Seal Presses

Gonty Collection CGG No.: 159

Dimensions same as Ram’s Horn Press
on previous page

Rarity: R-7

This press, at first glance, seems to be identical to the Ram’s
Horn Press pictured on the previous page. However, a close
inspection of the photograph will reveal many differences. The
ornamentation around the lever pin is different. The decoration
of the gullet area is different, and the embellishments of the die
shaft column are different. Even the number of whorls in the
press body are different!

The manner in which the dies are attached leads the collec-
tor to the supposition that this may be a British press.

Example of a Screw Gonty Collection
Press

Although the topic of Screw Presses is
beyond the scope of this book, this photo is
included to provide the reader with an
example.

Thanks to Archimedes for the invention of
the screw, one of its many uses of mechanical
advantage is the screw press. It’s force is so
great that large screw presses have been used
to strike coins. As a matter of fact, all the
coins of the United States were struck by
hand with a screw press until 1836.

A screw press made to emboss paper
documents is a rare and desirable collectible.

33 a

The Burdened Man

CGG No.:
25

HT: unknown
BL: unknown
WT: unknown
BT: unknown
Rarity: R-8

Best picture available, from U.S. Patent Office

This seal press is known to the writer only from records. There is a rumor of a similar “man
press” at auction in the 1970’s (unverified). It was described as a “man on one knee with his
arms wrapped around the die shaft head”. This is most likely an altogether different press, but
the description was based on a 30 year old memory, so there is a possibility it could be this
press despite the description.

The patent was awarded to Walter B. Banning on June 10, 1879, number D11,232. (The
Dprefix indicates it is a design patent).

The patent narrative reads:
“...figure of a man in a sitting posture supporting at an elevation over the platen of

the press a barrel or cask. The ears to which the press lever is pivoted may be represented in
the form of a bag or sack lying upon the barrel….”

If the reader has information concerning this seal press or the similar press mentioned above,
please contact writer.

34

The Knox and Lang Lion

CGG No.: 26

HT: Unknown
BL: Unknown
WT: Unknown
BT: Unknown
Rarity: R-8

Public Domain

This seal press is known only from the illustration. It may be an artistic rendition of the
Evens Sea Monster seal presses. Advertisements from the 1850’s indicate that Knox may have
been an agent for both Hall and Evens seal presses. However, no seal press is known to the
writer which has Knox and Lang cast into the base.

J. B. Knox (1828-1905) established his business in Worcester, Massachusetts about 1853.
Charles Lang joined him in about 1856. They were engaged as die-sinkers, and marketed seal
presses, cameo stamps, and steel punch stamps. In 1861, J.B. Knox enlisted in the Union
Army and left his business to the care of Charles Lang. In 1863, Charles Lang produced a
merchant token bearing only his name. Knox served the entire war with distinction and was
Chief Signal Officer of the 23rd Army Corps at war’s end. Having determined that his
business was essentially ruined by his absence of four years, Knox became the Chief of Police
in Worcester. History buffs are referred to a scholarly treatise on Knox and Lang by Thomas
Beckman in The Ephemera Journal, Volume 9, 2001.

If the reader has knowledge of any seal press with “Knox and Lang” cast into the base,
please contact the writer.

35

The Elusive Eagle

CGG No.: 27

HT: unknown
BL: unknown
WT: unknown
BT: unknown
Rarity: R-8

Courtesy of
David E.

Schenkman

Merriam’s “Eagle Press” is known only from 1850’s advertising. It differs in style from the
Exquisite Eagle and the Regal Eagle, although there are some striking similarities among the
three designs.

Joseph H. Merriam was one of the most famous and popular die sinkers of the Civil War era
and many of the dies for patriotic tokens and merchant tokens were his work. In addition to
his die-sinking work with tokens, he also produced several varieties of seal presses. His
“Toad” and “Lion” presses are illustrated in this book. His “Omega Press” listed in his
advertising has not yet been identified.

A scholarly treatise about Joseph H. Merriam by David E. Schenkman was published in the
April, 1980 edition of The Numismatist, the journal of the American Numismatic Association.
This article is highly recommended for collectors interested in Merriam seal presses and
tokens.

Example of one of Joseph H.
Merriam’s merchant’s tokens,
advertising his services as a

die sinker located at #18
Brattle Square in Boston,

Massachusetts.

Crider collection
36

The Exquisite Eagle

CGG No.: 28

HT: unknown
BL: unknown
WT: unknown
BT: unknown
Rarity: R-8

Public Domain, U.S. Patent Office

This seal press is known only from the record. It was patented by C.A. Mathiesen and J.C.
Schrader on August 19, 1873, patent number D 6,806. The patent description states:

“Our design consists of a bird resting on the inclined trunk or branch of a tree. The
handle of our press forms the continuation of a scroll emanating from the bill of the bird.

In the drawing, the letter “A” designates the base of our seal-press, which is ornamented
by foliage. From this base rises the standard, which consists of the inclined trunk or branch of a
tree, that forms the support for the bird. The handle of our press is made in the form of a scroll,
and it appears as if it was continued to the bill of the bird.”

If any of our readers have information concerning this press, or any other eagle seal presses,
please contact the writer.

There is some disagreement that this figure represents an eagle. Some prefer to see it as a
dove or pigeon, and this explanation is entirely plausible.

