Antique Steampunk Kitsch 1890-1920s Era Cast Iron Copy Book Press Letter Nipping

Description

Antique Steampunk 1890-1920s Era Cast Iron Metal Copy Press / Book Press / Letter Press / Nipping Press
Up for sale is an antique cast iron copy press that appears to be turn of the century, someone btwn 1890s to 1920s and was either used to make letter copies (think original xerox photocopy machine) or press books one or two at a time... today it would make for a great conversation piece, antique steampunk style metal art, book end or if you make a new lock pin to secure the wheel to the threading you can absolutely use this for its original intended purpose.
History: Thomas Jeffersons design for a portable copying press was first built in London in the last 1700s, followed soon after by British chemist William Perkins discovered the first synthetic dye, aniline purple which became the copying ink used in reproducing business documents, newsletters and notices.
An original written with copying ink was placed against a moistened sheet of tissue, the two were pressed together in a massive iron press, and a copy would appear on the tissue. Since the copy was backwards, the tissue had to be held up to the light to be read. The copy press became a fixture in every Victorian office.
Today, they are often sold in antique shops as 'book presses' and their true function long forgotten.
FOUND AT AN ESTATE SALE IN UPSTATE NEW YORK. AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL PICKUP IN THE POTSDAM NY AREA. SHIPPING IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE BUYERS EXPENSE BUT THIS PIECE IS QUITE HEAVY!!
Dimensions: Approximately 16x20x12" and it's quite heavy weighing approx 40 lbs
Condition: Wear, patina and tarnish that you'd expect for a cast iron press dating back 100+ years - good antique condition. This is an original, not a reproduction. Never painted or altered. Only missing a small reed style pin that slips btwn the wheel and the threading - you can definitely improvise a new part to make this fully functional again 😉
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If you have any questions about the item(s) up for auction, please ask before bidding. Serious bidders only PLEASE!
Payment is expected, in full, within two (2) days of auction's end or an unpaid item case will be opened. Returns not accepted on artwork, please be sure of your purchase before you bid, thank you.
BID WITH CONFIDENCE REASONABLE OFFERS WILL BE CONSIDERED
Excellent feedback... including several high end art pieces, statues and over a decade worth of antique sales.