Items Similar to Portable Copying Machine by James Watt & Co.
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6
Portable Copying Machine by James Watt & Co.
About the Item
Considered the first step into the world of modern photocopying, the copying machine was among the first widely used devices to successfully produce an exact copy of an original written work. Designed and patented in 1780 by one of history’s greatest inventors, James Watt, the copying machine was the only device in the 18th century that was able to duplicate letters; this particular model was also among the first portable copying machines ever made.
James Watt (1736-1819) is considered one of the greatest inventors of all time. Legendary today for his work on the steam engine, he spent much of his later life devising small inventions such as this. Anecdotally, the idea for the machine was a result of Watt tirelessly copying correspondence between himself and his business partner, the great silversmith Matthew Boulton. The machine itself was ingenious in its simplicity. The letter to be copied was written in a special gelatinous ink and then placed over a piece of tissue paper. Pressure from the roller impressed upon the tissue paper a mirrored replica of the letter, which could then be reversed and read from the opposite side.
Patented in 1780, the device was eagerly sought by important businessmen and statesmen alike. By the end of the first year of production, over 630 machines had been sold, and for the next century, Watt’s machine and the replicas it inspired dominated the copying business. Although many were sold in the 18th century, this is the first working model we have ever seen for sale.
Perhaps the most enthusiastic and well-known user of the machine was George Washington, who utilized this exact version of the copying machine. His device can still be found to this day on display at Mount Vernon. Thomas Jefferson was another avid user, who owned several versions - even one of his own design - and is said to have used it daily. Jefferson extolled the benefits of the copying machine to his friend and eventual presidential successor, James Madison, as well as Charles Willson Peale. One of Jefferson’s machines, a later model, is still held and prominently displayed at his Monticello home.
The present piece is housed in its original mahogany lap desk, which is in and off itself a remarkable work of craftsmanship. Designed for transport, each piece can be dismantled and stored away in its various storage drawers. These compartments also contain writing tools, including an ink bottle and damping box. Designed down to the smallest detail, the full extent of Watt’s genius is evident in this remarkable machine.
Silver oval label impressed “J. Watt & Co. Patent”
Circa 1795
6” high x 20 1/2” wide x 14” deep
References:
Thomas Jefferson and his Copying Machines, 1984, by S.A. Bedini, pp. 10-11 & 26-27
“James Watt and his copying machines” in Proceedings of the British Association of Paper Historians 4th Annual Conference, 1993, R. Hills
Before Photocopying. The Art and History of Mechanical Copying 1780-1793, 1999, B. Rhodes and W. Wells Streeter, pp.8-11
The Lunar Men, 2002, J. Uglow, pp.306-7
How James Watt Invented the Copier: Forgotten Inventions of Our Great Scientists, 2011, R. Schils, pp. 39-42
- Creator:James Watt (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 6 in (15.24 cm)Width: 20.5 in (52.07 cm)Depth: 14 in (35.56 cm)
- Style:Other (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:18th Century
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New Orleans, LA
- Reference Number:Seller: 30-66181stDibs: LU89118676913
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Established in 1912
1stDibs seller since 2010
105 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 8 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: New Orleans, LA
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllSwiss Nema Cipher Machine
Located in New Orleans, LA
This Swiss-engineered cipher machine is a fascinating piece of 20th-century military and engineering history, and this particular example is one of the ...
Category
20th Century Swiss Other Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
$34,500
Cx-52 Model Swiss Cipher Machine
Located in New Orleans, LA
A triumph of ingenuity and craftsmanship, this Swiss cipher machine is a fabulous example of mechanical precision. Cipher machines are used to encrypt a...
Category
20th Century Swiss Other Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Ornamental Turning Lathe, No. 1906 by Holtzapffel & Co
Located in New Orleans, LA
An essential tool in the creation and finishing of furniture, this 19th-century English ornamental lathe is an object of beauty in and of itself. The extraordinary machine...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
World War II Ten-Rotor T52 Enigma Machine
Located in New Orleans, LA
Ten-Rotor T52 "Geheimschreiber" Cipher Machine
Dated 1944
This extraordinary Ten-Rotor T52 Cipher Machine, also known as the Geheimschreiber, represents the pinnacle of German wartime cryptography and stands as one of the rarest encryption devices from World War II. Manufactured in 1944 during the final phase of the conflict, this sophisticated cipher machine—codenamed "Sturgeon" by Allied intelligence—was exclusively deployed in high-level German command centers for their most sensitive communications. Its exceptional historical significance and extreme rarity make it arguably the most important cryptographic artifact available to private collectors today.
