English Wood & Brass Try Square with Rosewood Handle & Diamond Inlays

For the craftsman …  a beautifully preserved English wood and brass try square with a 7-9/16" steel blade and rosewood handle.  In astonishing condition for its age, the square features decorative brass diamond inlays and a brass face plate, all with minimal wear and tarnish.  A handsome blend of form and function, it would display beautifully on a shelf or side table, and make a unique and treasured gift for the woodworker, craftsman, or anyone who appreciates heritage tools.

Try squares are used for marking and checking 90-degree angles on pieces of wood.  (The name "square" is not a reference to the appearance but to the tool’s function.)  Wooden try squares have survived from as far back as Ancient Rome, and historically have been used by woodworkers and carpenters as symbols in signs and heraldry to represent their trade.  Brass diamond inlays were a popular feature in the early 1900s, meaning our example likely dates from the 1920s to 1940s, very possibly made by one of England’s renowned makers such as Rabone or Preston.  (No stamps or maker’s mark are visible.)

Dimensions: Handle – 4-15/16’ x 1-9/16” x 3/4”, Blade – 2” x 7-9/16”
Weight: 7.6 oz.

Condition Notes: Overall excellent condition, with only light tarnish on the steel blade. All brass elements—including the face plate and diamond inlays—are bright and show no signs of corrosion. Rosewood handle displays light scratches and tiny dents consistent with age and use, but remains in remarkable condition, with a rich patina that highlights its fine grain.  Square exhibits no give or wobble, making it a perfectly functional tool that would perform as intended in the workshop or make a handsome display piece as part of a collection.

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.  Items over $100 ship free via USPS Priority Mail.  We pack with safety and care using recycled and recyclable materials whenever possible.