Adjustable Reading Stand & Wine Table c.1890

Late 19th.c. adjustable combined reading or music stand and side table by the London maker John Carter c.1890. Known as the 'Literary Machine', designed to stand beside a chair or bed. Featuring a mahogany book holder (12" x 8") with brass page stays over a 15" diameter circular wine table with a raised and moulded edge. Both independently height adjustable on a brass column (column height 57"). The vertical angle of the bookstand is adjusted with a patented screw and ratchet mechanism at the rear. It also swivels and the horizontal position can also be adjusted. On a heavy cast iron base for stability with original brown pot castors. Excellent 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.