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Antique Tools at The Best Things
Measuring Tools

ME90658 Buck & Ryan, London This is an as found 7 1/2" square that has its original bluing on the blade and the original lacquer on the rosewood stock. The brass is not polished. There is a hang hole in the stock. This will clean up to better than Good $39
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ME90642 Surface Gauge This is one of the most unusal and decorative surface gauges that I have seen. It has cupid's bow decoration to both sides of the base, and an ornate pieced wingnut. It is a small example, and measures 4 inches from the base to the wing nut. Really a nice example. G++ $295
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ME90638 J. Rabone & Sons, Birmingham This is a rare 4 fold boxwood rule in 1 meter length, but also graduated on the edge with Amsterdam inches. Crisp and clean, I doubt that it was ever sold. The brass still has all of the original lacquer, as the fine rating on our website would imply. Wow condition and very rare. Fine $145Sold
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ME90639 W. Marples & Sons, Hibernia This is a 10" rosewood level with brass face. The brass face has been polished bright, thus the cheap price. Good $45Sold
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ME90613 Plumb Bob This is a 3 1/4" high brass plumb bob that weighs just over 8 ounces. It is all polished up which is why I kept the condition rating down. Otherwise it is crisp and would make a good user. G+ $59Sold
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ME90615 Personalized Scottish Level This is a wonderful 13 1/2" mahogany Scottish level that is that is engraved "Henry Dickson, Coppersmith, Edinburgh" and 1869. The engraving is first class jeweler's grade work. Sadly the brass has been polished. This is a rare and special tool. G+ $695
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ME90621 W & C Wynn This is a pair of handwrought calipers that stand 6" high. Wynn was in business through much of the 19th Century so that it is hard to be specific in dating these. The do have some scattered pitting and looked like they were cleaned, although not too aggressively, with steel wool. Signed calipers like these are not common. G+ $59
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ME90546 Cabinetmaker's Square This is a traditional cabinmaker's square in nice as found condition. I think that it is American but it could be English. It can be hard to tell. It has the original tab on the brass face for holding it on an edge. It is just under 15 inches. The blade has some light powder rust but no serious rust. Much nicer than most that we see. G+ $55
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ME90516 Edward Roberts This is a 4 slide 18th Century customs slide rule. The markings on the inside of the slide all pertain to various spirits. I am not an expert on how these were used. This tool is in untouched condition with nicely patinated boxwood. There are a few scattered inkstains on the boxwood. Marked on the inside, as they always are, Edwd. Roberts, Maker in Dove Court, Old Jewery, London. A great piece of history. G+ $385
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ME90451 Grasshopper Gauge This is a really great example of a New England "Grasshopper" marking gauge in a very large size. It is in maple with great original patina, boldly marked by the owner, "A. Boldizsar". It stands 10 inches high. This is the nicest example that I have seen of one of these gauges, not only in condition but in form, fit, and finish. Really a nice one. G++ $59
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ME90439 Tripod Dividers This is a superb quality 19th Century set of tripod leg dividers. The third leg is round and is retractable. They are German silver with steel tips. The fixed legs are just over 6" high to the top of the hinge. A really wonderful tool for the connoisseur. Fine $189
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90430 J. Rabone & Sons This is a No. 1369 12 inch boxwood plumb and level in superb untouched condition. This is a connoisseur quality. Wow condition! Fine $99Sold
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ME90331 Union Tool Co. This is an apparenlty unused 12" combination square with center finder and inclometer head, in the original box with the original wax paper. This is better quality than any of the new ones which we sell, at a lower price. I assume that this one is from the 1930s or 40s. I am not sure when Union went out of business. My only complaint is that there is one piece of clear tape on one side of the box towards the front. Really Nice. Fine $145
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ME90351 Hand Forged Dividers This is a pair of 11" dividers. They are nicely made with nice lines but they were overcleaned and then coated with something like a lacquer. They are still a great user pair but as a collector I would advise waiting for an unmolested example. Good $45
