Bob Engelhardt fired this volley in
:

Whattaya think

Bob,

I think, unless you're still using a lantern toolpost, that there has
been a LOT of tool holder research done since the 1800s, and there have
come many better designs. Even Craftsman sold ones that worked similarly
for their baby Atlas (for a lantern post).

There's nothing remarkable about that design. It's just an offset-head,
built-in back rake, built in side-rake holder -- allows you to grind
tools with no back rake or side rake on the bit, having only to grind the
front and side relief angles, and the profile. That makes it easier on
the tool grinder fellow; but it's nothing unique today.

It has more mystique than method to it.

LLoyd