangular crosspiece that is screwed to the top of the upper plate. The case is constructed of boards that are miter-joined and glued at each corner. The base is a single board that is glued or nailed to the case. The drawer exhibits dovetailed construction. The drawer bottom is set into dadoes on the front and sides and is flush-nailed at the back.

Published References

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