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ME90327 Peck, Stow, & Wilcox, East Berlin, Conn This is a 6" pair of dividers, with a very odd feature. When I bought them I thought that they had a fine adjust feature, but I was misinterpreting them. There is a spring loaded end to the curved arm that is used to set the adjustment. This means that when they are locked, you can squeeze them and move the spring a bit, this altering the setting slightly. I don't understand the point of that. The address of "East Berlin, Conn" is marked on one arm. This address is not recorded in the EAIA directory for this company. They look relatively early with brass washers on each side of the hinge. NIce untouched condition and very intriguing. G $59
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ME90268 Unmarked This is a classic British rosewood and brass level. It is nine inches long. It has been though a British dealers hands and it has been overcleaned so that the brass shines. Still, for this price you can just use it and eventually it will tone down. G+ $89
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ME90269 Travelling Drafting Set This is a wonderful fitted drafting set in an unusual leather covered case. It is not the more typical English style and I hesistate to say where it is from. I could see it being French but I don't know. The pen has a particularly elegant forn to the turned bone handle, which is totally unlike English versions. It has a hinge wrench still in its spot, which is very unusual to find. It also has a little ink or watercolor mixing bowl in ivory. The brass has been lightly polished. This is a great set. G++ $245
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ME90243 E. Preston and Sons, Birmingham This is a crisp, untouched, 8" rosewood level with brass top. This is how I like to find them. G++ $95
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ME90224 Hall & Knapp This is a six inch cabinetmaker's square in very nice unmolested condition. The blade looks like it has been lightly cleaned but the wood and brass are untouched. The wood has most of its original finish and a nice crisp mark with the American eagle and "Warranted Spring Temper". Marked American squares are not common and this is a great example by an important maker. G+ $119
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ME90157 Disston This is a Disston #3 cast iron bevel square, the Disston answer to the Stanley #18. This one is in the smallest size and the blade measures a bit under 6 inches. The stock retains 99% of the original nickel. A nice untouched example of a quite scarce tool. G++ $59
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ME9023 W. & L. E. Gurley This is a Gurley sighting level in the original fitted mahogany box with the original maker's label in the lid. This is a very genuine as found example that has never been polished or otherwise molested. This is the condition that I am proud to own. This it the last of the tools from the level collection that we have been selling. G++ $195
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ME90140 F. Curtis, Stockbridge, Mass. This is a boxwood mortising gauge by an extraordinarily rare American maker. It is as found and needs a bit of work. It has brass plates on the top and bottom, and some of the brass pins that hold them on need to be reset. The head is also plated and a fool has put dent in the head resetting the pins. The head is currently on backwards. The boxwood is untouched. There is a small chip near the thumbscrew. The knurling is very fancy, althought it shows wear. The pins are nearly worn out. This can be carefully restored to be a nice example of a rare maker's work. Good $129
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ME90135 Smallwood This is a new old stock 6" cabinetmaker's square with rosewood stock and brass trim. It still has the orginal decail on the stock. Fine $55
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ME90110 Bevel Square This is a 5 1/2" solid steel bevel square. The stock is marked "pat. appl. for". I can't imagine what they were trying to patent on this very straightforward tool. Perhaps that the blade is mounted on the side not through the center. The blade has swirl lines on it like it was put against a machine of some kind to clean it off. The stock is untouched. Acutally quite a handy user tool as well as being intriguing as a possible rare patented piece. G+ $59
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ME90117 Edward Preston & Sons This is a classic 9" rosewood and brass level in very crisp condition. The brass is lightly hand polished. The wood retains its original French polish. It looks like Ebony at first glance but I believe that it is dark rosewood. A common tool but in much better condition than is typical. G++ $85
