Victorian Archimedean Hand Drill, England, Turned Wood, Steel & Brass, c.1880–1910

A late Victorian or Edwardian Archimedean hand drill constructed with a twisted steel shaft, turned hardwood handles, and brass terminal fitting. This form of precision hand drill operates through reciprocating motion: the central sliding handle is pumped up and down along the spiral shaft, converting linear movement into rotary action at the drill point. Such drills were widely used in woodworking, instrument making, model construction, and other fine mechanical trades requiring delicate controlled drilling.

The drill retains its original turned wooden components with warm age patination and workshop wear consistent with practical use. The steel shaft shows oxidation and age-related surface wear, while the brass fitting remains intact and stable. The “NON PLUS ULTRA” marking reflects late nineteenth-century tool branding associated with quality workshop manufacture. An attractive and increasingly collectible example of early precision hand-tool engineering, suitable for collectors of scientific instruments, industrial antiques, and traditional woodworking tools.

Circa:
c.1880–1910

Provenance:
Tom Guenther Collection

Measurements:
Length: 29.2 cm
Diameter: 3.15 cm

Weight:
58 g