bookstand
Object
Accession Number
985.043.001a-dAlternate Name
literary machineDescription
One metal and mahogany book stand incorporating a circular mahogany table and a swiveling mahogany book rest and swiveling candle holder. It is supported by a cast iron four-footed base covered in black enamel. Rising from this base is a single brass shaft with elaborately-cast decoration. The circular table has an opening in its centre through which a vertical metal shaft rises to support the two swiveling arms. The back of the book rest is stamped with a serial number. The maker's name and address is on a cream-coloured plaque screwed above the serial number.Narrative
Bookstands like this one allowed the user to read a book without having to hold it. This example incorporated a candle assembly, parts of which are missing. This assembly included a hollow brass tube into which a candle was placed. The top of the tube was fitted with a detachable brass cone with a hole in its top for the candle wick. The bottom of the tube was fitted with a spring. As the candle burned, the spring automatically pushed the candle to the top of the tube, thus ensuring that the flame was always in the optimum location for reading. Mounted to the top of the tube was a metal shade/reflector that was open at its back. This prevented the open flame from shining into the user's eyes whilst allowing all of the direct and reflected light to illuminate the book.The Castle Society's literary machine is missing two of its four casters. The two survivors are in storage.
By clicking on the manufacturer's name at the bottom of this record, you can see other examples of Carter's Literary Machines and an example of a brass candle-advancer.
