Expanding book stands like this were made by the American firm H.L.Judd Company, well known for its domestic metalwares, in the early twentieth century. Similar pieces can be seen in their catalogue from 1913 (see image 7) but this particular model does not appear there. Judd’s pieces were normally marked with a four digit stock number and an identical book stand can be found stamped with the number ‘9759’ which suggests their work whereas here we have just ‘512’. It is likely then, but not certain, that this is a Judd piece, but it shares all the characteristics of their products and is a fine example of this popular display device.