This contraption is believed to be an early hand-powered invalid lift. Discovered in the attic of the 1832 Merchants House Museum in New York City, little informa-tion about the device is available. Believed to have been installed between 1872 and 1873, the lift has a hand brake, likely operated by a rope attached to the brake lever at the extreme left in the photo. The Merchants Museum has asked the Elevator Historical Society to help identify the maker and confirm the date of installation. If you can provide such assistance, contact Patrick Carrajat of the society at e-mail: [email protected].
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