Founding father invention is reason to give thanks

This Thanksgiving, fans of Franklin – and owners of tall bookcases – could snag an early version of one of his inventions for themselves.

This c.1800 George III mahogany book grab features its original bronze and brass metalwork, now patinated, and is available from Windsor House Antiques for £680.

Franklin original invented the device to help grab books on the highest shelves of his library. Like this later device, the original used two ‘fingers’ that could be opened or closed by pulling on a cord.