Bidspirit auction | 19th C. Brass & Steel

19th C. Brass & Steel Gear Engine - Width: 11 inches Depth: 8 inches Height: 9. A precision 19th-century watchmaker's gear cutting engine, primarily constructed of brass with steel and iron components. The instrument features a large horizontal brass dividing plate with multiple concentric rows of precision-drilled indexing holes used for wheel and pinion cutting. A spring-loaded steel indexing arm is mounted to the side to lock the plate in position. A central vertical arbor is positioned to hold gear blanks. The cutting assembly is mounted on a sliding brass carriage moved by a steel lead screw, operated by a hand-cranked handle with a turned black wooden knob. The upper tool head includes multiple brass adjustment screws and a pivoting frame for setting the depth and angle of cuts. The entire apparatus is supported by a tripod base consisting of three curved, dark-patinated iron legs with pre-drilled holes for mounting to a workbench. A small steel or silvered dial on the upper adjustment assembly features a graduated scale with numerical markings reading 0, 5, 10, and 15. 5 inches.