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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The advances in metal casting, development of the coal-fired steam engine as a power source, the increased use of precision tools -- just a few of many new industries created by the economic development from 1760 - 1840, known as the 'Industrial Revolution,' plus the rise of a class of skilled mechanics -- brought forth in 1802/3 the first *all-iron hand press, invented by Charles, the third Earl Stanhope (1753 - 1816). From the time of Gutenburg all presses were manufactured mainly from timber although improvements were made over the ensuing years using iron to strengthen the frame and replace other parts including the tympan. The motive power of these presses was derived from a single screw requiring enormous pressure to be applied by the printer. Stanhope retained the conventional screw but separated it from spindle and bar, inserting a system of compound levers between them. Greatest power was obtained at point of contact. The platen was made the full size of the bed enabling impression to be done in one pull compared with 2 pulls on other presses. His first presses had a straight-sided frame and were subject to breaking due to the the added impressional strength. (see below). This problem was sorted a few years later when the frames were strengthened with rounded cheeks. Production wound down in the 1840's in England, however many European manufacturers continued manufacturing it into the twentieth century. French manufacturers included the firms Bresson, Misselbach, Thonnelier, Giroudot, Frapié, Gaveaux, Durand, Colliot, Coisne, Rousselet and Tissier. Others were Paravia and Dell'Orio of Italy and Munktell of Sweden. †H. Jullien, of Brussels sold the above press (as the brass nameplate states and could have manufactured it also but there is insufficient proof).
* The press is mounted on a heavy T-shaped wooden base.
Above photo courtesy Uwe Breker Kalenders
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