Dating vintage Starrett tools

jamesicus

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For several years I have wanted to have a readily accessible facility that would enable me to date my vintage STARRETT tools. I hope to accomplish that goal via this project which would benefit from visitor input and would be universally accessible.

I earnestly request all input from fellow Starrett users/collectors. I wil credit all participants and publish results and updates periodically on this Forum.

The data I have recorded to date is quite sparse and undoubtedly will benefit from corrections and additional information. A problem for me is my failing memory - fortunately I own a good selection of Starrett catalogs for the years 1900-1980 - invaluable references indeed.

Here is the project page: http://jp29.org/starrett.htm

I would greatly appreciate any input from members of this Forum.

James
 
I love my Starrett tools but not sure if I want to actually date them :roflmao::lmao::roflmao::lmao:

All kidding aside I like your project. I will post a link to a book store that has a couple of old Starrett catalogs tomorrow.
 
I love my Starrett tools but not sure if I want to actually date them :roflmao::lmao::roflmao::lmao:

All kidding aside I like your project. I will post a link to a book store that has a couple of old Starrett catalogs tomorrow.
Well I was prepared for that whimsical reply, Charley :)):tiphat: And seriously, I always appreciate leads to vintage tool catalogs.

James
 
For several years I have wanted to have a readily accessible facility that would enable me to date my vintage STARRETT tools. I hope to accomplish that goal via this project which would benefit from visitor input and would be universally accessible.

I earnestly request all input from fellow Starrett users/collectors. I wil credit all participants and publish results and updates periodically on this Forum.

The data I have recorded to date is quite sparse and undoubtedly will benefit from corrections and additional information. A problem for me is my failing memory - fortunately I own a good selection of Starrett catalogs for the years 1900-1980 - invaluable references indeed.

Here is the project page: http://jp29.org/starrett.htm

I would greatly appreciate any input from members of this Forum.

James

Here are a couple of pictures, I have a couple of mic's, I do not think they are the satin chrome and they are blue frames? Just wondering in you had any idea how old they might be?

Picture 001.jpg Picture 002.jpg
 
Here are a couple of pictures, I have a couple of mic's, I do not think they are the satin chrome and they are blue frames? Just wondering in you had any idea how old they might be?
Good morning raross61. So far I have only found descriptions for black enamel frames in my catalogs. A pic of the label end of the factory box would be an enormous help in identifying these mics - I hope you can post one.

Added: Is there a possibility that the box is not the one the mic originally came in? That happens quite often. The reason I pose that question is that the box is of some age (1920s/1930s and maybe immediate post WWII ?) - I seem to remember some references (I don't recall where or of what substance) to blue enamel frame Starrett mics, but of more recent manufacture. My research catalogs end at 1979, the date of my last new Starrett tool.

James
 
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Here's an old small Starrett vernier caliper. Was my Dad's; I believe he bought it when he was in college, 1946-1950 or so, but he might have bought it used, or he might have acquired it earlier while he was serving in the Navy during the war:

micrometer_371.jpg

The front is a .001" vernier. On the back side it's calibrated in 64ths, no vernier, with marks for inside and outside measurement.

It's sitting in an old eyeglass case that he kept it in, along with a conventional B&S micrometer of similar vintage.

micrometer_371.jpg
 
Link to the book store in North Carolina he has at lest 2 old Starrett catalogs
http://www.harryalterbooks.com/
Thanks for the link Charley - he has the 1938 catalog for sale in VG condition at $20 - that is a fair price pretty much in line with the five or so currently listed on e-bay. The 1938 Starrett catalog (I own a copy) is the one most commonly encountered and in my opinion is one of the better references (my favorite ones are the 1953 - by far - and the 1927).

Here is the 1938 Starrett catalog as a PDF - courtesy of Rose Antique Tools: http://www.roseantiquetools.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/1938starrettno.26.pdf

Thanks again, Charley.

James
 
Here's an old small Starrett vernier caliper. Was my Dad's; I believe he bought it when he was in college, 1946-1950 or so, but he might have bought it used, or he might have acquired it earlier while he was serving in the Navy during the war:

View attachment 58553

The front is a .001" vernier. On the back side it's calibrated in 64ths, no vernier, with marks for inside and outside measurement.

It's sitting in an old eyeglass case that he kept it in, along with a conventional B&S micrometer of similar vintage.
Hi FanMan. It looks like a No. 123 Pocket Vernier Caliper which was featured in the 1927 catalog but dropped by the time of the 1935 catalog.

Added - scan of 1927 catalog page:


I am sure this tool has great sentimental value for you, FanMan - something to be passed down in your family.​

James
 
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