Plantin Moretus Museum: Press 5

Description:

Location: Printing room.
Year: circa 1600 - circa 1799
Catalogue number: MPM.V.V.03.1.005
Builder: -
Press dimensions: length 168 cm, height: 193 cm, depth: 73 cm.
Platen dimensions: [Philip Gaskell: 17,5 x 12 inch]
Platen material: Cast brass
Spindle material: metal
Hose type: Unique?
One pull/two pull: two

Notes:

1. Philip Gaskel (1970) mentions about the spindle: ‘The spindle is in two parts, each cut wih a small pitch thread, running in opposite directions; they are fixed solidly in the head and the hose respectively. A single sleeve, to which the bar is attached, and which is threaded inside, fits over both screws. When the sleeve is turned it descends relative to the head, and the platen descends relative to the sleeve. There is, of course, no pivot bearing.’ He further notes: ‘The impression assembly of this press is similar in principle to those of improved presses by Didot père and Anisson, 1777-1783; its mechanical advantage is not significantly different from that of a common press with a conventional spindle.’
2. This press has several other characteristics that are more common on metal presses: an adjustable ‘stop’ for the bar, a bolted clasp to hold the girth, and a contra weight for the frisket.
3. Link to photo on Bibliopolis.

Literature:

Gaskell, Philip. 1970. ‘A census of wooden presses.’ Journal of the printing historical society. (6), page 5. [B5]

Voet, Leon. 1969-1972. ‘The Golden Compasses. The History of the House of Plantin-Moretus.’ (2 volumes). Vangendt & Co, Amsterdam / Routledge & Kegan Paul, London / Abner Schram, New York. [Especially pages 136 – 142.]

Photographs: medium size. Clicking enlarges in new window.

Photo: Karel van der Waarde, 2020.

Photo: Frans Janssen.

Photo: Karel van der Waarde, 2020.

Photo: Karel van der Waarde, 2020.

Photo: Karel van der Waarde, 2020.

Photo: Karel van der Waarde, 2020.