Vintage Wooden Mortise Gauge Appraisal

Vintage Wooden Mortise Gauge (Hume & Hear)

The item is a vintage wooden mortise gauge, a specialized woodworking tool used for marking parallel lines, particularly for mortise and tenon joints. It features a main body, often called the stock or head, which is a rectangular block of light- to medium-brown wood, likely a hardwood such as boxwood or beech, given its age and typical materials for such tools. The visible grain suggests a solid piece of timber. The face of the stock exhibits a discernible manufacturer's mark, though somewhat worn. The mark appears to be an oval surrounding text that reads "S.W. CO. L.A. CAL." above "HUME & HEAR" and possibly "TRADE MARK" below. There's also what looks like a 'V' shape at the bottom of the visible mark. This impression indicates a specific maker and suggests a period when such tools were commonly branded. The tool shows signs of extensive use and age, with a rich, developed patina across its wooden surfaces, indicating good care despite significant handling. The wood has some minor scuffs, dark spots, and discolored areas consistent with its use in a workshop environment, but no major cracks or structural damage are immediately visible on the stock. A long, proportionally narrower wooden beam, marked with numerical measurements, extends horizontally from the stock. Part of the beam is visible, showing a clear '3' and ruled increments, suggesting it's designed for precise measurements. The overall craftsmanship appears robust, built for utility and durability rather than intricate decoration. The simplicity of its design, combined with the visible wear, highlights its functional history. The period of manufacture is likely late 19th to early 20th century based on the materials and observed tooling marks.