The T52 presents a commanding physical presence that reflects its technological sophistication. Substantially larger and more complex than standard three or four-rotor Enigma machines, this teleprinter-based device features an imposing mechanical construction with ten precisely engineered rotating pinwheels arranged in intricate patterns. Its comprehensive keyboard system and internal mechanical components demonstrate the extraordinary engineering achievements of wartime German cryptographers. The machine's robust metal casing, designed for operational durability in high-command environments, remains in remarkable condition, preserving its historical integrity.
The T52 series, manufactured by Siemens & Halske in Berlin, represented a family of cipher machines that evolved through several increasingly complex models. Unlike the simpler Enigma machines which required manual operation, the T52 functioned as an online teleprinter encryption system capable of automatically processing high volumes of communications at 50 baud (approximately 66 words per minute). This automation allowed for real-time secure communication between German high command centers, with messages encrypted and decrypted without the need for time-consuming manual transcription—a revolutionary advancement in wartime communication security.
Developed for exclusive use by the Luftwaffe and German Navy high command, the T52 represented such a formidable cryptographic challenge that Bletchley Park...
Category
20th Century German Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Domestic Medicine Chest by Thompson & Capper
By Thompson & Capper
Located in New Orleans, LA
An invaluable addition to the 19th century home, this domestic medicine chest contained nearly everything needed to nurse a member of the house...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Other Apothecary Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Joe DiMaggio Silver Presentation Tray by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in New Orleans, LA
Made for one of the most celebrated sports figures of the 20th century, this incredible Cartier presentation tray was gifted to the baseball star Joe DiMaggio...
Category
20th Century French Other Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Silver
You May Also Like
National Sewing Machine Co. B. Eldredge Sewing Machine
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a National Sewing Machine Co. B. Eldredge Sewing Machine. It depicts two arcs shaped sewing machine painted black. It is adorned at its round base with a gold oval plaque tha...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Models and Miniatures
Materials
Iron
James M. CAIN. Serenade. FIRST EDITION - PRESENTATION COPY - 1937
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: CAIN, James M.
TITLE: Serenade.
PUBLISHER: New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1937.
DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION PRESENTATION COPY. 1 vol., inscribed on the front blank endleaf “To...
Category
Vintage 1930s American Books
Materials
Fabric
Son of Perdition by James Cozzens, Rare 1st Ed Pre-Publication Review Copy
Located in valatie, NY
The Son of Perdition by James Gould Cozzens. William Morrow & Company, Inc., New York, NY, 1929. Rare 1st Ed Pre-Publication review copy hardcover, no dust...
Category
Vintage 1920s American Books
Materials
Paper
Philadelphia Toboggan Co. Skee Ball Machine, 1950s USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original 1950s Philadelphia Toboggan Co. Skee Ball Machine. Fully mechanical. No need to plug in! You roll the ball and when it enters one of the score holes...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Games
Materials
Metal
“Pathé Olotonal” Portable Gramophone – 1930
Located in HÉRIC, FR
The Pathé Olotonal portable gramophone is a true gem for vintage music lovers.
Designed to play 78 RPM records, this gramophone allows you to enjoy your favorite tunes wherever you g...
Category
Vintage 1930s French Musical Instruments
Materials
Wood
Brass, Bardou and Son Telescope Badged James W. Queen and Co.
By Bardou & Son
Located in Baltimore, MD
Table top, brass refracting telescope on folding cabriole leg base. Objective lens is 3 possibly 3.25" diameter with additional solar viewing eyepiece, and lens cap. The telescope fu...
Category
Vintage 1910s French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
18th Century Art Tools
Letter Writing Desk
Used Furniture Vernon
Correspondence Desk
Writing Desk 7 Drawers
Oval Mahogany Desk
Mahogany Association
Antique Model Engines
Antique Steam Engine
Portable Writing Desk
Silver Tissue Box
18th Century Partners Desk
Presidential Office Desk
Mahogany Lap Desk
Model Steam Engines
1950s Danish Arm Chairs
Afghan Gabbeh
Antique Leather Top Gaming Table