Bidspirit auction | Antique Kalamazoo Book Stand

Antique Kalamazoo Book Stand - An exceptional piece of late 19th-century utility design, this antique Victorian-era adjustable dictionary or book stand was manufactured by the Kalamazoo Library Stand Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Featuring a highly decorative ornate cast-iron filigree base and shelf, the patent date ”PAT DEC 15 1896” and partial ”KALAMAZOO” lettering are clearly visible on the central iron casting. The dual quarter-sawn oak book platforms are designed to hold open a large volume, supported by a heavy-duty tension spring mechanism. The wood shows a warm, aged patina with minor surface scratches, a small darkened stain on the right panel, and typical wear to the edges consistent with age. Structurally, the cast iron and primary spring mechanism remain in robust condition; however, the long tension adjustment bolt has snapped, leaving a portion threaded into the lower bracket that will require extraction and a standard replacement bolt to restore full tension functionality. H 31”, W 16”, D 16”. Please see photos for condition. From the Dale Beeks collection.