Antique Clock Worker Tool Chest Collection Brown & Sharpe 1875 Patent Tools For Sale

ANTIQUE MULTIGENERATIONAL CLOCK WORKER’S PRECISION TOOL COLLECTION
19th–Early 20th Century • Original Wooden Tool Chest • Patented & Maker-Marked ToolsOffered here is an unusual multigenerational family collection of antique clock-working, precision metalworking and specialty hand tools, preserved together in its period wooden “Special Tools” chest.According to direct family provenance, the collection belonged to the seller’s source’s father and had previously been passed down to him by his father. Both generations were associated with clock work, making this a particularly interesting surviving working collection rather than an assortment of unrelated antique tools.The collection contains precision measuring, gripping, cutting, filing and bench-working tools, including examples from important American tool manufacturers.HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Lowell Wrench Co., Worcester, Massachusetts hand vise — clearly marked “PAT. AUG. 10, 1875”. Small precision hand/pin vise suitable for holding fine components.
Brown & Sharpe Mfg. Co., Providence, Rhode Island No. 4 micrometer — early precision measuring instrument with fractional/decimal conversion tables incorporated into the frame.
Hall’s Patent No. 2 specialty cutter/nipper — marked with Nov. 5, 1878 patent date.
Nicholson File Company, Providence, R.I. fine file in its original labeled box.
Large precision file collection — approximately 15+ assorted fine files, needle files and rifflers retained together in an old sewn cloth tool roll.
Decorative antique precision spirit level with intact glass vial and ornate metalwork.
Long-handled compound cutter/nipper.
Multiple wood-handled precision files and fine bench tools.
Fine needle-file group with turned wooden handles.
Small double-ended precision hammer/pick.
Offset/cranked specialty steel hand tool.
Bench brush and assortment of fine probes, picks and small working tools.
Additional precision hand tools and associated small components.
Period Merriman Bros., Druggists, Bristol, Connecticut box, repurposed by the original worker to hold small screws, washers, fittings and specialty components.
Original/associated wooden “Special Tools” chest with old handwritten paper label, metal handle and period hardware.
A genuine working collectionOne of the most appealing aspects of this collection is that the tools have remained together rather than being dispersed individually.The combination of fine files, micrometer, hand vise, cutters, probes, picks, measuring equipment and small-component storage is consistent with the precision bench work associated with clock work and fine mechanical repair.Several pieces carry important American manufacturer or patent markings, while the boxes, file roll, small components and wooden chest provide historical context that would disappear if the collection were separated.The tools span different periods, which is consistent with the collection having been used and passed between generations. Patent dates identify the patented designs and should not necessarily be interpreted as the exact manufacturing date of an individual tool.ConditionThis is an antique working-tool collection showing expected age, wear, oxidation, surface discoloration, scratches, staining and other evidence of genuine use and long-term storage.The wooden chest, paper labels, cloth tool roll and period boxes likewise show age and wear.The collection has intentionally not been aggressively cleaned or restored.Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and document the condition and contents.Some specialized tools have not been positively identified as to their precise function.ProvenanceAcquired as an intact family collection.According to direct family history supplied with the collection, these tools belonged to the previous owner’s father and had earlier been passed down to him by his father. The family identified the men as clock workers.The collection is being offered intact, preserving the tools, original/associated storage, small components and family history together.