Antique Marples Mortise Gauge in Rosewood & Brass | Late Victorian English Woodworking Tool

For the man of precision … a fine rosewood and brass mortise gauge by William Marples & Sons of Sheffield, dating from 1895–1910. Measuring 6-1/4" along the beam, it features dual marking pins, brass wear strips, and a decorative brass plate on the face.  The stock is crisply stamped “MARPLES” within a rectangular border, and also bears the workshop stamp of its former owner, A.N. LUND.  Well-used but retaining a rich, warm patina, this century-old tool remains attractive, sturdy, and full of character, ready for display in a gentleman’s study or workshop.

Mortise gauges have long been essential in woodworking for laying out precise joinery, particularly mortise and tenon joints. This example, with its rectangular maker’s stamp and decorative brass plate, dates from the late Victorian to Edwardian period and closely resembles a Model 653A in the 1897 Marples catalog, distinguished by a brass plate with three circular insets.

William Marples & Sons were one of Sheffield’s most esteemed toolmakers, with roots stretching back to the early 1830s. Over the decades they grew into Sheffield’s most prolific maker of joinery tools, specializing in gauges, chisels, braces, and planes.  Now part of the Irwin tools brand, Marples tools remain prized today for their consistent quality and craftsmanship.

Dimensions: (Beam) 6-1/4” x 5/8” x 5/8”, (Head) 2-1/2” x 2-1/4” x 1-1/16”
Weight: 8.9 oz.

Condition notes: Very good antique condition overall. Rosewood beam and stock retain a rich, even patina with scattered marks, scratches, and small dents from a century of use.  Brass wear strips and decorative plate show moderate tarnish but remain firmly set and structurally sound. Stock carries a boxed “MARPLES” stamp along with repeated ownership stamps reading “A.N. LUND.”  Tool has been gently cleaned and polished, taking care to maintain original patina.  Not tested for precision; tool may be functional but recommended for display use only. See photos for further detail and contact the shop with any questions prior to purchase.  Other items in photos not included.

Unless noted, all items are hand-wrapped and gift-boxed.  We offer flat rate shipping via USPS Ground Advantage for $10, or USPS Priority Mail for $15.  Orders over $100 ship free via USPS Priority Mail.  We pack with safety and care using recycled and recyclable materials whenever possible.

Sorry, no returns or cancellations.  Please view all photos for more detail and feel free to contact the shop with any questions prior to purchase.