Pleated ruffles were a fashionable trimming for ladies’ clothing in the late 19th century - early 20th century. Dressmakers and classy laundries offering “fancy” ironing services both had plenty of use for a pleating machine. Pleating machines were sold for home use too.This item is an example of a machine not commonly used today.Metal and wood pleating machine, still in working order. Handles are carved wood.textile-machinery sewing pleating-machine