Ramion Book Rest

The Ramion, a mahogany Patented travel Book Lectern by M & Co. of London.

The Book Stand flat packs when not in used. The back support is made up of two gilt brass bars that are riveted to each other to fold. The bars are both bent at their corners to form a square back . The top bar has a cut out to either side that sit over lugs fitted to the bottom bar. This prevents the top bar from tipping too far back. The sides of the mahogany base board are also fitted with a pin to prevent the bottom bar from tipping. To the back of the mahogany board, tucked away in a rebate are a pair of gilt brass feet that swing out to give the stand greater stability. A pair of brass keeps fold up from the front to stop the pages turning.

When folded, the two bars that form the back fit within each other and around the mahogany board.

The board is stamped 'Registered Patented The Ramion M & Co. London' to the centre front. We haven't been able to determine who M & Co. were but it is possible that they were Marion & Co. of 152 Regent Street, London and Paris. They were established in the 1840s by Auguste Marion and were known as makers of photographic equipment and sellers of stationery goods. This book rest would fit in with their wares. The company carried on into the 20th century but amalgamated with several other companies to form Amalgamated Photographic Equipment Manufacturers, also known as APeM.

The Book Stand is a simple but effective design. Circa 1900.

The size for use is given.