Info about an OLD Kelsey Excelsior Boat Tail
I recently brought home (I believe) a late 1890s Kelsey Excelsior press with a chase size of about 5x9. It’s complete and appears in good to very good condition – it’s just missing grippers and rollers (both of which can be gotten).
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17acacE3Eib1tr88JCyldOUhAakAsOtSk/view?u...
https://drive.google.com/file/d/161bSA51BL_KhscFZA6PVccTHCJiTqNDh/view?u...
I’m trying to learn a bit more about this thing. Todd (@ Todd’s Press Time) shared that he calls these “Boat Tail” presses for the shape and that folks collect them. I’ve read Personal Impressions and parsed Alan Runfeldt’s Excelsior Press site but haven’t found more information.
My questions:
— does anyone have background / information about this press? I’d find it very interesting
— what is the printing experience / quality on it? I got a Pilot (long-term project) and an Adana 8 x 5 at the same time so need to decide whether to put rollers on the Kelsey
— does this belong in a collection instead of being put into production? It’s sooooo clean compared to my Pilot!
It’s a fun object but I’m not sure exactly whether I should invest my time in it or the Adana. What do you say?
old style Excelsior pat. 1873
Excelsior.jpeg
Yup. Thanks again for the info, Todd.
While I like having it around, I’m not feeling like a “collector” at this point in my life. I think that once I figure out a fair price this will go to the classifieds / for sale groups. I’d rather someone enjoy it than have something else to maintain – my Pilot project is work enough!
FYI those google drive links require permission so no one else can view. I’d love to see photos.
What I love about letterpress is that all these old machines can be restored AND used. They are robust enough to function and look beautiful. In my opinion, any machine that is not detrimentally damaged should be used in some capacity.
If you do end up selling it, please reach out. I am starting a small letterpress museum but have only been able to obtain a Kelsey from the mid 1900s. I would love to have an older model to use for demonstrations and print giftshop items.
Permissions fixed!
Honestly, this press just needs a bit of a rub down with some oil and a green scrubby and a new set of rollers. Replace the grippers if it’s important to you.
It’s definitely going to go to a new owner. I didn’t pay a ton for it so can pass it along without being too spendy.
I’ll try and connect through the site’s “Contact” and see if that works