Description
Item number : UK MIS WATSON BC 001
Origin : United Kingdom
Style : English Style
Gauge : 12
Suitable for pinfire : yes
Stabilizer : Yes, right side
Cartridge pusher : yes (replacement)
Maker : Watson & Hancock, 308 High Holborn, W.C, London
Markings : “12”, “WATSON & HANCOCK, 308 HOLBORN LONDON” on press
lever. “O”, “B” on bottom press lever and “B” on turning lever.
Biggest length : 265 mm
Weight : 570 grams
Press lever : Beautifully blued steel with black painted handle
Turning lever : Beautifully blued steel with black painted handle
Closing cup : Brass
Materials body : Cast iron
Paint : Retains most of its original green paint.
Table clamp : Top rectangular with 4 deep cross wise ribs. Screw has round top with 4 blunt pins.
Condition : Good
Repairs : None
Remarks :
Watson and Hancock were working together from 1886 to 1890. They were gunmakers at 308 High Holborn, London ( Nigel brown)
So this tool can be dated quite precisely between 1886 and 1890.
But there are reasons to believe that this tools has been made by Lightwood and/or Dixons. The model is the Dixons 1204. The top of the table screw however is Lightwood. There are several Lightwoods of this model. Usually Lightwood can be recognized by a “*” somewhere on the tool, mostly at the downside of the press lever. There ios no * on this tool.