Antique Two Prong Cast Iron Wood Tally Clipboard Shea Smith Chicago Industrial For Sale

This is a vintage industrial clipboard / tally board made by Shea, Smith & Co., Chicago, very likely early 20th century (c. 1900–1920).

It’s the real-deal, factory-floor kind—not a schoolroom afterthought.

• Maker: Shea, Smith & Co.

• Location: Chicago (huge industrial hub at the time)

• Marking: Cast iron clip stamped “SHEA SMITH & CO / CHICAGO”

• Patent-style oval mark with a cow/bull head motif and lettering beneath (a livestock / industrial branding crossover—very Chicago)

• Material:

  • Board: solid hardwood (likely maple or similar), two-board construction

  • Clip: heavy cast iron with forged steel spring arms

• Hardware: Slotted screws (period-correct, pre-Phillips)

• Dimensions:

  • Board: 13 3/8\" L x 7 1/4\" W

  • Clip height: ~3 5/8\" T

These were used in industrial, agricultural, and shipping contexts, especially:

• Stockyards & meatpacking plants (Chicago was the place)

• Warehouse tallying

• Factory floor inventory and inspection logs

• Rail or freight documentation

This style predates the thin spring-steel office clipboard. It’s built like it expected to be dropped, kicked, and still finish the shift.

• Excellent original surface and patina

• Honest wear, scratches, and darkened wood from actual use

• No cracks or breaks

• Clip is intact, strong, and functional

• Wood shows age but remains solid and flat

This is the kind of wear collectors want—not abuse, just a century of showing up to work.

• Cast iron clip (earlier and scarcer than pressed steel)

• Bold, readable maker stamp

• Chicago industrial provenance

• Great proportions—displayable without being bulky

• Works beautifully as:

  • Industrial décor

  • Desk display

  • Shop clipboard

  • Or just a handsome slab of American work history