Adjustable Reading Stand & Wine Table c.1880

Late 19th.c. adjustable combined reading or music stand and side table by the London maker John Carter c.1880. Known as a 'Literary Machine', designed to stand beside a chair or bed. Featuring a mahogany book holder (18" x 12") with brass page stays over a 14" diameter circular wine table with a raised and moulded edge. Both independently height adjustable (total height 46" - 64") on a telescopic brass column. The angle and horizontal position of the book stand can also be adjusted with a screw at the rear. Note how the ledge and stays can also be folded to make a flat table. On a heavy cast iron base for stability with four crisply cast claw feet. Excellent original condition with superb original maker’s badge featuring an illustration of the machine in use to the underside of the book stand. Cleaned and waxed in our workshops.