Repairing a Nipping Press

[AlabamaDan]

Hi all!

I picked up this little nipping press a few days ago. I love the look, but it's been neglected and is broken. I'm looking for advice on how to repair it and get it back into action.

 

[AlabamaDan]

The problem is that the plate is no longer connected to the screw - probably not the name of that part. So, it won't pick up the plate.

 

[AlabamaDan]

So, I've taken it apart. The first course of action is to get the plate attached to the plate so it is functional. Then we can discuss the rust before we start using it. Any suggestions on what should be there? Seems like there should be some type of piece that would fit up into that little block and then maybe held in place with a snap ring maybe? The screws came out much easier than expected, so perhaps someone in the past took it off and threw away some pieces? Anyone know how this is supposed to be attached?

 

[Alan]

Thanks for posting those.