Engraving of Franklin's Press
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Creator: Unknown
Form/Genre: Photographic print
Date: 1886
Citation: Smithsonian Institution Archives, Information File, Box 13, Folder: Smithsonian Guide Books, 1886 (Brentano Bros.)
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."
Historic Images of the Smithsonian
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
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Information File, Box 13, Folder: Smithsonian Guide Books, 1886 (Brentano Bros.)
Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu
1886
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95-20317
Color: Black and White; Size: 8w x 10h; Type of Image: Object; Medium: Photographic print