Vintage Starrett Appraisal

Vintage L.S. Starrett Telescoping Gauge Set with Case and Instructions

This item is a vintage set of telescoping gauges, sometimes referred to as 'telescope gauges' or 'internal micrometers', housed in its original, brown leatherette or hard plastic case. The case has a slightly curved, rectangular shape, indicative of older tool cases, and features a brass-colored, embossed 'WINSTON' plaque on the interior of the lid, possibly indicating a distributor or a specific line. The interior of the case is lined with a dark, possibly velvet or felt, material that shows considerable wear and dust accumulation, suggesting prolonged storage or use. The gauges themselves appear to be made of steel, likely hardened for durability, exhibiting a dark, patinated finish consistent with age and exposure. They consist of multiple individual telescoping gauges of varying sizes, designed for measuring internal diameters or grooves that cannot be directly measured with standard micrometers. Each gauge features a knurled handle for grip and a spring-loaded plunger mechanism. There are visible signs of wear, including scratches, discoloration, and grime on the metal surfaces, but no obvious signs of significant damage like bending or severe corrosion that would impede function. An instruction sheet from 'THE L.S. STARRETT CO., ATHOL, MASS., U.S.A.' titled 'How to Read a Ten-Thousandths Micrometer Caliper' is included, folded and showing significant creasing, tears, and discoloration. This document strongly suggests the gauges are Starrett brand and provides a key insight into their functionality and era. The presence of the original case and instruction sheet adds to the completeness and historical value of the set. The craftsmanship appears to be industrial standard for precision tools of the mid-20th century, focusing on functionality and durability.