Very little is known about this most unusual and delightful little hand-powered shaper except that it was probably made in the early 1890s. The base, with a conventional elevating knee on one side, was formed into a large socket at the back to accept the swivelling-head unit. At each side of the main cylindrical boss were elevating "V" pads, the function of which is unclear. The ram travel was 6" and side movement of the head, which carried an automatic ratchet feed, a remarkable 10".