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ME90126 Edward Roberts This is an 18th Century 12" boxwood 4 slide customs rule. It is by one of the most sought after makers, Edward Roberts, and is marked "Edwd Roberts, Maker, Dove Court, Old Jewry, London". The boxwood has great color and surface. I also have another one that does not have as nice patina but is cheaper, if that interests you. Just think, the calculations for the tea on that started the American Revolution might have been done on this slide rule. G+ $495
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ME81227 Ritchie's Patent Combination Square This is a scarce and desirable tool from the great "Age of Invention." This patent was from 1884. This square has two level vials built in, a bevel square, and a graduated square. Both level vials have protective sliding covers. It is a wonderfully made tool. There is light pitting over much of the graduated square blade and the etching of the name and patent are visible but not really legible. Still quite a presentable example of a rare and highly decorative tool. Good $895
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ME81210 Craftsman Made This is a lovely user made 12" bevel square that has been engraved with the owner's name, which I think reads E. Peckstork, but the old script is hard to interpret. It is wonderfully made to a standard that is rarely found in factory made bevel squares. I really like this one. G+ $95
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ME81155 L. B. Hale's Patented Tailor's Square This superb piece is unique in my experience. It is marked Patent Applied For, but I did not look if the patent was granted. It is marked, L. B. Hale's Mechanical Tailor System of Square Measurment for Cuttiing Ladies' and Children's Garments, L. B. Hale, Inventor, Pat Appld For, Mediden, Conn." The square is covered with scales that would confuse any mortal tailor. It is in crisp as found condition. Superb. Fine $295
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ME81115 Boxwood Rule This is a new old stock 4 fold 12 inch boxwood rule that was probably made for the trade and never marked by a retailer. It is more than likely a Rabone or Smallwood product. It can't date it accurately but I would feel confident to say that it is definitely pre-War and post 1900. It is so crisp that the hinges are tight. Wow condition. Fine $65
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ME81116 Cloth Caliper This unusual tool is a boxwood caliper, graduated up to 16 inches. It is marked, "Patent No 20945" but with now makers mark. I am pretty sure that it is British and I am told that it was for measuring bolts of fabric. Nice clean as found condition and a very unusual tool. G++ $85
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ME8116 Mahogany Level This is a very fancy Scottish style 12 inch mahogany level with very fancy brass inlays. These levels vary in the elegance and quality of execution. I must say that this is one of the better ones and I really like it. I would also say that it is an earlier example of this type of level but that is based on a subjective feeling. It comes in a fitted tin box that is original to it and has kept it in exceptionally crisp conditon for all these years. The brass was lightly polished around 1984 when our consignor bought it, but it has since taken on a nice mellow color. I strongly recommend this piece. G++ $345
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ME81021 Turner, Routledge, & Co. Liverpool This is an unusual caliper rule of unknown purpose. It is boxwood and measures 4 inches when closed. The central sliding piece is padded with cloth. I have shown this piece to a number of leading experts and none has offered a conclusive explanation of its function. Oddly, if you open it and measure an object, the size is not equal to what the rule reads, so its use must have been more subtle that it would at first appear. A very intriquing piece in wonderful condition. Fine $95
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ME81025 L.L. Davis This is a 12" Davis cast iron inclinometer level with gold trim. It has no damage and is uncleaned with perfect patina on the brass. The gold trim is worn and I would estimage that only about 25% of the gold trim remains. The japanning shows normal wear but is still around 80-90%. If you want a nice honest example of one of these levels without paying a fortune, this one is it. G+ $365
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ME81039 L.L. Davis This is the classic Davis 6" mantle clock inclinometer that is sought after by most collectors. This one is as found except that the brass might have been lightly polished a long time ago. It does not look polished but the patina is not very dark. The solid line of gold trim is pretty much intact around the base, but the floral swags above it are all but gone. The japanning is about 95%. This is a nice example and absolutely damage free. G+ $395
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ME81019 Architect's Rule This is an unused old boxwood architect's 4 fold rule. It is only marled, "Warranted Best Box". It is missing one pin but this rule is as crisp and new as they come. The one end joint is graduated as inclinometer. Truly as if it was vacuum packed for 100 years. Mint $145
