Lowe's No. 2, 1860

Samuel Lowe patented the first American presses marketed to amateur printers in 1856. A Lowe Co. promotional leaflet promised that: “People of all trades and professions will find one of our printing offices very useful in advertising their business,” thereby taking an early step in demystifying the once-guarded trade secrets of printing. A complete set of 2 fonts of type, plus this model press and necessary ancillary printing tools sold in 1859 for $20, ($700 today). Its cheapness and light weight also made it ideal for army encampment print shops, including those of the U.S. Civil War.