Antique Industrial Bookbinding Press Table Clamp On Cast Iron Wood Shelf Typeset

Description

You're looking at a rare, unusual clamp-on shelf dating to the late 1800s.
This piece was recently removed from a local book binding/ printing shop that closed its doors, having been in business since the 1920s. Many of the items contained in the shop pre-date its founding. I believe this piece was used in the book-binding process, possibly to hold pages together prior to being bound. As you can see from the pictures, this heavy and sturdy item is constructed of wood (possibly oak) and a large cast iron mount that clamps to a table (up to 1.75" thick). The shelf itself can adjust up and down by loosening the large wingnut. There is also an adjustable arm mechanism (covered in leather) that can be positioned to secure a book or other item so that it doesn't tip over while resting on the shelf. The possibilities are almost endless in terms of this piece's applications.
Measures: 34" tall x 16" wide. The total depth is 11.5". The shelf itself is 16" wide x 5.75" deep. The depth of the rear cast iron mount is 6.25".
Pick up is available from Berkeley, CA.
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