Water-operated press

The old Watson-Stillman press in the GE Research labs. 

This was an ancient water-operated triplex pump press that was originally used in powdered metallurgy experiments to perfect the development of tungsten light bulb filaments.  It was on this press that diamonds were first made by man on December 16, 1954.  Robert Wentorf is on the left (facing camera) and Tracy Hall has his back to the camera on the right side of the picture. 

The wet weather gear that was essential to operate the leaky press is plainly visible.