This was the same modus operandi that was applied in my day and a five year apprenticeship into the bargain.

It's interesting that John Thompson Ltd manufactured aerospace parts during both world wars. Did Stewarts and Lloyds get involved in aviation ?[/QUOTE]

Not that I remember, but they did make the piping for the "Operation Pluto" transfer of liquids from England to France after D-Day which would have included aviation fuel. In a mostly abandoned part of the old S&L works at Halesowen in the 1960s were the big obsolete 60Volt DC motors used in making the piping. A few tonnes of copper in each one. We apprentices did wonder how we might manage to get that copper out to sell, but never came up with a practical way. My mum worked at Boulton Paul Aircraft as part of the Aircraft Inspection Directorate of the British Govt, but I think her job was mainly typing.

 

Not that I remember, but they did make the piping for the "Operation Pluto" transfer of liquids from England to France after D-Day which would have included aviation fuel. In a mostly abandoned part of the old S&L works at Halesowen in the 1960s were the big obsolete 60Volt DC motors used in making the piping. A few tonnes of copper in each one. We apprentices did wonder how we might manage to get that copper out to sell, but never came up with a practical way. My mum worked at Boulton Paul Aircraft as part of the Aircraft Inspection Directorate of the British Govt, but I think her job was mainly typing.[/QUOTE]
Operation Pluto supplied 8% (800,000,000+ Ltrs) of all fuel used in the war effort from England to the Allies in Europe. I love learning new things like this.

 

PLUTO stood for Pipeline Under The Ocean. The miniature steam railway Romney, Hythe, and Dymchurch helped transport material for PLUTO during the war.

 

I don't own many old tools, but this Mühle-Glashütte micrometer is beautifully made, and a pleasure to use.

 

My grand father worked for Continental Can in Chicago from the late 30’s until he died in 1961, his war contributions were keeping the machinery going to make the cans.

 

That looks like a work of art.

 

Wow that’s a beauty.

 

Thanks! The quality and precision are palpable while manipulating it. And the company began to make such devices in 1869!

 

I had a college professor who would say that, and follow it with "Anybody who can make anything on those tired old machines has to be the greatest".

I liked to call it a Starrett Last Gasp.

 

Hmmmm...I feel enthused to get up early tomorrow morning, being Sunday, and clean the garage and sort the old measuring tools that I know are there and have been unused for decades. And, If I am still motivated, I might take a few pics and post here.

 

Better yet, post them to me.

 

New arrival, it’s a number 2 - obviously I am now looking for a 1 & 3.

“Good grief”.