Sold: Hydra Caliper

Four-in-one hand-forged caliper / iron / c. early 19th century

Unique early 19th century blacksmith-made tool with four adjustible calipers.

Calipers are tools designed to measure the distance between two opposite sides of an object and are used in woodworking and metalworking. The “curved” type are outside calipers, designed to measure exterior diameter, while the “straight” sort are interior calipers which measure the inside diameter of an object. 

Many of the blacksmith-made examples predate the 1851 invention of the modern vernier caliper with its built-in measure, allowing precision readings to a thousandth of an inch. Early hand-forged calipers such as this example were often created by the craftsmen who used them, each singular and made to measure for their work.

Unique in form and function, this rare caliper not only speaks to the ingenuity of its designer but measures up as an art object as well.

Condition

Very good antique condition.

Measurements

14 inches tall

Shipping

Free in the continental United States. If an international buyer, please contact me for a shipping estimate by clicking here.