Vintage STANLEY No. 77 Rosewood & Brass Marking & Mortise Gauge

Description

This is a really attractive and functional gauge with an eye-catching blend of tropical Rosewood and solid brass. In the early days Stanley didn't always mark its tools but I'm confident this is a Stanley.    Although it isn't stamped with the Stanley logo the guide for curves (brass plated) is marked with the proper patent date (photos #5 & 6) and is identical to that on other #77's.  The guide has two faces: one for following curved edges and the other ("Butterfly") for straight.  A former owner neatly stamped his/her initials on one surface of the guide.  There is a brass protective strip that reduces the tendency of the tightening screw to wear the shaft.  One edge of the shaft is graduated in inches to facilitate setting the gauge accurately.  The graduated edge has two points at the end for marking out a mortise.  The separation between these points is adjusted by turning the brass thumbscrew at the opposite end.  The opposite side of the shaft has a single point for use as a marking gauge.
Prompt shipment
via
USPS Priority Mail upon receipt of payment.  In order to save bulk and; therefore, shipping cost I disassembled the gauge and placed the small parts in a plastic bag.