Antique Jewellers Archimedes Hand Drill

This antique Jewellers Archimedes Hand Drill is in great used condition, and stills smells of the workshop! Although it has no drill bit, these are readily available from hobby/craft shops. It belonged to the engineering father of an elderly gentleman: he recalled that the wood was regularly fed with danish oil, hence the wonderful patina.

The main body is made from steel and the handle/collet are made from hard wood (probably oak). The end of the drill, where the bit goes, is brass.

This drill measures approximately 25.5cm (10″) in length and would make a great addition to a vintage tool collection. I haven’t tempted to polish it, as I actually like it with this patina. There doesn’t appear to be a maker’s mark.

Dating back to Victorian times, this type of hand drill came in many different designs and sizes depending on the task in hand.

We are not sure of the exact age of the drill but it dates to the Edwardian period, start of the 20th Century, when the gentleman’s father was an apprentice.

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