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This is a vintage industrial clipboard / tally board made by Shea, Smith & Co., Chicago, very likely early 20th century (c. 1900–1920).
It’s the real-deal, factory-floor kind—not a schoolroom afterthought.
Key identifiers (the stuff collectors care about)
Maker: Shea, Smith & Co.
Location: Chicago (huge industrial hub at the time)
Marking: Cast iron clip stamped “SHEA SMITH & CO / CHICAGO”
Patent-style oval mark with a cow/bull head motif and lettering beneath (a livestock / industrial branding crossover—very Chicago)
Material:
Board: solid hardwood (likely maple or similar), two-board construction
Clip: heavy cast iron with forged steel spring arms
Hardware: Slotted screws (period-correct, pre-Phillips)
Dimensions:
What it was used for
These were used in industrial, agricultural, and shipping contexts, especially:
Stockyards & meatpacking plants (Chicago was the place)
Warehouse tallying
Factory floor inventory and inspection logs
Rail or freight documentation
This style predates the thin spring-steel office clipboard. It’s built like it expected to be dropped, kicked, and still finish the shift.
Condition notes (honestly, very good)
Excellent original surface and patina
Honest wear, scratches, and darkened wood from actual use
No cracks or breaks
Clip is intact, strong, and functional
Wood shows age but remains solid and flat
This is the kind of wear collectors want—not abuse, just a century of showing up to work.
Why this one stands out
Cast iron clip (earlier and scarcer than pressed steel)
Bold, readable maker stamp
Chicago industrial provenance
Great proportions—displayable without being bulky
Works beautifully as:
