Historical accuracy

The wealth of knowledge on this site and among the members is amazing, and I really hope some of it will rub off on me. I am working on a historical novel and have two questions regarding the presses being used and how they were operated.
Here’s what is actually known so far: There were three different presses used over a period of 15 years or so. They were used on the US west coast. The first was put into use in 1897 and described as a $5, hand-operated job press that could only print 1/2 page at a time. The second was brought in a year or so later and was ‘bigger and newer’ (doesn’t tell us much, eh), and the third was brought in in 1911 and had previously been used by Ezra Heywood (c. 1860)
Thanks to this site I have a better idea than ever as to what these presses *might* have looked like, but any suggestions as to what you think they may actually have been would be greatly appreciated. Also, any details as to operation. I’m a complete virgin here, so don’t be afraid to mention ink. It’s just that this was a very vital, everyday function for key characters in the novel and I want to be able to share with *my* readers some of what they went through to reach *their* readers. Sorry this runs so long, but now you know all that i know and I’m so excited to learn more. Thanks! Rj

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I have no expertise to share, but do have a book that has info about presses and printing around the time and place you are writing about: “Newspapering in the Old West: A Pictorial History of Journalism and Printing on the Frontier” by Robert Karolevitz. You can get a used copy at Amazon; I think it’s out of print. Lots of fun to flip through it, and some great pix.

Clothdog,
Thank you! I have been searching, but wasn’t really sure *what* I was searching for. That sounds perfect.
Rj