An 18th C signed and dated lathe for making a watch-snail.

A lathe for making a watch-snail. Overall length 26 cm. Signed and dated: "1761" "Matthias Bramhofer Augspurg". Fascinating piece of crafmansship of the middle of the 18th C. This lathe was used for making the "snail", an essential part of spring driven verge watches. The snail prevents the watch from slowing down when the spring is unwinding. The lathe has an extra part to adjust to different sizes. In superb original condition.