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8096 Winslow's Adjsutable Face Gauge This is a superb example of a very rare patented American marking gauge. An example of this rare gauge appears on the back cover of Milt Bacheller's book, American Marking Gauges. This gauge could mark mortices or just single lines, and could work straight, inside, or outside curves. This one retains 98% original nickel and is as nice as they come. Fine- $745
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ME80835 Early Calipers This is superb early calipers. They have the large facetted head with a double leaf joint that is associated with 17th and 18th Century examples. These are not marked but they are in superb original condition and are as nice an example as one could want. The detailing is wonderful. They are brass with steel or iron tips keyed into the brass arms. Highly recommended. G++ $695
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ME80839 Plumb Bob This is a big and beautiful turnip shape plumb bob, weighing in at over 3 pounds and measuring 5" high by 2 1/2" diameter. Wow! G+ $345
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ME80833 L. S. Starrett This is an original Starrett master pattern for a filligree drafting square head. It has an original tag on it, reading "Brass Master Patter #164-10"". The tag has tear in it but is still in one piece. These are from the same collection of Starrett patterns that we are selling and is the most impressive one that we have left. A once in a lifetime opportunity, as there will never be more where these came from. Fine- $395
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ME8087 Depth Gauge This is a particularly finely made craftman made tool. It has a shapely bronze slide on a steel piece which is not graduated. This is a 19th Century tool which shows craftsmanship at its very finest. The bronze head is 7" across. G+ $159
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ME80814 S.A. Jones & Co. Hartford, Ct. The first antique tool that I bought was a boxwood morticing gauge by S.A. Jones. I loved it, and I still do. This is a wonderful example of a Jones boxwood gauge which I found out in Indiana in an out of the way antiques shop. That rarely happens to me. This one is uncleaned with wonderful boxwood. It is hand graduated to 5 inches. The pins are very worn, but could still be used. This is a very early example of this type of mortice gauge. Highly recommended. G+ $179
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ME8078 J. Rabone & Sons This is a superb Rabone 12" combination rule and level in the orginal leather case. The brass is crisp and retains most of its orginal lacquer. The boxwood has that light color of untouched boxwood. This is a wonderful tool by any measure. Fine $169Sold
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ME80557 Ivory Comparator Rule This is a four fold rule, just over 12 inches long, that is graduated in 4 different scales. It is marked "Holland", "Rhienland", and "metre". The fourth scale, which is slightly smaller than our inches, is not marked. As if that one would be known. It is a well made ivory rule, but I don't see any maker's mark. It shows signs of honest wear, but the ivory is still quite light and is not yellowing. A nice example of a scarce type of rule. Good $199
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ME80518 C.J. Tagliabue, New York This is a very rare American wine merchant's wantage rod. It is in boxwood with brass trim and an ivory panel in the area that is most read. The patina on the boxwood and brass is as good as it gets. The EAIA toolmaker's directory lists this maker, but with no dates and only one tool reported, which is more than likely this partular wantage rod. It is also marked "U.S. Standard." I can't imagine finding a nicer example of a wantage rod, but any maker. Highly recommended. Fine $789
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ME80470 Mortice Gauge This is a boxwood head gauge with a full brass stem. The gauge has been polished, which is a great shame, but it will still make a great user for a discerning craftsperson. The color on the boxwood is great. The pins are well formed and a good height. The pins were never very high on these old gauges, even when they were new. Not a common gauge to find in boxwood. G+ $95
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ME80425 J. W. Wheatcroft, New York This is a rosewood morticing gauge that is similar to an English pattern, but different enough that I think it was probably actually made in New York and not just imported. This is a very rare mark and the only tool of this type that I have seen with this mark. It is in nice condition, having been carefully waxed by a collector. The fully brass plated head has a nice patina, having never been polished. One pin is too worn to work well, but you don't buy this gauge because you need to mark mortices. From an important collection. G+ $245
