Engraving of Franklin's Press

ID: 95-20317

Creator: Unknown

Form/Genre: Photographic print

Date: 1886

Citation: Smithsonian Institution Archives, Information File, Box 13, Folder: Smithsonian Guide Books, 1886 (Brentano Bros.)

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Summary

Illustration (Fig. 137) in "A Handbook to the National Museum under the direction of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington" is what is known as the Franklin Press. In 1768 Benjamin Franklin visited the printing company in London where he had apprenticed in the 1720s. Franklin purportedly took a turn at this press, although he had not operated a press when he worked there. The press was then deemed so historically valuable that it was purchased and transported to the United States, where it went on display in the Patent Office Building and later went to the Smithsonian as the "Franklin Press."

Subject

  • Franklin, Benjamin 1706-1790
  • United States National Museum
  • Arts and Industries Building

Category

Historic Images of the Smithsonian

Notes

This information in the Guide Book is incorrect. Use the information from Negative #17539-B when referring to the press. From "A Handbook to the National Museum under the direction of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington." New York: Brentano Brothers, 1886. Page 102

Contained within

Smithsonian Institution Archives, Information File, Box 13, Folder: Smithsonian Guide Books, 1886 (Brentano Bros.)

Contact information

Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu

Date

1886

Restrictions & Rights

No restrictions

Topic

  • Printing
  • Artifacts
  • Exhibitions
  • Franklin Printing Press
  • Visitor's Guide
  • Historical and Personal Relics
  • Printing presses

Form/Genre

  • Photographic print
  • Object

ID Number

95-20317

Physical description

Color: Black and White; Size: 8w x 10h; Type of Image: Object; Medium: Photographic print

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