When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Rare Antique Oak Machinist Chest – Complete 100% Period-Correct Estate Tool Lot with 2 Original Keys & 1896-Patent Starrett LevelAn extraordinary, investment-grade time capsule for serious antique tool collectors, historical curators, and traditional hobbyist machinists. This meticulously preserved collection traces its roots directly to the industrial golden age of the Central Maine paper and pulp mill industry. Originally owned by master craftsman C.T. Byrnes (stamped employee tracking plate 31-760), this kit has been flawlessly kept together as a singular, complete working lot. Every tool is fully operational, clean, and retains its valuable, untouched historic patina.•The Ultimate Rarity: Accompanied by TWO (2) ORIGINAL WORKING KEYS—an incredibly rare find for a chest of this era.
• Build & Hardware: Crafted from premium quarter-sawn white oak with rock-solid finger-joint construction and original green-felt lined drawers. Outfitted with unmarked solid brass flush-mount rings.
• Condition: Structurally flawless. No broken joints or missing wood chunks. The oak showcases a gorgeous, authentic dark aged patina that collectors heavily prioritize over modern refinishes.📖 INCLUDED MANUAL: 1925 \"The Starrett Book for Machinists\' Apprentices\" (Vol. I, 9th Edition)
• Details: Published directly by The L.S. Starrett Company (Athol, Mass.) with its original 1925 copyright and classic oxblood cloth cover. Originally used to train apprentice machinists on blueprints, layout work, and math. Features beautiful historical shop illustrations and holds honest machine shop character.📏 THE TOOLS: Rare, Fully Documented Historical Highlights1. Late 1890s Starrett No. 98-8 Precision Bench Level (With Original Wood Box)
• Historical Rarity: Stamped directly on the body with the legendary \"Mar. 31, 1896\" patent date (U.S. Patent No. 557,446, personally granted to founder Laroy S. Starrett for internal spring tension mechanisms).
• Features: Heavy 8-inch black japanned cast-iron base with a machined bottom involute V-groove for cylindrical shaft layout. Includes a fully functional 360-degree rotating protective outer sleeve.
• Casing: Complete with its pristine, uncracked sliding-lid wooden protective box.2. 1920s Lufkin Rule Co. No. 513 Micrometer Depth Gage Set (100% Complete)
• Provenance: Manufactured in Saginaw, Michigan by Lufkin\'s iconic Precision Tool Division. Stamped with the Jan. 1925 internal mechanism patent and cross-referenced to the Jan. 5, 1926 patent on the inner label.
• Completeness: 100% complete and immaculate. Includes the primary T-bar micrometer head base, all three (3) unrusted extension rods (0-3\" range), and the specialized adjustment wrench.
• Casing: Set in its original form-fitted, velvet-lined wooden storage case with a fully legible, pristine factory paper instruction label.3. Precision Geometry, Caliper & Scribing Drawer Lot
• Highlights: Includes a premium Starrett No. 281 American Standard Circular Wire Gauge (0 to 36 AWG), two (2) classic frame machinist outside micrometers, an extensive set of vintage spring dividers and heavy-duty outside calipers, combination square protractor cast-iron locking attachments, and an original yellow fabric tool roll.4. Precision Layout & Measuring Drawer Lot
• Highlights: Features an ultra-smooth turning precision Vernier Dial Protractor (free of any catching or rough spots), a rare Poirier Control Co. (Waterville, ME) \"The Executive Pocket Pal\" folding rule/protractor, a vintage British-made General Hardware No. 32 32-blade feeler gauge set, hardened steel machinist\'s try square (90-degree), an offset 16-blade thickness gauge, a lathe center gauge, a knurled pin vise handle, and industrial pivot pliers.
📦 SELLER NOTES & SHIPPING:
This lot is being sold strictly as a single, unified collection to preserve its historical value. • Shipping: Packaged with extreme care. The chest will be heavily padded, wrapped, and double-boxed. All internal drawers and individual tool cases will be securely wrapped to guarantee zero movement during transit. Insured shipping with signature tracking is required.
• Local Pickup: Available for local pickup in the Winslow/Waterville, Maine region if you prefer to save on shipping costs and inspect the piece in person.
