Early 19th Century Oak Bookbinding Press Table

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Description

A rare and early bookbinders press table in polished oak. It stands on straight square section legs with a thumbnail … Read more A rare and early bookbinders press table in polished oak. It stands on straight square section legs with a thumbnail moulding running down the outside edge. A single drawer with cockbead perimeter and hand cut dovetails sits below the press top which is controlled by a turned lever handle turning a hand carved screw. The screw column turns through threads cut in the upper horizontal member which is dovetailed and pegged into the side supports. Notice the old hand forged and filled screws holding the side supports to the table sides. The patina of the oak is beautiful- dark in the recesses and polished smooth and bright on the high surfaces. The secondary wood of the drawer seems to be pine which suggests it might be American rather than English. There is wear to the bottom of the original drawer glides with later (but still old looking) glue block runners on the underside making the drawer operation smooth. A beautiful conversation piece for a home office or library! See less