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Up for sale is an incredible piece of Boston culinary and corporate history: an original, fully functional 1940 corporate seal press custom-made for the legendary LOCKE-OBER COMPANY of Boston, Massachusetts.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
While the famed Locke-Ober restaurant dates back to 1892, it faced a critical financial crossroads in 1939. Saved by a syndicate of loyal patrons led by Emil Camus, the business officially re-incorporated as \"The Locke-Ober Company\" in 1940. This heavy cast iron press was manufactured immediately after that rescue restructuring to stamp the company\'s very first legal bylaws, stock shares, and executive board decisions.
THE MAKER:
The collar of the press is explicitly stamped \"HOFFMAN / SCHOOL ST.\" identifying it as a product of the historic Hoffman Seal Stamp & Engraving Company, located at 15 School Street, just blocks away from Winter Place in downtown Boston.
The Stamp is Mechanically Sound: The heavy lever action moves smoothly and snaps back cleanly and leaves a Sharp Impression. The internal metal dies are perfectly aligned, yielding an exceptionally clear, sharp raised paper impression that reads: \"LOCKE-OBER COMPANY * 1940 * MASSACHUSETTS\" with a classic serrated border (See photo of impression).
It features its original black industrial finish with gorgeous golden brass patina peeking through the high-wear areas. In addition, the original company paper label is still attached and readable!
It is incredibly heavy, making it a perfect historic paperweight, bookend, an industrial display piece for a Boston history enthusiast or for famous Boston restaurants collector. Great conversation piece %
Please view all accompanying photos to assess the exact cosmetic condition and to view the crisp sample impression made directly by this press.
SHIPPING NOTE: This item is made of solid cast iron and is quite heavy. It will be securely packed and shipped via USPS Priority Mail to ensure fast and safe transit.
LEGAL DISCLAIMERS & CONDITIONS OF SALE
* **Historical Collectible Only:** This item is an authentic vintage artifact manufactured in 1940. It is sold strictly as a historical collectible, novelty item, paperweight, and industrial display piece.
* **No Functional Alignment or Current Representation:** The corporate entity \"Locke-Ober Co.\" associated with this 1940 brass die is presumed defunct as the restaurant permanently closed I October 2012, after 137 years of business. This seal does not represent, bind, or validate any active, modern corporate entity, legal operation, or business organization.
* **Anti-Forgery & Legal Use Notice:** The buyer agrees that this item will not be used to fraudulently replicate documents, forge historical paperwork, or misrepresent corporate authority. Any misuse of this device to falsify official records or documents is strictly prohibited and a violation of local and federal statutes. The seller assumes absolutely no liability for any unauthorized or illegal actions taken by the buyer using this press.
* **\"As-Is\" Vintage Condition:** This item is approximately 86 years old. By purchasing, the buyer acknowledges that the item possesses physical wear, patina, and cosmetic age consistent with its history.
Please review all detailed photos carefully prior to purchase, as they constitute a core part of the physical condition description.
Because of its weight, It will be packaged and shipped USPS Priority Mail Small Box to save you shipping costs. Thanks again. We bundle shipping costs for multiple purchases to save you money!
