North West Company Fur Press

North West Company Fur Press. . The lever fur press, much like the reconstructed model before you, was frequently used at fur trading posts operated by the North West Company. It was simple to operate and could be constructed from wood found near the post. Fur pelts, with fur sides together, were stacked inside the box of the lever press. Access to the box was obtained by removing one or more wooden side panels. When 50 to 60 pelts had been placed inside of the box, several voyageurs pulled down down on the free end of the pole, compressing the pelts into a bundle weighing approximately 90 pounds. While the furs were being compressed, a voyageur would tie the bundle securely with several pieces of rope or straps of leather.

The wedge fur press, much like the lever press, was also used at small fur trade posts. Fur pelts were placed in a box similar to that used with the lever press. The pelts held within this box were compressed by a wooden plate placed on top of them. The wooden plate was forced down on the stack of furs by wedges which were pounded in from opposite sides of the box.

The screw fur press was manufactured at iron foundries to the east or in England. This style of fur press was expensive to manufacture and heavy to transport. For these reasons, it was most likely used only at large fur trading depots such as Grand Portage and Fort William which had access to Lake Superior.