37

The Regal Eagle

CGG No.: 29

HT: 11 1/4 inches
BL: 6 3/4 inches WT:
8 lb. 4 oz.
BT: indented, 2 pour holes

Rarity: R-7

Ron Gonty

This beautiful seal press
depicts an eagle perched on a globe. The body and legs of the bird are quite realistic which
contrasts to the highly stylized wings and tail. This is the only known example, and was the
recipient of spirited bidding when it sold on an internet auction several years ago. Illustrations
of the Elusive Eagle and the Exquisite Eagle are included below for comparative purposes.

If the reader has any information on this seal press or any other eagle seal presses, please
contact the author.

Elusive
Eagle

Exquisite
Eagle

Regal Eagle

38

The Fist Series

Grampp & Crider Collections The Fists compose a very scarce and desirable series of seal
presses. Records at auction for this type of press go as high as
B.B. Hill $1800, and prices for the few sold in recent years all range
No. 47821 towards $1000 and up. The varieties known to the authors are
May 23, 1865 pictured and described on the following pages.
The patent diagram of May 23, 1865 shows the “Fancy-Cuff
U.S. Patent Office Fist”, but the patent is for a mechanism, not the design of the
body style. The authors believe that some Fists were manufac-
tured a number of years prior to 1865.

The special mechanism of this press, illustrated in
figure 2, allows the press to emboss only one side
of an envelope.

39



The Fancy Cuff Fist

40

This press has holes in the The 1 3/8” seal reads: “E.C. CGG No.: 30
base for the envelope at- Hungerford Notary Public
tachment. Chester Conn” HT: 13 inches
BL: 9 inches
Detail of Handle WT: 10 lb. 4 oz.
Panel BT: Flat, one pour hole
Rarity: R-7

Biographical information allows this press to be dated 1860-
Grampp Collection 1870’s. E.C. Hungerford was a prominent citizen of Chester,

Connecticut, and represented the town in the General Assembly
in 1870 and 1871. He was a successful banker, and thus blessed
with financial success, was a philanthropist to many causes. He
maintained a winter home in Winter Park, Florida. Near Winter
Park is the community of Maitland which had a large population
of African-Americans. Mr. Hungerford donated 160 acres of
land to provide a site for an institution of higher learning for
black Americans (then segregated), the Hungerford Normal and
Industrial School for Negroes. Seal presses hold the key to much

The Big Fist

Handle This large, right-hand fist is from CGG No.: 31
Panel circa late 1850’s– early 1870’s time
period, as all varieties are presumed HT: 14 3/4 inches
to be. The front screw flange is bro- BL: 9 inches (if complete)
ken on this specimen. As with the WT: 12 lb. 8 oz.
Fancy Cuff Press, this variety is hol- BT: Indented, 2 pour
low from the base to the wrist. The holes
2” seal reads:”Chicago, Burlington, Rarity: R-7
and Quincy Railroad Co.” surround-
ing a steam train. This railroad was
established in 1856. The modern
successor to the CBQ is BNSF--the
Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail-
road.

Grampp Collection

fascinating history!

41

The Left Hand Fist

At first glance, the Left Hand Fist looks like a mirror image of CGG No.: 32 the

slightly more common Right Hand Fist, but there are subtle

differences. The handle panel has a scroll design, and the scal- HT: 11 5/8 inches lops on

the cuff are more deepblyodcyuth. oTuhsienbgutlhbeopuisvaortepainofisthme ore sphere-

cal on this press and more ellips- BL: 7 1/4 inches WT:

oidal on the Right Hand Press.

6 lb. 6 oz.

All of the Fist Series have

Grampp Collection BT: Indented, 2 pour holes

a tab on the front and rear

of the base, apparently to Rarity: R-6

be drilled for a screw so

that the seal press could be attached to a wooden base or to

a desk. However, only about half of the examples

observed by the authors have been drilled.

This press has an interesting seal: Wayne Township

Association for Detection of Horse Thieves and other
Felons”

The Right Hand Fist

CGG No.: 33

handle panel to HT: 11 3/8 inches

Press above. Note: Compare

BL: 6 15/16 inches

the Left Hand-

WT: 5 lb. 14 oz.

BT: indented, 2 pour holes

Rarity: R-6

Seals for these Fists are: North Bend
Lodge

#291 I.O.O.F. North Bend Wis. May
31,

1879” and “Knights of Pythias,
Franklin

Crider Collection

42

Lodge #24, Mar. 10, 1879, Milwaukee , Wis”
These two Right Hand Fists are identical except for the paint trim. The hands are painted in realistic flesh tones,
which the authors postulate is a function of the 1870’s whereas earlier hands were painted a golden color. These
specimens have about 85% original paint, unusual for the Fist series.

43

The Crenulated Cuff Fist Press

44

Crider Collection The Crenulated Cuff Fist CGG No.: 34 with attachment
Press has a body set up to CCG No.: 35 without attachment
accommodate an envelope
attachment. With this, the HT: 12 1/4 inches
lower (counter) seal lies upon BL: 7 7/8 inches
a metal plate rather than the WT: 8 lb. 5 oz. with attachment
lower part of the base. One BT: Divided flat, one pour hole
side of the envelope may be Rarity: R-7
inserted under plate so that it
does not receive the emboss-
ment.

