Lollipop maybe?

If you look at the illustration supplied by Steviegtr, there appears to be a cylindrical gauge block in front of the height gauge. It is the type with flat ends to measure, rather than the precision outside diameter.

Rather puzzling.

I have the same height gauge in its fitted box with all accessories. The box and accessories differ from Bosun’s example. Mine has pretty much the accessories described in Stevegtr’s advert: a scribe, a depth probe, separate clamps for the scribe and probe, and a 1 1/2 inch height standard. All the accessories fit into vertical recesses, rather than cutouts. Does make one wonder if Bosun’s box is original.

Could well be a magnifier like this one on mine.

Could it be for a circular scriber like this modern example sold by Starrett?

I like the idea the hole is for a calibration block, but the scriber attachment actually looks like a lollipop!

Dave

As i originally suggested a circular test slip with a handle for ease of positioning if used in the vertical position which would appear to be the correct means of use. Added benefit it prevents the slip from rolling and potential damage if it drops on to a hard surface. Robert Butler

Hi, I have the very same illustration in one of my albums that Steviegtr posted.

It's been there since 2013, strange that.

Regards Nick.

Here’s a picture of my Chesterman gauge.

Good morning,

Thanks for all the suggestions. Regarding Robert Butler's suggestion of a test slip, I'm not sure I fully understand. Test slips appear to be 1.5" pillar shaped affairs. I do however, seem to be short of a test slip, unless the cranked scriber is supplied in lieu, enabling calibration straight from the reference surface.

Not sure if it's relevant, but I contacted the seller, and apparently it belonged to a senior Marine Engineer who served in the forces between 1940 & 1950. It also bears what I assume to be an asset number 471-0315/7.

I'd favour the magnifier

I certainly wouldn't discount the idea of a magnifier (a good idea with my eyesight), but why the open end to the slot?

I bought a very nice used Mitutoyo height gauge about 10 years ago which has an attached magnifying glass. Even with good eye sight I have to use the glass.

I would bet on a magnifying glass.

JA

So the end sticks out to be grabbed, there are no finger holes (can't think of the name for those half round finger access points)

+1 for the magnifier.

Assuming the magnifier is like the one in Ian's picture an open end to slot will allow the stem to protrude a little making it easier to get out.

Alternatively its possible that there are some other magnifier mounting parts that hang down into the space below. Given the style of the rest of the box you might expect the part carrier block to be larger with positive support for any hanging parts but such enlargement might not have been possible whilst still leaving room for the sliding lid to open.

Clive

If the box has a space for a magnifier, it doesn't mean that there was one there originally - it might have been something that could be bought as a 'extra' but which you needed a place in teh box to keep it.

Has any one access to a Rabone's catalogue to see if there was anything listed?

Just a suggestion

I'd put my money on a magnifier, like that shown by Ian McVickers.

Both my Height Gauges had folding magnifiers placed in the boxes, to aid my eyesight in reading the vernier scales.

Howard

Thanks again everybody,

Looks like the vote goes to a magnifier. All I've got to do now is find one. While an original magnifier would be nice (if that's what goes in the recess of course), I guess I'll just have to keep my eyes open for a suitable one. It would have to be hand held, as there's nowhere to attach it to the slider.

Along with a magnifier, I'm on the lookout for a 1.5" calibration block. While I can sort of check zero with the cranked scriber set under the arm (1.0" for the scriber + 0.5" for the arm) against the reference surface, it's not ideal. If you're not very careful, you start jacking the base upwards.

Hi the scan below isn't from a R&C catalogue, but from a tool supplier from the 70's

A magnifying glass is specified in the standard attachments.

Regards Nick.

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The Starrett 234 ‘End Measuring Rods’ are very good, but you may have difficulty finding an Imperial one [new] these days.

The ends are ‘spherical’ so it doesn’t matter if it is slightly tilted when you do the check.

MichaelG.

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http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1698267.pdf

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 20/06/2020 15:29:50