This rare device was manufactured by San Francisco based Will & Finck. Beginning in 1852, they manufactured an array of items from locks and safes to bell hangers, however, they were particularly known for Frederick A. Will's fine cutlery. At the 1864 Mechanics' Institute Fair, their wares caught the attention of the judges who wrote in The Report of the Fourth Industrial Exhibition 1864, "A beautiful Case of Cutlery of great variety, made by Messrs. Will & Finck…all of excellent workmanship, among the articles… [a] machine for cutting cards, some of which are fully equal to any on exhibition; and we earnestly recommend them for a special premium." Though crude at first glance, this precision, adjustable device was used to make accurate cuts on playing cards. It features brass adjustment knobs and measurement marks on the main box and attached trimmers. It would have been used legitimately to precisely restore frayed edges of an entire deck or by dishonest gamblers to distinguish certain cards giving them a sneaky advantage. Included with the device are copies of excerpts pertaining to the company and card trimmers.

Fine. The main box and instruments have an overall attractive aged patina. The trimmers have a sharp edge and retain some finish, particularly on the handles, and otherwise feature an aged brown patina.