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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Depthing tool

Science Museum Group Brass Depthing Tool

Partially verified

This brass depthing tool is an individually catalogued measuring device preserved in the Science Museum Group collection under object number 1982-445, transferred with credit to the Wellcome Institute from Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection. As traditionally used in horology, the instrument is constructed to test and adjust arbor center distances. Visually, it features an adjustable brass frame with knurled thumbscrews, holding steel runners within conical brass fixtures. The tool is preserved alongside a dark wood slide-lid storage box containing green textile padding tailored to receive the instrument.

Brass depthing tool shown beside its green-lined wooden slide-lid box
Brass depthing tool shown beside its green-lined wooden slide-lid box — The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum / Science Museum Group. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
Category
Tool · Depthing tool
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
1982-445
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Identity and Institutional Provenance

The object is recorded in the Science Museum Group collection as a 'Depthing tool brass' under Object Number 1982-445. The museum record lists its category as 'Hand and Machine Tools', its type as 'measuring device', and associates it with 'Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection' with credit to the 'Wellcome Institute'.

Within the museum catalogue title and header, the item is also referenced as 'Depthing tool brass, B.4484'. No maker or place of origin is provided in the museum entry.

Evidence for this section
  • “Depthing tool brass, B.4484”
  • “Category: Hand and Machine Tools”
  • “Collection: Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection”
  • “Object Number: 1982-445”
  • “type: measuring device”
  • “credit: Wellcome Institute”

Observable Construction and Tool Configuration

Visual observation of the instrument shows a hinged brass U-frame fitted with knurled adjustment and locking thumbscrews.

The arms terminate in conical brass bosses that hold opposing pairs of steel pointed runners.

Evidence for this section
  • “Hinged brass U-frame fitted with knurled adjustment and locking thumbscrews”
  • “Opposing pairs of steel pointed runners held through conical brass bosses”

Storage Casing and Accompaniments

The tool is accompanied by a rectangular dark-stained wooden box with a sliding top lid.

The interior of the box features a fitted green textile lining contoured to cushion the tool.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rectangular dark-stained wooden box with a sliding top lid”
  • “Fitted interior green textile lining contoured to cushion the tool”

Documentation Limits and Research Boundaries

The online museum record does not document a date of production, maker, or place of origin. Furthermore, overall physical dimensions and runner measurements are not recorded in the available source data.

Information regarding any markings on the tool or casing corresponding to the designation 'B.4484' or details of its transfer history prior to museum entry are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Depthing tool brass, B.4484”
  • “Our records are constantly being enhanced and improved, but please note that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information shown on this website.”

Open research questions

  • Are there physical stamps, numbering, or inscriptions on the brass tool or wooden box corresponding to the designation 'B.4484'?
  • Do archival records from the Wellcome Institute or Sir Henry Wellcome's collection record the acquisition date, previous owner, or provenance of this instrument?
  • What are the physical dimensions and runner specifications of the tool and its wooden casing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Science Museum Group Brass Depthing Tool
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Object Number1982-445“Object Number: 1982-445”
CollectionSir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection“Collection: Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection”
Typemeasuring device“type: measuring device”
CreditWellcome Institute“credit: Wellcome Institute”
Secondary DesignationB.4484“Depthing tool brass, B.4484”
Museum CategoryHand and Machine Tools“Category: Hand and Machine Tools”

Visible details

  • Hinged brass U-frame fitted with knurled adjustment and locking thumbscrews
  • Opposing pairs of steel pointed runners held through conical brass bosses
  • Rectangular dark-stained wooden box with a sliding top lid
  • Fitted interior green textile lining contoured to cushion the tool

Research qualifications

  • No specific maker, production date, or geographic origin is identified in the museum catalogue
  • Exact dimensions are not recorded in the available source data

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Depthing tool brass | Science Museum Group Collection

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 51dcd48351

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other depthing tool records