Washington "Monogram"

From Black Creek Pioneer Village:

“Cincinnati Type Foundry and Printing Machine Works” (CTF or “CTCo.”, Cincinnati, Ohio) manufactured Washington presses, possibly as early as the 1840's, after the original patents had expired. The foundry had come into being c.1820, as an outpost of the E. & J. White Type Foundry of New York, and established its individual identity c. 1830. 1

The Washington press was invented by Samuel Rust, who first introduced his patented Figure-4 toggle mechanism in 1821, and, in 1829, introduced a new style of frame, strong, but readily dismantled for transport. 2 This press is of a later period, and features a patented rail system that is more elaborate, and heavy duty than those found on most Washington presses. The patent date for this innovation is October 26, 1875. There are some numbers cast into the lower cross brace of the frame (the ‘winter’) that may represent a manufacture year, and a serial number : they are “76" (above) and “612" (below); but, this is speculation.

The press is in generally good shape, with a few components that are not original, and several that may not be original.

Platen Size : 25" x 39"

The features of this press that distinguish this press from other Washingtons are :

1. the bed/rail arrangement (mentioned above) in which the usual rails are supplemented by rail flanges upon which ‘trucks’ (wheels) at each end of the bed run. At the front end of the bed the wheels run to the outside of the rails, while on the back end they run on the inside.

2. the upright frame of the press is designed for two sizes of press, the 25" x 39" platen of this one, and one size smaller (23" x 35"). This is indicated by numerals cast on the back of the ‘winter’ of the frame.

3. the connecting rod between the ‘bar’ and the lever of the figure-4 toggle is ‘J’-shaped. This seems typical of other CTF Washingtons, but not those of other makers.

4. a flared bracket mounted on the far (pressman’s off-side) column (marked “B.P.P.Co.No 762" may have served to hold one of a number of possible items : an ink table, a lamp stand, etc.

5. a bronze plate mounted on the head of the press, below the word “Type”, identifies a company “Gwatkin & Son/Ontario Printers’ Emporium/67 Bay St. Toronto”, who were “dealers in type and printers’ supplies” from 1870 to 1900. They are recorded at 67 Bay from 1878 to 1900. 3 It is unclear whether they would have served as agents of CTF, or only dealt with this press on the used market.

This press is on extended loan to the Black Creek Pioneer Village from the Ontario Science Centre.

Black Creek Pioneer Village

1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto, ON M3J 2P3

https://blackcreek.ca/