Clockmaker's Lathe, Ca. 1880s

This great watchmakers lathe is a very ancient piece which dates from the end of the 19th century, approximately from 1.880. The first thing we notice when we look at it is its excellent condition and working order. The lathe is made of brass, with some gears of silvery metal, and is attached to a base made of solid walnut wood. The brass is shiny and polished and keeps its original varnish, which has preserved it from rusting. The mechanism works perfectly and is complete, with no broken or missing parts. The lathe comes with an original case which houses a collection of accessories, with several blades and also a great variety of cogs. In the cogs we can see an engraved inscription: L. Carpano -Brevete - S.G.D.G., and the Helvetian cross. Watchmakers lathes were devices thought to make the tiny precision pieces which form the mechanism of watches. In those times which line production and electricity were still unknown, these instruments helped to make incredible precise pieces. This way, the great beauty of this antique comes together with its value as a technical machine. The great brass wheel with a crank is highly remarkable; the watchmaker must move it to start a gear mechanism (the gears are communicated by a thin and strong rope), which pass the movement to the blades and the cogs. The walnut wooden base is also well preserved, and shows the typical golden brown color of the wood. The case with the accessories keeps part of the original leather cover, and in the cover we can see an inscription with the word ACCESSORIES and some other words that most probably form the name of the company. They are surrounded by an engraved frame with filigrees in the corners. This set of accessories is one more detail which completes this beautiful watchmakers lathe, and turns this piece into a magnificent antique which will undoubtedly surprise any lover of old machines. Measurements: 340 mm width x 265 mm height.