A M (Crown Logo) Vernier Gauge. Any Ideas?

[Bm101]

I bought this from the Toolbox in Colyton while on ma holibobs in Devon a while back for those who saw the threads.
I've done a (little) research and can find nothing about the maker. Does anyone have any info on A (crown logo) M as a tool maker?
Its a nice tool, it would be nice to know something about it or the company who made it.
It's both metric and imperial and seems to have that quality feel of a well made bit of kit. It's been cleaned up (a bit cack handedly) as the flash on my rubbish phone camera makes clear. In real life it's not so obvious. It works either way so, no worries, but I think it was made by a good firm and if possible it would be nice to know who they were.
Its laser engraved, I presume was an accuracy measure as for squares but I can't decipher it .... well see for yourself.
Cheers!

(Ps, Yes that IS gold dust in the case. I sprinkle it on all my tools to prevent rust. It's definitely not brass shavings because i popped the case down behind the sander and forgot to shut it. #-o )
Clicking the pics will enlarge...

 

[AndyT]

I think that mark is not a maker's mark, but shows that the caliper was made for the Air Ministry, so dates between 1918 and 1964.

 

[Bm101]

As always Andy, my thanks for sharing your considerable knowledge. (Again!) Now you say, it makes sense, I didn't even consider that.
If it's good enough for the Air Ministry it's certainly more than good enough for me.

 

[AndyT]

It does look like a good one. Suitable for any plane maker!

 

[Bm101]

Ha ha. If I ever actually meet a Plane Maker I will let you know mate. :wink: In the mean time it will have to do with me as an owner.
.

 

[CHJ]

Its laser engraved,

Nope, Lasers were not around, that would have been machine engraved,
Lasers did not appear on the scene until 1959-1960 in any sort of usable form.

 

[Bm101]

Thanks Chas, I realised after Andy's dating that I must be wrong about laser etching. Yet another lesson learnt. I'd still be intrigued to know what the code meant. I suppose as likely as not its a batch code but Id be glad to be corrected, thanks for the response.
Regards
Chris

 

[rxh]

Andy is of course correct - it does mean Air Ministry, like on this box, originally for whole plate size photographic paper, that now holds my Record 050 plane. Anyway, I think you have a fine measuring instrument there.

 

[RogerP]

A.I.D. .... Accident Investigation Division ?

 

[Cheshirechappie]

That instrument looks very similar in it's details to a height gauge in my possession made by Benson Verniers of Bradford. As far as I can find out, the firm was incorporated in 1946, and whilst it technically still exists, it isn't trading in any meaningful sense.

On my example (and on others I've used over the years), the scales are quite hard to read, even though they're beautifully engraved. With that exception, the tools are superbly made, having a nice 'precision' feel to the slide action, and nicely shaped knurled heads to the screws.

I wouldn't absolutely swear that yours is by Benson Verniers, but if it isn't, it's a dead ringer.

 

[Jacob]

A.I.D. .... Accident Investigation Division ?

Artificial Insemination by Donor?

 

[n0legs]

Don't matter who made it, it's a cracker =D>

 

[Bm101]

That instrument looks very similar in it's details to a height gauge in my possession made by Benson Verniers of Bradford. As far as I can find out, the firm was incorporated in 1946, and whilst it technically still exists, it isn't trading in any meaningful sense.

On my example (and on others I've used over the years), the scales are quite hard to read, even though they're beautifully engraved. With that exception, the tools are superbly made, having a nice 'precision' feel to the slide action, and nicely shaped knurled heads to the screws.

I wouldn't absolutely swear that yours is by Benson Verniers, but if it isn't, it's a dead ringer.

I will do some research. As always Mr C. I am obliged.
Many thanks.

 

[Bm101]

Don't matter who made it, it's a cracker =D>

You are the ying to my my yang old son.

 

[ED65]

That does look like a quality piece of kit, nice find.

About this:

On my example (and on others I've used over the years), the scales are quite hard to read, even though they're beautifully engraved.

From the pics I'd certainly find it a challenge to read and that's not going to get any better as the years progress

Have either of you tried the old trick where you smear paint onto engraving/etching then wipe it off the surface to leave it in the recesses? It'll change the look of the piece but the improved readability is like night and day, well worth it in ease of use I'm sure!

 

[Bm101]

Thanks Ed, that's a good idea but I might try it with a sharpie and a quick wipe with some meths. Less permanent but more removable too.

 

[Bm101]

That instrument looks very similar in it's details to a height gauge in my possession made by Benson Verniers of Bradford. As far as I can find out, the firm was incorporated in 1946, and whilst it technically still exists, it isn't trading in any meaningful sense.

On my example (and on others I've used over the years), the scales are quite hard to read, even though they're beautifully engraved. With that exception, the tools are superbly made, having a nice 'precision' feel to the slide action, and nicely shaped knurled heads to the screws.

I wouldn't absolutely swear that yours is by Benson Verniers, but if it isn't, it's a dead ringer.

Thanks again Mr C. (And Grace's Guide!) =D>

 

[ED65]

Thanks Ed, that's a good idea but I might try it with a sharpie and a quick wipe with some meths. Less permanent but more removable too.

Yeah using a Sharpie/permanent marker is the same basic trick. Though with marker I find it difficult to remove the excess from the flats and leave a good amount in the markings, but admittedly the last time I tried it it was on very shallow etched markings which make it more difficult. Or I was just sloppy. One or the other :lol: