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Offered here is an exceptional **19th century cast iron cobbler’s foot press machine**, manufactured by the **Heaton Peninsular Button Fastener Company**. This is a rare and authentic piece of early industrial footwear history, used by shoemakers and cobblers for fastening buttons and fittings onto boots and shoes.
With its tall profile, heavy cast iron construction, and mechanical foot-operated design, this machine is both a functional antique and a fantastic display piece for collectors of industrial, Americana, or trade tools.
* Solid **cast iron frame** with classic industrial design
* **Foot-operated press mechanism** (treadle-style operation)
* Original **button fastener head** assembly
* Compact integrated **work table surface**
* Designed for repetitive, efficient fastening in cobbler shops.
* Overall height: 50" (floor to top of fastener)
* Table surface: 17" x 15"
* Weight: approx. 30 lbs
* **Mechanism appears to function as intended**
* Good overall antique condition with expected wear from age and use
* Surface wear, patina, and minor imperfections consistent with 19th century industrial equipment
* Structurally solid
Please review all photos carefully, as they are part of the description.
The **Heaton Peninsular Button Fastener Co.**, based in **Newark, New Jersey**, was a key manufacturer of specialized machinery during the late 19th century. Their equipment was widely used in the booming American shoe industry, particularly for producing and repairing **button boots**, which were fashionable from the mid-1800s into the early 1900s.
Before the widespread use of laces and zippers, buttoned footwear required precise fastening tools like this one. Machines such as this allowed cobblers to work more efficiently while maintaining consistent quality, making them essential in both small shops and larger production settings.
Today, surviving examples are increasingly scarce and are highly sought after by collectors of:
* Early American industrial tools
* Shoemaking and cobbler memorabilia
* Steampunk / factory decor
* Primitive and rustic display pieces
* The unit **can be partially disassembled** (fastener head, rod, and table removed) for safer and more affordable shipping
* Easy to reassemble upon arrival
* Will be carefully packed to ensure safe delivery
This is a wonderful opportunity to own a genuine piece of American industrial history that is both decorative and functional. Whether displayed in a workshop, home, or collection, it makes a bold and unique statement.
- Please ask any questions before offerding.
