This tool was introduced c.1870 to enable a new owner to identify the timber which he had bought from a merchant. The #1478 in 1873 is described as being made from Beech and being able ‘to work a circle’ of identification. The tool did not change much between then and the last manufacture of c.1960. In 1888 the number changed to #1985 with a Beech handle. In 1909 the #7112 scribe is shown as being made from Rosewood.. but still to ‘work a circle’. Even 1921 describes it as being made from Rosewood as do the Catalogues of 1928 and 1938. But the 1959 Catalogue and beyond says it is now made of Hardwood. The next listing seems to be c.1965 with only #7112 and then there is nothing beyond.
There seem to be 3 types of Timber Scribe as shown in the following catalogue entries:
1873:
1888:
1897:
1909:
1921:
1928:
1938:
1959:
1965:
GALLERY:
The folding scribes below show 2 different forms, the older being the top image:
