Seal Embossing Press (Notary type embosser) |
Seal Press Collector . . . . . .Cox Robert Crider |
Seal embossing presses consist of two major types: percusssion (struck with fist or palm) or lever (much more efficient). Although these were most widely used from the 1850's through the 1950's, there are few serious collectors of these neat historical items. Hopefully this page will help collectors and researchers share their knowledge. I will add to it as I have time and material. |
Here are some of my seal presses. Most of these are lever presses, but close inspection will reveal some of the smaller percussion types. Note also that there are "plain" and figural varieties. In the days and months ahead, I will add individual pictures, so the more pictures, the longer the page may take to load. Remember that I welcome any data about seal presses, including rarity and value ratings! |
Seal presses of this style are mostly British origin to the best of my knowledge. |
Percussion type embosser cast in the figure of a bison (buffalo). |
Indian Maiden Percussion Embosser. An EBAY purchase.....the seller failed to note that the knob is wood and probably a replacement. This could not be ascertained from the EBAY photo, and is not obvious in this photo. |
A pair of lion percussion presses. Both are marked with a patent date, but one is also marked Jos. H. Merriam, a Boston engraver. |
A frog with a lilly pad on his head! |
A bulldog purchased on EBAY. The seller failed to mention that the leaf spring which causes the rebound is missing! |
An extraordinary lion head press, weighs 16 lbs. |
This is the big lion with a normal sized one for comparison. |
A Scotty Dog seal press. Upper and lower seals are missing. |
I have 3 lions in this mold. All 3 have the smooth lever rather than the more ornate style. I believe they are not repleacement handles, but are original to this mold. |
Another of the many lion styles. There are many more I do not have in my collection (yet!). |
Note the many variations in these lions. |
Another lion. |
....and another |
The "pat'd 1904" is, I believe, the most common of the lions, Even this mold has variations. |
Called sea monster, porpoise, or dragon. What do you think? |
A heavily stylized lion, a sea monster, or a ____? |
I would like to work with other collectors to arrive at a classification system for the various types of lion head seal presses, and even for other styles as well. Photographs, references, and other resources are welcome. You can email me directly from the "Contact Me" page. More to come on this page as time allows. |
This cut of an old advertisement appeared in a research article about Joseph H. Merriam, a Boston die cutter and medallist of the middle 19th century. It appeared in the "Numismatist" magazine, April 1980. Note the body of the press is an eagle. The article states that Merriam's company produced seal presses in the forms of "Lion, Salamander, Toad, and Omega". Any additional information about Merriam presses would be appreciated. |
This is a cut from an 1887 advertising pamphlet of the R. E. Mathewson Company of Buffalo, New York. The cost of the complete press with dies was $6.50 for the large or $5.50 for a smaller one......not inexpensive for 1887! |
This advertising cut is also from 1887, "The Dallas Engraving Company" 844 Elm St., Dallas, Texas. You could buy this seal press with a Texas, Louisana, or Indian Territory seal for $2, but one for any other state would cost you $2.40! |
This is a large lion (14 in. tall) owned by another collector. Maybe I will find one too! |
This is a Buffalo Seal Press owned by the same collector. |
The same collector owns this one also. Perhaps he will share some more photos with us because he obviously has a great collection! |
Many more photos to be posted! |
An unusual press made by the same company who made the Sea Monster. This one is in the Early Office Museum, www.officemuseum.com. Check it out! |
This is a different type of lion I just acquired. |
The seal press above and to the left have cast-in leaf embellishments. I own these two, a large and small one, but I have also seen a medium-sized one and a type I call a "low profile large" (See comments on "Low Profile Large" below). The press on the left has remnants of a copper wash, the only copper-toned press I have observed. |
Below is the "Low Profile Large" size. Note that it is more "squat" and has a deeper throat. You can roll the paper in the throat and made the emboss just about anywhere on the page with this type of press. |
This general body style is the most common and can still be purchased from several sources. I surmise that the cast bodies being used in the new production are left over from old stock. Any opinions on that supposition? |
Right: This general body style is the second most common style. There are may variations to the cast-in star decoration. Most have decals have some type in that location. |
This seal press is much like the one on the above right, but it is slightly larger and the condition is only fair, but it works great! What I like about it the seal. Instead of Oklahoma, it says Indian Territory....kinda neat! |
This press has an unusual style. It also featured a removable lower die (now missing). |
Visit www.officemuseum.com for more seal presses. (not a clickable link) |
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