Internet Horology Club 185
Colonial Period Watchmakers Lathe ?????

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November 01, 2010, 17:45
Eugene Buffard
Colonial Period Watchmakers Lathe ?????
I bought this today at a Local auction in the St Louis Area. Any Info, Thoughts, Questions or other Lathes photos from this time period would be great appreciated.


November 01, 2010, 17:49
Eugene Buffard
I can not find any makers marks, It does not appear to be massed produced, Even though it was made very precise. I don't think the stand is original but it has been with the item a VERY LONG TIME.


November 01, 2010, 18:02
Eugene Buffard
I know it has a face plate attachment and a Compound cross slide.


November 01, 2010, 18:12
Eugene Buffard
It has a patiena.


November 01, 2010, 18:12
Eugene Buffard
Another


November 01, 2010, 18:13
Eugene Buffard
I Did not get it for a song.


November 01, 2010, 18:14
Eugene Buffard
I hope someone can shed some light on this item.


November 01, 2010, 18:16
Lindell V. Riddle

That is a truly remarkable item Gene, I've never seen anything quite like it. Apparently the motive-power is by a foot-lever, this is how some of our greatest watches were made and repair parts fabricated.

Thanks for sharing these images with all of us!

Lindell

Wink

November 01, 2010, 18:33
Eugene Buffard
You are welcome. If it was foot powered than at some time some one went to a lot of trouble to add these pulleys that actually do make the Face plate spin.
My guess is that it was hand cranked by the apprentice. So the master watchmaker could do his handy work. If I where to guess pre- 1860.

Another option was since you had to make your own tools to become a master watchmaker. The peorson that used this tool also made it.

I'm sure the more input I get on this item. The more questions we will have.

Just a note the head stock is made out of brass and the bed rail is steel.