1940s British Co. Tap & Die Set - Working tool
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Current bid
€ 4
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Selected by Ashley Calvert
He has 15 years of experience trading 20th century glass and antiques.
Estimate € 140 - € 170
 | €4 | |
|---|---|---|
| €3 | |
 | €2 |
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A 1940s British Stronghold No. S.105 BSB tap and die set by The British Tap & Die Co., Ltd., complete in its original dovetailed oak box and in good used condition with small signs of ageing and blemishes.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
1940s British Tap & Die Set - "Stronghold" No. S.105 Brass (BSB 26 TPI) - Complete in Original Dovetailed Fitted Oak Box - The British Tap & Die Co. Ltd. - 10 Kg
An exceptional, highly collectible, and fully complete mid-20th-century professional machinist’s threading set. Manufactured in England by the renowned The British Tap & Die Co., Ltd., this is the premium "Stronghold" Stocks & Dies Set No. S.105, specifically engineered for threading Brass.
Crucially, this is a dedicated British Standard Brass (BSB) set. Unlike common standard coarse Whitworth (BSW) sets, all the taps and dies in this kit utilize the highly specialized 26 Threads Per Inch (TPI) constant pitch thread profile across all diameters.
Because brass pipes and instruments have thin walls, this fine, specialized thread form was required to prevent the metal from splitting. This makes the set an indispensable, incredibly rare asset for specialized engineers and premium restorers of vintage British live-steam locomotives, marine models, classic car brass instruments, clocks, and scientific apparatus.
Condition Report
• Tools: Excellent vintage condition. Minimal signs of use. Cutting edges are sharp with no chips, damages, or heavy oxidation. The main die stock retains its striking original blue finish.
• Wooden Case: Very sturdy and structurally perfect. Features beautiful authentic patina, minor surface scratches consistent with age, and excellent, intact dovetail joints. Hinges and closures operate smoothly.
• Label: Completely legible with beautiful retro graphics, showing only light age-related spotting.
Specifications & Dimensions
• Brand: Stronghold / The British Tap & Die Co., Ltd.
• Model: Set No. S.105 (Brass specialization)
• Thread Type: BSB (British Standard Brass) — Constant 26 TPI Pitch
• Sizes Included: Imperial sizes ranging from 1/4" up to 3/4" (as detailed on the intact original lid label).
• Origin: Made in England (London)
• Period: Circa 1940–1960
• Case Construction: Solid wood box with traditional dovetail joints
• Weight: 10.0 kg (Heavy, premium quality)
• Dimensions: 80.5 cm (Length) x 23.0 cm (Width) x 6.5 cm (Height)
Contents Include:
• 1x Heavy-duty Die Stock Handle (Blue)
• 1x Adjustable Tap Wrench No. 6
• 1x Collet Key / Tool
• Full sequential set of round BSB 26 TPI Dies & Collets
• Full sequential set of BSB 26 TPI Taps (Taper, Second, and Bottoming Taps for each size)
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.
1940s British Tap & Die Set - "Stronghold" No. S.105 Brass (BSB 26 TPI) - Complete in Original Dovetailed Fitted Oak Box - The British Tap & Die Co. Ltd. - 10 Kg
An exceptional, highly collectible, and fully complete mid-20th-century professional machinist’s threading set. Manufactured in England by the renowned The British Tap & Die Co., Ltd., this is the premium "Stronghold" Stocks & Dies Set No. S.105, specifically engineered for threading Brass.
Crucially, this is a dedicated British Standard Brass (BSB) set. Unlike common standard coarse Whitworth (BSW) sets, all the taps and dies in this kit utilize the highly specialized 26 Threads Per Inch (TPI) constant pitch thread profile across all diameters.
Because brass pipes and instruments have thin walls, this fine, specialized thread form was required to prevent the metal from splitting. This makes the set an indispensable, incredibly rare asset for specialized engineers and premium restorers of vintage British live-steam locomotives, marine models, classic car brass instruments, clocks, and scientific apparatus.
Condition Report
• Tools: Excellent vintage condition. Minimal signs of use. Cutting edges are sharp with no chips, damages, or heavy oxidation. The main die stock retains its striking original blue finish.
• Wooden Case: Very sturdy and structurally perfect. Features beautiful authentic patina, minor surface scratches consistent with age, and excellent, intact dovetail joints. Hinges and closures operate smoothly.
• Label: Completely legible with beautiful retro graphics, showing only light age-related spotting.
Specifications & Dimensions
• Brand: Stronghold / The British Tap & Die Co., Ltd.
• Model: Set No. S.105 (Brass specialization)
• Thread Type: BSB (British Standard Brass) — Constant 26 TPI Pitch
• Sizes Included: Imperial sizes ranging from 1/4" up to 3/4" (as detailed on the intact original lid label).
• Origin: Made in England (London)
• Period: Circa 1940–1960
• Case Construction: Solid wood box with traditional dovetail joints
• Weight: 10.0 kg (Heavy, premium quality)
• Dimensions: 80.5 cm (Length) x 23.0 cm (Width) x 6.5 cm (Height)
Contents Include:
• 1x Heavy-duty Die Stock Handle (Blue)
• 1x Adjustable Tap Wrench No. 6
• 1x Collet Key / Tool
• Full sequential set of round BSB 26 TPI Dies & Collets
• Full sequential set of BSB 26 TPI Taps (Taper, Second, and Bottoming Taps for each size)
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
1940s British Co. Tap & Die Set
Weight
10 kg
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Material
Wood
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
80.5 cm
Width
23 cm
Depth
6.5 cm
Estimated period
1940-1950
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