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ME80245 Elegant Surface Gauge This is an attractive 19th Century American machinist's surface gauge with decorative turning to the base and an acorn finial. It stands about 16" high to the top of the acorn. Nicer color overall. Looking the base it is possible that it was touched with a fine wire wheel, but that might just be the surface of the iron. The rest of the tool definitely was not touched. This is quite a nice example made by a skilled craftsman with a good eye for design. G+ $195
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ME80225 W. & C. Johnson, Makers, Philadelphia This is a 4 1/2" cabinetmaker's square by a maker that was only operating from 1823 - 1840 according to Schaffer's book. I have seen very few tools with this mark. This square is untouched with nice color to the brass trim, and original bluing, turned to brown, the blade. The rosewood has the usual toolbox rash. This is a rare survivor. G+ $119
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ME80166 J. Stamm, Mount Joy, Lan. Co. PA This is a beech marking gauge by a scarce Lancaster county maker. It is used but not abused and will make a nice user or collector's piece. It is graduated to 9 inches, but the stem goes on another inch and a half. The side opposite the graduates looks to have been planed a long time ago, likely to alleviate binding. It appears to have been cleaned with 4 zero steel wool, which is a mistake, but they went lightly on this one and it should not bother you. I think that it is a bargain. Good $95
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ME80149 Darling, Brown, & Sharpe This is a fixed 3" high precision machinist's square. These small machinist's squares are also great for checking the squareness of your edges after planing with a jointer plane, and I keep a similar square in the tool tray on my bench all the time. Of course this one is also by an important maker that evolved into the legendary Brown & Sharp that we know today. G+ $48
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ME80117 Rabone This is an apparently unused Rabone No. 1098 18" level in the original box. The level is mahogany with brass trim. Both the wood and the brass have theo original finish and the screws are blued. There is one spot on the side, smaller than dime, where the finish has bubbled a bit. There is a silver triangle on the top that someone has intentionally rubbed off but traces remain. and the glass on the top of the enclosure that surrounds the vial is loose. All three of these things are quite minor. This level is in amazing condition. The box is worn and needs repair but all of the original labels are present and it looks quite good even as it is. Unique in my experience to find one of these scarce levels in the box and in this condtion. Fine $285
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ME71257 Dancing Leg Calipers This is a nicely made pair of dancing leg calipers that are neatly marked by the maker, F. Miller. Measuring just under 3 inches, this is a small but elegant set of dividers. G++ $185
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ME71240 C. Sholl This is the 4 stem rosewood version of this famous patented gauge. This one is in nice as found condition with only light tool box wear and only light wear from useage. If you want one nice example for your collection, this could be it. G+ $295
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ME71218 S. A. Jones, Hartford, Ct This is a 6" cabinetmaker's square by a scarce early American maker. S.A Jones was perhaps the first maker to make this style of square in this country. The square is a virgin find and is untouched. The blade has light rust overall. The rosewood stock has the usual tool box marks, but has perhaps a bit less of that than most. This is a useable example or a good collector's piece. Good $58
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ME71216 L.S. Starrett This is an L.S. Starrett company master pattern in brass for the early style protractor head used in the early 20th Century. This pattern bears a tag declaring it obsolete in 1990, but the pattern is much older than that date, probably from around 1900. The workmanship on this pattern is wonderul. The brass is nicely patinated and needs only a very light cleaning with a soft tooth brush. If you are going to buy one Starrett pattern for your collection, this is it. This is from the last group of 3 patterns that we will be getting from an important collection of Starrett patterns. G++ $185Sold
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ME71018 H. Bell & Co. Prescot, Lancashire This is a classic Lancashire pattern folding guinea scale. It is in a mahogany box with a full originial paper label. This is a scarce type which came with 5 extra original weights. Only one of these looks proper to me, and it might not be original to this scale because it does not fit perfectly. That might be from wood shrinkage. The other 4 are clearly modern replacments, and the lid is very difficult to shut properly with them in place, because they were not made properly. They could be fitted better. This is the only one of these scales that I have had even had a provision for extra weights. It is also the first that I have had by this maker. Most of the ones that I see were made in Ormskirk. The brass looks to be very lightly polished but the tool is in essentially very nice as found condition. Very cheap for one these, even with replaced weights. It is late 18th Century. G++ $279
