When you have spent more than thirty years working in industrial sales, calling on companies that form or cut metals and plastics, you’ll have seen an abundance of precision hand tools and gages.
Ames, Van Kueren, Lufkin, Starrett, Standard, Brown & Sharpe, Mahr, Federal and Boice are all common names to a machinist. These companies produced gaging and precision hand tools, some for over one hundred years. While companies change hands or merge, most of their names are still used on gaging products today.
My first, and they say you’ll never forget your first, was a micrometer with ruby tipped anvils. It was 
presented to me by a retiring salesman and owner of the company I worked for. It sat in the drawer of my desk for nearly twenty years till I finally brought it home. By then I had started to collect other gaging items. I don’t remember my second one but the accumulation grew quickly as I joined Wifey for weekend jaunts through flea markets, garage sales and antique stores.
Since I once worked for one of these gage companies, I was always on the lookout for their logo on products. But when at a yard sale and a box full of various precision tools of various brands are offered for only a few dollars, I’m hard pressed to pass them up. OK, I’m frugal alright, when some very nice vintage examples have crossed my path with prices too high, it’s usually because the seller has priced a new one and considers his or her item still usable I’ll take a pass.
Eventually a machinist case (felt lined wooden tool box) was added to store my growing collection, then later another case was found sitting at the back of an antique booth, barely visible under some vintage clothing, for a fraction of its worth. (Wifey thought it was being sold as a jewelry box, but not big enough for her costume jewerly.)
More gages, a few given to me by clients, others from friends, some in their own wooden boxes. When it was getting out of hand, I decided to only pick out very special examples.
Of course I’ve also found old catalogs from some of these companies. Interesting on several levels, as they show the types of equipment offered, logos and font styles giving a clue to the age of your find. Catalogs also give clues to the usefulness of some unusual configurations made to facilitate difficult measurements. Age on some mechanical gages such as micrometers may be difficult to determine since many styles were made for decades without design change.
What to look for with this type of collectible, and I always consider the saleability of the items I purchase. After all, any collectible I have may wind up on ebay when I tire of the collection. Lufkin Rule Co. of Saginaw, MI produced a line of steel tape measures and 100 ft impregnated fabric tape measures in leather bound cases that have sold well. Student tool sets in soft case with micrometers, ruler combination square, center gage dividers and center punch, when complete are a treasure. Micrometers in sizes over six inches in boxed sets create a wonderful wall display.
I own this unique Universal Indicator No.199A from Lufkin, an early example of the “test indicator” in a rocket shaped body. Special application gages by their very nature are also collectible.
The gage block pictured is inscribed with the company logo “Ford”, and was purchased in Indiana at a flea market. I don’t think the seller ever saw the inscription nor knew the function of the “metal block”.
Customer names, some for OEM’s, appeared on many gages, especially dial indicators. Manufacturers like Federal and Starrett often screen printed a company name on these indicators, as they were attached to other gaging fixtures or contraptions as the indicating device. Large companies had their own name imprinted to show ownership and cut down on “losses”.
Micrometers under seven inches, dial Indicators, vernier or dial calipers, steel straight edge rules, machinists squares, inside micrometers, micrometer depth gages, scribes, center punches, feeler gages and thread calipers, all are plentiful in the market place.
Boice, Federal, Standard, brands of bore gages and snap gages are still being widely used in industry today, even with 20 or more years of service behind them. Some of these items display easily, sitting on a shelf, in cases or on stands. Larger vernier calipers and great big micrometers make great wall displays, as I have seen in quality department offices.
And what is the prize of my collection? Could be this wonderful boxed test 
indicator set, or the Ford gage block. No, it’s this dial indicator, looking rather normal and average till you look at its former owner, Packard Motor Car Company.
If your collection is as unusual as some of mine, please share it with me, and the rest of our readers on Collectors Quest. Remember its your community for collectibles.
October 27th, 2008 at 1:18 AM
Dear Sir, I have many new and unuse inside & O/S micrometers brands are M&W and Starett all in org.plastic flip box and wooden boxes. 40pcs.1 inch.micrometer make by National Specialty co.New York.
Are you interested.
Best Regards,
Vincent Poon.
October 29th, 2008 at 7:27 AM
Vincent,
Thanks for reading my article, As you can see from my writing, my collecting has been narrowed to very old items that have the potential of increasing in value over time. In gages I look for the most unusual pieces, espceially branded dial indicators.
Thanks again for your reply, please continue checking into CQ.
The Dean
December 15th, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Good Morning,
I accidently came across this website while gathering information on a Boice dial bore gage presently in my repair facility for repair.
Over the past forty years, I have been repairing measuring gages for companies around the world. During this time, I have gathered quite a large collection of various measuring instruments.
I will put together a list of several that I have and would gladly donate them to your collection if you wish.
I can be reached any time at the above e-mail address.
