Well, I can tell you this much......I've been buying them off Ebay, one at a time for over a year. I don't think I've paid more than $20, and that one was literally new in the box. As a result I've got a nice set of good quality mics with a proven history. No, they're not Starrett but the thousanths of an inch don't seem to care. None of mine have a spindle lock which would be a nice touch, but I concentrated on good condition. I've seen perfectly good Slocombs offered at .99 opening bid and no takers! A shame....they're just a good quality tool, period.
Most people aren't aware that the Slocomb patent was for the little toothed sleeves inside for taking up thread wear. They adjust (to a standard) like any other micrometer with a little spanner, but I can't think of any others that provide something that allows for the age of the spindle threads...as a result they seem to just go on and on doing their job. It took me a couple of trys before I understood how to reassemble one correctly, but once you realize what the designer had in mind it becomes obvious. To reassemble, push the loose toothed sleeve tight against the spring pressure and seated against the other toothed sleeve. Hold tight with your fingers and screw the spindle back in until both sleeves are engaged. Now check for any end play in the spindle. Even the tiniest slop can be removed by backing the spindle back out, rotating the little sleeve to the next tooth and reinserting the spindle. Just keep it up until the spindle runs in and out smoothly with no end play and the sleeves are tight together. Now you can use the little spanner and your standard to calibrate the mic and you're done. No need to fiddle with the sleeves again.......at least in your lifetime!
By the way, the year 1897 is the patent date NOT the year it was made. Slocomb evidently made the same design for many, many years.
I like 'em!
