Cast Iron Receipt Holder Bill Spike with Decorative Base

Before receipts went into an inbox, apparently they went onto a spike.

This antique cast iron receipt holder features a tall metal spindle rising from a heavy square base decorated with a raised circular scrollwork design. Four holes at the corners of the base suggest it could originally have been mounted to a counter or desk.

These utilitarian spikes were used in shops, offices, restaurants, and other businesses to keep receipts, order slips, invoices, or notes together throughout the day. Today, it makes a wonderfully industrial little piece of business history and an unusual desk accessory.

The base measures approximately 2 inches across, with the spike standing roughly 6 inches tall.

Condition: Antique used condition with substantial age-related patina, oxidation, surface wear, discoloration, and accumulated wear to the cast iron and spike. The spike remains pointed and should be handled carefully.

Exactly the sort of object that makes you wonder how many transactions it witnessed before someone finally decided paper spikes were perhaps not the safest filing system.