Regards,
John Shirk
Indicare Gage Repair Specialists
December 15th, 2008 at 10:11 PM
John, First let me thank you for your offer, I’ll take the time to email you about the gages later. I’ll be more then happy to receive additions to my collection, I’ll have to beg Wifey for aditional space and probably a bigger machinist box to store them in.
Thanks again and please continue to enjoy CQ.
The Dean
February 20th, 2009 at 6:18 PM
I have actually come across a whole set of the ‘Ford’ Series Gage blocks, I did some research, and found out that Carl Edvard Johansson had worked for Henry Ford in th e 30’s and 40’s.. The sizes are very strange though.. The set was missing a few, but enough to get the idea. ie: there was .050 – .059 blocks and so on. Do you have any more info on these blocks? And where i could possibly find a set? or the worth?
February 21st, 2009 at 5:32 PM
Tony B,
Thank you for your responce to my block on precision tool collecting.
At one time companies had their logos on many types of equipment to cut down on pilfering.
C. E. Johansson of Sweden made some of the finest gage block sets and Mikrokator comparators, many in this country were sold through Federal Products. The set you describe sounds great. Because of calibration requirements today, your set would be worth little to a tool maker. As I mentioned, the Ford gage block I purchased at an Indiana flea market was in a box of other blocks, gage balls, a small transfer stand and a couple of test indicators all for the price of $10.00. You mention some blocks are missing but many of the sets I see in factories have slots for extra blocks, called wear blocks, but if a slot in the middle of the set is missing, its missing. A normal inch set has 81pcs.
Not being an appraiser, I’m not sure what the set in a wood box if complete might be worth, and it would greatly depend if the logo is on the box and its condition. If sold separately at a vintage car swap meet with lots of Fords displayed, they might bring $5-7 per block especially away from an area with older Ford plants.
Best Regards
The Dean
March 11th, 2009 at 12:34 PM
I have a complete set of Johansson blocks metric in wooden case my father liberated in WWII. 111 blocks. There is aplate on the inside of the box that says;
aktiebolaget C. E. Johansson eskiluna schweden kat.nr M1AA geprupt 20c 41943 qualitat. What do I have here,is it worth anything and can I sell it somewhere? Thanks Craig Mirkin
March 13th, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Thank you for your interest in Collectors Quest and reading my article on precision tools and gage collectibles.
Collectors Quest has recently added a “Market Place”, where our community members can sell their items or purchase from other collectors. One only needs to click on the link above, log in and click “Create a Listing” on the right. Simple walk through instructions will guide you through the process of loading a title, picture and description of your items. Have the pictures, description (including size, age, flaws, manufacturer, country of origin and weight if heavy), selling prices and shipping costs planned ahead of listing for your convenience. Decide if you would consider an offer as an option to your selling price.
Above the “Create a Listing” box is the “How Much Is It Worth” link for an appraisal of your item.
As an alternative for selling a collection such as yours, might I suggest contacting several antique malls in your area. Many malls have consignment spaces and will work with you on selling your collection. Some malls will prefer to buy your items outright, or can direct you to a known dealer in your type of collection. Please remember this option will result in a sale at wholesale prices.
Please continue to view and enjoy Collectors’ Quest
Best Regards
The Dean
Staff Writer
noegretsantiques@sbcglobal.net
April 9th, 2009 at 5:29 PM
Hi Dean,
Is there anywhere 0nline that I could access adjustment procedure for an old Brown & Sharpe # 47 1-2″ micrometer.
Thank you in advance,
Jerry
April 9th, 2009 at 6:13 PM
Dean- I have a Lufkin 199A indicator in excellent condition, with the attachment swivel on it. I would like to sell it for $35, do you have any interest? Ryan
April 9th, 2009 at 6:48 PM
Ryan,
I know the picture in the blog was bad but I do have a Lufkin 199A with the zero at center and the movement in two directions.
I really appreciate the offer, and that is a good price for such a neat item.
Best Regards
The Dean
April 9th, 2009 at 6:50 PM
Jerry,
I have a friend who knows a friend who might know someone.
I just sent an email asking if anyone is old enough to remember how to adjust a #47. The last time I asked about the age of a gage based on its style, I worded the request wrong and it sounded as if my friend was old enough to remember an item that was pre WW II. She still gets me on that one.
Please hang on and I’ll get back to you.
Best Regards
The Dean
April 16th, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Jerry,
Sorry, I’m told the archives do not go back that far at Brown & Sharpe. A source I have in Illinois may help, I’ll try another way.
Best Regards
The Dean
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Dean:
I came across a Boice No. 27 gage of some kind among the surplue gages I bought. It is not a bore gage. I am bewildered as to its use and function — I cannot make head nor tail of it. If I was able to get you pictures (I have them), could you see if you know what the darned thing is? I have googled it and came up dry except for you website. It stands on a base like a height gage.
Leon
May 3rd, 2009 at 7:42 PM
Leon.
thank you for finding my posting on Collectors Quest. I have gone through my files for Boice gages and all I have are the gages that Federal made when they bought Boice. I have contacts in Poughkeepsie and Providence and might be able to find out the function of a #27.
