Brown and Sharpe 585?

[SCscoutguy]

I have had Brown and Sharpe micrometers and calipers before but what is this thing? I picked it up today in a lot of other things and have never had a tool like it before. Whatever it is it is built extremely well and comes in a really nice padded case. Any idea what this is worth because I don't think I will ever use it.

 

[franzdom]

That is a height caliper, very handy if you are machining cylinders for instance, that is how I used to use them when I was a machinist.

 

[SCscoutguy]

That is a height caliper, very handy if you are machining cylinders for instance, that is how I used to use them when I was a machinist.

That makes sense now that you mention it. Do you have any idea what it is worth?

 

[A_Pmech]

Yep, a vernier height gage. I have several B&S 585's and they're exceptionally well made. They are generally used with a surface plate, which is an extremely flat reference surface, usually granite.

Since a photo is worth a thousand words, here's a height gage in use:

 

[A_Pmech]

Vernier height gages are fairly common and not worth all that much. I've never paid more than $75 for them in excellent shape.

 

[rodm1]

They are out dated technology and are worthless for 99.99% of work using a surface plate.

 

[bigcaddy]

In the box like that, maybe 60-70.00 I've sold one before and it had plenty of extra attachments and it went for over 145.00 Being in the case will increase its value but since its just the gage, its not worth a ton since all the new ones are digital

 

[Packard V8]

Yes, it was a quality instrument in it's day.

No, that day is long gone. Not really worth much today. I'm doubting it will go for more than $50. Only way to know is throw it on eBay and see what happens. A while back, I bought a group of three larger, better ones for $50 + shipping.

jack vines

 

[spongerich]

Like others have said, they're not much use for "serious" machine shop work since everyone wants digital, but I have one that I picked up at an estate sale and I use it once in a while... I find it handy for setting the tool height on my lathe where I don't need .001 accuracy. I've used it on my drill press to set the depth stop too. Probably worth $50-$75 on eBay if you're looking to sell it.

 

[dandan111]

Vernier height gauge,never used one all we have at work is digital. I bet the right guy would love those,brown and sharpe are quality.