When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
## Museum-Quality 18th Century Pewter Surface Gauge / Scribing Block
### Maker: Augustine Trent (London, active c. 1712–1750) | Cotterell #4802
Up for sale is an incredibly rare, museum-grade early Georgian pewter bench-top surface gauge (scribing block / layout tool). Finding a specialized precision instrument from the early 18th century made of pewter—and featuring a prominent London master\'s touchmark—is an absolute anomaly for the serious antique tool or metalwork collector.
**Maker & Documentation:**
Features the distinct and highly legible touchmarks of London pewterer **Augustine Trent (A. TRENT)**. The maker\'s name is struck twice on the underside of the base, surrounding a central figural touchmark.
* **Cotterell Number:** #4802 (*Old Pewter: Its Makers and Marks* by Howard H. Cotterell)
* **London Guild Record:** Touchmark Plate 5, No. 746 (The Worshipful Company of Pewterers, Freedom granted Dec 4, 1712)
London guild records for A. Trent:
1703: He officially began his apprenticeship under a master pewterer named John Quick.
December 4, 1712: He was made a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Pewterers in London (meaning he was officially granted the right to open his own workshop and strike his own name mark).
1712–1740s: Active production era.
**Function & Design:**
This exceptional mechanical piece features a heavy, multi-stepped circular pewter base supporting a vertical pillar. The sliding scribe arm is fully adjustable via the original pewter thumb-screw/turnkey mechanism. The arm features a hooked upper end and a pointed lower scribing point, historically used by early clockmakers, scientific instrument makers, or master millwrights to layout parallel lines and transfer measurements from a surface plate.
**Condition:**
Excellent antique condition given its ~300-year age. The pewter retains a spectacular, unpolished, authentic deep gray patina—we have strictly left the original surface untouched. The adjustable thumb-screw turns and functions smoothly. [Note any minor flaws here, e.g., \"Expected light surface wear/micro-scratching consistent with bench-top use, no modern repairs or major damage observed.\"
Dimensions - 8\" tall and 10\" to the top of hook
An exceptionally rare piece of history that would make a fine addition to any serious collection as seen.
Please review photos as they are part of the actual description
Click store to view my full range of products !
RETURN POLICY
ITEMS MUST BE RETURNED WITHIN 30 DAYS – SELLER MUST BE EMAILED BEFORE DOING A RETURN
ALL ITEMS MUST BE IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONDITION AND IN ORIGINAL SHIPPING CONTAINER
RETURN SHIPPING is responsibility of buyer unless item is defective
ALL RETURNS MUST BE FULLY INSURED BY BUYER - If return is received by seller broken in shipment, refund will NOT be given and buyer must submit his own insurance
