Antique Guillotine-Style Paper Cutter – Hardwood Base with Forged Steel Arm (Possibly Mid-1800s)
This is one of the most fascinating antiques we brought back from the Kyoto flea market. A beautifully crafted, guillotine-style paper cutter featuring a solid hardwood base, hand-scribed grid, and forged steel cutting arm. Tools with this kind of character and construction simply aren’t made anymore.
On the underside, the piece is marked "1841". I cannot verify whether this is the true manufacturing date, but the materials, patina, forged steel hardware, and overall design are very consistent with 19th-century print-shop tools. Whether or not the date is exact, this is undeniably an old, authentic piece.
I’ll be upfront: I likely overpaid for it, but it was too incredible to leave behind. After walking the entire Kyoto market, this was the only one of its kind I found.
Features:
- Solid hardwood cutting table with hand-scribed grid
- Forged steel guillotine arm and handle
- Hand-cut and early-style hardware consistent with 1800s construction
- Gorgeous aged patina and authentic wear
- Marked “1841” on underside (date unverified)
- Sourced directly from a Kyoto flea market
Dimensions:
- Cutting Table: 7.25" wide × 8" long
- Handle Length: 12"
If you collect antique tools, early woodworking or print-shop equipment, or simply love items with true history, this is a rare and remarkable piece. Once it’s sold, that’s it, finding another like this is highly unlikely.
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