Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
58.45 |
Object Name |
Letterpress |
Title |
Letter Press |
Artist |
Unknown |
Date |
ca. 1819 |
Description |
Press of wood construction, with worm and rack of brass. Faintly inked "American Philosophical Society. Given by Francis Dacosta, May 21, 1819." |
Label |
Little is known about this model of a letterpress. It may have been a submission for the Magellanic Premium (2009.29), a prize established by the APS in 1786 for contributions in navigation, astronomy, or natural philosophy. Frenchman Dacosta came to Philadelphia in 1803 to manage Jean Audubon's lead mine Mill Grove. In spite of Dacosta's relationship with the Audubon family, he and Jean's famous son, John James Audubon, disliked each other, leading to suspicion that Dacosta was defrauding the elder Audubon, who remained in France. |
Material |
Metal and wood |
Dimensions |
H-11.25 W-10 L-12.25 inches |
Dimension Details |
Incl. crank |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
19th century nineteenth century invention model printing |