Acorn Press

The Acorn Press is named after its distinct shape. Acorn-shaped frames on presses have been found on a few different models, their main differences being their toggle mechanisms, which create the force of the printing impression. The Stansbury (produced first by Cincinnati Type Foundry and later by R. Hoe & Co.), Otis Tufts’s press, and some Adams presses utilized this shape. However, the Smith press, patented by Peter Smith in 1821, is different from other acorn presses in its toggle joint. Peter Smith was part of Smith, Hoe & Co., (then R. Hoe & Co. after Smith’s death in 1823). Hoe made and sold the Smith press from 1821 until 1890. A shrewd company, their marketing of the machine made it popular despite the fact that it was not necessarily more efficient, durable, or cheaper than other options. Eventually, the Washington press overtook the Acorn in popularity. The Washington press was lighter and stronger, and was able to be easily disassembled for shipment. R. Hoe & Co. succeeded in buying the rights to the Washington’s patent in 1835. Thereafter, the Washington press was one of Hoe & Co.’s main products, although they were not the only manufacturer of them. The company recognized the Washington’s structural superiority, and eventually manufactured the Smith toggle in the rectangular Washington frame. 

This particular Acorn Press (c. 1830) was donated to the Cary Collection by Wesley Tanner, and it remains a mystery. Unlike most presses, it bears no manufacturer’s mark or serial number making it very difficult to determine which company made it. It bears some specific features that hints that it may have been manufactured by the Cincinnati Type Foundry. However, the toggle joint closely resembles the Smith press style which was not the style favored by that company who is more known for producing the Stansbury Acorn press. Multiple experts have examined the press trying to determine its provenance, but so far it has stumped them all!

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