Bidspirit auction | Victorian Geo. Kent Ltd. Oak

Victorian Geo. Kent Ltd. Oak and Cast-Iron Knife Cleaning Machine - A late 19th-century Victorian knife cleaning machine manufactured by Geo. Kent Ltd. of London. The device is constructed with a circular oak drum mounted upon a substantial cast-iron trestle frame. The upper perimeter of the drum is fitted with brass-edged slots for blade insertion, while a central axle is positioned for a hand-crank mechanism. The face is adorned with a cast metal armorial crest featuring the Royal Arms and a central dial inscribed 'TIME & LABOR SAVED.' and 'TRADE MARK', with the lower section embossed 'KENT', 'PATENTEE & MANUFACTURER', and '199 HIGH HOLBORN LONDON'. The cast-iron base is similarly embossed with 'KENT'S PATENT' and '199 HIGH HOLBORN LONDON'. A printed paper label is affixed to the side, providing 'SPECIAL DIRECTIONS' and diagrams for cleaning blade 'SHOULDERS' and 'POINTS', including instructions stating 'ALL GREASE, &c. must be removed from Blades before putting Knives into Machine.' and 'THE CARVER must be cleaned by itself'. Internal cleaning brushes and pads are visible through a circular aperture on the side of the casing.