{"product_id":"buck-hickman-speed-indicator-no-26395-mechanical-tachometer","title":"Vintage Buck \u0026 Hickman Mechanical Speed Indicator with Original Case | Early to mid - 20th century","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e England, United Kingdom\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Metal, glass, printed dial, mechanical components, fitted carrying case\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early to mid-20th century\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis vintage Buck \u0026amp; Hickman Ltd. Speed Indicator, numbered 26395, is a precision mechanical instrument designed for measuring the rotational speed of machinery, shafts, motors, and other rotating equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe large circular dial is clearly marked Buck \u0026amp; Hickman Ltd. and Speed Indicator No. 26395, with three graduated operating ranges extending from approximately 100 to 4,000 revolutions per minute. Comparable Buck \u0026amp; Hickman instruments are identified as mechanical tachometers with a 100–4000 RPM measuring range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore the widespread adoption of electronic and digital tachometers, instruments of this type allowed engineers, machinists, mechanics, and maintenance personnel to directly determine the rotational speed of operating machinery. Interchangeable contact adaptors allowed the instrument to be configured for different measurement ranges and applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe present example retains its fitted protective carrying case with dark textured exterior, hinged lid, blue fabric lining, and fitted interior compartments. Several original measuring adaptors or contact fittings are also retained within the case, considerably improving the completeness and presentation of the set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuck \u0026amp; Hickman was a longstanding British supplier of professional tools and industrial equipment, making instruments such as this particularly representative of Britain's engineering and manufacturing heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Three graduated measurement ranges\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Large highly legible circular dial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Glass-covered instrument face\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Retains multiple interchangeable contact adaptors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Original-style fitted protective carrying case\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Precision mechanical engineering instrument\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- British manufacture \/ supply\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Excellent display piece for an industrial, engineering, scientific, or transportation collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMechanical tachometers and speed indicators were essential workshop instruments during the development of increasingly mechanized industry in the early 20th century. They allowed engineers to measure machinery speeds without relying upon permanently installed instrumentation and were employed in workshops, factories, engine rooms, maintenance facilities, and other engineering environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example represents an increasingly obsolete form of precision mechanical instrumentation from the era before electronic measuring devices became standard. Its survival together with its fitted case and associated adaptors provides a particularly complete illustration of historic engineering practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood vintage condition with expected age-related wear throughout. The metal instrument housing displays surface scratches, rubbing, oxidation, and general evidence of use. The dial remains exceptionally clear and legible beneath the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fitted carrying case exhibits wear, scuffing, discoloration, and deterioration consistent with prolonged storage and use. The interior retains its blue lining and fitted compartments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 3.75 in\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 3.3 in\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 3.5 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasurements refer to the carrying case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e70–100 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom a private collection in Newcastle, United Kingdom, specializing in militaria and historic military-related material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead about a related 1950s mechanical tachometer in the collection of the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk\/objects\/co8567143\/tachometer\" title=\"1950s British Mechanical Tachometer – Science Museum Group\"\u003eScience Museum Group\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind further examples in our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/functional-tools-ancient-implements-craft\" title=\"Functional Tools, Ancient Implements and Craft – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003eCollection of Functional Tools, Ancient Implements and Craft\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55906275492162,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/First_photo_design_-_2026-08-22T190813.199.png?v=1787456424","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/products\/buck-hickman-speed-indicator-no-26395-mechanical-tachometer","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}