Wood auger bit no. 1, marked "16"

Item passport

Dating: Roughly late 19th to mid 20th century (about 1890–1950s). This is a broad typological range, not a confirmed date of manufacture.
Condition: The working twist, guide screw and tang are preserved. Natural dark patina, signs of use and local corrosion. Test on 17 October 2026: the bit entered the wood very easily…

Dimensions

Length210 mm

History

Hand auger bit with a screw lead and a square tang for a brace; bit no. 1 of a group of four. Marked "16", no other stamps. Nominal diameter presumably 16 mm, measured diameter of the twist 15.2 mm (at the stated point), overall length 210 mm, mass 90 g. Steel, composition unknown. The screw lead keeps direction and pulls the bit into the wood, the cutting part removes the wood and the twist carries the chips out. The type of cutting geometry is not established without further inspection.

Dating. Roughly late 19th to mid 20th century (about 1890–1950s). This is a broad typological range, not a confirmed date of manufacture.

Marks and stamps

documented

Restoration

Cleaned with WD-40 and 0000 steel wool, then wiped with a cloth and protected with ISO VG 68 oil. No aggressive abrasion or restoration of the finish; the cutting edges were not sharpened before the test.

Sources

Research status

Confirmed: the marking 16, dimensions and mass (as reported by the owner), cleaning method, successful test. Assumed: the 16 mm nominal size, period of manufacture, market value. Not established: maker, country, year of manufacture, original price. The marking "16" agrees with a metric diameter of about 16 mm but does not prove the country of origin. Bought at a flea market in Frankfurt am Main; there is no documentary confirmation of the purchase. Card written 17 October 2026.

Purchase and price

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