Besides the diagnostic crenulated cuff border, this
press has a different handle panel that the other
Fist seal presses. On the left side panel, there is a

The same press was available without the envelope attachment, shown below right. The
holes for the envelope attachment have not been threaded, indicating that the
attachment was never used on the press.

The seal in this press reads: “W.H. Field, Agricultural The seal in this press reads:
Implements, Port Chester, N.Y.” Field made a fortune “Goodwill Encampment No.
buying land in North and South Dakota and re-selling it 111 . Aug. 31, 1868 Salem
O.” (Ohio). Goodwill En-
to the railroads and farmers. campments were associated
with the Independent Order of

Odd Fellows.

Crider Collection

banner which reads “American Seal Press” and on the right panel the banner reads “Pat’d

45

Oct 17, 1865”. Oddly, a patent search indicates there were no mechanism or design patents
for seal presses issued on that date!

46

The Blank Fist Press

CGG No.: 36

HT: No data

Courtesy Cowan’s Auctions. BL: No data
Cincinnati , 2005. Used by
permission.

WT: No data

This right hand fist press is drilled to BT: No data
accept the envelope attachment. The press Rarity: R-6
is characterized by the blank panel in the
handle. This press appeared at auction
with a group containing a Lion Head press
and a Sea Monster (Evens) press. The en-
tire lot sold for $1440.

patent date. Patented by F.J. Calhoun The
#1, 520, 277
Grampp Collection Dec 23, 1924 Watch

Case

Press

These
interesting
pocket
presses are
marked Case
Seal
Company,

Chicago. Specimens are known with cases marked Pat Pending, while others are marked
with the

CGG No.: 160

Rarity: R-5

Photos used by permission: “Oleoacres”—JS 43

The Squirrel Press

CGG No.: 37

HT: about 7” without handle
BL: 7 3/4 inches
WT: unknown
BT: unknown

Rarity: R-7

W. E. Osborn was awarded patent #
D5763 on April 9, 1872. This seal press
was unknown to the writer and contributors
until this incomplete example appeared on
an internet auction in 2005 where it sold for
$205. It is missing the handle and pin, the
die shaft, and the upper and lower dies. Cast
in the base on one side is “W. H. Osborn’s
Patent’ and on the other side is “Aug 18
1870 Apr 2 1872”. (not April 9th as
indicated on the patent record).

At the time of publication, this is still the
only known specimen.

“A represents the stock or body of the
stamp or press; B the plunger-guide; C
the die support; and D the handle thereof.
The stock A is fashioned to represent a
squirrel, sitting with its forepaws uplifted in

Original Patent Office drawing (best available copy)

a natural manner to hold an ear of corn or any
other object which may be deemed appropriate.
The tail of the animal, curled upward, as
illustrated, forms a stop and support for the
handle of the stamp or press. The plunger-
guide B is fashioned to represent and ear of
corn with some of the leaves of its husk or
shuck left thereon. I contemplate, also,
fashioning this plungerguide into the form of a
stick of wood or other natural object, to be held
by the squirrel. The die support C is fashioned
to represent the stump of a bunch or tree cut off
close to the ground, or which may formed to
represent any other natural object.”

44

The Bison Seal Presses

CGG No.: 38

HT: 11 inches
BL: 6 7/8 inches

The Banning Bison WT: 6 lbs. 4 oz.

BT: flat, one pour hole Rarity: R-7

Bison, commonly called buffalo, are popular
subjects, but only two types of bison lever presses
are known. Both are rare. The Banning Bison has
an intertwined B and C cast into the neck. The seal
reads “W. E. Banning Stamp and Stencil, Syracuse,
NY, 1905” This press may be one the company
had made specifically for its use and may be
unique. The company was established in 1860 and
is known to have been in existence as late as 1911.

Grampp Collection The Buffalo

Gonty Collection The Buffalo has a B cast
Gonty Collection into the neck of both
sides, and the handle is
identical to the Banning
Bison. This

suggests it may be a Ban-CGG No.: 39

ning product also. The
damaged seal reads: HT: 10 3/4 inches

“MA- - - - - COUNCIL NO. 76 MU- BL: 6 1/2

inches

TUAL PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION ORGANIZED

JULY 20 1879 WT: 6 lbs. 6 oz.

FRIENDSHIP FIDELITY
PROTECTION”

BT: flat divided, one pour

This type of organization hole

was common in the last half
Rarity: R-7
of the 19th century.

45

Grampp Collection CGG No.: 40

Seal reads: “Simcoe County HT: 11 1/2 inches
BL: 8 1/2 inches
Mutual Fire Insurance Com- WT: 6 lb. 12 oz.
pany Keenansville “ BT: indented, no pour hole
Rarity: R-7

The Beaver Press

The Beaver is an impressive seal press and only one is known to the authors. Imprinted on the left side of the
base is “Rolph Smith &C.” The right side of the base is imprinted “Toronto 1873”. The Rolph Smith Company
was one of the largest stationery supply houses in Canada. The company was founded in 1867 (some sources give
1849 as the founding date) by John Thomas Rolph, a master engraver and die sinker. He was joined by his brother
Frank and David Smith in 1873 to form Rolph Smith and Company. The company was in business until 1904 when
it merged with another company and is still in business as Rolph Clark Stone Ltd.