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ME70921 I&D Smallwood This is an advertising rule for the I&D Smallwood factory of Birmingham, one of the last makers of fine rules and levels in Britain to finally succumb to the march towards mediocrity that we are all on. This rule looks like it is mid 20th Century. A nice graphic piece of advertising and a functional 12" rule as well. Fine $85
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ME70915 Boxwood Mortice Gauge This is a simple boxwood mortice gauge with a sliding piece to set the mortice width. It is probably a Stanley made gauge but is not marked. Tall pins. Overcleaned and the piece to adjust the brass slide looks replaced, but still A nice user and cheap. Good $29Sold
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ME70725 John Dobie & Co., Glasgow This is a nice 12" four fold ivory rule. Scottish marked ivory rules are quite scarce. Since Dobie was a plane maker there is a good chance that this rule was made by another company, such as Rabone, but marked for Dobie. It is hard to say now, but I can say that this is a very nice, clean rule. The inside is of couse bright white and crisp. The outside shows some wear, but only the very lightest. It is very nice. There is one tiny chips in the ivory at the hinge were the ivory is so thin because of the hinge leaves. These can be seen in the photo and really are negligible. G++ $239
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ME70561 Brass Level This is an 8" brass level in its original tin case. The design is unusual in that it is made from sheet stock. I don't really see how it was made, in that there is no seam in the stock. Other levels in this style that I have seen were machined from solid brass. Nice untouched condition. The paper covering on the tin case, shows considerable wear. I don't recall seeing a paper covered case like this before. G+ $79
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ME70439 J. Long, London This is an 18 inch dual slide customs slide rule. This rule could pass for 18th Century but J. Long was an early 19th Century London scientific instrument maker. The boxwood has lovely color and this rule is very pleasing visually and tactily. There is big chip at the end of one slide. and some staining, but overall it is still quite a nice example that I would be happy to put in my collection. G+ $245
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ME70397 Cook, Maker to the Excise, Late Wellington, Crown Ct. Soho This is a late 18th, early 19th Century 4 slide 12" customs rule. It is serial number 3717. These were very expensive rules when new and represented a man's livelyhood. This one is in nice as found condition. It has a pronouced bow, that seems to seasonally dependent. I bought it in summer and it was straight, now in my very dry house it is bowed. The boxwood has nice color and this is just a nice honest example. G+ $299
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ME70376 Bevel Square, Sheffield & New York marks This is a fantastic quality Fenton and Marsden bevel gauge that is also marked byT. J. Wood, a New York retailer. The mark gives the complete address, but in such tiny letters that I struggle read it. It is clear, just small. Wood worked on Chatham St. from 1843 - 1855. The stock is highly figured Brazillian rosewood. The brass trim has been polished, and this time we can't blame the English dealers. It was a home grown assailant. The blade has some pitting and is mostly bright. It is a small bevel, the stock is only 4 1/2 inches and the blade is 7 1/2. A very rare tool that is worth overlooking the overcleaning. Good $89
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ME70379 W. H. Harlings, 47 Finsbury Pavement, London This is a first quality mahogany cased set of boxwood scale rules. The mahogany case has great color and figure and is a quality box fitting one of London's premier makers of drawing instruments. There are 6 long rules and 5 short scaling rules, marked 10, 20, 30, 50, & 60. It would probably be a fair assumption that it is missing the one for 40. Otherwise it seems complete. The long rules are all factory marked with the original owner's name, "B.M. Samuelson." This was an expensive set when it was new and would have been a valued possession that one would have wanted to have nicely marked, not just stamped at home with an owner's mark. G++ $159
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ME70343 Decorative Trammels I have never seen any trammels before quite like these. They have a very pronounced decorative chamfering. The beam is mahogany, but I am not sure about the heads. One point is broken off. They are as found and would benefit from a waxing. A superb example of the artistic expression of the workman as expressed in his own tools. Good $99
