Lucky find

[BOB BLACKSHAW 1Participant @bobblackshaw1]

I was given the Haynes book on Stephenson`s Rocket for Christmas and reading through the book I come across a photo of Brunel`s drawing set.

Yesterday I was in Bedford looking around some charity shops, and looking through a large basket of boxed items I found this broken box with all the instruments at the bottom.

I instantly recognized them as the same as Brunel`s instruments in the Rocket book. They are in very good usable condition, actually better than what I could buy that day in Bedford, they are so well made.

As they must be made by the same company as Brunel`s drawing set, and have lasted in the condition of the photo, what type of coating and material did they use? as there is no trace of corrosion what so ever.

Bob

[BOB BLACKSHAW 1Participant @bobblackshaw1]

[Former MemberParticipant @formermember19781]

[This posting has been removed]

[SamsarandaParticipant @samsaranda]

I have a similar set but made in China and of excellent quality, mine appears to be nickel plated and the base metals of the instruments are steel and brass. Somewhat redundant now with CAD systems but a nice memento of bygone days.
Dave W

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Quite possible that the non-ferrous parts are solid ‘nickel silver’

MichaelG.

[GeorgineerParticipant @georgineer]

Posted by Michael Gilligan on 28/12/2019 14:17:03:

Quite possible that the non-ferrous parts are solid ‘nickel silver’

MichaelG.

That would be my guess. The white handle of your pen is likely to be celluloid, bone or ivory, depending on the age and quality of the set. Other pens had ebony handles.

I think your set is more likely to be twentieth century than nineteenth, from the style and finish of the box. On-line pictures show Brunel's set to have been in a polished hardwood box with a lock.

This style of instrument was popular for a very long time, and one of my old engineering books – I can't recall which at the moment – has instructions for making your own.

George B.

Edited By Georgineer on 28/12/2019 15:53:30

[BOB BLACKSHAW 1Participant @bobblackshaw1]

Thanks for the replies,

The photo I've taken does not give the how well they are made,the pivots have two machined slots then screwed together. Early twentieth century could well be correct as the box has a fabric type covering with a silver name plate, so much better quality then todays sets .

Bob

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