Box of gauge block tools made by Bob Watkins

Box of gauge block tools used to produce precision lengths, originally stored and used in oil to maintain accuracy of the tools when used on mental surfaces, made by Bob Watkins during his time as an apprentice at the Linotype and Machinery Co. in Broadheath, Trafford in the mid-1960s.

As part of the five year apprenticeship, in order to learn the main processes involved in mechanical engineering, namely turning, shaping, milling, grinding, fitting and drilling, Linotype apprentices like Bob Watkins were required to make their own set of tools, which formed part of the toolkit they used out on the factory floor.