The Rivett Compound Slide Rest (for the circa 1898 Rivett 8" precision lathe, not a watchmakers' lathe) was a magnificent piece of work, and so carefully made that only a light touch was needed on the levers to reset any of the angles. In addition, the whole device could be slid off the carriage by slackening just one lever.

The eccentric toolholder was especially well designed and enabled the tool height to be instantly set without the use of spanners or packing pieces.

To modern eyes the unit does lack something in the way of bulk and the micrometer dials were obviously far too small. Later versions were offered with the choice of T slots in the top slide - and the dials were increased in size at least twice.

(from http://www.lathes.co.uk/rivettearly608/page4.html)