Re: [ihc] Special Tools, Help?

[John Hofstetter <hofs@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

on 2/25/04 9:55 PM, John M. Adams at jma@domain.elided wrote:

> I'm sorry that this is off (IH) topic, but I can't think of anyone else to
> ask...
> I have this old mahogany box, containing a stainless steel tool set that I
> can't identify. I've posted a picture of it here:
> http://home.bresnan.net/~j.adams/misc/whatzit.jpg
> The only lettering is on the bottom of the "base unit" which reads "K&D
> 4399". No other markings. If anyone on the list knows what this is, or at
> least what profession it is associated with, I sure would appreciate a hint.
> Thanks in advance, -John A.
> ---
> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
> Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> Version: 6.0.593 / Virus Database: 376 - Release Date: 2/20/04
> 

John, 

That is a staking tool. May have other names. Clockmakers use the
combination of the anvil and the stakes to put jewels in place as bearings
for clock movements, force a gear onto a shaft, and work such as that. Think
of it as a miniature press with various size openings in the anvil and a
multitude of "dies".

The arm that comes up from the base centers the die in relationship to the
anvil openings and the die is tapped with a hammer.

I took a class in Horology in college, and each station had a set of tools
like that. 

Now, if the set is bigger than it looks to me in the picture, then it
obviously serves the same purposes in some bigger application.

John

John Hofstetter
www.goldrush.com/~hofs