The “SBWH” Press

“SBWH” is the acronym for “scalloped base wooden CGG No.: 41

handle” seal press. Although wooden handles are common on British seal presses,

they are unusual on HT: 14 inches American seal presses. The wooden
handles are generally attached to a metal spline inserted into the handle. BL:
10 inches Through decades of use, the wooden handles are often

WT: 12 lb. 8 oz.

lost. This is an older press and originally had a fiber or

gutta-percha lower die. BT: flat, no pour hole
The 1 7/8” seal reads: “Dwight Marcy

Notary Public Rockville Connecticut”. Rarity: R-7 Marcy

was born in 1840, graduated from Yale in 1863, and was admitted to the

Tolland County bar in 1865. He moved to Rockville in 1867 and died

there in 1887. He was active in local politics and represented Tolland

County at the 1876 Republican National Convention. This biographical

Grampp Collection information allows the press to be dated between 1867 and 1887.

46

The Lovett Lion

CGG No.: 42
Rarity: R-8

American
Numismatic Society

The Lovett Lion may not exist. No exact version of this is known “in the iron”. It is entirely
possible that this is the die sinker’s rendition of an existing press with changes made by the
engraver’s eye. Katie Jaeger, numismatic researcher, refers to this as an Evens No. 2 seal press,
but the press on the token is dissimilar from the Evens press. The Lovett family is well known
amongst collectors of tokens and medals. Robert Lovett was famous in his time for the
manufacture of Hard Times tokens. Robert Lovett Jr. produced the famous “Confederate Cent”.
George H. Lovett had a prodigious production of seals.

The Face Press

CGG No.: 43

Rarity: R-7

This is the C.F. Hall lever press, and is
pictured as a cameo embossment on his

The Face

Courtesy www.earlyofficemuseum.com, Mark Frankena

47

business stationery.

According to the contributor, this ornate early seal press was patented in 1852. The seal reads
“Weyer and
McKee, Madison Ind., Wholesale grocers Iron & Commission Merchants”.

If our readers have knowledge of any R-8 or R-7 seal press, please contact the author.

The Curl-on-Neck Lions I & II

CGG No.: 44 The so-called “Curl-on- CGG No.: 45
Neck” Lion Seal Presses
HT: 9 3/8 inches HT: 9 3/8 inches
BL: 5 1/2 inches WT: form a large category of BL: 5 1/2 inches WT:
3 lb. 9 oz. 4 lb. 4 oz.
BT: Flat, one pour hole many varieties which are BT: Flat, one pour hole
Rarity: R-7 Rarity: R-7Rarity:
usually associated with dates
from the late 1860’s to the
early 1900’s.

These two Curl-on-Neck Lion Presses are identical stylistically except for the large piece of metal (for

Both illustrations to
same scale.

Crider Collection

reinforcement?) cast between the lion’s neck and the die shaft cylinder on the press illustrated on the right.
The diameter of the die shaft cylinder is also slightly larger on this variety . The other differences in the
ornamentation may be attributed to the casting process. The base of the press on the right is slightly thicker
than the other, and this may also be a casting variation. Both of these are the only ones seen by the authors,
but there are almost certainly others waiting to be discovered by collectors. Note: another Curl-on-Neck I
was discovered in August 2009.

The variety on the left is missing both the upper and lower dies, and the die shaft is frozen by rust. For the
specimen on the right, the seal simply states Notarial Seal Cuyahoga County Ohio, surrounding artwork of
grain sheaves and a sunset which is the State Seal of Ohio. Cuyahoga County is now represented on the map
as the Greater Cleveland Metropolitan area with a population of nearly 2 million in 2009.

48

Grampp Collection CGG No.: 46

HT: 11 inches

BL: 6 inches WT:

6 lb.

BT: indented with bar,
two pour holes Rarity:
R-7

This lion has the shortest curl on all The Curl-on
the curl-on-neck lions. The locks of Neck Lion III
the mane are smoothly curved along
the upper part of the neck. The lower
half of the neck is plain and indented.

The seal provides some clues to
date this press. It reads Ellisboro
L. O. L. Ellisboro N.W. T.
Ellisboro was established in the
North West Territories in the mid-

1880’s, and became CGG No.: 47
Ellisboro,

Saskatchewan when the HT: 11 1/2 inches
new province was

established in 1905. The BL: 7 inches

Loyal Order of Orange

Lodge was very popular WT: 6 lb. 4 oz.

in Canada in that time

period and is still active BT: Flat, one pour hole

today, but now Ellisboro

is a ghost town. Rarity: R-5

The Curl-on Neck Lion IV

This curl-on-neck lion has a The seal on this press reads Norwich
heavy curl much longer than the Water Power Co. Incorporated 1829.
other strands of the mane. Below This may lead the uninitiated to believe
the curl are three raised dots. The the press was made at that time, but it is
embellishments flow over the thin most likely the press was made about 40
base and a lump of metal is cast years after the company was
incorporated.
under the chin.

Grampp Collection 49

Note handle differences CGG No.: 48
Grampp Collection
HT: 10 1/2 inches

This seal press is very similar BL: 7 3/4 inches
to its cousins IV and VI. This WT: 6 lb. 8 oz.
one has a distinctive base BT: flat, four pour holes
which is straight on the rear Rarity: R-7
end, and has embellishments
on the side of the handle.

