Vintage Smiths Industrial Instruments Hand Tachometer 0-50000 RPM Cased Untested For Sale

Vintage Smiths Industrial Instruments Hand Tachometer 0-50000 RPM Cased Untested
UNTESTED, SOLD AS-IS. I have not tested this tachometer, and I can't say whether it works or how accurate it is. It is listed under "For parts or not working" for that reason. It appears complete in its original fitted case.
What it isThis is a vintage British mechanical hand tachometer (rev counter) by Smiths Industrial Instruments Ltd. The dial is marked "SMITHS INDUSTRIAL INSTS. LTD. LONDON N.W.2." and "MADE IN ENGLAND". It carries the red A.T. triangle logo, which is also in gilt on the case lid. The range knob has three positions, 500, 5000 and 50000, and the dial reads 0 to 500. The brass instruction plate in the lid gives the three ranges as 0-500, 0-5,000 and 0-50,000 R.P.M. (dial reading x1, x10 and x100). It also explains how to use the disc for cutting and surface speeds in feet per minute (scale reading divided by two, total recording 25,000 feet).
No model number is visible in the photos. The three-range 500/5,000/50,000 specification matches the Smiths ATH.4 pattern, so I describe it as ATH.4-type. Judging by the "Smiths Industrial Instruments" name and the A.T. branding, it most likely dates from the 1950s to early 1960s, before the later "Smiths Industries" and "Venture" sets.
About Smiths Industrial InstrumentsS. Smith & Sons was founded in London in 1851 by Samuel Smith, a jeweller and watchmaker. It made its first car speedometer in 1904 and grew into one of Britain's major makers of motor, aircraft and clock instruments. The A.T. triangle was the mark of A.T. Speedometer Co. / A.T. Instruments, a London speedometer maker that came under Smiths' control by about 1928. Its production moved to Smiths' Chronos Works in Cricklewood, London N.W.2. In 1944 Smiths set up Smiths Industrial Instruments Ltd to sell tachometers, gauges and other industrial instruments. The company became Smiths Industries in 1966 and is now Smiths Group plc.
What's included (everything shown in the photos)- Smiths hand tachometer with black body, 0-500 dial, 3-position range knob (500 / 5000 / 50000), and the steel driving point fitted on the spindle- Surface-speed disc (wheel with black rim and metal hub)- Two black rubber centres/tips- Original fitted case: maroon textured covering, gilt A.T. logo on the lid, blue velvet lining with recesses for the instrument, disc and tips, brass clasp- Brass "Directions for Use" instruction plate, fixed inside the lidNo outer box, paperwork or manual are included.
Condition (please read and look at all photos)- UNTESTED. I have not checked the movement, needle, range knob, side button or spindle. Sold as-is, with no guarantee of function or accuracy.- Case exterior: scuffs, light spots and marks on the lid (especially toward one side), rubbed and worn edges and corners, and a worn gilt logo and pinstripes. The brass clasp is tarnished.- Case interior: blue velvet with lint, dust and light wear.- Instruction plate: surface scratches, a dark mark at the start of the "OBTAINED BY USE OF DISC" line, and some red lettering worn or partly missing in places.- Instrument: light age toning on the dial, light rubbing to the black finish, and surface marks on the steel point. The glass has not been inspected closely, and there is a small light mark near its top edge that could be a scratch or debris.- This is a mid-20th-century vintage item. Expect age-related wear beyond what is listed here.
The photos are of the actual item you will receive and are part of the description. They have been edited onto a plain dark background; the item itself has not been retouched. Please ask any questions before buying.