How many soles have tread on this board shear clamp pedal? How many decades did it take the original deep crosshatching to become almost completely eroded in the center of the pedal? How long did it take for the original japanning to become mirror polished? How many different people have used this machine? How many shins has this pedal bloodied? How many blades has this machine had? How many cloth case bindings have been cut on this machine? How many boxes? How many curses have been hurled at this machine,when something was miscut?
And how many times has this board shear subtly retaliated, going minutely out of square, cutting one book board a hair short, tearing material rather than cutting, or even pinching a finger in quiet defiance, only to be stepped on once again?
Peachey Conservation 
Such a great post. What fun it is to imagine the history of bookbinding equipment 🙂
Hey!! I recognize that foot pedal! Great to see it here.. Long live the much used shear