Starrett Surface Gage Value Guide

The L.S. Starrett Company surface gage is a cornerstone of American industrial history, representing the peak of mid-century machining precision. These tools are highly collectible due to their robust cast iron construction and their historical role in accurately transferring dimensions and scribing lines in 1940s-1960s manufacturing.

What Is Starrett Surface Gage Worth?

The typical price range for Starrett Surface Gage is $70 - $90 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Overall condition of the cast iron base, specifically looking for a lack of pitting, rust, or user-engraved 'owner marks'.
• Completeness of the tool, including the original spindle, snug, and scriber components.
• Smoothness and functionality of the fine-adjustment mechanism and the tightness of the locking bolts.
• Presence of original wooden storage boxes or period-correct packaging which can push value toward the $90 range.

How to Identify Starrett Surface Gage?

• Look for the L.S. Starrett Company branding stamped clearly into the hardened steel or cast iron components.
• Verify the presence of the original fine-adjustment screw and the dual-ended scriber typical of the 1940-1960 era.
• Check for the distinct heavy, rectangular or grooved cast iron base designed for stability on surface plates.
• Examine the knurling patterns on the adjustment nuts, which should be crisp and consistent with Starrett's manufacturing standards.

History of Starrett Surface Gage

The L.S. Starrett Company, founded in 1880, became a leading name in precision tools. Their surface gages, like this one, were essential for machinists to accurately transfer dimensions, check parallelism, and scribe lines on workpieces. These tools exemplify the craftsmanship and precision required in early industrial manufacturing.