Internet Horology Club 185
"Dad's Old Bench"

This topic can be found at:
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/115105671

October 11, 2009, 01:19
David Abbe
"Dad's Old Bench"
Last weekend a friend told me they were going to "sell Dad's old bench". As "Dad" was a watchmaker, they asked me who might be interested . . .


October 11, 2009, 01:20
David Abbe
So I called Earl McCranie (a nearby new IHC185 member this year) who has been "understudying" with me and asked if he wanted to see an "old bench" . . .


October 11, 2009, 01:22
David Abbe
So we went to see it today . . . and after a short negotiation, this "diamond in the rough" was carefully packed into Earl's Pickup. Another "old watchmaker" back to work again! (btw the lathe did not go with the bench, it will probably show up on eBay soon.


October 11, 2009, 15:06
Mary Ann Scott
It's always great to see a nice bench put back to use again! A little cleaning up and it will serve
Earl well for many more years.

I like the glass panels on three sides. Almost eliminates all the angles that those small parts can shoot off to! Big Grin
October 11, 2009, 15:14
Eric Unselt
I thought they were there to keep the crowds back Big Grin.
October 11, 2009, 21:34
David Abbe
Actually my friend told me that His dad taught watchmaking and the glass sides were there for both saving parts and keeping his students noses a safe distance from the work he was showing them.
October 14, 2009, 12:28
Mark Cross
I can honestly say I've never seen one with those glass sides myself. I've seen plenty of benches with the attachment hardware, but nothing to indicate what attached TO them.

That is neat!

Regards! Mark
October 15, 2009, 14:51
Lindell V. Riddle

This bench looks to be complete and in original condition, a real find. Like Mark I have seen many incomplete examples available but this one is all there. It would be great to keep it all together if that would be possible.

About the "glass on three sides" that is what I recall being commonly used in retail jewelry stores. This design allowed customer to see the watchmaker at work but still afford him some degree of privacy and ability to concentrate in addition to the practicality Mary Ann pointed out. David's explanation of its use in a watchmaker school setting also makes perfect sense.

Wink
October 16, 2009, 10:24
Mark Cross
What is so funny about that is that in all the jewelry stores in my home town, the watchmaker always jammed his bench to the rear of the work area, usually with his back to the door. None of them wanted anyone looking over their shoulder. Wink

That's why seeing this one has been a real treat!

Regards! Mark
October 25, 2009, 22:20
David Abbe
A "wrap" on this post . . . Earl just sent me pictures of this bench cleaned up and refinished to his liking. Nice Work Earl!


October 26, 2009, 19:59
Roger J. Nolfe
Love to see these benches put back to the use for which they were originally designed. Very nice and enjoy working on it!

Roger
October 27, 2009, 00:05
Christopher Darwin
If anybody's interested, there's been a similar bench listed in E-bay for some time.

http://cgi.ebay.com/RARE-ANTIQ...?hash=item4ce93abaee