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ME70312 Drafting Set This is an apparently complete and original 19th Century drafting set in a cloth covered wooden box. The bone handles all have nice finials. This set is untouched and very genuine. The box is well work and tatty, clearly having served somebody very well for a long time. Good $129
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ME70252 E. W. Carpenter, Lancaster This is a 24" rosewood panel gauge by the legendary E. W. Carpenter. As found condition, well used and well cared for. The usual tool box marks but for a tool that is over 150 years old, it is nothing I would complain about. The boxwood wear plate and thumbscrew have a rich dark patina. Good good useable or highly collectible tool. G+ $185
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ME70166 J. Miller & Bros, Newport, KY This is an 18" Cabinetmaker's square with an ultra rare Kentucky mark on it. The first of its kind that I have seen. This tool is as found with nicely patinated brass, a nice steel blade, and rosewood stock. The little tab that us used for holding the square on boards is missing, as they usually are. Rates a very nice Good $295
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ME70126 J. Buck, 124 Newgate St. & Waterloo Rd, Lambeth, London This is a 24" boxwood rule with a brass slide. Rules are my weakness and I am not sure what this one was used to calculate but it has finely marked graduation and a table on one side. The brass fittings have been savaged by an English dealer. Goodman's book shows J. Buck operating from both of these roads in the mid to late 19th Century. The boxwood has a nice mellow patina. Good $85
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ME61255 T. Bradburn & Sons This is a boxwood combinaton plumb & level and rule. It is 12" long with wonderful hand marked scales on both sides. It has been gently cleaned by a collector and is ready to enjoy. A scarce and very lovely tool. G+ $145
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ME60921 Fancy Victorian Brass Level This is a beautiful decorative brass level measuring 11 1/2" overall. It has been polished by an English antiques dealer but it is starting to tone down again and should get some patina back with some handling. The vial is dry but who cares, its not like you are buying this one to use. Good $129
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ME60613 Reynolds, Birminham This is a superb example of the Reynolds' patent inclinometer in the original fitted leather covered case. The tool retains all its original lacquer on the rosewood and the brass. The case is also quite nice. I don't really understand how it works, but perhaps you can tell me. This is a really top drawer tool for those who appreciate the best. Fine- $649
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ME50620 Ray Skin Drawing Instrument Set This is a late 18th or early 19th Century drawing instrument set in the original shark or ray skin case. The owner has written into the inside lid, "Thomas Cooper Tatman, 2027 Mt. Vernon St. Phila. PA." I would guess that this incsription is later than the set, and I believe it to be the inscription of one Thomas Cooper Tatman who died in 1996 and is buried near Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. At least this gives the set a Philadelphia provenance, and tells us that the set is original, since Tatman etched his name on all of the instruments. So many of these sets have been "completed" by collectors that a virgin find like this is exciting. There are two empy slots. One is probably for a pencile and the other for a small rule. The dividers have had the tip broken and soldered. A skilled restorer could do a much better job of this. The case is in great shape and this is a very fine set. G+ $695
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20720 Set of 4 Lufkin Gages This is a set of 4 gages, 79AA, 79A, 79B, and 79C, all in the original boxes. The boxes are dirty and a bit worn, but with no torn corners. The tools are in great shape, well protected in their boxes. G++ $79
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ME6034 Taylor and Drury Mfg. Co., Cleveland, Ohio A most unusual pair of steel-tipped brass trammel points measuring 5 1/2" high, on a mahogany beam. These trammels are extremely beautiful, with the pierced side decoration normally associated with one off pieces, but these are each signed by an unrecorded American maker! They probably date from around 1900. G+ $239
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991120 Trammel Points This is a fabulous pair of trammel points with the original keepers. They measure 5 3/4" overall and have the owners name elegantly engraved on each one. About as nice as trammel points get. Thankfully never polished. G+ $149
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