It is indeed a thing of beauty. I bet it was expensive in its day.

Here is a link to the dealer's write up...

Jim Bode Tools website
It was made by R. Ball and Co., Worcester, Mass. Patent date of July 7, 1868.

After just a little web research I have found that they made stationary wood working machines such as planers in the 1860-1880 time frame. Also made rifles in the last years of the War of Northern Aggression. Don't know much else.