Antique Chicago Check Perforator BF Cummins

This is an antique Chicago Check Perforator made by BF Cummins. The perforator punches out numbers consisting of small perforations - please view my second photo for the example that I produced using this machine. The plaque on the front reads Chicago Check Perforator Patented Aug. 20, 1889 July 29, 1890, Nov. 29,1892 The B.F. Cummins Co. Chicago New York. My understanding is that this particular model was produced until 1930. This particular example is serial numbered 51833. It is in good working condition and quite nice aesthetically. I did polish the metal and there still remains some tarnish/marking, but these perforators are usually quite rusted, so this example presents itself very well. It measures 4 1/2 by 10 1/2, including its handle with a height of 5. It weighs 5 lbs and 11 oz, substantial, which was necessary given its purpose. Cummins held the greatest part of the check perforator market and these machines were considered revolutionary in the check protection industry.
This is a wonderful addition to a banking collection or to an office machine collection - nice working example!