Caliper to Measure Thickness, 19th Century.

This device is a gauge used to measure the thickness of thin materials, probably leather pieces. It is quite a rare and original piece made in Paris in the 19th century. The gauge is made of golden brass and preserves all its original component parts. It works fine though it needs some adjustment. It is well preserved and the metal shows only slight signs of the trace of time and use. This is a rustic and solid piece, designed for professional use and whose beauty lies in its functionality and simplicity. The gauge is composed of a brass piece in the shape of an inverted C whose ends are connected to a metal ball (bottom) and to a clock-shaped scale with a mobile hand. The scale bears the manufacturers name and city engraved in the metal: MAYER & FLAMERY PARIS together with a number 5. This firm manufactured professional leather tools; this means that the gauge could be used to measure the thickness of leather pieces. In order to manipulate the tool, the user must press the lever and introduce the material whose thickness he or she wishes to measure. When released, the lever lets the top piece move down so it can contact the material to measure. Then the hand will stop in the number that corresponds to the right measurement. The gauge is not calibrated: it works fine, but the measurements are not exact. All its component parts are original and are firmly screwed to the body, making up a curious and attractive tool. This brass gauge will shine in a showcase with the most strange and interesting antique tools. Measurements: Width: 5.3 in/13.5 cm. Height: 2.1 in/5.5 cm.