Mini Tailstock ID Help Bench Center?

[G-ManBart]

As mostly a hobby my wife sells vintage tools online that she finds at estate sales and local auctions. She bought a box of assorted tools and in the bottom was this little tailstock with no name or other markings I can use to ID it. There is a small "J" stamped into the bottom rib...that's all I can see. I measured from where it would rest on the bed to the tip of the center and got 2 5/8". I disassembled it, gave everything a quick wipe down and a bit of oil and it seems to work properly, and was made pretty nicely.

Anybody have any idea what it may be for? I'd love to figure out what it is because I can only imagine there's somebody out there who has been looking for just this piece for ages and would love to have it. Here are some pics....fire away with any questions.

 

[Superburban]

Looks like one end of a bench center

 

[G-ManBart]

Looks like one end of a bench center

That never occurred to me....I updated the title just in case. It certainly is a possibility!

 

[Moderatemixed]

The lock on it is identical to the ones on the fixtures that accompany my Jones And Lamson Optical Comparator. The knurling and the knob design also appears to be the same. I would speculate that you have 1 of 2 centres that are for an Optical Comparator. It’s a shame you don’t have the second one. Out of curiosity, what is the height from center to base? Clearly I’m going to measure to see if it might fit on my Comparator..... lol. (No sense in paying eBay fees if you don’t have to).


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[Moderatemixed]

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[Moderatemixed]

PM me if you would like to part with it please..... Cheers.

Derek


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[G-ManBart]

The lock on it is identical to the ones on the fixtures that accompany my Jones And Lamson Optical Comparator. The knurling and the knob design also appears to be the same. I would speculate that you have 1 of 2 centres that are for an Optical Comparator. It’s a shame you don’t have the second one. Out of curiosity, what is the height from center to base? Clearly I’m going to measure to see if it might fit on my Comparator..... lol. (No sense in paying eBay fees if you don’t have to).


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I did a quick measurement and got 2 5/8" from base to center, but I can do a more careful measurement as well as get the dimensions on the base. I'll send you a PM.