Antique Ornate Victorian Era Industrial Book Press

Beautiful ornate heavy forged iron industrial book press estimated to be from the 19th century.

Ornate details have been painted for bold red flourishes, gold rivet-shaped tabs, green and white flowers. Squat shape with an industrial aesthetic. The base is square with striped pattern in the iron. Curved, stout shoulders house a screw mechanism with baton shaped handles. This machine presses to bind or rebind books. The primitive yet powerful press uses the screw to drive the ram up or down, by turning the handle attached to the screw shaft. The base has holes for mounting. It's a beautiful, functioning piece. Stamped underside base “FH N°1”

Great antique condition with normal for age wear. Painted. Fully functional.