Mystery tool No?

[Bob LambParticipant @boblamb44747]

This tool belonged to someone who made high quality ship models and from some of the other tools in his workshop, he had an interest in horology. I said with great confidence to my friend that I would find out what this is really for and I am sure I will find the answer from someone here.

The tool is 53mm high and the horseshoe shaped hole is 19mm dia.There are two small spindles at the top which can be clamped by knurled screws on the side and one of these is spring loaded. The inner ends of the spindles look as if they have red jewelled depressions in them to possibly act as pivots.

From the centre of the bottom of the horseshoe there is a small vertical spindle going down into a knurled sphere. This can be turned ⅛ to ¼ turn and back and I thought this was to adjust it in some way. However, I don't seem to be able to move the spindle up or down and have not tried to force it at all. Into this spindle is fixed (soldered I think) a flat spring shaped as in the photos. This spring can also be adjusted by the knurled wheel on the side of the horseshoe.

It looks well made, maybe commercially, but I can find no makers name either on the tool itself or on the equally well made purpose built box.

So the question is – what is it and how is it used? My guess is that is for watch making of some sort with a wheel and pivot mounted between the top two spindles. Possibly the leaf spring could then be used to put some pressure onto the wheel in some way or maybe to help wind a hairspring somehow? I would love to know what is called and what it is for.

I look forward to enlightenment. Thanks, Bob

[Bob LambParticipant @boblamb44747]

[MichaelRParticipant @michaelr]

Poising Tool Link it's the nearest I can find on the web. Scroll to bottom of page

MichaelR

Edited By MichaelR on 01/05/2022 17:28:20

[roy entwistleParticipant @royentwistle24699]

It's a poising tool for watch balances

Roy

[Bob LambParticipant @boblamb44747]

Michael and Roy – Thanks very much for the replies – I can now let my friend know what it is and once again this Forum has produced an answer very quickly – Bob.

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