EMIR Mortise Gauge in Beech & Brass | Vintage 1950s–70s English Woodworking Tool

For the craftsman … a clean mid-century mortise gauge by EMIR of Keighley, Yorkshire, dating from the 1950s–1970s. The dark-stained beech beam measures 7-3/4”, while the 2-1/2” head is fitted with brass wear plates and dual marking pins. The brass dial lock — EMIR’s signature feature — turns smoothly and holds the slide firmly. The tool’s warm color and brass accents would display beautifully on a gentleman’s desk or workshop shelf.

Mortise gauges have long been essential tools for laying out precise joinery, especially mortise-and-tenon work. By setting two parallel pins and locking the slide in place, the tool ensures repeatable, accurate layout lines across a workpiece. The combination of brass hardware, aged wood, and exposed mechanics has made them enduring favorites among woodworkers and collectors alike.

EMIR (Emir Products Ltd) was a post-war British maker supplying trade schools, technical colleges, and working joiners with durable beech-and-brass tools. Known primarily for their heavy workbenches and educational-market gauges, their mid-century mortise gauges featured the distinctive brass dial lock found on this example — a practical and visually appealing upgrade over the older knurled-screw pattern.

Dimensions: (Beam) 7-3/4” x 3/4” x 3/4", (Head) 2-1/2” x 2” x 1”
Weight: 5.8 oz.

Condition notes: Excellent vintage condition overall. Dark-stained beech beam and lighter beech head show minor surface scratching and handling marks from light use, with no cracks, splits, or structural issues. Brass wear plates and dual marking pins are clean and bright, showing only very light tarnish consistent with age. Brass dial lock turns smoothly and holds the slide securely. Slide moves freely along the beam without looseness. Wood finish remains even and well-preserved throughout. Tool has been lightly polished while retaining its original patina. Not tested for precision; suitable for display or light decorative use. 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 — any shipping charges for orders over $100 will be refunded after checkout. 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.