Just another day's work over here at Pyracanthra Press. As part of a generous type collection from Dr. Petko, ASU recieved a letterpress from 1834!
At first it looked more liek a jig-saw puzzle board, as it all arrived in separate pieces. It was a fun challenge since we only had old line drawings as reference. As far as we know, no one else has assembled a functioning letterpress of this model during our current century.
The organizer of the operation, Dan Mayer, and two other strong, mechanical-savey helpers were able to desifer this construction anomaly. Although, if I may point out, I was the one who took the leading role and honor of inserting the guilded eagle on at the top.
Just one of those many days that I just have to say... I LOVE MY JOB!