Brass patent die/mold? Can anyone PLEASE help me??

Appraisal complete ↓

Photos Submitted for Appraisal

🔍 Click to enlarge and inspect marks, signatures, and condition detailsTap to zoom and inspect details

R
Posted by rainbowwillow63
16 years ago
AI Appraisal
💬 Share Your Insight 🗣️ Discuss with Community
Description I bought a box lot at an auction about 8 years ago, this was at the bottom of it. I've looked for info on it on and off over the years but now I'm obsessed with it! This is what I know: it is rectangle bar of brass that has been milled as one piece then cut in half. I know this by the milling marks. The 2 halves are held together by small pins inside. There are no marks on the outside but inside it is a die to make a patent tag or something. In one corner, very tiny, it says-"S.M. Spencer Mfg. Co., 9 Cornhill, Boston, Mass." so I am assuming this is who made it. The actual patent die says- "Patented, July 16,1907-Feb. 4,1913, Another Pending, L. Tillinghast, Woburn,Mass." The only info. I can find is that the Spencer Co. used to make brass badges for police and fire back during that time. I can't find any info. about anything else they made. I'd love to get more info. on this and an approx. value. Thanks, here's some photos, if you'd like more just let me know.
Category Other
Medium brass
Distinguishing marks made by S.M.Spencer Mfg. Co., 9 Cornhill, Boston,Mass.
Condition Excellent
Size and dimensions of this item 2 1/2" long, 1 1/8" wide, 1/2" high
Date Period early 1900's
Weight 2lbs
History Bought a box of "junk" at an auction and it was in it.
eBay Auction Link
Price Paid (If known) $2.00
💎 Have another item? Upload photos for a free appraisal →
Collectors with this item
Want to appraise yours? Upload photos for a free appraisal →
⚠️ You have 1 free appraisal left today Upgrade for 15-30/day →
Want more from your appraisals?

Upgrade for PDF reports, more daily appraisals, and ad-free experience.

View Plans →

Collector Discussion

Do you recognize this piece? Collectors often identify maker marks, share comparable sales, or suggest additional research steps.

K
kathyBeh 🌱 Newbie 16 years ago

Cant find a thing on Tillinghast during that time frame. There was a Henry L. TILLINGHAST who was a lithographic and copperplate printer in Providence, R. I. in the late 1800's. Maybe this is his son?
R
rainbowwillow63 🌱 Newbie 16 years ago

Thank you for the info. This is driving me crazy! I'll dig up somemore Henry. Do you maybe know what this is called? I've just been calling it this for lack of anything else. Also, do you have any idea what catagory something like this would be listed in? I've not seen anything that even comes close to looking like it?

Have another item you're curious about?

Collectors often evaluate multiple items from the same collection, estate, or find.

Appraise Another Item Quick Scan

Explore More Collector Guides

⚠️ Legal Disclaimer

This appraisal is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute a certified, licensed, or formal appraisal.

Appraisal results are generated using automated systems, including artificial intelligence, and are based solely on the information and images submitted by the user, along with publicly available data. As such, results may contain inaccuracies, omissions, or errors.

InstAppraisal does not authenticate items. No determination of authenticity, origin, materials, maker, or age should be considered verified. Many items—particularly luxury goods, watches, jewelry, coins, art, and designer products—are frequently counterfeited and may closely resemble genuine examples. Authenticity cannot be confirmed from images alone.

Any statements regarding authenticity are expressions of opinion only and should not be relied upon as fact. Independent professional authentication is strongly recommended before any purchase, sale, or valuation decision.

Appraisal values are estimates only and may vary significantly based on condition, provenance, market demand, and additional information not available at the time of review.

Appraisals must not be relied upon for insurance, legal, tax, estate, or financial purposes without independent professional verification.

InstAppraisal disclaims all liability for any losses, damages, or disputes arising from reliance on this appraisal, including transactions conducted based on the information provided.

By using this service, you acknowledge and agree that you assume all risk associated with reliance on appraisal results.

📸 Quick Scan
Garage-Sale Mode Fast appraisals on the go
💎 Free Online Appraisal – Upload Photos →
How our AI appraisals work