Interesting Antique Graver

[jmyates]

Since most of my work is 18th Century based I'm always interested in old tools.Picked up this graver and while it's not 18th century I thought is was an interesting piece of history.A friend has suggested that it was used to engrave spoon bowls.Anyone seen one before or have any addition info or thoughts as to it's intended use.

Thanks!!!

Mitch

 

[JJ Roberts]

Mitch,Are you sure there gravers? J.J.

 

[jmyates]

JJ

It came with a collection of other vintage gravers but not really sure !!

Mitch

 

[Si si]

I seen something a few months ago when I was buying some old gravers from old jeweler. If I remember correct he said something about engraving inside of bowls of musical Instruments. Not completely positive if it was exactly the same but close

 

[monk]

if its a graver, i'd think it would be quite difficult to control. most engravers back then had a host of curved gravers for doing spoons and doing recessed areas of small revere bowls and trays.

 

[sam]

You win the internet. I've never seen such an unusual graver.

 

[Goldjockey]

I’ll bet you’re making one right now.

 

[Chujybear]

Strange. Have you tried to cut with it? Do the tips adjust through an eye? Or are the fixed?

 

[mitch]

i bet that's exactly what they are, and whoever came up with that was a genius. my only concern would be getting the chuck tight enough so it doesn't slip in use.

 

[Leland Davis]

if its a graver, i'd think it would be quite difficult to control..

monk, that may be why we have never seen them. The patent date is during the rush to come up with the latest and greatest most were a bust.

 

[jerrywh]

The way it is it can't be a graver. It sure won't cut that's for sure

 

[monk]

monk, that may be why we have never seen them. The patent date is during the rush to come up with the latest and greatest most were a bust.

you may be right. i never thought of the old engravers tryin to reinvent the wheel. where would we be, right now, without folks experimenting ? without pushing the bar. imagine the shock when some dude invented a marketable pantograph ! that must have been frightning to a whole bunch of talented people whose skills were feeding the family.

 

[jmyates]

Thanks for the reply's.The graver is still in transit to me.Once it arrives I may have may have more to report.

 

[BarryB]

It's hard enough with straight ones. That thing looks like nothing but heartache...

 

[dms]

If it is not a graver my next guess would be for clock/watch repair. big in that era and have seen watch maker tools mixed in with engraving tools . engraved pocket watches were big back in the day.

 

[horologist]

It is an engraving tool. Patent docs attached below. I may be able to find it in one of my old catalogs but this will take a while. I have a lot of books to sort.

Troy

 

[Chujybear]

Thanks Horologist!
That is good sleuthing