Can you identify this Hamilton Mfg. desktop?
Hello, I am new here looking for information, not to sell, but to identify.
I have a Hamilton Mfg. slant top “desk top” for lack of a better name that I purchased a few years ago. I am puzzled on its exact use. I looked through a 1905 catalog and did not see anything exactly like it.
These photos show the unit and the brass plate. Any info is welcome. It is approx. 36 inches wide, 18 inches tall and 12 inches deep. In doing searches I find most drawers are over 16 inches deep, I have been unsure what actually went in the slots. I am going to use it for an art space for sketching and art cards, etc.so trays or drawers would come in handy. The top does lift up though not fully open it is hinged.
I am so glad to have found this site and the information on this wonderful part of history.
Thank you! Denise
hamilton1.JPG
hamilton2.JPG
It looks a lot like an atlas display stand in our local library. The atlas books could be store underneath, and the open books displayed for use on the top.
It may also have been made for display and use of drawings, either architetural or engineering. The website of the current museum has the following description of the company’s products in it’s historical perspective at http://woodtype.org/about/history :
“The company grew and expanded its product line to include type cabinets and other furniture useful in the press room, then to furniture for dental and medical offices and labs, drafting tables and furnishings, and the first gas-powered clothes dryer.”
I would posit that it is a pressman’s desk. It would be positioned near the delivery end of the press so the pressman could examine sheets as they can off of the press. The shelves below could hold progressive proofs. It looks to be a size that would comfortably hold a 22” x 28” sheet which was a standard newspaper sized sheet.
Paul
Thank you for your replies. The slant top width is 17.5. It may look wider than that in this photo. So I am not sure it would hold the 22” sheet without it folding at the top end.
The Atlas stand is intriguing, though the top part opening would lead me to believe it held supplies of some sort,maybe magnifying glasses or paper for information? not sure.
I do appreciate your comments very much.
I think DTP has likely made a good suggestion as that design is well suited for the checking of copy .
Not every machine was printing newsprint so size in that respect is not a defining limit . It is certainly for reading or inspection the slope being to prevent the readers shadow casting over it .