This auction is for an antique thread counter in its original box, as pictured.

Description:  Overall dimensions of the instrument are about 4 by 2 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches, and the outer dimensions of the box are about 4 1/2 by 3 1/2 by 3 inches.  The base of the instrument is stamped "CHAS LOWINSON, SOLE AGENT N.Y., PAT. SEP. 20 - 10, PAT APD" on the top side and "CHRONIK BROS. MFRS. N. Y." on the under side.  The inside of the box lid is imprinted "CHAS. LOWINSON, SOLE AGENT, 150 FIFTH AVE,  N. Y. C."

This is a museum quality optical thread scale developed for use in the textile industry to measure the number of threads per unit length of woven material.  It is made mostly of brass.  There is a microscope with a pointer that traverses on threaded rod turned by a knurled wheel.  The lever behind the eyepiece disengages the screw from the nut, allowing the carriage to be located any place along its travel.  Focus is adjustable by rotating the eyepiece in or out.   There are three scales on a silvered triangular bar that rotates in the view of the eyepiece.  One scale is graduated in quarters of an inch, one in tenths of an inch and one in millimeters.  The knurled knob on the side turns a cam that locks the scale in any position.

The box is made wood about 1/8 inch thick finger jointed at the corners.  The interior is lined with purple fabric and the outside is covered with thin black leather.  There are two hinges and a latch.

Condition:  The instrument is complete and in excellent working condition.  The view through the microscope is clear.   The lateral traverse, the thread disengagement, the scale lock and the focus mechanism all operate smoothly.  The brass parts are lightly tarnished, and there is a very small amount of light surface rust on the steel parts.  The latch and the hinges on the box work.  The exterior leather of the box is a bit worn, especially on the bottom.