Author: Tom Adelstein

When we hear stories about the origins of  Kendrick and Davis – the watchmakers’ tool manufacturer – most of what we learn has publicist written all over it. The K&D Key Co. disappeared on May 10, 1887. A fire swept through Lebanon NH and destroyed 80 buildings including K&D. At the time, Frank Kendrick did…

You will probably discover difficulty in finding staking tool manuals. The original 1910 K&D book – Staking Tools and How to Use Them is hard to come by.  You will find numerous titles under that name and even reprints. The reprints are either catalogs from the 1950’s or the latter 108 of the original 163 pages.…

Publication number US923495 A Publication type Grant Publication date Jun 1, 1909 Filing date Aug 21, 1908 Priority date Aug 21, 1908 Inventors Frank R Cunningham* Original Assignee Kendrick & Davis Classifications (1) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet DESCRIPTION  F. CUNNINGHAM. STAKING TOOL. APPLICATION FILED Aug 21 1908. Patented June 1, 1909. WASHINGTON, D.C. UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.…

Publication number US923495 A Publication type Grant Publication date Jun 1, 1909 Filing date Aug 21, 1908 Priority date Aug 21, 1908 Inventors Frank R Cunningham* Original Assignee Kendrick & Davis Classifications (1) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet DESCRIPTION  F. CUNNINGHAM. STAKING TOOL. APPLICATION FILED Aug 21 1908. Patented June 1, 1909. WASHINGTON, D.C. UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.…

Directions Select proper hole in Staking Tool die to let hub of staff through: place balance with staff to be removed in same. Set remover over same and insert its pu!1ch through staking tool and main body of remover. Holding punch in position over.. pivot with finger of right hand tighten knurled remover nut upwards…

In 1909, K&D build numerous versions of its staking sets. Each version filled a specific need. The text in this advertisement explains the advantage of two features the company offered. The Text Reads: [Click on Image to Enlarge] Ball bearing bases are popular because their many good qualities – their weak point being that no…

The K&D Model 18R Deluxe came with three separate jeweling sets. They include those pictured below: 321 – Seven Friction Jewel Subpunches 322B – 18 Jewel Size Reamers and Holder 324 – Six Hollow Friction Jeweling Stumps I bought these sets separately. I don’t like the 18R box as it created difficulty when I reached for…

Students of horology tend to focus on mechanical watches. I didn’t work on a quartz movement for years and when I did, it reminded me of “electric shop” in high school. Watchmakers have a fascination with mechanical movements and that means escape mechanisms and specifically the balance wheel. Most of the work I have done…

These catalog images can help people identify tools they may wish to purchase or sale on eBay or other sites. We see a surprising number of preowned watchmaker’s tools up for auction during warm months. During the late spring through late fall, estate sales proliferate the market. You will begin seeing more watchmaker’s tools for…

You’ve seen tools like the ones in these catalog pages before. They’re often for sale on eBay and tool shops on-line. The two catalog pages came from the 1909 Keystone Catalog. [Be Sure to Click on Any Image to Enlarge It.]