May 4th, 2009 at 5:13 PM
Leon,
I have your answer.
27S is a 6.5 to 6.75 Snap Gage
27-SP is a 6.5 to 6.75 Spline Snap Gage
The snap you have might be mounted on a stand, and the part would have been place into the snap jaws. If the gage has a ball or pin attached to the anvil, it would have been used to measure a spline pitch diameter.
Best Regards
The Dean
May 10th, 2009 at 3:57 PM
Sir,
My father was a tool and die maker for 35 yrs. and has a chest of tools he used only at work. He passed away this past February after 22 yrs of retirement. Some of these tools would be over 55 years old. Wondering if you might be interested in providing them a good home. If you needed I can provide brand names if necessary. Thanks, Mark
May 10th, 2009 at 6:55 PM
Mark,
I am always interested in old gages and precision hand tools. Please provide me with some sort of list or email me some pictures of what you have. I’m such a nut on these old things but my wife can’t complain too much since my collections are but a pup compared to hers.
The Dean
June 5th, 2009 at 1:03 PM
I have 2 Ford Johansson Gages, they are a 5 piece set going from 1in to 0.0625in with a case, and they are in like new condition. they have C. E. Johansson Ford Dearborn stamped on the 1″ and CEJ Ford on the 0.500″ and Johansson, Ford stamped on the side of the other 3 blocks. One set have SHOW and a 3 digit number on the back of the 2 large ones. the case has Ford Johansson Gages on the cover, do you have any ideal what I have.
Thanks Ed
June 29th, 2009 at 9:51 AM
Cool Stuff! Thanks for reading my article, As you can see from my writing, my plug gages collecting has been narrowed to very old items that have the potential of increasing in value over time. In gages I look for the most unusual pieces, especially branded dial indicators.
August 11th, 2009 at 3:29 PM
You might find this article about JO blocks and Ford interesting.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,851192,00.html
August 11th, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Mike,
Thank you for reading and responding to my posting on Collectors Quest.
Yes I did find the article interesting. I question some of what was in the article but it was written so long ago. The Webber gage block company is now owned by Starrett and priced beyond comparison but still a favorite with some of my customers. Mitutoyo owns most of the business in the US. C. E. Johansson Company located in Europe, making gage block sets and dial comparators were sold through Federal Products in the US for many years until Mahr bought Federal. Another manufacturer in the US was Continental out of Minnesota.
The Dean
August 14th, 2009 at 9:42 AM
I have a cylinder dial bore guage. It has this info onthe back cover of guage;;;;FEDERAL CYLINDER TEST GUAGE;; patented, FED 3, 1920;; Federal Products Corp ;; Providence , R.I., USA ;; NO. 2608. I bought these tools from an old Indian Dealership. Also have an antique boring bar complete with tooling which sees daily use. Back to MR. dial bore guage, Does any one know if there are replacement pins so it will measurea larger hole. now it is to big to go in a 3 inch cylinder and to small to measure a 3 and one half inch cylinder I.D.. Anyone heard of this fine tool; Thanks for any help I get. J. Johnston.
August 14th, 2009 at 2:11 PM
Joseph,
Sounds Like you want to be able to use the gage. Over the years Federal made several different types of bore gages. Some parts may still be interchangeable. Can you send a digital pix of the gage, the indicator face, the moving end of the gage and the contacts if removable. Does it have three moving contacts or one fixed with a lever movement on bottom? If a contact is removable please tell me the thread size, normally a 4-48, but may be larger, also the contact length without the thread, and the diameter. Please send the info even if you do send a pix.
Lets see what I can do.
Oh! thanks for reading my posting and continue to enjoy Collectors’ Quest.
The Dean
August 18th, 2009 at 9:06 AM
Joseph,
As an old gage salesman and having sold to companies like Harley, Briggs, Tecumseh, Polaris, Mercury, OMC, Johnson, Waukesha Engine, Fairbanks Morse and Excelsior Henderson I’ve seen my share of cylinders of all sizes.
Your gage is a B3FP-3 with changeable contacts for a range of 2.750″ to 6.250 using seven different part numbers. To confirm the gage number that you have check the thread size, it should be a 10-32.
The ranges would be PT-52, 2.750-3.250″ and PT-53, 3.250-3.750″
3 contacts are needed for this type of gage. The cost of each is under $20.00 from Mahr Federal.
The gage is obsolete but the indicator, if needed, can also be replaced. The replacement for this gage is a model 1243P-3 and no longer in the current catalog but is still being made.
This gage is a comparator and the need for a master ring at the size your trying to measure is vital, it does not have enough linear motion to master at one size and measure at another.
Thanks for sharing your pictures of the equipment you have, in another posting from some time back, I discussed several companies that display old machinery in their entrance lobby. Harley has a lathe in theirs and at two die casters show machines in their lobbies.
I hope this information is useful.
The Dean