The Private Presses of New Mexico

Iron Handpress

view enlarged panel

Although inventor George Clymer developed this country’s first iron handpress in 1813, he moved to England where his Columbian press enjoyed more success.

New Yorker Samuel Rust introduced America’s most popular iron handpress, the Washington, in 1821. These presses made use of levers and toggles, resulting in increased pressure and better impression.

Used by Gustave Baumann and at the Laguna Mission Press.

Common Press Iron Handpress
Cylinder Press Platen Press
Hobby Press Vandercook Press

(click panel to explore)