The seal reads Notary Public
Sacramento California.

This seal press represents an unusual situation. It has four
pour holes, with a larger hole being surrounded by three
smaller hole (casting vents?). The poured seal is smooth
and has a fiber seal applied to it. The handle has a flattened
area, possibly for the application of the vendor’s tag or

The Curl-on-Neck Lion Press VI
The Curl-on-Neck Lion Press V

plate.

Straight back edge.

Grampp Collection This press is very similar CGG No.: 49
to curl-on-neck press IV, but
lacks the heavy metal added HT: 11 1/2 inches
under the chin and has a BL: 7 3/4 inches
slightly thicker base. The WT: 6 lb. 8 oz.
details are better, which is BT: flat, one pour hole
probably a difference in the Rarity: R-5
casting procedure.
An apparent extra dot is a
casting flaw.

The seal reads Second German M M Church
Newark N.J. 1873.

50

The Curl-on-Neck Lion Press VII

Attributing the Curl-on-Neck presses can give a CGG No.: 50

young man gray hair or render an old man bald!

This press, C-O-N VII is very similar to C-O-N HT: 11 inches

IV. At first glance the differences may seem due

to casting quality. However, close inspection BL: 6 3/4 inches

does reveal that these are distinct varieties. Besides subtle variation in the

embellishments, the WT: 5 lb 12 oz. base is slightly shorter and thinner.

The most noticeable difference is the lower ring of the die BT: Flat, no

pour hole. shaft body, which is much smaller on the C-O-N

VII than the C-O-N IV. This press has no pour Rarity: R-5

hole. The Curl-on- Neck presses offer fertile territory

for those interested in ultra-specialization.

This press provides a lesson in maintenance for the collec-
tor. It is “froze up” (as we say in Texas), and

got that way just setting on a shelf with the other lions.
Lubricate the shafts once a year!

Crider Collection

The Curl-on-Neck Lion Press VIII

HT: 11 inches
BL: 6 3/4 inches WT:
6 lb. 8 oz.
BT: Flat, two pour holes.
Rarity: R-5

The Curl-on-Neck Lion Press IX

Crider Collection CGG No.: 52

HT: 11 inches

BL: 6 1/4 inches

WT: 5 lb. 9 oz.

BT: deeply indented, 2 pour holes

Rarity: R-4

This Curl-on-Neck Lion press is a member of a sub-group which does
not have the embellishments flowing over the edge of the base. This
press has a fully “modern-looking” indented base with two pour holes
and as such may have been among the last curl-on neck lions manufac-
tured. The gold color of this particular lion is barely visible when the
press is viewed in ordinary lighting and is most likely original. The seal
in this press is barely legible, but it comes from Pittston, Pennsylvania
and bears an 1892 seal date.

The Curl-on-Neck Lion Press X

This Curl-on-Neck press also lacks the overflowing embellishments on the
base. It is enigmatic because it has a flat divided base and a hard rubber or com-
position lower die, features that generally indicate older presses. However, the
Odd Fellows Lodge seal bears the date June 10, 1888, only 4 years before the
press above.

CGG No.: 53 Seal dates alone are Crider Collection
not valid indicators of
HT: 11 inches the press’s age. Some-
BL: 6 3/4 inches times the bodies would
WT: 5 lb. 13 oz. be manufactured years
BT: divided flat, no pour hole or even decades before
Rarity: R-4 the seals were applied,
and sometimes old
presses are recycled and
fitted with new dies.

52

Crider Collection The Curl-on-Neck Lion Press

XI

CGG No.: 54

This Curl-on-Neck Lion press lacks the

overflowing embellishments on the base. This HT: 10

3/4 inches is one of a few varieties which does not have

a

BL: 6 1/2 inches

ring or collar at the bottom
of the die shaft body. (see
arrow). It has only two dots
on the

WT: 4 lb. 15 oz.

lower neck. There some subtle differences in

the mane’s locks. It has a chin without the BT: Flat, 2 pour
holes reinforcing metal lump.

Rarity: R-5

The seal on this press reads First National Bank California PA. Organized 1891. The town was established
in 1849 and named in honor of the California Gold Rush.

Seal presses are portals into history!

The Curl-on-Neck Lion Press XII

CGG No.: 55

This Curl-on Neck Lion press also lacks the

overflowing base embellishments. It has an HT: 11 inches

unusual base that is flat on the rear portion and

indented on the front portion, with two pour BL: 6 3/4 inches

holes. As with most of these varieties, there is some subtle variation of the mane

locks, some of WT: 5 lb. 13 oz. which may be attributed to casting

quality.

There are three dots on the lower neck. This BT: Flat/indented, 2 pour holes variety

does have the ring or collar on the bot-

Rarity: R-4

tom of the die shaft body (see arrow).

The seal in this press reads: Point Gratiot Hive No.6 Dunkirk N.Y. Ins
Apr 10 91 L.O.T.M. The Ladies of the Maccabees was established in
1886 as the first fraternal society exclusively for women. It eventually
affiliated with the Knights of the Maccabees and later with the Maccabees of
the World. The popularity of fraternal organizations began to wane in the
1920’s and all the Maccabee lodges were extinct by 1962.

