New Trade Catalogue of Materials, Appliances, &c. for Watchmakers, Clockmakers, Jewellers, Silversmiths & Opticians
London: Robert Pringle & Sons, circa 1924. Octavo, original printed wrappers; [ii], 258 pp., copiously illustrated. A few small stains, in very good condition nonetheless. A superb trade catalogue of specialist wares sold by Robert Pringle & Sons from their premises at 42 Clerkenwell road London. Pringle & Sons were both manufacturers and distributors. The catalogue comprises materials, machinery and sundry supplies required by jewellers, lapidaries, horologists, silversmiths and opticians.
The size, scope and complexity of goods offered in the catalogue is impressive; and what follows is little more than a superficial survey.
For jewellers: chains, brooches, ear-ring materials, clasps, joints and catches, ornamental padlocks, swivels, cast silver cyphers and monograms, and so forth. A good range of synthetic and paste gemstones are offered for sale (including sapphires, rubies, alexandrite and aquamarine). Jewellers tools include nippers, pliers, punches and stakes – all offered in considerable range and diversity.
For lapidaries: wheels and buffs, diamond scales (various types and models), a full range of engraver's apparatus, including industrial diamond tools, and much more.
For watch and clock makers: watch bows, springs, clock chains, watch glass, hairsprings, mainsprings, watch crystals, clock hands, clock keys, horological oils, ratchets, screws, suspension springs, files, gauges, glass cutting equipment, etcetera. Aside from offering their own horological wares for sale, Pringle & Son were agents for the Medana, Waltham and Westclox companies, and these parts are listed in the catalogue.
For all these allied trades, a comprehensive range of machinery is featured. For example, ample hot metal working equipment of various types (including soldering, brazing tools and fine metal die casting wares). A staggering array of speciality lathes fills some 37 pages of the catalogue, including units from Germany and the United States. Naturally, a generous selection of tool boxes and cabinets are included, being beautiful examples of English carpentry and fine workmanship.
The last section of the catalogue is devoted to the requirements of retailers. Products include jewellery boxes, ring cases, necklet cases, watch and bracelet boxes, stationery, silver polish, chamois leathers, rouge, and other polishing products. For showroom presentation are trays and stands, plate glass shelving, mirrors, window stands for shopfronts, oak stands for display of wares, velvet stands and display pads, showcases, counter cases, and the like.
The catalogue itself is not dated, but includes Pinfold's wedding ring sizing machine (patented in 1924). Item #4308
Price (AUD): $850.00