A letter copying press was first developed by James Watt in 1780. Copying clerks were employed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to copy letters and documents. In this press a sheet of oiled paper was inserted next to a dampened piece of tissue in the copying book. An unblotted letter written in special copying ink was then inserted with its face up against the back of the tissue. The book was then put into the press and screwed down tightly for a few minutes, depending on how many copies were being made. Many of these old letter books with important historical information still clearly legible survive today. This letter copying press is of great interest as it shows how letters and documents were duplicated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is of relevance to the Warrnambool and District Historical Society as its historical collection includes many letter books with copies of letters and documents relating to our local history.This is a metal letter copying press. It has a rectangular base with an over-arching curved metal piece and a handle which was able to be turned around to screw down a book. The press has been painted black at some stage but is now partly corroded. vintage letter books, history of warrnambool

Page turners were used in churches and synagogues to read Holy books, to turn pages in huge manuscripts and books (and later newspapers) as well as open double pages without a sharp knife (letter openers). This was from the home of W.J. Sebire in Wandin.A highly polished cream coloured long vintage celluloid page turner used for reading. It has a curved round ended long smooth blade which is paler than the darker short round pointed handle. Both sections have small dark brown fine floral designs on one side. There is a 3mm crack all round near where the handle meets the blade. On one side only are small dark brown floral patterns on the handle and one on the blade.page turners, holy books, celluloid