IKON - 1930s Tap and Die Set - Working tool





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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.
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
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

