The Glasgow-based company is offering the press, which dates back to 1822, as an 'ornamental purchase'.

It was purchased by chairman John Watson OBE in the summer of 2006, after which the machine was completely renovated by specialist press-rebuilding company Homeward Bound.

Watson said that the press has been prepared, painted and brightened to the mirror-like finish it would have had when built. 

"It goes without saying that the press is in magnificent condition, but unfortunately due to constraints on space, the company does not have the room for such a fine example of early 19th century printing," he added. 

"It has been repainted to the exacting colour standards as laid down by George Clymer in 1822 and is a truly magnificent specimen."