Crider Collection

53

Curl-on-Neck Presses

The Curl-on-Neck Press XIII. CGG No.:
56 R-5

HT: 10 5/8 inches, BL: 6 1/16 inches, WT: 4 lb.

8 oz. Base is indented and divided.

Shaft pin just touches ear. Base is narrow. Die shaft

is round.. This press is most similar to C-o-N XI.

Brass seal has incuse letters: Mount & Co., a

company established in Cleveland Ohio in 1867.

Seal reads: Alice Chapter No. O.E. S. Cleveland
Ohio surrounding the Eastern Star symbols and
instituted Oct 22 1904.

The Curl-on-Neck Press XIV. CGG No.:
57 R-4

HT: 11 1/8 inches, BL: 6 5/16 inches , WT: 5

lb. 8 oz. Similar to the press above,

but has the “ugly chin”. It has an indented divided

base, a little thicker when compared to the specimen

above. The die shaft body has ten panels.

Seal reads: Gary Rebekah Lodge No. 17 Oakfield
N.Y. surrounding lodge symbols and Instituted June 20, 1894.

All on this page are Grampp Collection The Curl-on-Neck Press XV. CGG No.: 58
R-4
pour holes
HT: 10 inches, BL: 6 3/4 inches, WT: 5 lb. 7 oz.
BT: Indented, two

Similar to both of the above presses. Final loop of
lever is more tightly curved. Die shaft has nine panels.

Seal reads: The Southern Steveodoring Company Erie
Penna. There is today a Southern Stevedoring Company
located in Houston, Texas, but its relationship, if any, is not
known.

54

Curl-on-Neck
Presses

Curl-on-Neck Press XVI

one pour hole CGG No.: 59 R-5
wielding a sword.
HT: 10 3/4 inches, BL: 6 3/4
inches, WT: 6 lb. 4 oz. BT:

flat,

Die shaft column has 9 panels with

widely flared skirt. Lion has a large
hump. Has an “ugly chin” that is

curved. Thin base with rounded ends.

Seal reads: San Francisco Lodge No. 14 K
of P San Francisco
Cal. Chartered Aug 1 1877 surrounding a
shield with an arm

rated 1908. Curl-on-Neck Press XVII CGG
No.: 60 R-4

HT: 11 1/4 inches, BL: 6 3/8 inches,
WT: 5 lb. 8 oz.

BT: Indented, 2 pour holes

Die shaft column has 10 panels with s
slightly flared skirt. Has the “ugly chin”
with little curve. Base is thin with scalloped
ends and no overflow of embellishments.
Very small hump on lion’s back.

The seal reads: Hygienic Sales Co. Buffalo
N. Y. Incorpo-

Curl-on-Neck Press XVIII CGG No.: 61 R-5

HT: 12 1/8 “ with replacement lever BL: 7 inches
WT: 6 lb. 4 oz. BT: flat, one pour hole

“Ugly chin” profile different than the two specimens above.

Embellishments overflow thin base with very rounded scallops.
Lever is blacksmith-made replacement…..these are found at times.

Die shaft column has 10 panels and a medium flare at the bottom.
Very large hump on lion’s back. Seal reads: Standard Lodge No. 46
Newburgh Ohio K of P FCB Instituted Jun 17 1872.

All on this page Grampp Collection

55

The Curl-on-Neck Lion Press XIX

Another of the Curl-on-Neck CGG No.: 62
Lions without the embellish-
ments overflowing the base. HT: 10 1/2 inches
This variety has two dots on the BL: 6 inches
neck, and has a “clean” chin WT: 4 lb. 11 oz.
without the lump of metal under- BT: fully indented, one pour hole
neath. The base is fully indented Rarity: R-4
in the “modern manner”, with
one pour hole.

Crider Collection

The seal of this press reads: Congregation Agudath Ackim
Anshe Hessed with Hebrew characters in the central area.

The Curl-on-Neck Lion Press XX

On this Curl-on-Neck Lion, there are three dots on the neck, the embellishments overflow the base edge, and
the base ends are lightly scalloped. The lever pin is behind and slightly lower than the ear. The seal in this press is
possibly a re-cycle. It reads only: White Mill Paper Company with no other engraving.

CGG No.: 63 Grampp Collection

HT: 11 1/4 inches
BL: 6 3/4 inches WT: 5 lb. 14
oz.
BT: flat, no pour hole
Rarity: R-5

Grampp Collection 56

The Curl-on-Neck
Press XXI

CGG No.: 64

HT: 11 1/2
inches
BL: 6 13/16 inches WT: 6 lb. 8 oz.

BT: flat, one pour hole

Rarity: R-5

This Curl-on-Neck Lion has a die shaft column with
9 sides and a flared skirt at the bottom. Pin behind and
slightly lower than ear. Three dots on neck. Medium
hump on back of neck. Embellishments overflow the
thin base with rounded ends. It has the “ugly chin”. Seal states:
Park Lodge No. 40 K of P San Luis Obispo Cal. Organized Dec
21 1876.

