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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Watchmakers' lathe

Wolf Jahn & Co. Watchmakers' Lathe and Accessories

Partially verified

A watchmaker's lathe and accessory ensemble attributed by the auctioneer to Wolf Jahn & Co., housed in a fitted wooden case alongside assorted tools, fittings, and an electric motor. The photograph reveals the open wooden box holding the lathe headstock, spindle pulleys, tailstock, and various turned metal attachments. Additional accessories include an auxiliary wooden base plate mounted with an electric motor and wound electrical cable, a small cloche-style glass dome over upright components, a velvet-lined case holding a tool, and partitioned accessory containers.

Wolf Jahn & Co. watchmakers' lathe set with electric motor and accessories
Wolf Jahn & Co. watchmakers' lathe set with electric motor and accessories — Hutchinson Scott Limited. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Tool · Watchmakers' lathe
Maker / attribution
Wolf Jahn & Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
1004
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 Attribution

The lot is catalogued by the auctioneer as "A WOLF JAHN & CO. WATCHMAKERS' LATHE AND ACCESSORIES". This attribution is source-reported from the auction heading, as specific factory stamps or maker nameplates are not legibly discernible in the overview photograph.

The auctioneer catalogues the item under the medium category "Scientific Instruments & Maritime". The ensemble is presented disassembled with its components displayed alongside storage containers and drive equipment.

Evidence for this section
  • “A WOLF JAHN & CO. WATCHMAKERS' LATHE AND ACCESSORIES”
  • “Scientific Instruments & Maritime”

Case Configuration and Lathe Components

The auction description notes that the lot is "contained in a fitted wooden case with an electric motor and assorted tools and fittings." The catalogued dimensions are "(14cm high, 33.5cm wide, 22.5cm deep)".

Direct visual observation records a "Hinged wooden storage case containing the disassembled lathe bed, headstock with stepped pulley, tailstock, and numerous metal fittings." The main turning elements rest in custom cutouts within the wooden case interior.

Evidence for this section
  • “contained in a fitted wooden case with an electric motor and assorted tools and fittings.”
  • “(14cm high, 33.5cm wide, 22.5cm deep)”
  • “Hinged wooden storage case containing the disassembled lathe bed, headstock with stepped pulley, tailstock, and numerous metal fittings.”

Drive Mechanism and Ancillary Tooling

In addition to the main storage case, the ensemble includes an external motor setup observed as a "Bench-mounted electric motor on a thick rectangular wooden board, accompanied by a wrapped heavy electrical cable and foot pedal or plug assembly."

Supplementary accessories and containers observed in the lot include a "Miniature round glass cloche on a turned wooden base covering small upright rod-like components or collets", a "Small black presentation case with red velvet lining holding a small rod or point tool", and a "Double-compartment accessory box containing small metal hardware."

Evidence for this section
  • “Bench-mounted electric motor on a thick rectangular wooden board, accompanied by a wrapped heavy electrical cable and foot pedal or plug assembly.”
  • “Miniature round glass cloche on a turned wooden base covering small upright rod-like components or collets.”
  • “Small black presentation case with red velvet lining holding a small rod or point tool.”
  • “Double-compartment accessory box containing small metal hardware.”

Condition and Completeness Status

No mechanical condition, spindle runout, or bearing assessment is provided in the auction listing. In accordance with the auctioneer's terms, "All Lots are sold 'as is' with all faults and imperfections."

The functional safety and operational state of the electric motor and attached wiring are not documented in the listing. Furthermore, whether the assortment of collets and small hardware forms a complete factory-original set or an assembled working kit is not recorded in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “All Lots are sold "as is" with all faults and imperfections.”

Open research questions

  • Are there manufacturer markings, logos, or serial numbers stamped on the lathe bed, headstock, or tailstock verifying Wolf Jahn & Co. production?
  • What voltage, cycle, and manufacturer information is stamped on the specification plate of the bench-mounted electric motor?
  • Do the collets and rod-like components under the glass cloche share the same thread profile and diameter required by the headstock spindle?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Wolf Jahn & Co. Watchmakers' Lathe and Accessories
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Maker attributionWolf Jahn & Co.“A WOLF JAHN & CO. WATCHMAKERS' LATHE AND ACCESSORIES”
Housing and motorFitted wooden case with electric motor“contained in a fitted wooden case with an electric motor and assorted tools and fittings.”
Dimensions14cm high, 33.5cm wide, 22.5cm deep“(14cm high, 33.5cm wide, 22.5cm deep)”
Auction categoryScientific Instruments & Maritime“Medium Scientific Instruments & Maritime”
Case dimensions14cm high, 33.5cm wide, 22.5cm deep“(14cm high, 33.5cm wide, 22.5cm deep)”

Visible details

  • Hinged wooden storage case containing the disassembled lathe bed, headstock with stepped pulley, tailstock, and numerous metal fittings.
  • Bench-mounted electric motor on a thick rectangular wooden board, accompanied by a wrapped heavy electrical cable and foot pedal or plug assembly.
  • Miniature round glass cloche on a turned wooden base covering small upright rod-like components or collets.
  • Small black presentation case with red velvet lining holding a small rod or point tool.
  • Double-compartment accessory box containing small metal hardware.

Research qualifications

  • Maker attribution to Wolf Jahn & Co. is source-reported; maker stamps are not legibly discernible in the photograph.
  • Completeness, mechanical alignment, and electrical functionality are unverified.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: A WOLF JAHN & CO. WATCHMAKERS' LATHE AND ACCESSORIES

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record e5d44d52ec

Terms in this record

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