Working tool Industrial - 125V electric engraver

Ancient 125 V electric engraver with original wooden case – ca. 1930-1940

Extraordinary and unusual old device for electric engraving, preserved together with its original wooden case and the set of accessories and supports, a piece of marked industrial and artisanal character, intended for engraving, marking or incision work using a vibratory-powered electric tool.

The set preserves a clearly industrial aesthetic from the first half of the 20th century, with a robust and essential construction, in which wood, iron/steel, painted metal elements and old-fashioned electrical components predominate.

One of the most interesting aspects of the piece is precisely its suspended working system. The central electrical unit is suspended by a long helical spring, connected to an independent metallic support. In this way, the work instrument remains balanced and can be handled with greater freedom and precision. The presence of the spring, the articulated metal arm and the circular base show that this is not simply a portable electric tool, but a work setup conceived as a engraving station.

The set also includes the on/off electric pedal switch, of antique format and black finish, connected by cable to the device. This element allowed the tool to be operated while keeping the hands free to perform precise work. The system retains the characteristic look of professional and workshop equipment of the era.

The case

The piece is presented in a magnificent original wooden chest-case, made specifically to house the equipment and its various components.

The box features a very solid construction, with aged-looking wood, metal hardware, hinges, front closures and interior compartments tailored to fit the different parts of the apparatus.

The interior is particularly interesting: it has wooden dividers and supports designed to hold the different parts of the device, including the electrical unit, cables, switch, metallic support, circular base and other accessories.

It also retains small restraint systems with rotating wooden pieces, intended to keep the components immobilised during transport. This detail adds great historical interest, as it shows that the box is not merely a later packaging, but was conceived as a transport and storage case for the equipment itself.

Inside lid also has fixing elements and supports for certain pieces, allowing almost the entire set to be transported in a single case.

Design and style

From an aesthetic point of view, this is a representative piece of the industrial and artisanal technology of the first half of the 20th century.

The design is entirely functional: absence of superfluous decorative elements, robust metal components, external cabling, visible springs, solid wood and simple mechanical mechanisms.

The combination of aged wood, black-painted metal, antique hardware and period electrical components gives the set an industrial/vintage aesthetic that is very appealing to collectors of antique machinery, precision tools, historical technology and workshop objects.

Condition

The piece presents a conservation state consistent with its considerable age.

The wooden box preserves numerous marks, abrasions, small finish losses, darkening and signs of use that form part of its historical character. The hardware likewise shows oxidation/patina and surface wear.

The interior preserves the original divisions and supports, though it shows dirt, stains, wear and signs of prolonged use.

The metal components show patina and wear typical of age, while the cables and electrical elements should be considered antique.

Photographs show the complete set and allow us to appreciate that an exceptional amount of its original components has been preserved.

No modern aesthetic restoration has been performed, so it maintains an authentically aged appearance.