The Curl-on-Neck Press XXII

This Curl-on -Neck Press has no embellishments along the very thin base. It only has a mere vestige of a hump
on the back of the neck. The lever pin is behind the ear. The die shaft column is round with no flared skirt at its
bottom. Two balls on the lower part of the neck.

Seal reads: Slovak Society W. Mount Pleasant Pa. 1897.

Grampp Collection CGG No.: 65

Grampp Collection HT: 10 1/2 inches
BL: 6 5/8 inches WT: 5 lb.
BT: flat, no pour hole
Rarity: R-5

57

The Curl-on-
Neck Press

XXIII

CGG No.: 66

HT: 11 1/4 inches
BL: 6 7/8 inches
WT: 6 lb. 4 oz.
BT: flat, 2 pour holes
Rarity: R-5

This Curl-on-Neck Lion has a diagnostic set of three embellishments along the margins of the neck. It has a
distinct hump on the back of the neck. Three dots on neck. Embellishments overflow the thin base. Ends of base
are rounded with slight scallops. This has a seal which has the appearance of a recycle. It is 1 11/16 inches in
diameter whereas the original was 2 inches. The seal reads: Edwards Lodge No. 14 O. Y. B. Kingston Ont.

Early 20th century catalog of Schwaab
Stamp and Seal Company of Milwaukee,
Wisconsin.

“Do Not send us old seals to be changed.
It is cheaper to get a new one.” Maybe
that accounts for the scarcity of some of the

58

older seal presses!!

The Great
Curl-on-Neck
Lion Presses

CGG No.: 67
(right)
CGG No.: 68
(bottom left) CGG
No.: 69 (bottom
right)

Rarity: R-5 HT:
16

inches BL: 9 7/8
inches WT: 15 lb.
2 oz.
BT: flat, one pour hole (bottom)

flat, no pour hole (right)

Dealing with the older seal presses is not unlike conducting archeological research in that many times suppositions have to
be made for the study to continue. It is possible that these three large lions were made from the same mold, with many
inconsistencies in the process. Two are detailed, one suffers from a loss of detail. Two have the “ugly chin” to some degree while
the other has a perfect chin. The upper lion has the seldom-seen thin copper counter die applied with mastic to the lower base
pedestal, the lion below left has the thin alloy counter die, and both dies on the bottom right specimen have been removed. Lions of
this size are found much less frequently than the standard sizes. The authors have old advertisements for lions of this type weighing
36 pounds, but have never seen one “in the iron”. Levers (not illustrated) are like the levers on the standard Curl-on-Neck Lions,
scaled up to the appropriate size. We have taken the liberty of assigning three different reference numbers based on the chin charac

teristics. 59

All on this page Crider Collection The
Shield
Grampp Collection Neck
Lion
Press

CGG No.: 70

HT: 14 1/8 inches
BL: 7 1/2 inches
WT: 13 lb.
BT: flat, no pour hole
Rarity: R-6

Seal reads: Recorder’s Seal
Ross County Ohio.

The first whimsical name considered for this press was The Jerry Lee Lewis Lion Press due to the hair
style. But any one who was not a teen-ager in the 1950’s would not understand the allusion, and thus the
more practical name Shield Neck Lion Press prevailed. There is a shield on the lower part of the neck on
both sides. This press has a hollow body. Any variety of lion press of this size is scarce. At present this
variety is R-7 with three known to the authors. Each of the three has a hole in the shield, possibly where
an additional embellishment was attached.

Ephemera related to seal
presses is an interesting side
topic for the collector. This
1904 envelope from Hoffman
Seal, Stamp, and Engraving
Company advertises the com-
pany’s products. From the
Don Grampp collection.

60

The Duck-Tailed Lion Press

CGG No.: 71

HT: 11 1/8 inches

Crider Collection This lion press is named for BL: 7 inches
the wavy locks of its mane, WT: 6 lb. 15 oz.
which are reminders of the BT: Flat, 2 pour holes
way some young men wore Rarity: R-7
their hair in the Rock `n Roll
Era (1950’s). This is a very
ornate and well-executed lion
press, with nicely detailed
casting.

The seal in this press reads: Ousatonic Wa-
ter Power Company Incorporated 1864. Shel-
ton, Connecticut, is named for Edward N. Shel-
ton who founded the Ousatonic Water Power
Company in 1863. The power company and
other business ventures made him a very
wealthy man. He died in 1894.

Cowan auctions, used by permission The Leafed Lion Press

This lion appeared in a February 25, 2005
auction, part of Lot # 741, Cowan’s Auctions,
Cincinnati, Ohio. This is only specimen of its
kind known to the authors, and the present
owner is unknown. The mane has flowing
curls, and the back of the neck is covered with
leaves. Even the embellishment under the
lower die pedestal terminates with a leaf.

CGG No.: 72

No seal information HT: no data

is available for this

press. The loose lever BL: no data

pin and plain handle

may be indicators that WT: no data

the handle is possibly a

replacement. BT: no data

Rarity: R-7

61

The Polka Dot Lion Press

CGG No.: 73

HT: 11 inches
BL: 6 3/8 inches
WT: 5 lb. 2 oz.
BT: raised, one pour hole
Rarity: R-7

Grampp Collection

The Natural Lion Press

This press is in the form of a very natural looking
lion, and bears no ornamentation of any kind. How-
ever, the lion’s face and mane has two-toned gold paint
applied. Several variations have been observed with
the face being yellow gold and the mane being orange-
gold, pink-gold, or green-gold.

The body of this lion is hollow. BT: indented, 2 pour holes

The known seals of this lion type date in the 1890’s
and 1900’s.

Grampp Collection Logo from 1889 envelope utilizes a screw press

62 operated by elves.
An interesting variation of

ornamentation decorates the body of
this lion. Ten circles appear on each
side and the authors are not aware of any
symbology connected with this
decoration. The presses known to the
authors have seals with dates in the
1880’s and 1890’s.

CGG No.: 74

HT: 11 inches
BL: 6 1/4 inches WT:
5 lb. 2 oz.

Rarity: R-6

The Chiseled Locks Lion Press

At first glance, this seal press looks like
one on the many Curl-on-Neck seal presses.
However, this press lacks the diagnostic curl
and is a distinct variety in its own right. The
locks of the mane are very distinct and have
the appearance of being carved into the iron
by a sculptor. The base is very thin, usually a
trait of older presses. The lower die is the
seldom-seen thin copper plate attached to a
pedestal of lead alloy. The embellishments
along the back of the neck and the base are
unique to this variety. It has the “ugly chin”
common to many lion varieties.

Crider
Collection

CGG No.: 75

HT: 11 1/4 inches

BL: 6 3/4 inches WT: 6 lb. 4 oz.

BT: Flat, no pour hole

Rarity: R-6

The seal in this press reads: J.D. Marshall Houston County

Georgia surrounding NOTARY PUBLIC. Although history has
produced many J.D. Marshall’s both famous and infamous, research
produced a potential candidate for the press’s original owner. He

was Jefferson D. Marshall of Houston County, Georgia. He was
born on Dec 11, 1860, and died April 11, 1928. These years match

the approximate time period for this seal press.

The Wavy Locks Lion Press Crider shared with many of its kin.

Collection 3
0
This is another press which has a marked similarity to the Curl-on- Neck I
.
pride of lions, but lacks the curl. It is distinctly a variety of its own. When O
.
new, this press must have been a beauty decorated with two-tone gold paint on O
.
its nicely sculptured surfaces. This type of paint dulls with time but F
.
photography in bright sunlight or flash brings it back to life due to the H
o
reflective properties. This lion has embellishments along the back of the neck l
y
which are not seen on other varieties. The wavy locks of the mane are detailed o
k
and resemble the locks of the lion illustrated above. This lion also has the e
“ugly chin” M
a
Th s
s
e

se

al

of

thi

s

pr

es

s

rea
ds:
Tu
sc
ar
or
a
En
ca
mp
-
me
nt
No
.

sur s

ro y

un m

di b

ng o

Ins l

ts

Fe .

b

16

18

83

wi

th 63

a CGG No.: 76
sc

en HT: 11 1/4 inches

e

of BL: 6 13/16 inches WT: 6 lb. 7 oz.

Od

d BT: flat, 2 pour holes

Fe Rarity: R-6

llo

ws

This small lion press is unusual in having a CGG No.: 77
loop on the end of the handle. The loop is too
small for most fingers, so must have a decora- HT: 7 inches
tive rather than a functional purpose. The lion BL: 3 3/4 inches
has a peculiar upward-pointing ear, and another WT: 2 lb.
embellishment which has the appearance of a BT: 1 pour hole
second ear. Rarity: R-6

The loop is fragile and will break if the
press is dropped. A broken loop has been ob-

served on 2 of the three specimens
known to the authors. The body
of the lion is a hollow casting.

Grampp Collection

The Looped Lion Press

The seal in this press is simply Notary Seal
Summit County Ohio.

The Long

Mane Lion

Press

The Long Mane Lion press has the look of the curl-

on-neck lions, but without the distinctive curl.

Although sometimes found with a Pat Oct 9 83

stencil, the patent refers to the guide pin mechanism

on the return spring rather than the basic design,

which most likely pre-dates 1883. Besides the

indented base version, there are at least three variants

CGG No.: 78 with flat bottom and
thinner base, and

HT: 10 1/2 inches least one variant with
the divided flat

BL: 6 7/8 inches WT: bottom. The thick
bottom illustrated is

6 lb. 4 oz. the least common of

all the variations, and
BT: indented, 2 pour holes does not have the

Rarity: R-4 patent date stencil.

This lion is not functional because the die shaft has rusted and has
“frozen’ the mechanism. A rare figural press still deserves a place in a

collection despite its problems!

64
Grampp Collection

The Truncated Lion Press I

CGG No.: 79

Note lever pin behind ear HT: 10 1/4 inches

Grampp Collection The Truncated Lion Press series BL: 6 3/8 inches

is categorized as such due to the

sharp demarcation where the mane WT: 5 lb. 12 oz.

locks end. The body is decorated

by flutes and columns. Some are BT: indented/flat 2 pour holes

very close in initial appearance, but Rarity: R-5
close inspection reveals differ-

ences. Note the difference in the

mane locks between this specimen

and the one below.

On this particular specimen, the indent in the
base appears to be machined rather than cast.
The seal reads: Court Stratford N 183 Stratford
Ont surrounding a moose standing on a crown
with C O F L B C around it.

The Truncated Lion Press II

Rarity: R-5