Columbian Eagle - Limited Edition
The Columbian Hand Iron Press was invented in 1813 by George Clymer, a Philadelphia mechanic. Due to poor sales, Clymer set sail for London, England, in 1817. It was Clymer who first designed a printing press that did away from the “wine screw” as used since the time of Gutenberg. A series of levers provided greater impression and ease of use that possibly few in America could appreciate. Eventually, with an English partner, Samuel Dixon, he started producing Columbian presses from a shop at No. 10 Finsbury Street, London.
Embellished in order to draw attention, Clymer then designed the eagle to sit atop the press as a counter-weight. The Columbian turned into a huge success at Clymer’s new home, and upon the expiry of the original patents, V. & J. Figgins, one of London's prolific press makers, started making Columbian presses too.
We are pleased to present - COLUMBAN EAGLE, authentically cast from an original eagle adorning the museum’s V. & J. Figgins Columbian Hand Iron Press, dated 1874.
Limited to only twelve eagles, these are true facsimiles. Cast in metal measuring 13.5" high by 11" wide, the Figgins Columbian Eagle is a magnificent display of power and might, as Thomas C. Hansard (1776-1833), the famed London Printer & Publisher, wrote:
". . . surmounting the Columbian press, the American eagle with extended wings, and grasping in his talons, Jove’s thunderbolts, combined with the olive branch of Peace, and Cornucopia of Plenty, all handsomely bronzed and gilt, resisting and bearing down All Other Power!”
Available only while supplies last.
Measurements include base dimensions.
