c.1905-1917 Starrett High Speed Indicator No. 104

Private Lugnutz · May 4, 2018

As first reported in the 2018 Garage Sale thread, I picked this up at the flea market this morning. It's an L.S. Starrett High Speed Indicator No. 104. These were used in shops, mills, and factories, anywhere with machines with turning gears, shafts, belts, etc. First patented (580,432) in April 3, 1897, and improved (786,073) on May 28, 1905. Both patents are on the nickel plated case (See Pics 1 and 4). Note that my holder has nothing marked on it. In the 1917 catalog (See Pic 2), the holder does not have the model number. In the 1938 catalog (See Pic 3) it does. So I am guesstimating, for now, that mine dates between 1905 and at least 1917, and no later than 1938.

paulm12 · May 4, 2018

nice find. I have one also, never looked at the age. Does it work well?

Private Lugnutz · May 4, 2018

It spins! I don't know how well it's calibrated, but it spins well!

I'll have to think about how to best check it with something that has stable timing.

d42jeep · May 4, 2018

Hey Lugz,
Would you like a nice 107 in the box to go with the 104 you have? I’ve never been able to figure out what to do with mine.
-Don

Private Lugnutz · May 4, 2018

Get it out and admire it every once in a blue moon, while picturing fin de siècle or mid-century sweat shops! :lol:

Nice NOS example. You even have the extra rubber tips! I don't see any patents. I wonder when they removed them. The 1917 catalog shows them both. The 1938 catalog only shows the latter patent. Is the box or the paperwork dated?

VocaTexas · May 4, 2018

D42, what would you want for that? I've been looking for a good one for a while, but all of them I've found were missing the tips.

tombell572 · May 4, 2018

I bought a 104 model about 20 years ago and used rarely. My most recent Starrett paper catalog is from 1990's and it gives a detailed explanation of how to use the speed indicator. The 107 model was produced largely unchanged until the early 2000's. Don't know if Starrett would still keep any of the rubber tips on hand.

Tom B.

d42jeep · May 4, 2018

VocaTexas said:
D42, what would you want for that? I've been looking for a good one for a while, but all of them I've found were missing the tips.

Feel free to PM me with an offer. I’ve had it a while now and it’s just sitting in the Machinists box.

Private Lugnutz said:
Get it out and admire it every once in a blue moon, while picturing fin de siècle or mid-century sweat shops!

Nice NOS example. You even have the extra rubber tips! I don't see any patents. I wonder when they removed them. The 1917 catalog shows them both. The 1938 catalog only shows the latter patent. Is the box or the paperwork dated?

Lugz,
I’ll check the box and instructions tomorrow and let you know. I didn’t see the copyright mark next to the Starrett logo for what that’s worth.
-Don
-Don

d42jeep · May 5, 2018

Lugz,
I couldn’t find any dating information in the instructions or on the box. Just the lack of the copyright mark.

Voca,
I think I paid $15.00 for it. You are welcome to it for that plus about $8.00 for a small flat rate priority box.
-Don

Private Lugnutz · May 5, 2018

d42jeep said:
Lugz,
I couldn’t find any dating information in the instructions or on the box. Just the lack of the copyright mark.

Thanks.

VocaTexas · May 6, 2018

D42, I sent a PM to you, but I'm not sure if it went through or not. Let me know if you didn't receive it. Thanks!

d42jeep · May 6, 2018

You should be receiving the Starrett in a few days. I PMed the tracking number. Enjoy!
-Don

c.1905-1917 Starrett High Speed Indicator No. 104

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