IKON - 1930s Tap and Die Set - Working tool

03
days
04
hours
51
minutes
41
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Zhu Chen
Expert
Estimate  € 120 - € 180
No bids placed

Catawiki Buyer Protection

Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details

Trustpilot 4.4 | 145217 reviews

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.

A 1930–1940 IKON Whitworth tap and die set in a dovetailed oak box, measuring 55 × 19 × 8.5 cm and weighing 8.5 kg.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Vintage IKON Tap and Die Set in Solid Oak Dovetailed Box - Whitworth (W/BSW) - 1930s

An exceptional, highly collectible vintage mechanic's tap and die set manufactured by IKON. This professional-grade workshop set is housed in its original, beautifully crafted heavy wooden storage box featuring classic dovetail joinery.

The inside lid retains its original Dutch paper index label ("1 Stel Tappen / 1 Snijblok / Wringijzer en 1 Houder voor Snijblok"), detailing the Imperial British Standard Whitworth (BSW) sizing scheme typical of mid-20th-century Dutch industrial and maritime engineering.

Dating & Historical Context:
Based on the typography of the internal paper label, the use of British Standard Whitworth threads in the Dutch market, and the design of the heavy-duty machined steel components, this set dates to the late 1930s. During this era, premium tool sets were supplied in custom-milled solid wood cases to protect precision threads from workshop moisture.

Condition Report:
• Box: In beautiful vintage condition. Solid, heavy construction with a lovely natural patina. The historic dovetail joints remain tight and secure. Includes the original metal latches.
• Tools: The taps and dies are in excellent mechanical condition with sharp, clean cutting threads and minimal signs of age-related surface patina. One 3/8" die is a period-correct English replacement marked "Stronghold".
• Completeness: The bottom tray contains the massive main tap wrench (wringijzer) and a nearly complete master set of taps (3 per size for 1/4", 5/16", 7/16", 1/2", 5/8", and 3/4"; the 3/8" slot has 2 out of 3 taps). The top tray includes 6 of the 7 original circular dies. The outer die stock handle is absent.

An incredible decorative item for a vintage workshop or a fully functional addition to a classic car/motorcycle restoration garage.

Specifications:
• Brand: IKON
• Thread Type: Whitworth (W / B.S.W.)
• Box Material: Solid wood (Oak) with dovetail joints
• Dimensions: 8.5 cm (Height) x 55.0 cm (Width) x 19.0 cm (Depth)
• Total Weight: 8.5 Kg

Seller's Story

We are a passionate team of skilled collectors dedicated to sourcing truly unique and rare vintage pieces. On Catawiki, we showcase only our finest finds. Carefully curated, lovingly selected, and offered with the lowest possible shipping rates as a service to our buyers. Every item is professionally packed the very next day and shipped via registered mail for a safe and reliable delivery. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help.

Vintage IKON Tap and Die Set in Solid Oak Dovetailed Box - Whitworth (W/BSW) - 1930s

An exceptional, highly collectible vintage mechanic's tap and die set manufactured by IKON. This professional-grade workshop set is housed in its original, beautifully crafted heavy wooden storage box featuring classic dovetail joinery.

The inside lid retains its original Dutch paper index label ("1 Stel Tappen / 1 Snijblok / Wringijzer en 1 Houder voor Snijblok"), detailing the Imperial British Standard Whitworth (BSW) sizing scheme typical of mid-20th-century Dutch industrial and maritime engineering.

Dating & Historical Context:
Based on the typography of the internal paper label, the use of British Standard Whitworth threads in the Dutch market, and the design of the heavy-duty machined steel components, this set dates to the late 1930s. During this era, premium tool sets were supplied in custom-milled solid wood cases to protect precision threads from workshop moisture.

Condition Report:
• Box: In beautiful vintage condition. Solid, heavy construction with a lovely natural patina. The historic dovetail joints remain tight and secure. Includes the original metal latches.
• Tools: The taps and dies are in excellent mechanical condition with sharp, clean cutting threads and minimal signs of age-related surface patina. One 3/8" die is a period-correct English replacement marked "Stronghold".
• Completeness: The bottom tray contains the massive main tap wrench (wringijzer) and a nearly complete master set of taps (3 per size for 1/4", 5/16", 7/16", 1/2", 5/8", and 3/4"; the 3/8" slot has 2 out of 3 taps). The top tray includes 6 of the 7 original circular dies. The outer die stock handle is absent.

An incredible decorative item for a vintage workshop or a fully functional addition to a classic car/motorcycle restoration garage.

Specifications:
• Brand: IKON
• Thread Type: Whitworth (W / B.S.W.)
• Box Material: Solid wood (Oak) with dovetail joints
• Dimensions: 8.5 cm (Height) x 55.0 cm (Width) x 19.0 cm (Depth)
• Total Weight: 8.5 Kg

Seller's Story

We are a passionate team of skilled collectors dedicated to sourcing truly unique and rare vintage pieces. On Catawiki, we showcase only our finest finds. Carefully curated, lovingly selected, and offered with the lowest possible shipping rates as a service to our buyers. Every item is professionally packed the very next day and shipped via registered mail for a safe and reliable delivery. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help.

Details

Era
1900-2000
Manufacturer/brand
IKON - 1930s Tap and Die Set
Weight
8.5 kg
Wood type
Oak
Country of Origin
Netherlands
Material
Wood
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
8.5 cm
Width
55 cm
Depth
19 cm
Estimated period
1930-1940
The NetherlandsVerified
2710
Objects sold
100%
protop

Similar objects

  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​

For you in

Home & Garden Decor

  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​
  • ​
    ​
    ​