The mahogany and brass bound case opening to reveal roller and compartments for (lacking) inking accessories. Label inside lid JAMES WATT & CO of SOHO PATENT.
17x1/2 x 11 x 5¹⁄₂in. (45 x 29 x13.5cm.)

With receipts from Galerie Anif January 11, 1986

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Please note this lot is the property of a consumer. See H1 of the Conditions of Sale.

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This lot is offered by Christie Manson & Woods Ltd

Brought to you by

James HyslopHead of Department, Science & Natural History

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Lot Essay

James Watt (1736-1819), of steam engine fame, patented the device in 1780, and they continued into production into the next century. The machine was an early ancestor of the ubiquitious office photocopier, but utilised a mechanical printing process. The letter to be copied was written in ink and then placed over a thin piece of paper. Pressure from the roller transferred a mirrored copy on the recto of the paper, which could then be reversed and read from the verso. An enthusiastic and early adopter of the machine was George Washington, who used one during his Presidency. His copying machine is on display at Mount Vernon.